Why do people from Cities pretend to be less racist than Rural communities?

I admit that it is true that people in cities likely use the N Word less, but their actions speak louder than words. Whites flee the inner city where African Americans can be found, when Blacks start to move into the suburbs the whites move even further away creating rediculous urban sprawl. They send their kids to largely white public schools, and if they can afford it, send them to even less racially diverse private schools. If they see an African American on the street they tend to cross the street to avoid them. Racism may be better disguised in the City, but its just as sickening, and just as real. segregation of classrooms and towns are not practical in small towns, like it is done in large cities.. where they have: "China town" "little mexico" and various other racial and cultural divisions. So, really, what is the honest difference between city racism and rural racism? Is there any? Why do city dwellers claim superiority while hiding from eachother?

2008-05-23T00:49:45Z

Generalizations are fun, and Obama said its ok to Generalize as long as you use Sociology terms! Seriously though, its easy to blame rural society for racism, but I've seen it in the city as much as in the rural community. The first time my Hispanic friends ever had a racial slur thrown at them was in the city not in the small town I come from where whites and hispanics work together. In the city I was told I can't walk in a certain area because black people will kill me, and told that some places were ok for me, but not my hispanic friends. Maybe I come from a small town that is special, or lived in a big city that was horrible, somehow I doubt that though.... I suspect both show what the average city and town are like... with the possible exception of the south where racial tensions remain high.

exile_from_groggs2008-05-23T00:45:39Z

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Fair points, but rather pessimistic. Your question being rhetorical isn't necessarily looking for a response, I assume.

However, where more people are shoved together in close proximity, it is necessary for the survival of the society for it to be "officially" more tolerant. And people from a city background are more likely to have experienced a wide range of people, and have a greater appreciation of diversity.

As you say, this can mean that their intolerance - not just on matters of race, but also sexual orientation, faith, and almost every other human division - are kept under the surface. However, true tolerance can be found in some places. Your pessimistic outlook isn't the whole story.

?2008-05-23T07:45:39Z

I'm a "city" person who has relocated to a smaller town. I have to say that I witnessed more acceptance in the city. Yes, there are still some separations in culture, no denying that. But I felt there was more acceptance. I am Caucasian, but I could visit people in a Latino or African American neighborhood without feeling like I "wasn't supposed to be there" and vice versa. When cultures are RESPECTED, even in spite of some clustering, I noticed much less actual prejudiced views. When I came to a smaller town, it really is different. My work takes me into some African American neighborhoods, and I get jeered at. It is assumed I am either a cop, or looking for drugs. I am by no means saying that your question is invalid, and also, big cities differ from each other as well. I'm just sharing my experience. As for your questions of prejudices in general, I agree that none is better than another, as long as it exists.

Anonymous2008-05-23T07:41:30Z

THe best way to dispel racism is through education. The best form of education, is with real world experience. This mean actual interaction with people of other culture. This is most likely going to happen in areas where various cultures meet. This is not going to happen in the neighborhoods so much, because of what you describe. TI's going to happen more likely at work. Certain urban areas are more likely to foster these interracial interaction. Not saying that rural areas don't have that too. In the rural area, it's usually not an interaction of equals though.

Accordionist of the Government2008-05-23T07:42:55Z

Because people in cities are so mixed, they feel like they need to "connect" with the groups around them. Sadly though most of them have had their personality shaped by someone/something from these racist rural communities, so the ideas of racism is programmed into them.

Anonymous2008-05-23T07:37:57Z

Ever see the crime rate in Detroit??

I'd flee it too...And you completely ignore the fact that reverse racism exists also

But your assuming that people leave crappy areas due to race are laughable.. You are one of those people that are just waiting to jump on the white man's every move or action so you can brand him a racist. Grow up