Q&A: How safe is it for a mixed black and white family to travel round the American South?
Question by Beep_n_co: How safe is it for a mixed black and white family to travel round the American South?
We are from UK and want to holiday in the US south. Have I watched too many movies about how difficult it can be in the South? Can a mixed family have a fly drive holiday in the Southern States in comfort and safety – or do we just have to stay in the tourist spots of Orlando? We want to visit Tn, Ms, Al, Ga. We want to be able to travel around freely – normal safety precautions applied – to visit some of old mansions as well as areas of importance for the civil rights movement. Any advice on where to go or not to go, whether or not we will face difficulties? Many thanks. Beep n co.
Thank you all for your replies. I am obviously v. cynical or paranoid. Sadly off remarks happen! I want to visit small towns but Mom’s advice is don’t. If a white family went on hols, they would expect to chat to others and go around with impunity n have a good time. I would like the same. People are coming back saying they are shocked at my question and discrimination is against the law. Its a great theory, but the reality for a black person is discrimination overt, covert, direct n indirect are a fact of daily life. Hence my question, how safe is a mixed family the south? I dont expect to be attacked, but I expect some unpleasantness. I want to minimise that so my family can see learn and enjoy the south and its people.
Best answer:
Answer by spyker_roughie
Do whatever you want. No one can show you any kind of discrimination, it’s simply against the law.
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Tennessee is no problem & I really don’t think any of the south is. I think the movies you have watched are very dated. That is not to say you might not hear a predudiced remark but I would be surprised if you did.
I hope you have a wonderful trip.
It is not as bad as it is played out in film! Yes, there are people who disagree with a mixed family, but i am sure there are as many there, as there are here in the south.
As a person from the South I can tell you its just as safe as anywhere else you travel.
I have traveled in the south with my black husband and had on problems but I would avoid small towns.
Yes, it is against the law to discriminate. However, the only place you are going to feel comfortable are the touristy areas because once you go out into the smaller town areas, people will be staring at you because you are different. However, if you are going to Tennessee, I suggest Gatlinburg. Beautiful scenery. I live in Orlando, and I know how you would want to do some other things.
we’re a mixed black and white family. and we live in the south. you sound very . . . hesitant or nervous. but why? ur normal and human just like everyone else. be proud of who you are and where you come from. dont be ashamed. and dont worry about what ignorant people may think of you. stand up tall with ur head held high. always smile.
IT SADDENS ME THAT WE STILL HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THINGS LIKE THIS…BUT DONT BE PERSUAded BY EVERY THING U SEE ON THE TELLY. IT IS WONDERFUL THAT YOU GUYS WANT TO NOT ONLY GO ON VACATION TO RELAX BUT ALSO MAKING IT A FUN LEARNING EXPERIENCE THAT YOU WILL BE VERY UNLIKELY TO FORGET. I FEEL THAT YOU SHOULD NOT LET IGNORANT PEOPLE HOLD YOU BACK, BUT WHEN YOU DO TRAVEL TO THE SOUTH STILL MAKE SURE YOU ARE ABLE TO NOTIFY POLICE IN CASE SOMETHING GOES WRONG (WHICH I PRAY IT DOESN’T) HOPE THAT HELPS.
It is very safe.
it is only un-safe for a white person to go into a all black area. where the people are racist.
As another person of the south I can honestly say you are probably safer traveling here than in the tourist spots as you are less likely to be robbed (and not because of your color either) plus the people are friendlier. I think that you have watched too many movies that are so out of date… racial bigotry is much more subtle now days. Sure you might hear an off color remark now and again but if that happens it will not be limited to the south nor to this country.
Come and enjoy our beautiful southern country and down home hospitality and don’t worry.
As far as where to go and what to see, each state has a website full of information.
http://www.escapetothesoutheast.com/
http://www.touralabama.org/
http://www.visitmississippi.org/
Just google using “statename tourist info” and you’ll find what you need. They will send you any information you request.
Oh and one other thing you should know in case you don’t already…if you plan on renting a car, gasoline prices average from $2.50-4.00 per gallon so account for that in your budget.
Have a great time, you’ll enjoy it.
Are the north of USA in Dark Ages yet?
I shocked from the question.
I thinking that … “apartheid” was condemned internationally.
In my country everybody is acceptable Black, white, red, yellow, even green, terrestrial or extraterrestrial
My friends are a married couple of different races. The wife has told me that they have been harrassed and feared for their lives several times. They have found that they are more welcome as a couple in Mexico. Understand that it is a small few that make this an issue…but if you happen to run into these kind of people …. Stick to the larger metropolitan areas where there is acceptance of these things. Small town people tend to be small minded in general (I’m sure to get flack for that statement, but the truth hurts) I’m really, really sorry that you even had to ask this question. But I truely understand why.