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Re: should I move to Alabama?
Posted by DL on 7/07/05

    Hellow Tanya,

    There are many preconceived notions regarding the south,
    particulary Alabama. Some of these notions are unwarranted
    while others hold more credence. I am a black man born in
    the south and raised in the north. I have lived in
    Birmingham, AL for nearly 12 years and I believe that I can
    speak with some degree of confidence about life in
    Alabama.

    Your comments convey the depths of your concern for the
    response your son might receive should it be determined by
    his peers that he is the child of a biracial relationship.
    Having served as a church leader and youth pastor in
    multiethnic communities I have found that, by in large, it
    is not the children who tend to have an issue with biracial
    children. Adults tend to be far more vocal and negative
    about the matter. This is particularly evident as
    youngsters begin showing interest in the opposite sex and
    dating. I don't know how old your son is, but younger
    children tend to adapt fairly well in given environments,
    but older children (high school age) become a bit more aware
    of the subtle racism and discrimination around them.

    I don't want to give you an overly negative mental image of
    the south or Alabama, particularly the disturbing images
    conveyed during the 1950's and 1960's civil rights
    movements. Alabama has made great strides to move away from
    the reputation of being a nonprogressive, racist, and bigot
    controlled state. Alabama is a beautiful place to live, with
    many opportunities that you and your family will cherish.

    I hope that my comments serve helpful to you in your
    family's decision to move. If you should have any other
    questions or comments or simply would like for me expound on
    my comments please don't hesitate to contact me at
    dlbillups@hotmail.com.

    May God Bless You and Your Family.

    DL

    On 6/15/05, Tanya wrote:
    > Hi,
    >
    > I really need some help. I am a special education teacher
    > thinking of moving to Alabama. But looking for a job is the
    > least of my worries. I am white and I am moving to be with
    > a black man. I have a son. If I didn't have him to
    > consider, I would have moved a long time ago. But my fiance
    > is concerned about how other people (namely children) would
    > treat my son because of the mixed relationship. I live in
    > BC, Canada. My fiance says I have no idea what it is like
    > there. I plan to visit Alabama with my son first to see
    > what it's like but a visit isn't going to give a true
    > picture.
    >
    > Can someone help me, please? Tell me what I could possibly
    > expect? It is hard for me to believe that children would
    > pick on another child because his step-father is of a
    > different colour. Is that what would really happen?
    >
    > Thanks
    >
    > Tanya

     
     

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