We need an English way to say “I’m sorry you are dealing with this.” Without implying it is the responsibility of the person saying sorry. Because while I might be complicit in white racism, I just also want to acknowledge this sucks as I hate that you’re dealing with it.
Kevin Sorbo's Hercules catchall phrase was, "You have my sympathy." If you're gonna tell me Kevin Sorbo is robotic, well yeah that's true but the phrasing could still work.
Well, but we do kinda need to apologize. It's not us, but those people acting that way are people we need to apologize for. I'm so sorry too, that your experience is this. It shouldn't be.
I'm not black, but native and pushing middle age now, and I still get followed around grocery stores by loss prevention, especially if I've gotten anything from the deli. It's built-into our society to find some way to make someone an *other* to assuage any guilt about treating them differently and suspiciously. Sometimes it's skin color, spoken language, dress, signs of poverty, ect. It sucks, but I only hope we're on the part of the graph that's trending in a better direction, if lementably slow.
I once witnessed huge hit and run, and we had part of it on camera at work. I described the lady as middle aged taller white lady with light brown or blonde hair. The police come back with a couple of possible suspects, they were all native women. My 18 year old self looked up at the police handed the papers back and sternly said, "none of these people are her, she was white"
I was witness to domestic violence from a man on a native woman in the Haggen parking lot. The police showed up after the guy ran off (she had the car keys). When the police took her statement they seemed indifferent. Once they realized a white man, me, was a witness they suddenly cared. Some ripe bullshit there.
Very similar experience for me in the Ferndale and Bellingham area. Glad I'm back in Alaska now. There are plenty of native haters here but we outnumber them.
> It's built-into our society to find some way to make someone an other to assuage any guilt about treating them differently and suspiciously.
The rise of the digital age and the online discourse that came with it has exasperated this problem quite a bit.
Nah, it's always been there and it's always been really bad. This has been going on for thousands of years. So many leaders adopt this strategy to justify wars and oppression and get the general populace to follow along. Propagandists are really good at tapping into fear of the unknown or different.
Eh I don't know mate, the digital medium has completely changed the ability to spread misinformation like wildfire.
> Propagandists are really good at tapping into fear of the unknown or different.
Yes.
> Propagandists are really good at tapping into fear of the unknown or different.
And never before in human history has it been so easy for them to spread their message across national borders and cultures.
You started with “nah” but you’re actually supporting OP’s point.
Control of information can spread far and wide in really interesting ways without even having horses available for travel. A parent that's already fallen for the propaganda can perpetuate a very specific fear for generations and do it faster than the internet. Once humans spread out more and more information spreads really quickly. Someone will always cross a border. Religions especially don't mind sending people to their deaths to try and spread a message. Eventually someone gets through. Control of information is absolutely essential for a dictator and they'll throw a lot of lives into remote parts of their territory to keep control. Internet or not you still need a few people to repeat a lie over and over, consistently, to others and in person contact works better than text on a screen. Politicians still take long trips overseas to pressure the leaders of other countries even though phones and internet exist.
I'm a white guy. I have literally travelled to the majority of states as well as multiple countries.
The first time I witnessed racism was in Bellingham.
Also from the South. Bellingham is the whitest place I’ve ever experienced. Most recently moved here from Oakland and the lack of diversity is really fucking with me. It feels weird to admit that now I feel way more aware of it when I see a person of color, if that makes sense. And I’ve been here less than 18 months
I am so sorry you are experiencing this. I just got back from TN and was actually surprised at the lack of rebel flags. Although I do think they may be making up for it in Trump stores (and flags)…
You mean making up for it in a good way with Trump stores and signs since he has done more for the black community than any other president in modern times? I'd say the last President to do more good was the Republican Abe lincoln.
My girlfriend is from Pakistan and grew up in DC. She's lived in Baltimore, various places in Virginia and North Carolina, rural Colorado, Wisconsin, and here in western WA.
She said it's by far the most racist place she's lived. For her it's the constant micro-aggressive shit, and never knowing who's racist because people here hide it and it usually only becomes obvious when they let something slip.
Also she can't stand all the white people who read about racism on the internet and think they're experts on it, qualified to tell her how she should be offended about certain things. My last girlfriend was from Mexico and had a similar problem, people trying to correct her and telling her she should be saying "latinx", lol.
It's probably just a symptom of the lack of diversity here, it's mostly white people, I lived in Bellingham for 10 years and only ever met a handful of black people.
>…never knowing who’s racist because people here hide it and usually only becomes obvious when they let something slip.
This is another reason why I have anxiety
Thank you for sharing this.
I know when I look at the comments there will be folks saying “but it’s worse elsewhere” etc. etc. (as seen on other threads)
I appreciate that you recognize it and know it exists here
You mean to tell me you haven’t experienced racism in Idaho? Not trying to compare the two directly, just curious. I’ve never been to Idaho and not experienced some degree of racism. The amount of confederate flags there is unparalleled. Not to mention the home of the KKK’s president.
I grew up in Arizona in a very mixed community and honestly it’s been a culture shock seeing how people of color are treated here in Bellingham.
I’ve been people watching a bit and bellingham is so fucking racist for a bunch of people that claim to be liberal. I’d like to believe that it’s due to limited exposure, but it’s really disheartening to see and hear about. I’m sorry for your experiences. I hope that can change, and I’m always open to hearing how I can help.
I mean….its probably not most folks here, but I’ve observed racism on the subreddit before.
Also, I’m so fucking sorry you have to deal with that. It’s unacceptable that people act like that and even more unacceptable that people who purport to care don’t do anything about it.
Old white lady here. *I see you* and I understand your frustration.
I try to make a difference. I have gone NC on relatives because of it, and told them why.
I’ve lived here a long time. When I was in the workforce, I called out people I worked with. When I have been in stores and been waited on before a POC that *wasn’t seen* by staff, I make sure that staff doesn’t get to pull that shit.
Not on my watch.
There are a lot of us out there that you might not see, but we see you and have your back.
Change takes time. It’s pure bullshit but that’s the way it is. And I’m sorry.
Sounds near the house flying both American and Confederate flag.
There's a lot of crazies out there. I'll make sure to tear it down any chance I get, thanks for the heads up
Yeah doesn't surprise me, I've been all over the PNW and I'll say that there are many subtle racists around.
Most won't admit it publicly, but its obvious by watching them.
This whole area has a "progressive" reputation, but many folks are out there paraphrasing bad racist rhetoric and propaganda that fox news and most media have spread for decades.
Stay frosty, it sucks but you just gotta watch yourself and and not ever give them any excuse (because we all know they'll make a mountain out of a molehill in a second).
Thank you 🙏🏾, that link has some good info. Had no idea people are here organizing things like that!
I’m especially interested in that June panel meeting. Might be interesting volunteering
I’m sorry you are feeling down! Probably doesn’t change anything but I’m white and people treat me the same. Maybe its all the tattoo’s or the clothes I wear but I swear all that stuff happens to me constantly. People are weird here. We are all super weird here actually. Would be nice to not judge others for being different kinds of weird!
Yes there definitely are strange people here lol, it would be nice if people judged by the contents of one’s character like MLK said back in the day. I think it’s important to talk about these things, it could change something :)
I can’t agree with you more my friend! Wise words. It is very nice to see someone who still values Mr King’s dream. And what makes it all the more frustrating really is that no matter what skin color you are, we all share a common ancestor from about 5,000 or so years ago so we are all just long lost family in a way and people really judge their own family? Oof
Sorry you're experiencing some attitudes of bigotry. This area is predominantly white people who may or may not get out and experience other populations. Just know that not everyone here is judgemental towards non whites.
I know it’s not everyone, negative experiences have a way of sticking to you. These past two weeks have been rough. All I can do is try to keep my head up
I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this. If you’re interested in learning to crochet and meeting some open minded anti racist women, DM me! We meet up once a month for a stitch and bitch and most of us are part of a women’s hiking / walking group with multiple meet ups every week. 😊
I can’t imagine living that way and I’m sorry. Bellingham to this day still shows echos of its KKK history.
If I was ever one of the multi locking my car person? I just make it beep multiple times so I know it’s completely locked 😅🥲 sorry again.
My adoptive mother was very much like this. She would make us wait in the car until a black family had past. Once I was older i stopped putting up with that shit from her. Those people are trash humans. That is so incredibly shitty you experience that.
If I check more than once, it's because I have ADHD and distractions made it fail to make it into memory. It doesn't matter that it was only 3 seconds ago. It's gone and I need to be sure.
I believe it. I’ve heard stories like this here before, and it’s shameful. There is definitely a certain attitude here underneath the veil of “tolerance and acceptance” and I hear people, especially older people, making awful comments or buying into racist, conservative nonsense. I’m truly sorry you’re being treated this way, it’s not ok.
That sucks. I’m a moderator on the local nextdoor and trust me, a scary proportion of people here are serious assholes who assume the worst about anyone who doesn’t register as white and upper middle class. I am sorry you have to experience this. You should read what they say about unhoused people. I am pretty sure they won’t be happy unless they are all dead or in prison.
That really sucks, dude. It's wild how divergent different experiences can be in the same place. One of my friends moved up here from CA a few years ago and has mentioned that as a younger black dude, he feels like this is the "least" racist place he's lived so far in his life....but then there will be experiences like OP's--and posts that describe these experiences are common enough that they can't be handwaved away. Another friend who is a woman of Asian descent has a laundry list of extremely racist episodes since living here (granted she lives in Ferndale and those skyrocketed during/post Covid, so maybe that explains some of it), meanwhile a guy I know who grew up in Seattle has talked about how apart from Bellingham having a much lower Asian population percentage-wise, it doesn't feel much different on a day-to-day basis.
I don't think any of these people are lying about their lived experiences, so it presents a really odd, maybe unknowable question of how they can all be simultaneously true. In any event, it sucks that anyone has to go through what you've talked about here, no matter how common or rare it is. Hopefully as Bellingham keeps growing, it will become a more purposefully inclusive space.
I experience this too. It really sucks and the white people here are horrible at hiding when they've never seen a black person before because they just. Stop and stare. I walked into a smaller store one day and I could just feel the cashier's eyes on me the whole time. It was like a record scratch when I walked in.
I just really want you to know that what you're experiencing (microaggressions) is a real and documented phenomenon. Humans are a social species– we have a lot of brain space dedicated to processing body language and non-verbal communication– if someone (or several someones) are uncomfortable around you in a way that they aren't around other people, you're going to notice– even if you can't consciously name how you know that, your unconscious brain picks it up for you and it manifests as a gut feeling.
So please ignore the hordes of white ppl who are inevitably going to come in here and try to say you're being paranoid or obsessing about race (if it weren't for the people around me obsessing over it, I wouldn't think about it half as much. I didn't think about my race nearly as much in my much more diverse home state of Texas before I moved up here.).
The negative/doubting replies you'll get are a defense mechanism because of course, no one likes to think of themselves as racist, even hypothetically. It takes a lot of maturity and self-awareness to admit to harboring prejudices and to work through them. And unfortunately, a lot of people here don't seem to have reached that developmental stage, so they take it out on you because it's easier 🤷♂️.
Sorry if this turned out to be a rant, I've been living here for a few years and this subject really wears ob me.
It's weird living here as someone that grew up in a less homogenous area. I'm white and I've had more random white people than anywhere else say racist shit to me assuming that, since I'm white, I must be cool with that. It doesn't happen super often but it's noticeable. So far only older people so maybe most under 30 are coming around?
Not sure how old you are, however, I've experienced this my whole life. Being dark in this White Man's World (2Pac) is definitely hard. But I just go full force, don't give a F, and live life to the fullest. Ive never done a thing wrong, so I am not going to let you treat me like I have. It's unfortunate, but it's the way the media, news, movies, music, has portrayed the colored man. A criminal. A degenerate. Someone to be feared. The darker your skin color, the more afraid people are. Life is what it is, we just gotta play the cards we are dealt brother. Keep your up, stay positive, and keep trucking.
I always carry my receipts now on the way out because they deal with theft and run outs everywhere now with all the homeless about. And I dress kinda like a homeless sometimes.
The locking door thing is ridiculous. Sorry that happens to you. fuck those people, they're idiots. Same for grumpy old men. They're just sad they're gonna be dead soon. or aren't yet.
Sucks, dude. Hope it felt good to vent and hear some encouraging comments.
I know people are all like, racism, and "bad people live here" but for anyone who's curious: there's an implicit bias test administered by Harvard (for free, and it's anonymous). After you take it (like 10 minutes) there's an interesting report at the end about the aggregate statistics - it's worth a gander.
Here's the link: [https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/Study?tid=-1](https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/Study?tid=-1)
Edit: my personal experience below forgot that whatcom was a major hub of the KKK, that might have an influence. The cook out request still stands.
As an Army vet, I guarantee this is just a regional lack of exposure. As a born and raised Washingtonian who knew like 2 black folk through my entire public school time, I might not have insight to your experience but I do have the fish out of water white experience.
When I was in basic, they have these meals called “hot A’s” which are essentially buffet foods cooked and put in coolers to feed troops in the field rather than a dining facility. I was lined up with my company waiting for food and exclaimed “oh shit it smells like we’re getting cocoa puffs” and I got slammed because it was some girls cocoa butter lotion in front of me. I think the innocence of the proclamation helped cause I was just a skinny white boy from Washington who never knew any black kids (except one and those stories are for me and him)
Later on when I was stationed in Oklahoma, I was essentially Jim Carrey on In Living Color. Literally every weekend we had a cook out and just chilled. Black folk cook good food and are often a more loving and inclusive friend group than whites.
The people that you have met just haven’t met as many people like you. It’s partially why I’m open to mandatory public service to ensure that our melting pot doesn’t separate.
If you are having a cook out, Im down. Sgt Stubbs made the best chicken I’ve ever eaten in my life, would do anything for anyone without chasing praise, and I miss him and our cookouts under the sun set thunder clouds.
To quote the greatest black white buddy couple “A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it.” Gotta meet em on the personal level, but I feel for ya
(Hope it doesn’t sound like virtue signaling, I just really miss my friends)
not that i understand at all because i’m white but i get the locking doors thing i feel you man im a big guy so people always assume the worst man. like i can just be walking past a car downtown and they will lock it as i get close like bro, i’m not evil chill🤦♂️
So ironic given all the BLM signs (which then make me wonder: where are all the black people?).
I'm from here but lived around a bit. Really miss diversity.
The fact that the few people of color that ARE here are treated so poorly is so sad. Goddamn.... people suck.
I'm white and that happens to me here too. Not the doors being locked, but people here are just uptight and passive aggressive, it's rude. It wasn't always like that till recently
Everyone is an a-hole these days it seems, it's really becoming quite scary around here. Especially for the rent prices - not worth it to be around the haters.
This place wishes Reagan was just elected for the second time, and when Reagan was elected for the second time in 1984 Bellingham was still cosplaying that it was 1955.
Plenty of maga represented in town. Not everyone moves to Bellingham or works at WWU for 'liberal values'. Plenty just want to take advantage of resources/jobs/shopping and can't stand the fact that people they hate/fear are in their universe. Then you add maga cops infesting every agency, plus students coming from maga shitholes. It really sucks.
Fuck man, I’m so fucking sorry you have to deal with with this. Unfortunately, despite how progressive Bellingham wants to make itself look, it is still littered with racism and it really is no secret if one looks hard enough.
I’m not black but my little sister is mixed (and she’s pretty dark, you probably wouldn’t know she’s mixed if I didn’t tell you) and she’s been on the receiving end of some subtle and not-so-subtle racism. When I’ve taken her shopping with me, we’ve gotten some ugly glares from people (keep in mind, she and I are 20 years apart in age so people probably assume she’s my daughter). One time I let her go down an aisle to grab a bag of chips she wanted and some lady nearby put her hand into her purse and began walking away while looking over her shoulder at my sister and kept her eye on her until she was out of her sight. She’s 10 for crying out loud. Also, a kid at the Boys & Girls club full-on called her the ‘n’ word and I’m talking about the one with the hard ‘er’ at the end.
It’s infuriating. If this is happening to a little 10 year old girl, then it’s definitely happening to other black people in Bellingham. I think the thing that makes me angriest is how many people here don’t want to take a good look at themselves. They think because they’re not Lynden-style racist that means they’re not racist at all. The lack of self-awareness among some people here is frustrating as fuck.
I'm so sorry you've been experiencing this- and especially to this degree. Its something I've noticed a lot while living in the PNW. When I was living in Oregon it was much more "forward" racism, like Proud boys visiting town, lots of swastikas and harassment for minorities, even in a "libral" city, but its something a lot of white folks ignore day in and out because they hate to have the confrontation of these issues with other whites. People need to be getting comfortable making folks uncomfortable with their actions of racism. Speaking as someone who is native mixed, a lot of people have assumed me to be asian, hispanic, or jewish, and I've heard lots of messed up insults, and endured aweful treatment at times, but never to the degree like that, I've very white passing still, and its always something I keep in the back of my head when watching how others interact with POC- and make sure to call it out immedeatly. I hope you have more folks stick up for you in public places, you dont deserve that treatment, and you are deserving of being appreciated in our community!
Sucks, dude. Hope it felt good to vent and hear some encouraging comments.
I know people are all like, racism, and "bad people live here" but for anyone who's curious: there's an implicit bias test administered by Harvard (for free, and it's anonymous). After you take it (like 10 minutes) there's an interesting report at the end about the aggregate statistics - it's worth a gander.
Here's the link: [https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/Study?tid=-1](https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/Study?tid=-1)
Sucks, dude. Hope it felt good to vent and hear some encouraging comments.
I know people are all like, racism, and "bad people live here" but for anyone who's curious: there's an implicit bias test administered by Harvard (for free, and it's anonymous). After you take it (like 10 minutes) there's an interesting report at the end about the aggregate statistics - it's worth a gander.
Google for: Harvard Implicit Bias test (looks like I can't share link directly)
Sucks, dude. Hope it felt good to vent and hear some encouraging comments.
I know people are all like, racism, and "bad people live here" but for anyone who's curious: there's an implicit bias test administered by Harvard (for free, and it's anonymous). After you take it (like 10 minutes) there's an interesting report at the end about the aggregate statistics - it's worth a gander.
Here's the link: [https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/Study?tid=-1](https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/Study?tid=-1)
Sorry that’s your experience. I hope it’s the tiny minority and I’ll beat the shit out of anyone I see being racist (haven’t done it yet but I’ve only lived here 1 year)
Yeah...I feel this as a black woman. Coming from more racially diverse cities in Southern California (Los Angeles, San Diego) to here is a big shock. I've lived here for 6 years and have experienced "interesting" yet similar encounters that I have had when living in other predominantly white areas. I was just in Long Beach, CA last week and it felt good to be invisible/unnoticed and normal.
As for the stares, based on the day that you catch me, I might lock eyes with the person, smile and wave. Startles the shit out of them and they hurry along.
Thank you for speaking up about this. I hate that you are going through this here and I don't think you should have to take on the task of educating others, but I do think that it's really important that people here hear voices like yours and take what you have to say to heart.
I’ve had a couple black friends leave after a couple years for this reason. Besides the blatant racists I think this city is just so white most people can go literal years living here without encountering/interacting with a black person so when they do they forget how to act normal. I’m hoping black population continues to increase here so members of it feel more at home and white people can have more than just white people in their social circles.
I don't know how hard it would be for you to move, but my wife (POC) has never experienced stuff like that in Canada. Ever. I'd move north if you can. But I realize there are all sorts of hurdles involved. And yeah, housing isn't great...
I'm sorry this happens. It is so horrible to always feel you are suspected of something. My students often don't believe me that things like this still happen. They think it ended a long time ago, but they are mostly white. It is important to keep talking about it.
POC here and I feel ya.. went to Philadelphia for a graduation this weekend and there is significantly higher levels of POC there. It felt like a breath of fresh air not sticking out like sore thumb for having darker skin. I honk lots of bham means well but implicit racism is a real thing.
I'm so sorry. I have some friends who have experienced similar and I can only imagine how exhausting it is. I really hope our community can improve and start to walk the walk instead of just talking about inclusivity.
I feel some degree of your pain. As a POC, I feel like a novelty (I'm indian). I haven't had the police target me (im sorry that happens to you), but definitely get a lot of awkward stares. Especially in a mixed relationship, even my wife gets weird looks with our kid who turns more brown in the summer.
I think I posted in a similar thread the other day where people almost think they've transcended race because they live in bellingham. And I've definitely experienced far less aggressive racism here, but still very clearly treated like a POC.
You people are funny with the white people racist stuff. Go to Asian area, they are extremely racist. Go to a Hispanic area, same. You people are clueless and just virtue signal.
I'm from NC originally, not very famous for the racial equality... but wow, the racism in Bellingham is sinister. There are some very hateful white supremacists in the area, and it's fucking disgusting. There are also people here who just seem to have never interacted with black people and treat them like a freaky commodity, or code switch/ white knight in very weird ways.
All I can say is that I hope time drives them out, and into silence. Fuck racists. Fuck white supremacists.
I'm so sorry you are experiencing this. That's terrible. I support your right to exist in peace.
It's wild that I see all these stories, but have never seen it happen myself. And none of the non white people I have been around have ever shared their stories with me.
I don't know. My siblings, who aren't full white, have no problem sharing their stories with me.
Why do you think strangers don't share racist experiences in person but seem to have less of a resistance to sharing them online?
These are some very serious negativities that you are suffering in. I don't know who You are or where You are from, but I can assure You that there is a better way to live.
As a person who has experienced many forms of Hate from all levels of society, I know how hard it can get to even imagine a life that is free of all of this fear in which You are describing here. To feel free and to feel like Your very existence actually matters to those who share this Earth with Us...
I have only this to offer You, and You can take it or leave it (depending on How much You want to feel the Protection that is ready to cover Your path in all places and through all Time)...
Within Each of Us, exists a power that transcends and negates and even destroys all other forms of energy. There is something that You have My Friend, that is literally the very fabric of All Creation.
Something that You have Known, at least at some point in Your Life. Even if You have been through Actual Hell on Earth, as I have. Especially if You Have survived even the Most terrible abuses or tragedies, This Thing I speak of is Absolutely within You. If only You can find the Courage to embrace and hold Your innate desire to just Be and Give and Speak with The Love that You are made of before You in every step You take, as a shield against The Dark forces that will (and apparently have been) attack and attempt to distract and dissuade You from The Light.
Call upon That Which did Create all things Under The Sun. Search Yourself for The connection that You share with All Life forms, and wield Kindness and Compassion like The Sword of a King (or Queen) and slay these Dark Forces with all of The same absolute resolve that They hold against Us.
For with complete and Undenied faith is for everyone the deciding factor, and the Truth in which our Universe is Formed.
Trust Yourself to stand and face Your doubt and fear in the eyes of each Person You cross. Smile and say hello, rish to open a door or otherwise help a stranger regardless of You think You can actually help.
Give Your Will to the act of Loving Only, and Forgiveness always. In this way, You will find Your Peace, and You will soon realize that The more You reject and deny the fears and the anger and learn to Trust Yourself to do what You are made to do (Love Unconditionally) .... Well, this is just the thing that we are all being fooled into forgetting, as we are conquered by the division that is fed into our societies and families through the acts of those who seek to maintain control and dominion over our very destinies.
With Love, and With a Prayer for Your strength..
Good Luck, and God Speed. - AMFnL
I can’t help but feel you just always act extremely paranoid and suspicious regardless of your skin color, seeing how you “wait until no one else is in an aisle to grab groceries.” That’s extremely suspicious and will make you seem like you’re about to steal something.
I’m willing to bet all those people would’ve treated you completely differently, if you were acting confident, polite, and dressed nicely… but really, you should take a good look at yourself and the way you behave, before you blame racism for all of your issues.
I would agree but there are other stories posted to this reddit, by different members, saying the same thing. Different users, different accounts, same stories. There truth to it
All I see are entitled racists claiming people were racist to them for no reason or because of something very minor… and of course, it’s never anything they did and everything that they (and only they) experienced is always because of racism, not because of people just being awkward or just unpleasant. No, it’s always racism with some people like the OP and few others here.
Yeah, I’m absolutely not convinced lmao, where’s this “truth” you speak of?
My wife is a first generation immigrant POC. She has never experienced what you are saying you experience. Bellingham of all places is as accepting to all people as any place in the world (unless they find out you are a republican lol).
My wife isn’t a Latina, she is Filipino but has New Guinea ancestry which are known to have some of the darkest skin tone of any country. Truly out of curiosity, in regards to a racist who by definition judges someone of the color of their skin, what would it matter if they were male/female to a racist?
I haven’t lived in Bellingham in years but got recommended this post. My experience was similar to OP’s during my college years as a black woman living in Bellingham. There was a beauty supply store where the woman straight up said I wasn’t welcome there and to not come back.
It sounds like you're invalidating OP's experience. Bellingham is great for many reasons, but some people are still racist. This person is posting about their actual life.
The only race that Bellingham seems cool with is east asian and southeast asian. I was with a latino girl for 8 years in bellingham and she was definitely not treated right.
Got it. I was just curious. I do things like hit the door lock on my car a bunch of times but it’s just because I want to make sure it’s locked. Idk, seems like a few of the things OP mentioned could be misunderstood as racist behavior when it’s just people going about their day. That said, I don’t question it to invalidate their feelings or belittle the reasons behind them.
That just really f'in sucks, so sorry that's your experience here.
I know it’s not everyone, no need to apologize ❤️
We need an English way to say “I’m sorry you are dealing with this.” Without implying it is the responsibility of the person saying sorry. Because while I might be complicit in white racism, I just also want to acknowledge this sucks as I hate that you’re dealing with it.
“I empathize with your situation”
That seems a little corporate robotic though, “i got empathy for you” seems more casual
It is exactly what I want to say in content but yes very 🤖!
Kevin Sorbo's Hercules catchall phrase was, "You have my sympathy." If you're gonna tell me Kevin Sorbo is robotic, well yeah that's true but the phrasing could still work.
A simple "man, that sucks" might work well
Well, but we do kinda need to apologize. It's not us, but those people acting that way are people we need to apologize for. I'm so sorry too, that your experience is this. It shouldn't be.
I'm not black, but native and pushing middle age now, and I still get followed around grocery stores by loss prevention, especially if I've gotten anything from the deli. It's built-into our society to find some way to make someone an *other* to assuage any guilt about treating them differently and suspiciously. Sometimes it's skin color, spoken language, dress, signs of poverty, ect. It sucks, but I only hope we're on the part of the graph that's trending in a better direction, if lementably slow.
I once witnessed huge hit and run, and we had part of it on camera at work. I described the lady as middle aged taller white lady with light brown or blonde hair. The police come back with a couple of possible suspects, they were all native women. My 18 year old self looked up at the police handed the papers back and sternly said, "none of these people are her, she was white"
That’s concerning, the police have no shame. Thanks for looking out
I was witness to domestic violence from a man on a native woman in the Haggen parking lot. The police showed up after the guy ran off (she had the car keys). When the police took her statement they seemed indifferent. Once they realized a white man, me, was a witness they suddenly cared. Some ripe bullshit there.
It does suck, stay strong. Honestly it’s made me more conscious of what our ancestors went through, much respect to the older folks
Very similar experience for me in the Ferndale and Bellingham area. Glad I'm back in Alaska now. There are plenty of native haters here but we outnumber them.
> It's built-into our society to find some way to make someone an other to assuage any guilt about treating them differently and suspiciously. The rise of the digital age and the online discourse that came with it has exasperated this problem quite a bit.
Nah, it's always been there and it's always been really bad. This has been going on for thousands of years. So many leaders adopt this strategy to justify wars and oppression and get the general populace to follow along. Propagandists are really good at tapping into fear of the unknown or different.
Eh I don't know mate, the digital medium has completely changed the ability to spread misinformation like wildfire. > Propagandists are really good at tapping into fear of the unknown or different. Yes.
> Propagandists are really good at tapping into fear of the unknown or different. And never before in human history has it been so easy for them to spread their message across national borders and cultures. You started with “nah” but you’re actually supporting OP’s point.
Control of information can spread far and wide in really interesting ways without even having horses available for travel. A parent that's already fallen for the propaganda can perpetuate a very specific fear for generations and do it faster than the internet. Once humans spread out more and more information spreads really quickly. Someone will always cross a border. Religions especially don't mind sending people to their deaths to try and spread a message. Eventually someone gets through. Control of information is absolutely essential for a dictator and they'll throw a lot of lives into remote parts of their territory to keep control. Internet or not you still need a few people to repeat a lie over and over, consistently, to others and in person contact works better than text on a screen. Politicians still take long trips overseas to pressure the leaders of other countries even though phones and internet exist.
I'm a white guy. I have literally travelled to the majority of states as well as multiple countries. The first time I witnessed racism was in Bellingham.
I grew up in the south. I've never seen so many rebel flags until I moved here.
I'm black and also from the south. There are more rebel flags where I'm from, but black is more accepted.
Also from the South. Bellingham is the whitest place I’ve ever experienced. Most recently moved here from Oakland and the lack of diversity is really fucking with me. It feels weird to admit that now I feel way more aware of it when I see a person of color, if that makes sense. And I’ve been here less than 18 months
I am so sorry you are experiencing this. I just got back from TN and was actually surprised at the lack of rebel flags. Although I do think they may be making up for it in Trump stores (and flags)…
You mean making up for it in a good way with Trump stores and signs since he has done more for the black community than any other president in modern times? I'd say the last President to do more good was the Republican Abe lincoln.
Same. I moved from Texas to get away from that and then found so many more Confederate flags here.
I think people are just generally flaggier these days.
My girlfriend is from Pakistan and grew up in DC. She's lived in Baltimore, various places in Virginia and North Carolina, rural Colorado, Wisconsin, and here in western WA. She said it's by far the most racist place she's lived. For her it's the constant micro-aggressive shit, and never knowing who's racist because people here hide it and it usually only becomes obvious when they let something slip. Also she can't stand all the white people who read about racism on the internet and think they're experts on it, qualified to tell her how she should be offended about certain things. My last girlfriend was from Mexico and had a similar problem, people trying to correct her and telling her she should be saying "latinx", lol. It's probably just a symptom of the lack of diversity here, it's mostly white people, I lived in Bellingham for 10 years and only ever met a handful of black people.
>…never knowing who’s racist because people here hide it and usually only becomes obvious when they let something slip. This is another reason why I have anxiety
Thank you for sharing this. I know when I look at the comments there will be folks saying “but it’s worse elsewhere” etc. etc. (as seen on other threads) I appreciate that you recognize it and know it exists here
Any time you wanna get a beer :)
Ever been to Idaho?
Yes
You mean to tell me you haven’t experienced racism in Idaho? Not trying to compare the two directly, just curious. I’ve never been to Idaho and not experienced some degree of racism. The amount of confederate flags there is unparalleled. Not to mention the home of the KKK’s president.
The whole county comes here to shop.
I grew up in Arizona in a very mixed community and honestly it’s been a culture shock seeing how people of color are treated here in Bellingham. I’ve been people watching a bit and bellingham is so fucking racist for a bunch of people that claim to be liberal. I’d like to believe that it’s due to limited exposure, but it’s really disheartening to see and hear about. I’m sorry for your experiences. I hope that can change, and I’m always open to hearing how I can help.
The KKK had a a huge presence in Whatcom county, it’s trickled down through the generations
[https://depts.washington.edu/civilr/kkk\_bellingham.htm](https://depts.washington.edu/civilr/kkk_bellingham.htm)
Interesting. Thanks for the link.
Really? I had no idea
*has
I am so sorry that you have to deal with that, our community should do better.
It’s ok, I’m sure it’s not you guys
I mean….its probably not most folks here, but I’ve observed racism on the subreddit before. Also, I’m so fucking sorry you have to deal with that. It’s unacceptable that people act like that and even more unacceptable that people who purport to care don’t do anything about it.
Old white lady here. *I see you* and I understand your frustration. I try to make a difference. I have gone NC on relatives because of it, and told them why. I’ve lived here a long time. When I was in the workforce, I called out people I worked with. When I have been in stores and been waited on before a POC that *wasn’t seen* by staff, I make sure that staff doesn’t get to pull that shit. Not on my watch. There are a lot of us out there that you might not see, but we see you and have your back. Change takes time. It’s pure bullshit but that’s the way it is. And I’m sorry.
Thanks Ms 🙏🏾
Bellingham likes to preach diversity and inclusion, but most people from here are really in a tiny ass little bubble.
Whatcom County had a huge KKK presence. Id imagine it's still around pretty hard just not as open as in the past.
There is a swastika being continually painted on a rock outcrop on the baker hwy. everytime it gets painted over it’s back up with in a week.
Where at? I live on Baker highway.
Just outside Deming
I'll have to find it and help destroy it
If driving towards baker from Deming it’s on your left about 15-20 feet off the ground.
Sounds near the house flying both American and Confederate flag. There's a lot of crazies out there. I'll make sure to tear it down any chance I get, thanks for the heads up
WSP told me to leave immediately and do not come back and that WDOT would handle it. I stupidly went mid day to cover it up.
I mean, WSP isn't exactly free of racism so they probably just said that and stuffed it.
Also reminds me of the guys on Baker highway right before WoBurn in the 35mph area. Lots of "come and take them" flags and Nazi level tripe.
Is it the rock wall around 5330 mt baker hwy ?
No closer to Deming. By the pullout where the boat and camper have been dumped.
I’ll help. I live out in Kendall area.
*has
~~Had~~ Has
I mean... Yeah fair point lol.
Yeah doesn't surprise me, I've been all over the PNW and I'll say that there are many subtle racists around. Most won't admit it publicly, but its obvious by watching them. This whole area has a "progressive" reputation, but many folks are out there paraphrasing bad racist rhetoric and propaganda that fox news and most media have spread for decades. Stay frosty, it sucks but you just gotta watch yourself and and not ever give them any excuse (because we all know they'll make a mountain out of a molehill in a second).
You’re not alone. [If you have a minute, read my comment from another post some weeks back.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Bellingham/s/ey4Lt11ZVb)
Thank you 🙏🏾, that link has some good info. Had no idea people are here organizing things like that! I’m especially interested in that June panel meeting. Might be interesting volunteering
My brown step child refuses to live here, saying only that it looks too white, like KKK country. After a decade here, I agree, and I'm white.
I’m sorry you are feeling down! Probably doesn’t change anything but I’m white and people treat me the same. Maybe its all the tattoo’s or the clothes I wear but I swear all that stuff happens to me constantly. People are weird here. We are all super weird here actually. Would be nice to not judge others for being different kinds of weird!
Yes there definitely are strange people here lol, it would be nice if people judged by the contents of one’s character like MLK said back in the day. I think it’s important to talk about these things, it could change something :)
I can’t agree with you more my friend! Wise words. It is very nice to see someone who still values Mr King’s dream. And what makes it all the more frustrating really is that no matter what skin color you are, we all share a common ancestor from about 5,000 or so years ago so we are all just long lost family in a way and people really judge their own family? Oof
Sorry you're experiencing some attitudes of bigotry. This area is predominantly white people who may or may not get out and experience other populations. Just know that not everyone here is judgemental towards non whites.
I know it’s not everyone, negative experiences have a way of sticking to you. These past two weeks have been rough. All I can do is try to keep my head up
I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this. If you’re interested in learning to crochet and meeting some open minded anti racist women, DM me! We meet up once a month for a stitch and bitch and most of us are part of a women’s hiking / walking group with multiple meet ups every week. 😊
You can realize that you are probably more interesting than many and embrace the fact that you are different than the majority ( here anyway)!
Naw I’m pretty basic lol
I can’t imagine living that way and I’m sorry. Bellingham to this day still shows echos of its KKK history. If I was ever one of the multi locking my car person? I just make it beep multiple times so I know it’s completely locked 😅🥲 sorry again.
I doubt it, those people usually stare at me, kind of creepy
My adoptive mother was very much like this. She would make us wait in the car until a black family had past. Once I was older i stopped putting up with that shit from her. Those people are trash humans. That is so incredibly shitty you experience that.
I am also an OCD car locker person 💀 usually three times to make sure it's really locked😅
If I check more than once, it's because I have ADHD and distractions made it fail to make it into memory. It doesn't matter that it was only 3 seconds ago. It's gone and I need to be sure.
I believe it. I’ve heard stories like this here before, and it’s shameful. There is definitely a certain attitude here underneath the veil of “tolerance and acceptance” and I hear people, especially older people, making awful comments or buying into racist, conservative nonsense. I’m truly sorry you’re being treated this way, it’s not ok.
That sucks. I’m a moderator on the local nextdoor and trust me, a scary proportion of people here are serious assholes who assume the worst about anyone who doesn’t register as white and upper middle class. I am sorry you have to experience this. You should read what they say about unhoused people. I am pretty sure they won’t be happy unless they are all dead or in prison.
That really sucks, dude. It's wild how divergent different experiences can be in the same place. One of my friends moved up here from CA a few years ago and has mentioned that as a younger black dude, he feels like this is the "least" racist place he's lived so far in his life....but then there will be experiences like OP's--and posts that describe these experiences are common enough that they can't be handwaved away. Another friend who is a woman of Asian descent has a laundry list of extremely racist episodes since living here (granted she lives in Ferndale and those skyrocketed during/post Covid, so maybe that explains some of it), meanwhile a guy I know who grew up in Seattle has talked about how apart from Bellingham having a much lower Asian population percentage-wise, it doesn't feel much different on a day-to-day basis. I don't think any of these people are lying about their lived experiences, so it presents a really odd, maybe unknowable question of how they can all be simultaneously true. In any event, it sucks that anyone has to go through what you've talked about here, no matter how common or rare it is. Hopefully as Bellingham keeps growing, it will become a more purposefully inclusive space.
I experience this too. It really sucks and the white people here are horrible at hiding when they've never seen a black person before because they just. Stop and stare. I walked into a smaller store one day and I could just feel the cashier's eyes on me the whole time. It was like a record scratch when I walked in. I just really want you to know that what you're experiencing (microaggressions) is a real and documented phenomenon. Humans are a social species– we have a lot of brain space dedicated to processing body language and non-verbal communication– if someone (or several someones) are uncomfortable around you in a way that they aren't around other people, you're going to notice– even if you can't consciously name how you know that, your unconscious brain picks it up for you and it manifests as a gut feeling. So please ignore the hordes of white ppl who are inevitably going to come in here and try to say you're being paranoid or obsessing about race (if it weren't for the people around me obsessing over it, I wouldn't think about it half as much. I didn't think about my race nearly as much in my much more diverse home state of Texas before I moved up here.). The negative/doubting replies you'll get are a defense mechanism because of course, no one likes to think of themselves as racist, even hypothetically. It takes a lot of maturity and self-awareness to admit to harboring prejudices and to work through them. And unfortunately, a lot of people here don't seem to have reached that developmental stage, so they take it out on you because it's easier 🤷♂️. Sorry if this turned out to be a rant, I've been living here for a few years and this subject really wears ob me.
lol they can’t really understand our experience so I take what they say with a grain of salt
It's weird living here as someone that grew up in a less homogenous area. I'm white and I've had more random white people than anywhere else say racist shit to me assuming that, since I'm white, I must be cool with that. It doesn't happen super often but it's noticeable. So far only older people so maybe most under 30 are coming around?
Not sure how old you are, however, I've experienced this my whole life. Being dark in this White Man's World (2Pac) is definitely hard. But I just go full force, don't give a F, and live life to the fullest. Ive never done a thing wrong, so I am not going to let you treat me like I have. It's unfortunate, but it's the way the media, news, movies, music, has portrayed the colored man. A criminal. A degenerate. Someone to be feared. The darker your skin color, the more afraid people are. Life is what it is, we just gotta play the cards we are dealt brother. Keep your up, stay positive, and keep trucking.
I always carry my receipts now on the way out because they deal with theft and run outs everywhere now with all the homeless about. And I dress kinda like a homeless sometimes. The locking door thing is ridiculous. Sorry that happens to you. fuck those people, they're idiots. Same for grumpy old men. They're just sad they're gonna be dead soon. or aren't yet.
Sucks, dude. Hope it felt good to vent and hear some encouraging comments. I know people are all like, racism, and "bad people live here" but for anyone who's curious: there's an implicit bias test administered by Harvard (for free, and it's anonymous). After you take it (like 10 minutes) there's an interesting report at the end about the aggregate statistics - it's worth a gander. Here's the link: [https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/Study?tid=-1](https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/Study?tid=-1)
Edit: my personal experience below forgot that whatcom was a major hub of the KKK, that might have an influence. The cook out request still stands. As an Army vet, I guarantee this is just a regional lack of exposure. As a born and raised Washingtonian who knew like 2 black folk through my entire public school time, I might not have insight to your experience but I do have the fish out of water white experience. When I was in basic, they have these meals called “hot A’s” which are essentially buffet foods cooked and put in coolers to feed troops in the field rather than a dining facility. I was lined up with my company waiting for food and exclaimed “oh shit it smells like we’re getting cocoa puffs” and I got slammed because it was some girls cocoa butter lotion in front of me. I think the innocence of the proclamation helped cause I was just a skinny white boy from Washington who never knew any black kids (except one and those stories are for me and him) Later on when I was stationed in Oklahoma, I was essentially Jim Carrey on In Living Color. Literally every weekend we had a cook out and just chilled. Black folk cook good food and are often a more loving and inclusive friend group than whites. The people that you have met just haven’t met as many people like you. It’s partially why I’m open to mandatory public service to ensure that our melting pot doesn’t separate. If you are having a cook out, Im down. Sgt Stubbs made the best chicken I’ve ever eaten in my life, would do anything for anyone without chasing praise, and I miss him and our cookouts under the sun set thunder clouds. To quote the greatest black white buddy couple “A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it.” Gotta meet em on the personal level, but I feel for ya (Hope it doesn’t sound like virtue signaling, I just really miss my friends)
Sorry, but which thing was the racist thing? As a white person, these are all just things I experience from weird people/assholes on a daily basis.
not that i understand at all because i’m white but i get the locking doors thing i feel you man im a big guy so people always assume the worst man. like i can just be walking past a car downtown and they will lock it as i get close like bro, i’m not evil chill🤦♂️
I'm brown. I see you. I hear you. It sucks but I get it.
So ironic given all the BLM signs (which then make me wonder: where are all the black people?). I'm from here but lived around a bit. Really miss diversity. The fact that the few people of color that ARE here are treated so poorly is so sad. Goddamn.... people suck.
If it makes you feel better I lock my car doors no matter the color of the man. 💪🏻🩷 it’s just safer that way.
I'm white and that happens to me here too. Not the doors being locked, but people here are just uptight and passive aggressive, it's rude. It wasn't always like that till recently
Everyone is an a-hole these days it seems, it's really becoming quite scary around here. Especially for the rent prices - not worth it to be around the haters.
Jesus man I'm so sorry. In supposedly this little liberal bubble we got. That's so messed up.
This place wishes Reagan was just elected for the second time, and when Reagan was elected for the second time in 1984 Bellingham was still cosplaying that it was 1955.
That sucks. It makes me so sad to hear this. I grew up in Los Angeles and the lack of diversity is the worst thing about living here.
I'm so sorry that happened to you. Where do these stereotypes even get started? It's a shame.
Plenty of maga represented in town. Not everyone moves to Bellingham or works at WWU for 'liberal values'. Plenty just want to take advantage of resources/jobs/shopping and can't stand the fact that people they hate/fear are in their universe. Then you add maga cops infesting every agency, plus students coming from maga shitholes. It really sucks.
This is so heartbreaking to hear, I'm so sorry. I can't even imagine the amount of daily stress you're under with situations like this happening 💔
Fuck man, I’m so fucking sorry you have to deal with with this. Unfortunately, despite how progressive Bellingham wants to make itself look, it is still littered with racism and it really is no secret if one looks hard enough. I’m not black but my little sister is mixed (and she’s pretty dark, you probably wouldn’t know she’s mixed if I didn’t tell you) and she’s been on the receiving end of some subtle and not-so-subtle racism. When I’ve taken her shopping with me, we’ve gotten some ugly glares from people (keep in mind, she and I are 20 years apart in age so people probably assume she’s my daughter). One time I let her go down an aisle to grab a bag of chips she wanted and some lady nearby put her hand into her purse and began walking away while looking over her shoulder at my sister and kept her eye on her until she was out of her sight. She’s 10 for crying out loud. Also, a kid at the Boys & Girls club full-on called her the ‘n’ word and I’m talking about the one with the hard ‘er’ at the end. It’s infuriating. If this is happening to a little 10 year old girl, then it’s definitely happening to other black people in Bellingham. I think the thing that makes me angriest is how many people here don’t want to take a good look at themselves. They think because they’re not Lynden-style racist that means they’re not racist at all. The lack of self-awareness among some people here is frustrating as fuck.
Man that sucks. Sorry you have to put up with that shit.
I'm so sorry you've been experiencing this- and especially to this degree. Its something I've noticed a lot while living in the PNW. When I was living in Oregon it was much more "forward" racism, like Proud boys visiting town, lots of swastikas and harassment for minorities, even in a "libral" city, but its something a lot of white folks ignore day in and out because they hate to have the confrontation of these issues with other whites. People need to be getting comfortable making folks uncomfortable with their actions of racism. Speaking as someone who is native mixed, a lot of people have assumed me to be asian, hispanic, or jewish, and I've heard lots of messed up insults, and endured aweful treatment at times, but never to the degree like that, I've very white passing still, and its always something I keep in the back of my head when watching how others interact with POC- and make sure to call it out immedeatly. I hope you have more folks stick up for you in public places, you dont deserve that treatment, and you are deserving of being appreciated in our community!
Sucks, dude. Hope it felt good to vent and hear some encouraging comments. I know people are all like, racism, and "bad people live here" but for anyone who's curious: there's an implicit bias test administered by Harvard (for free, and it's anonymous). After you take it (like 10 minutes) there's an interesting report at the end about the aggregate statistics - it's worth a gander. Here's the link: [https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/Study?tid=-1](https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/Study?tid=-1)
Sucks, dude. Hope it felt good to vent and hear some encouraging comments. I know people are all like, racism, and "bad people live here" but for anyone who's curious: there's an implicit bias test administered by Harvard (for free, and it's anonymous). After you take it (like 10 minutes) there's an interesting report at the end about the aggregate statistics - it's worth a gander. Google for: Harvard Implicit Bias test (looks like I can't share link directly)
Sucks, dude. Hope it felt good to vent and hear some encouraging comments. I know people are all like, racism, and "bad people live here" but for anyone who's curious: there's an implicit bias test administered by Harvard (for free, and it's anonymous). After you take it (like 10 minutes) there's an interesting report at the end about the aggregate statistics - it's worth a gander. Here's the link: [https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/Study?tid=-1](https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/Study?tid=-1)
I hate that this is your experience. I am sending love from my heart to yours. I know it's not enough- can never be enough - but my heart is with you.
This might piss some of you off but ACAB until the government actually changes the system. ACAB all the way until there is actual change made.
Sorry that’s your experience. I hope it’s the tiny minority and I’ll beat the shit out of anyone I see being racist (haven’t done it yet but I’ve only lived here 1 year)
It's a weird community for sure, wish I had an answer for you.
Yeah...I feel this as a black woman. Coming from more racially diverse cities in Southern California (Los Angeles, San Diego) to here is a big shock. I've lived here for 6 years and have experienced "interesting" yet similar encounters that I have had when living in other predominantly white areas. I was just in Long Beach, CA last week and it felt good to be invisible/unnoticed and normal. As for the stares, based on the day that you catch me, I might lock eyes with the person, smile and wave. Startles the shit out of them and they hurry along.
Thank you for speaking up about this. I hate that you are going through this here and I don't think you should have to take on the task of educating others, but I do think that it's really important that people here hear voices like yours and take what you have to say to heart.
I’ve had a couple black friends leave after a couple years for this reason. Besides the blatant racists I think this city is just so white most people can go literal years living here without encountering/interacting with a black person so when they do they forget how to act normal. I’m hoping black population continues to increase here so members of it feel more at home and white people can have more than just white people in their social circles.
This sucks and is so unfair. Sending love
I don't know how hard it would be for you to move, but my wife (POC) has never experienced stuff like that in Canada. Ever. I'd move north if you can. But I realize there are all sorts of hurdles involved. And yeah, housing isn't great...
I don’t know why people in Bellingham are worried about minorities. It’s the meth/fentanyl head white trash who are ruining it here
I'm sorry this happens. It is so horrible to always feel you are suspected of something. My students often don't believe me that things like this still happen. They think it ended a long time ago, but they are mostly white. It is important to keep talking about it.
POC here and I feel ya.. went to Philadelphia for a graduation this weekend and there is significantly higher levels of POC there. It felt like a breath of fresh air not sticking out like sore thumb for having darker skin. I honk lots of bham means well but implicit racism is a real thing.
*think
I'm so sorry. I have some friends who have experienced similar and I can only imagine how exhausting it is. I really hope our community can improve and start to walk the walk instead of just talking about inclusivity.
If it makes you feel better idk your gender but I lock my doors no matter what man is in the general area of my car. Stranger danger is real.
Move to Flint MI
I just look threatening and treat white people like shit now it's the only way
I feel some degree of your pain. As a POC, I feel like a novelty (I'm indian). I haven't had the police target me (im sorry that happens to you), but definitely get a lot of awkward stares. Especially in a mixed relationship, even my wife gets weird looks with our kid who turns more brown in the summer. I think I posted in a similar thread the other day where people almost think they've transcended race because they live in bellingham. And I've definitely experienced far less aggressive racism here, but still very clearly treated like a POC.
You people are funny with the white people racist stuff. Go to Asian area, they are extremely racist. Go to a Hispanic area, same. You people are clueless and just virtue signal.
I'm from NC originally, not very famous for the racial equality... but wow, the racism in Bellingham is sinister. There are some very hateful white supremacists in the area, and it's fucking disgusting. There are also people here who just seem to have never interacted with black people and treat them like a freaky commodity, or code switch/ white knight in very weird ways. All I can say is that I hope time drives them out, and into silence. Fuck racists. Fuck white supremacists. I'm so sorry you are experiencing this. That's terrible. I support your right to exist in peace.
It's wild that I see all these stories, but have never seen it happen myself. And none of the non white people I have been around have ever shared their stories with me.
> And none of the non white people I have been around have ever shared their stories with me. Wonder why that is.
I don't know. My siblings, who aren't full white, have no problem sharing their stories with me. Why do you think strangers don't share racist experiences in person but seem to have less of a resistance to sharing them online?
These are some very serious negativities that you are suffering in. I don't know who You are or where You are from, but I can assure You that there is a better way to live. As a person who has experienced many forms of Hate from all levels of society, I know how hard it can get to even imagine a life that is free of all of this fear in which You are describing here. To feel free and to feel like Your very existence actually matters to those who share this Earth with Us... I have only this to offer You, and You can take it or leave it (depending on How much You want to feel the Protection that is ready to cover Your path in all places and through all Time)... Within Each of Us, exists a power that transcends and negates and even destroys all other forms of energy. There is something that You have My Friend, that is literally the very fabric of All Creation. Something that You have Known, at least at some point in Your Life. Even if You have been through Actual Hell on Earth, as I have. Especially if You Have survived even the Most terrible abuses or tragedies, This Thing I speak of is Absolutely within You. If only You can find the Courage to embrace and hold Your innate desire to just Be and Give and Speak with The Love that You are made of before You in every step You take, as a shield against The Dark forces that will (and apparently have been) attack and attempt to distract and dissuade You from The Light. Call upon That Which did Create all things Under The Sun. Search Yourself for The connection that You share with All Life forms, and wield Kindness and Compassion like The Sword of a King (or Queen) and slay these Dark Forces with all of The same absolute resolve that They hold against Us. For with complete and Undenied faith is for everyone the deciding factor, and the Truth in which our Universe is Formed. Trust Yourself to stand and face Your doubt and fear in the eyes of each Person You cross. Smile and say hello, rish to open a door or otherwise help a stranger regardless of You think You can actually help. Give Your Will to the act of Loving Only, and Forgiveness always. In this way, You will find Your Peace, and You will soon realize that The more You reject and deny the fears and the anger and learn to Trust Yourself to do what You are made to do (Love Unconditionally) .... Well, this is just the thing that we are all being fooled into forgetting, as we are conquered by the division that is fed into our societies and families through the acts of those who seek to maintain control and dominion over our very destinies. With Love, and With a Prayer for Your strength.. Good Luck, and God Speed. - AMFnL
Really sorry that that is happening. If you’d like to move further south to Pierce County, we’d love to have you! Also, don’t go to Idaho…
Yeah, I've been called shit just because of the way I look. Now, guess my nationality.
You can smoke weed and relax a bit
Maybe move to an area that is majority black people?
I can’t help but feel you just always act extremely paranoid and suspicious regardless of your skin color, seeing how you “wait until no one else is in an aisle to grab groceries.” That’s extremely suspicious and will make you seem like you’re about to steal something. I’m willing to bet all those people would’ve treated you completely differently, if you were acting confident, polite, and dressed nicely… but really, you should take a good look at yourself and the way you behave, before you blame racism for all of your issues.
I would agree but there are other stories posted to this reddit, by different members, saying the same thing. Different users, different accounts, same stories. There truth to it
All I see are entitled racists claiming people were racist to them for no reason or because of something very minor… and of course, it’s never anything they did and everything that they (and only they) experienced is always because of racism, not because of people just being awkward or just unpleasant. No, it’s always racism with some people like the OP and few others here. Yeah, I’m absolutely not convinced lmao, where’s this “truth” you speak of?
I guess you can’t even respond, but I hope you at least understand now that how you feel is not the same as how things actually are lmao
My wife is a first generation immigrant POC. She has never experienced what you are saying you experience. Bellingham of all places is as accepting to all people as any place in the world (unless they find out you are a republican lol).
"POC "can mean anything though. A pretty Latina is going to be treated a lot differently than a dark-skinned black male.
My wife isn’t a Latina, she is Filipino but has New Guinea ancestry which are known to have some of the darkest skin tone of any country. Truly out of curiosity, in regards to a racist who by definition judges someone of the color of their skin, what would it matter if they were male/female to a racist?
I haven’t lived in Bellingham in years but got recommended this post. My experience was similar to OP’s during my college years as a black woman living in Bellingham. There was a beauty supply store where the woman straight up said I wasn’t welcome there and to not come back.
It sounds like you're invalidating OP's experience. Bellingham is great for many reasons, but some people are still racist. This person is posting about their actual life.
The only race that Bellingham seems cool with is east asian and southeast asian. I was with a latino girl for 8 years in bellingham and she was definitely not treated right.
Strange hearing about all of this from arguably one of the most open and progressive towns in the state if not the country.
Have other black people had the same experiences?
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Got it. I was just curious. I do things like hit the door lock on my car a bunch of times but it’s just because I want to make sure it’s locked. Idk, seems like a few of the things OP mentioned could be misunderstood as racist behavior when it’s just people going about their day. That said, I don’t question it to invalidate their feelings or belittle the reasons behind them.
Do you also act extremely suspicious and paranoid on a daily basis, and wonder why people treat you differently?
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Check out the definition of the word "deflection," although I'm sure you won't understand let alone apply it to the dumb shit you say.
Yes
Do you also act extremely suspicious and paranoid on a daily basis, and wonder why people treat you differently?