how many live in small towns, and who feels that people in small towns are more prejudiced than cities? why?

Question

after reading some posts, it seems that many think people in small towns or rural areas in the US, are a bunch of bible thumping neanderthals, waiting in the brush to ambush outsiders. i wonder how many people with that view of small town america, have even been, stayed, lived, in a rural area.

in my town, we know everyone at least by sight. we don't bother each other, but we care about each other. we be there in a second if anyone needed help. that would include anyone new to our community. no one out here in neanderthal land, cares much about anything except the kind of person you are in our community.

i have to admit, i was pretty disappointed that fellow americans have such a negative view of rest of us.

Answer 1

I suppose I can only answer from my own experience (as can everyone else who answers your question). I moved from a city of over 100,000 in Southern California to a small town of less than 900 in Rural Illinois.
First off, I love it. It's like paradise being able to walk the dog down the street without wondering if the person approaching on the other side of the street will either rob you or hassle for money, etc.

HOWEVER - my wife is Turkish and inside of one month she was pigeon-holed as a "terrorist" by un-eductaed simpletons at her work that lumped her in the same boat with Iraq, Afghanistan and the like... needless to say she was "squeezed out" of her employment by the ones who felt uncomfortable.

My wife is not bitter about this and has a level head on her shoulders. Had they taken the time to talk to her they would find she is supportive of the troops and hates illegal immigration - but unfortunately these "small town folk" had their minds made up. And THAT is why most people see them as "prejiduce" or racist". Sure some are, but that's true everywhere. But small town people make up their mind, and that's it. they tend to make outsiders "earn" their acceptance (in my opinion)

But we're still here loving it, and we aren't goin anywhere.

Answer 2

I too am from a very small town of less than 600. I live outside of town though. I know everyone too. I think people that live in a small town are afraid of change. They have settled into a comfortable excistance and if anything is different they don't like it. I wouldn't call them all racist but I do know some. But that's everywhere you go not just small towns. I like my small town but am very glad I don't live in it. Another drawback is when you know everyone they know you too. They tend to gossip alot more. And rumors grow like a fungus. Funny though when the rumors are found to be incorrect the true version doesn't spread to anywhere. We have two churches in this small town and 2 outside it. I don't see more than 10 cars parked in front of the town churches so I don't think you could call anyone here Bible thumpers. Although they all seem to know how everyone should live. They are funny and quirky. I like them all despite there flaws. I do like living in a small town. But getting out once in a while is good too. I live in the boonies. I've never known or heard of anyone who has been ambushed in the weeds. That's funny. And I don't know anyone who is an inbreed. Another misconception. Everyone where I come from think that is Sick in the head.I think most people feel that way about that subject so you see, we are not all that different.

Answer 3

I live in small town America, we have about a few thousand people maybe, but that's really small compared to most cities we live around. I just think that most people in a small town believe that everyone should behave a certain way and if they don't its "wrong" or "un-godly", and i think that's very disappointing. There is so much gossip that you can't walk into a restaurant or public gathering without more than one person try to pick you a part bit by bit. It's so aggravating!

Answer 4

People are pretty much people. Which doesn't tell us much. People, whether in small towns or cities, inherently like those most like themselves; which accounts for some of what might be perceived as prejudice. Nevertheless, my experience in a small town leads me to believe those in cities have deeper prejudices about people. Then again, I'm prejudiced in saying that. But, your question is vague in that it doesn't specify the type of prejudice we are talking about.

Answer 5

I just moved out of small town in America. i loved it there. but you surely live in a shelter world.