4 ms·

This is really unfortunate. I worry it will take even longer for prejudice and intolerance to die in the south with this sort of attitude. I do try to understa

by lolsal 9y ago

This is really unfortunate. I worry it will take even longer for prejudice and intolerance to die in the south with this sort of attitude. I do try to understand your perspective - it's not your problem since you don't live in the south, so you aren't worried about it. For someone like me that grew up in the south and have seen the effort and changes in the last three decades, it hurts to see objectively false blanket statements about racism and other prejudices be repeated. It also hurts to see someone write off a region for good when so much has changed in the last 30 years. Yes intolerance still exists and if you're concerned about your safety it's only reasonable that you avoid it (I would). For full disclosure, I am a minority in Texas.

mulmen 9y ago
I am not from the south but I believe I understand your feeling and I certainly respect your desire to improve your homeland. On the other hand as an American that is from the rural northwest I was shocked by the overt racism I witnessed in the south. I am sure improvements have been made but the south still has a long way to go.
tallanvor 9y ago
Prejudice and intolerance is still my problem, because it's not limited to the south. If it was, we wouldn't have the embarrassment that is the current administration announcing a new "Conscience and Religious Freedom Division" to defend healthcare workers that object to having to do things like provide birth control, assist in sex change operations, care for HIV/AIDS patients, and will potentially even deny emergency care to LGBT people or other minorities that they claim they are obligated not to help due to their religious beliefs. But the problems of the south go even deeper than just prejudice against minority groups. Look at which states have increased the minimum wage, and which states expanded medicaid coverage. Look which states have taken the lead on requiring some amount of paid sick leave (only 7 states and DC so far, but at least it's starting). Southern states are among those that also strongly resist bail and sentencing reform, legalizing pot, and other initiatives to reduce inequality. If you think that you can make a difference in Texas by staying there, I think that's great, and I encourage you to do so. You're allowed to love where you live, even if you have to admit that it's not perfect. For me, though, Raleigh didn't have anything to tie me to the place and make me want to use my energy trying to change things there.

by lolsal 9y ago

mulmen 9y ago

I am not from the south but I believe I understand your feeling and I certainly respect your desire to improve your homeland. On the other hand as an American that is from the rural northwest I was shocked by the overt racism I witnessed in the south. I am sure improvements have been made but the south still has a long way to go.

tallanvor 9y ago

Prejudice and intolerance is still my problem, because it's not limited to the south. If it was, we wouldn't have the embarrassment that is the current administration announcing a new "Conscience and Religious Freedom Division" to defend healthcare workers that object to having to do things like provide birth control, assist in sex change operations, care for HIV/AIDS patients, and will potentially even deny emergency care to LGBT people or other minorities that they claim they are obligated not to help due to their religious beliefs. But the problems of the south go even deeper than just prejudice against minority groups. Look at which states have increased the minimum wage, and which states expanded medicaid coverage. Look which states have taken the lead on requiring some amount of paid sick leave (only 7 states and DC so far, but at least it's starting). Southern states are among those that also strongly resist bail and sentencing reform, legalizing pot, and other initiatives to reduce inequality. If you think that you can make a difference in Texas by staying there, I think that's great, and I encourage you to do so. You're allowed to love where you live, even if you have to admit that it's not perfect. For me, though, Raleigh didn't have anything to tie me to the place and make me want to use my energy trying to change things there.