Racism in Portland ?

Question

I'm planning on moving to Oregon in a few months and after reading things like this http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2004/08/295320.shtml I'm somewhat concerned about racism (hostile stares/ racial slurs etc.) being an issue for me and my interracial family once we move there.

I am aware of the fact that prejudice and ignorance exists EVERYWHERE. I’d like to know more (from Portlanders if possible) before I move there.

Let me paint a picture about us in case it helps...

We’re a family of five. We’re vegan, liberal, “hippiesh“, my husband is white/Hispanic, I'm biracial (german, black, hispanic) my 9 year old girl is white/hispanic, my 5 year old boy is dark skinned with straight black hair ( Taino) and my mom who's coming along with us is hispanic/black.

Also, it would be of great use to us if someone could please let me know about the general attitude towards minorities in other areas/burbs such as Beaverton, Gresham, or Vancouver Wa. etc.

Answer 1

I think that of all the places in the nation, that Portland will fit you and your family to a "T".

Racism exists everywhere in America - but here, I think Portlanders are more open to discussing it, and then doing something to change those old, abusive attitudes.

Portlanders, in general are very politically active and justice-minded in comparison with other states. President Bush senior called Portland his "Little Beruit"...

I know that you would find the Irvington, Mississippi, Belmont/Hawthorne, or Woodstock neighborhoods in Portland, suitable and accepting. There are larger populations of mixed race families in those neighborhoods, without the whole "slum" thing.

Actually, Irvington in particular has property values shooting through the roof (average housing prices are from 500K to over 1mil.), so your not getting encouraged to move to the ghetto, just the opposite...

These areas have a history of attracting second-generation free slaves out of the south who were looking for work and oppertunity to own property. I won't say that all that was peaches and cream (even as little as12 years ago these areas were still red lined). But now, these areas are part of the citiy's urban renewal project. Part of that project focused on encouraging the local residents to remain in the area - so the southern influence and racial diversity is celebrated there.

Beaverton has some diversity, but most of it comprises of Indian (from India) and Aisian cultures (mostly Japanese). Although I think you would enjoy the area and the neighbors, there are not alot of folks there who would share your specific cultural concerns.

Vancouver, WA. gets an F in racism. My brothers live over in that area, and although there are several financial tax advantages to living there, your family would definately prove to be a minority, amongst several ethnic populations more known for their poverty than anything. The larger concern in that area is that the sprawling pattern of development and cheap/fast construction has encouraged drugs and violent crime to flourish. This is not so much about race as economics, but add racism to the mix of classism, and you will likely not feel overly welcome.

Gresham used to be a quiet-"white" city, a suburb off of Portland, However, they also have simular issues as Vancouver at this time. The city has allowed developers to quickly throw up cheap, dense apartment housing that has encouraged migrant minorities and illegal immigrants to live in cramped conditions. This leads to higher crimes rates and racial stigmas, particularly for Korean, Vietamese, and Mexican populations.

If you head over to Portland, and feel inclined, please come visit us and Pastor Henry at Irvington Covenant Church. The congregation is heavily mixed African,Carribean, Ethiopian, Japanese, German, Dutch, English, Scottish, you name it...with several mixed race families either through marriage, remarriage or mixed race adoptions. I think you could plug into finding friends there who share your concerns and views.

I hope this helps. If you need the name of a good relator or two, let me know. :)

Answer 2

You're best bet is to live in the city. I am biracial too. Anywhere I've gone in Portland I haven't had a problem. I have always lived either downtown or very close-in. This is tough, because neighborhoods in Portland are somewhat segregated. Most blacks live close-in North or Northeast Portland, but there are also very white neighborhoods in these areas. Most hippies love close-in SE Portland, but this is definitely a white neighborhood - not that they're racist, they are very liberal, they're just all white. If you like being around other minorities, it will be tough. I know that it is really difficult for some of the white responders to notice when diversity is not present, whereas I am usually conscious of when I am the only minority in a particular place. I wouldn't consider the Hawthorne areas racially diverse at all. I am lucky to see one other minority walking down the street when I have visited, and it is a real turn-off for me...something whiltes likely don't even notice because they aren't uncomfortable with it. I wouldn't move to Beaverton.I don't know much about Gresham or Vancouver, but P-town is the place to be anyways.

Answer 3

This is like asking is there racism on Earth. The answer is always, yes. The question is one of varying degrees of race, creed and ethnicity resistance. The areas that you mention would probably have no more "racism" than any other area that tourists frequent. You will not mix with the locals as much as with others traveling through to see the sights just like you will be doing. So the questions should be "Do racist people travel in the United States and Do they stop at tourist locations?" If you stop in Portland for a few days you will find a very liberal and accepting populous, there are however some areas that you could find less accepting for race than others just like you find in Mexico City, Los Angeles and Atlanta.

Answer 4

You are right that racism exists everywhere. I have lived in Portland and Hawaii in my lifetime and in Hawaii I experienced a lot more racism. I have no warnigs to give you about Portland. I am a white male and I grew up in Northeast Portland and went to a predominantly black school. 4 white people in a school of about 450. I experienced racism there but then again I was one of four white people in a predominanly black school. I live in Hillsboro now which is right next to Beaverton and I have to tell you that it is well mixed as far as different races go. There are a lot of hispanics, whites, some blacks, and a variety of other races. If you do move to the Beaverton area I can tell you that the area with the most mixes of race is the Bethany area. Over there it seems that there are more mixed races than whites and it is an upper class neighborhood. A very nice place to live. There you will find Indians, whites, blacks, somalians, thai, etc. It is very mixed. Then if you consider Southeast Portland in the Hawthorne district you will find a mixture of races and a lot of vegans. I hope this information helps you a little in making a decision. I have to say that I think you would like it here and find that the racsim here is less than that of other places.

Answer 5

We have a biracial family and live in the North Hazel Dell area of Vancouver WA. We love this area and feel it has become more and more diverse as time goes by. There is a large Hispanic population at the elementary school (Sara J Anderson) near our house. They have even started a magnet program where they teach the kids in Spanish for half the day, and English the other half. There are more African American kids in this school as well, compared to other Vancouver schools. My son just left Sara J and is now in Gaiser Jr High, which is also fairly diverse, but not low income which helps!

If I didn't have children I would probably live in Portland, but the schools there are horrific, with absolutely no funding. Come to Vancouver, we have great schools and better tax situation! Search for a house on www.rmls.com and type Sara J or Sara J Anderson or Anderson in the elementary school box!

Good luck

Answer 6

Although Portland is predominately white, I don't think folks are overtly hostile and violent towards other people. They're pretty liberal and laid-back, in general.

However, you'll probably encounter a lot of ambiguous incidents (like the one in the article) that could either be chalked up to cultural misunderstandings or be considered a form of 'stealth' racism...depending on how you look at it. I'd say most of these issues are easily solved with a little diplomacy, however.

Certainly, the expectation is you'll adapt to local Northwestern practices/tastes, and not the other way around. Portland is not Los Angeles. Blasting loud Mexican Rap at 2 AM in the morning or demanding a Spanish language menu in a neighborhood where the population is 90% white will probably not endear you to the locals.

Answer 7

The Hawthorne area of Portland is probably the most hippie-ish/bohemian. Lots of cool little shops and it's a really nice funky area. You might like it there but the other people who've posted answers have answered really well so I don't need to elaborate. If you're looking for a smaller city/town Eugene OR is VERY liberal and known for their many many vegan restaurants and hippie-ish people. Both Eugene and Portland are by major Universities so people tend to be more mixed race and open-minded around there. Good luck to you.

Answer 8

In real Portland and to the east, it should've be a problem. West of Portland, like in Beaverton and Hillsboro there's a lot of people who hate Mexicans because of the illegal immigrant "problem." Overall, I'd say the Portland area is a lot more tolerant than most of the country.

Answer 9

Think the whole west coast are pretty open minded people. But as with any place on this planet, you will encounter ignorance. Try to toughen that hide, and remember that their view is such that was taught to them as a child...and that part of their understanding hadn't matured. You can help them past their ignorance by consistently being polite, however you do not have accept disrespect. I have found that when simply saying "That was rude" People take a step back and try to understand where their manners have failed them. Don't rampage, they expect that, and even based their prejudice on it. Instead, calmly and gently explain that we are all individuals and even though there is a stereotype, we can all rise above it.

I hope you find your new home and that all your fears were completely unwarranted and are accepted into your new neighborhood with understanding and warmth!

Answer 10

I don't know from personal experience but the city of Portland is predominantly white, unusual for a city in the US. So there may be less "community" feeling but I would think that because the city is more liberal there shouldn't be to much issue.