Is there anti-semitism in Wyoming?

[jehu]

Whenever you have a preponderance of leftism (liberals) anti-semitism naturally follows. Remember, the Nazi's were national SOCIALISTS. Leftists do not hide their blatant anti-semitism because they are beyond reproach by the media and other leftists. The irony is that a great many among the Jewish community historically align themselves with the left. (Many did also in the early days of the Nazi takeover.) Left-wing, liberal activists are open in their hate for Israel and Jewish people. Yet, the left is the first to accuse conservatives of racism, anti-semitism, (and anything else the liberals are guilty of) and use it as a means to curtail freedoms or more taxes. (Hitler used the same tactic to expand the government and disarm citizens. Nothing in human nature really changes.)

American conservatives tend to be strongly pro-Israel. You will find the most staunchly pro-Israel sentiment in the Bible belt, which is also the most politically conservative. But areas where the Bible has less influence will tend to be more liberal, which is a likely environment for anti-semitism. Wyoming is not exactly the Bible belt, but it's rural nature does tend toward conservativism. Wyoming also is known for its "live and let live" posture. (Liberty is a conservative/libertarian virtue). So, in answer to your question, I would say that you will find very little anti-semitism in Wyoming. However, Jewish culture is extremely rare here and could be misunderstood by some. This should not be confused as anti-semitism. There is a difference between ignorance and targeted hate (though ethnic hate can arguably flourish by preponderance of ignorance). Each must be addressed accordingly. If you do not distinguish the two, it will frustrate you and aid the cause of those who truly hate.

One other thing. You may find some people are drawn to you by curiosity and appreciation of your difference. It is important to discern this and be careful not to appear defensive if someone appears inquisitive. Some people may seem overly polite, pretending they do not see the kippah on your head. Others may have no reservation in asking you about it. You need not feel guarded at this. People will respect your being at ease with yourself and your being open and friendly. Welcome to Wyoming. Yiveraychacha Adonai veyishmeraycha.

[BennyPhoenix]

I am in Northridge California, it is a suburb of Los Angeles.

[43bonnie]

You know, this whole attitude that Wyoming is a backwoods state is a bunch of malarky. Ever since the Matthew Sheppard situation, everyone thinks Wyoming is behind the times! I was on the UW campus from 1985 to 1991, and I never saw anyone going around beating up on the gay and lesbian populations. The world acted like no one had ever been killed or beaten in the U.S. for being gay until Matthew Sheppard. Ever since Madonna called the UW campus to ream out the secretary there about how we are in the dark ages, I haven't been able to stand her music. MTV did a 24 hour silence day, where they played no music, and listed the deaths caused by hate crimes. And a major chunk of the places listed were right in California: Madonna's home state. Right now, with the population boom going on in pockets of Wyoming caused by energy development, there are big changes going on in the state. Rock Springs has seen a major increase in the Hispanic population. The classrooms are filling with these children. There are also more blacks in town, probably due to the influx caused by Katrina. Communities evolve. People evolve. Move here. If you are not happy move on.

[BennyPhoenix]

I never said Wyoming is a backwoods state. I would not characterize a state that I didn't live in for at least a few years. I am asking for people's experience with racism/antisemitism in the state, that is all.
The matthew sheppard case, IMO, was nothing more than the left trying to make a conservative state look bad. But, the poor man was tortured and crucified, this was not your typical gay bashing incident. California may have more gay bashing, but none has been that violent. Also, Madonna is not a californian, she is from Michigan.

[NVDave]

You're right. It was nothing more than a black-balling by the media, because the meme that this was a hate crime fit in so well with their world view.

The truth, that this was a consequence of meth on the part of both Shepard and his murderer, doesn't fit in so well with the agenda of the media to make Wyoming look like hick central:

ABC News: New Details Emerge in Matthew Shepard Murder

The truth is, meth makes people crazier than a rat trapped in a coffee can. We're talking "voices in my head told me to do XYZ" nuts.

This idea that people in the rural west are a bunch of hayseeds seething with white supremacist hate has a long-standing eastern media obsession.

Guess which state first had a Jewish governor, and in what year?

Hint: It wasn't the wildly liberal northeast.

And the second Jewish governor -- again, not in the northeast.

First elected observant Jew? Again, not in the urbane northeast.

Welcome to Wyoming.

[Rickers]

I just got an image of Gene Wilder in the Movie Frisco Kid !!!