Is There Racial Tension in Seattle?, Read Up Options

[fameONE]

Pioneer Square. Capitol Hill. Belltown. Downtown. I hate to generalize the entire metropolitan for these specific areas, but work with me, people.

By now, many of you know that I've been stuck in Seattle for a few nights. And me being me, I'm not shy about going out and exploring a given area for my own amusement, but for everything that Seattle appeared to be my first night here, I was shocked and disappointed by what I discovered during night two.

I couldn't understand it, but even in the more thriving parts of the city, there was hardly a soul on the street. Granted it was a bit chilly, I dealt with it fine and I wasn't even dressed for type of weather. A lot of people drive, public transportation is horribly unreliable, taxi service ethics are questionable and the boys in blue aren't shy about mean-muggin' three minorities walking around in a city thats mostly White and Asian.

During my first night, I ran into a Sailor who was waiting to go back to Japan after some R&R. He and I ran into a similar problem regarding ticketing so we shared the frustration and the eagerness to go out and explore the city. Since it was a Thursday, it was expected that the cold downtown streets would be empty and clubs wouldn't be jumping off. We still managed to find a trendy, upscale club/bar that was very welcoming. So why is it that, after spending 4 hours at that particular club the night before, we go there last night and got shafted at the door?

'I can tell you motherf**kers right now that you're not getting in.'
'Huh?'
'Dress code.'
*closes door

That was the story with half of the night. Timberlands, denim, jackets without collars and t-shirts are all against the dress code for most of the blubs in this entire city. And for three servicemen dressed casually for the warm weather, that f**ked everything up.

After making tireless attempts to make friends and ask people what clubs were tight (many were standoffish, women walked faster and put their heads down, most males looked like they wanted to fight), we heard of a club that we would enjoy because there was no dress code, they played hiphop and the drink specials were pleasing.

"534 Taylor Ave on the corner of Taylor and 6th. The club is aptly named '534' and its right across the street from the Space Needle."

That's pretty self explanatory, right? Even for someone who isn't from Seattle, that is rather specific, right? Ok, good, we're on the same page. So tell me why the cabbie played dumb, passed the street that he was supposed to turn on, turned around, did it again, ran the meter up and then tells us it goes by a different nickname. f**k the language barrier, he was trying to stick us for an extra buck. There is no reason a, what would be, 5 minute cab ride should cost 18 dollars.

"I know the club you are talking about but it is not by that name."
"Ok, then take us there."
"But you said 534!"
"If you know the club, muthafucka, then take us to the f**kin' club."
"But that is not the exact name of the club you gave me."
"Stop running up the meter and take us there. Does it look like we're from here?"
"You need to be more clear."
"I gave you specific f**kin' directions! Ok, f**k it, drop us off here."
"But you said 534 Taylor Ave?!"
***car comes to a stop light, we pile out to the street corner***
"Get the f**k on and go gank someone else for cash!"

I needed a drink, well, I thought I did, and then I remembered North Carolina. In Chapel Hill, I drank for a variety of reasons and it all ended up with me feeling emotionally and physically fatigued with a wicked hangover the next morning. I danced and that was the brief remedy.

BEWARE: ALL CAPS!!!

THE COPS IN SEATTLE MUST NOT BE ACCUSTOMED TO SEEING BLACK PEOPLE OUT IN THE TRENDIER PARTS OF TOWN. OR MAYBE THEY EXPECT BLACK PEOPLE TO BE CRIMINALS. WHATEVER THE CASE, THEY WEREN'T TOO KIND TO US. THIS WAS THE SAME FOR THE ENITRE CITY. WHAT REASON WOULD A COP HAVE TO STOP THREE BLACK GUYS AND ASK ALL THREE FOR IDs? THEN MUTTER, "FIGURES," WHEN HE SEES THAT WE'RE ALL MILITARY?

WHY DOES THIS CITY HATE THE MILITARY?

WHY DON'T THEY HAVE A CUTURAL IDENTITY OTHER THAN COFFEE SHOPS AND BOATS?

WHERE ARE THE BLACK/HISPANIC PEOPLE?

I avoided making this rant into one about oppression and ignorance and I didn't make any accusations or wild claims from atop a soapbox. But if you read this, you know where I'm going, right? Something about this city being ra--, I won't say it. You get it.

[moninja]

wow. some people are cranky.. i go to seattle a lot and i see a lot of black/hispanic people..
i'm speechless, people are so careless/heartless. they need to think twice before they do anything. i'm just shocked that that happened.

[fameONE]

wow. some people are cranky.. i go to seattle a lot and i see a lot of black/hispanic people..
i'm speechless, people are so careless/heartless. they need to think twice before they do anything. i'm just shocked that that happened.

All three of us (the two other servicemen I was hanging out with) were in awe. The first night, we encountered not a single problem (other than a lack of after-hours spots and a lack of alcohol). Why would it be any different on the night after? People were literally walking across the street to get off the same sidewalk. Apparently, when I was on the dance floor, my boy got called a baby killer because he just got back from Iraq. Can't believe people can be so ugly in a city so beautiful.

[Simba]

Can't believe people can be so ugly in a city so beautiful.

Chyea, it's a pretty disappointing to have to experience something like that while expecting something great from a city.

The reality of things.

[moninja]

seriously.
a baby killer? that's intense.. i'm sorry you had a bad time in seattle. :\

[Simba]

Oh yeah, the thing with the cab driver.
Old trick they got about them. It's really common for cab drivers to do that in France, especially to all the tourists.

[Mr. Slowjamz]

hey if you meet TRAN tell her i said hi ....and i actually thought i was going to go to school around there.

[fameONE]

Who the f**k is Tran?

[*mzkandi*]

Hmmm..I've heard nothing but good things about this city and it's music scene from college buddies that were either from there or lived near the city. I did see something on A&E's City Confidential about Seattle that mentioned that some parts of the city aren't too....ummm...minority friendly. There are certain parts of the city set of red flags to it's residents if minorities come around even if it's a social area. Some of that BS goes on here in Tampa. There is apart of Tampa, called New Tampa, that is a very thriving place with it's own popular shopping centers and social scene. As a minority that works in the area I actually get excited when I see another minority around the place. The city won't even allow public transportation to reach this part of town. Note to readers: About 85% of public transportation riders in Tampa are minorites with a bulk of that being Black and Hispanics. If you do decided to come over in this part of town, and let's just say you're a black male, expect to be treated like a suspect. I think I may have diverged a bit. Anyways, it's frustrating.

[demolished]

I'm sorry. The way you described the city is extremely different in LA.

[show_me]

hey if you meet TRAN tell her i said hi ....and i actually thought i was going to go to school around there.

TRANNY- with the dick!


Sorry about your less than enjoyable trip to Seattle! Sue them, just be like they thought they saw me ridin dirty...

[fameONE]

Hmmm..I've heard nothing but good things about this city and it's music scene from college buddies that were either from there or lived near the city. I did see something on A&E's City Confidential about Seattle that mentioned that some parts of the city aren't too....ummm...minority friendly. There are certain parts of the city set of red flags to it's residents if minorities come around even if it's a social area. Some of that BS goes on here in Tampa. There is apart of Tampa, called New Tampa, that is a very thriving place with it's own popular shopping centers and social scene. As a minority that works in the area I actually get excited when I see another minority around the place. The city won't even allow public transportation to reach this part of town. Note to readers: About 85% of public transportation riders in Tampa are minorites with a bulk of that being Black and Hispanics. If you do decided to come over in this part of town, and let's just say you're a black male, expect to be treated like a suspect. I think I may have diverged a bit. Anyways, it's frustrating.

I know all about New Tampa. The sad thing is, that area has grown so much and its growing without 'us.'

[misoshiru]

Well, I don't know how to word this in another way, but I'm really not that surprised by the overt racism in this country. I've experienced racial slurs at college AND I go to a very liberal college.

I'm currently taking a course on the Psychology of Racism. It mainly focuses on White Privilege, institutionalized racism, internalized oppression and cultural racism. White people (in general) in the American society have been exposed to so many cultural stereotypes and that they do not have to worry about "being white." Being of a different race, for example, being black, you have to think about "being black" and how you are presenting yourself to society. It is within the institution that all non-whites are very conscious of our own skin color.

And, racism is still very prevalent in our current society.

[fameONE]

Well, I don't know how to word this in another way, but I'm really not that surprised by the overt racism in this country. I've experienced racial slurs at college AND I go to a very liberal college.

I'm currently taking a course on the Psychology of Racism. It mainly focuses on White Privilege, institutionalized racism, internalized oppression and cultural racism. White people (in general) in the American society have been exposed to so many cultural stereotypes and that they do not have to worry about "being white." Being of a different race, for example, being black, you have to think about "being black" and how you are presenting yourself to society. It is within the institution that all non-whites are very conscious of our own skin color.

And, racism is still very prevalent in our current society.

Well said.

[*KCreateBlog*]

Come on you know society has to regulate on the black man. They watch every move we make yo. Like Yanners said, racism still exists but yet people want to downplay it like its all went away and get upset when someone points out the flaws in today's society. No disrespect to anyone of other races but I think the black man is targeted by some of the most outright racial oppression than any other race. You think otherwise I can give you quantities of examples.

Just like clubbin in Dallas , many clubs wont allow you to wear Jersies in the club unless you pay either a fee and others have certain dress requirements like collar shirts for instance, which restricts the hip hop type clothing. Well I don’t have a problem with that but if you are going to do this, I think the music should represent that. The same club that wont allow Hip Hop Clothing was playing hip hop music. What kind of shit is that?

About a year ago as you might all know the NBA enforced a dress code. That was obviously targeted at the black man. Now they have to dress formal before and after the game. Next they probably going to make every black man cut his hair or get rid of his braids because everyone has the impression that every nigga with braids is a hoodlum.

Lets go to the NFL shall we. Black people always know how to have a good time, partying and celebrating in the endzone is no exception. I guess as a black dude I can’t help but love to see what endzone dance someone like Chad Johnson will come up with next. Now they have enforced many restrictions on the types of endzone celebrations you can do, actually a lot of celebrating in general is restricted. I saw the Colts get flagged after a player intercepted the ball and then afterwards used a hand gesture as if he were throwing out dollar bills. I guess you can't get your troops fired up like you usd to. You can say all you want how its not racist but you would be in denial.

I’ve even dealt with this on CB. I know at least two Cbers who have IMED me for no apparent reason and said “fuck you nigger.” If you are that person please refer to quote below this sentence.

No names, but it's no sublime
You know who you are, I'll end it before it goes too far

Am I offended by these ignorant statements. Hell No. But then this dude can’t be black if he doesn’t go off the edge by these harsh comments.? Nah don’t get it twisted people, let me put it in bold so you get the message, I am a proud black man, I would never ever want to be white or asian, or any other race for that matter. Im proud of my race for many endless reasons which I will not name. So why the fuck would I let some petty shit like that bring me down?

My apologies for the rant in your thread I would've took it further but this is enough. I haven’t made a contributive post in some time.

[*mona lisa*]

Wow. I'm glad I live in Canada. And I can't say the same for the rest of the country and I don't really go out at night but, wow; what has society become. Racism definitely exists here but nowhere near the extent to which you experienced.

[fameONE]

Well, I'm no longer in Seattle. I'm in Japan and its so much better. Racism exists everywhere, but it was nice to be treated with so much respect the moment I stepped off the plane.

[*mzkandi*]

I'm in Japan and its so much better.

*jealous* T_T


Where in Japan?

[fameONE]

Naha, Okinawa. I'll have pics posted by Sunday... err, Monday.

[misoshiru]

Well in Asia, they have a huge preference for all things Western. I can feel not just White Privilege, but Western Privilege. It's kind of, why do my friends and I basically speak only in English when we're out? Because we get treated better. For example, if I walked into Louis Vuitton with my friends speaking in Chinese, the sales ladies would follow us around thinking that we'd steal something, but just because we're speaking in English, we get much better service.

[fameONE]

Come on you know society has to regulate on the black man. They watch every move we make yo. Like Yanners said, racism still exists but yet people want to downplay it like its all went away and get upset when someone points out the flaws in today's society. No disrespect to anyone of other races but I think the black man is targeted by some of the most outright racial oppression than any other race. You think otherwise I can give you quantities of examples.

Just like clubbin in Dallas , many clubs wont allow you to wear Jersies in the club unless you pay either a fee and others have certain dress requirements like collar shirts for instance, which restricts the hip hop type clothing. Well I don’t have a problem with that but if you are going to do this, I think the music should represent that. The same club that wont allow Hip Hop Clothing was playing hip hop music. What kind of shit is that?

About a year ago as you might all know the NBA enforced a dress code. That was obviously targeted at the black man. Now they have to dress formal before and after the game. Next they probably going to make every black man cut his hair or get rid of his braids because everyone has the impression that every nigga with braids is a hoodlum.

Lets go to the NFL shall we. Black people always know how to have a good time, partying and celebrating in the endzone is no exception. I guess as a black dude I can’t help but love to see what endzone dance someone like Chad Johnson will come up with next. Now they have enforced many restrictions on the types of endzone celebrations you can do, actually a lot of celebrating in general is restricted. I saw the Colts get flagged after a player intercepted the ball and then afterwards used a hand gesture as if he were throwing out dollar bills. I guess you can't get your troops fired up like you usd to. You can say all you want how its not racist but you would be in denial.

I’ve even dealt with this on CB. I know at least two Cbers who have IMED me for no apparent reason and said “fuck you nigger.” If you are that person please refer to quote below this sentence.

Am I offended by these ignorant statements. Hell No. But then this dude can’t be black if he doesn’t go off the edge by these harsh comments.? Nah don’t get it twisted people, let me put it in bold so you get the message, I am a proud black man, I would never ever want to be white or asian, or any other race for that matter. Im proud of my race for many endless reasons which I will not name. So why the fuck would I let some petty shit like that bring me down?

My apologies for the rant in your thread I would've took it further but this is enough. I haven’t made a contributive post in some time.

I feel you.

For me, because I've done so with educating myself and broadening my horizons people always tend to raise an eyebrow. I make no apologies for loving hiphop as well as jazz. I make no apologies for apparent militancy and I make no apologies for not being shy about who I am. A lot of people have a problem with that, no matter what race you are. But its most evident when you are Black and proud.

[Simba]

Come on you know society has to regulate on the black man. They watch every move we make yo. Like Yanners said, racism still exists but yet people want to downplay it like its all went away and get upset when someone points out the flaws in today's society. No disrespect to anyone of other races but I think the black man is targeted by some of the most outright racial oppression than any other race. You think otherwise I can give you quantities of examples.

Just like clubbin in Dallas , many clubs wont allow you to wear Jersies in the club unless you pay either a fee and others have certain dress requirements like collar shirts for instance, which restricts the hip hop type clothing. Well I don’t have a problem with that but if you are going to do this, I think the music should represent that. The same club that wont allow Hip Hop Clothing was playing hip hop music. What kind of shit is that?

About a year ago as you might all know the NBA enforced a dress code. That was obviously targeted at the black man. Now they have to dress formal before and after the game. Next they probably going to make every black man cut his hair or get rid of his braids because everyone has the impression that every nigga with braids is a hoodlum.

Lets go to the NFL shall we. Black people always know how to have a good time, partying and celebrating in the endzone is no exception. I guess as a black dude I can’t help but love to see what endzone dance someone like Chad Johnson will come up with next. Now they have enforced many restrictions on the types of endzone celebrations you can do, actually a lot of celebrating in general is restricted. I saw the Colts get flagged after a player intercepted the ball and then afterwards used a hand gesture as if he were throwing out dollar bills. I guess you can't get your troops fired up like you usd to. You can say all you want how its not racist but you would be in denial.

I’ve even dealt with this on CB. I know at least two Cbers who have IMED me for no apparent reason and said “fuck you nigger.” If you are that person please refer to quote below this sentence.

Am I offended by these ignorant statements. Hell No. But then this dude can’t be black if he doesn’t go off the edge by these harsh comments.? Nah don’t get it twisted people, let me put it in bold so you get the message, I am a proud black man, I would never ever want to be white or asian, or any other race for that matter. Im proud of my race for many endless reasons which I will not name. So why the fuck would I let some petty shit like that bring me down?

My apologies for the rant in your thread I would've took it further but this is enough. I haven’t made a contributive post in some time.

That was beautiful KC.

Well said.

Yeah, it just goes to show that there is still that racial division in the world, as non-racial as people say they are, and judge people just by skin before even knowing a person.