Is Boston really a prejudice city?

Question

I`m black and would like to go to Boston for college ,but family and others keep telling it`s a really racist city. Since I haven`t really ever been exposed to racism living in Philly they don`t think I`d be able to handle it, if the stories are true.

Answer 1

that's dumb! there are thousands of foreign students in Boston studying in Harvard, MIT, BU etc etc. best thing to do is to spend a weekend here. see it for yourself. hell, I'd even take you around to see the sights!

Answer 2

They're in Philly, thinking Boston is racist. That makes me laugh a bit, because lots of people in Boston think that Philly is racist. So :shrugs:

The reputation Boston has of being racist comes from the busing controversy back in the 1970's. Even then, the core of that wasn't race, but class and neighborhood. Race did become involved, and the press portrayed the entire thing as being about race, and Boston got tarred with a bad rap. But even if Boston was racist then - and I don't think it was more or less racist as a whole than Newark, or Philly, or Detroit, or Chicago, or NYC - that was over 30 years ago.

So, is Boston racist? Yes, but not more so than many other large northeastern cities. It is majority white. Some neighborhoods break down along class and ethnic lines. Many of the politicians are white. But this is changing. Especially when you consider it's rep, Boston is a surprisingly tolerant city.

Unlike some other cities, racism in Boston will always be a subject of conversation. That's a good thing. And in the universities, which are often quite liberal there, issues of race are actively discussed, and black students are welcomed.

I love Boston. I'd tell you to go for it. The schools are fabulous, the environment is fun, the students are diverse and make the city hop.

But you have to decide if you feel comfortable at school. The only way you're going to be able to decide is if you visit the place, and do some campus tours and visits. Make sure that you speak with some black students or advisors on campus - you can ask admissions specifically to hook you up. Try to bring your parents, so they also feel comfortable. Ask questions, and don't be shy.

I've also linked to a few articles that present both sides of the argument, but in a fairly balanced way.

Answer 3

Boston has a rich record and a diverse neighbourhood; it's a legacy of arts, lifestyle, and knowledge; Boston has something for everyone so find what Boston may provide you with with hotelbye . The three-mile Freedom Trail brings you previous - and into - 16 of the city's primary historical monuments and sites. It's easy to follow along with, by the line of red stones in the sidewalk and by footprints at street crossings. The walk may take you to Old Granary Burying Ground wherever Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock are buried; may get you to King's Chapel Burying Ground, the Boston's oldest cemetery; Old South Meeting House where the ringing speeches of patriots spawned the Boston Tea Party and the Old State House, Boston's oldest community developing and your website of the Boston Massacre.

Answer 4

Isn't racism attributing certain qualities to everyone in a group because of their race? What would you call it if you attributed a feeling or attitude to everyone in a group - which is what it seems like your family is doing to the entire city of Boston?

Boston is a major city and has a very diverse population. There are sure to be jerks there who don't like black people, just as there are probably also people there who don't like whites, Muslims, Christians, etc. If nothing else, try to find a way to go visit for a few days and check it out for yourself.

Answer 5

Unfortunately racism exists everywhere. That said, I will tell you from my perspective, that of living and teaching in Boston, that the students, faculty and community are totally supportive of diversity in education, community and politics. Evidence; Massachusetts has a newly elected African American (Devol Patrick) governor, a gay congressman (Barney Frank), two liberal senators (Kennedy and Kerry) and a newly appointed female president at Harvard University. The list is endless. This is no guarantee that you wont find racial prejudice, but exposure to and handling of racial prejudice is a part of a complete education and/or learning experience, which is a lifelong process. Visit Boston with your parents and experience all that the city, state and region has to offer by way of food, theater, arts and particularly culture as you find it. Keep an open mind and the choice won't be a difficult one. Best of luck! Welcome to the world of lifetime learners.

Answer 6

I don't know if this is true or not. My brother and many of my friends went to college in Boston and when I visited, I saw that they had friends of many races.

But, does that really matter? Is the solution for you in life to simply not go to a place because there might be racism?

By not going there isn't your life being held back in some way.

Break the cycle of the ignorance of racism; show up in Boston and show everyone what a great person you are and your race won't matter.

Answer 7

You live in Philly and want to know if Boston is racist.....as anyplace there are parts of the city that have a strong opinion on racism...I don't think it is as bad as your family is making it out to be......

Answer 8

I've never lived in Boston, but I tend to think you'd be more protected from that as a college student. Especially if you live on or around campus, where people are usually a little more enlightened than in the general city population.

Answer 9

Boston has more colleges than any other city. How racist can it be? Especially compared to Philly. Don't listen, go spend a weekend, see for yourself.

Answer 10

hey all these people are lie'ing. From the white perspective is all they know and don't actually feel the racism even though do it.

From the black perspective, don't go to Boston.
Yes I'm aware this post is 6 years old but this is to warn any other black people from coming here before it's too late.

And by foreigners that are black, they are usually Haitian, who are very rude towards black americans but are surprisingly nice towards all whites, I've worked with these people, they are fake as they come.

Answer 11

Boston has a HIGH black population and is one of the most diverse city in the nation. You will not encounter any problems in Boston, its a great city.