Large amount of San Jose Asians (Fremont, Berkeley: live, eat, racist)

[dogandcat]

Originally Posted by Seattle4321

So I went on a trip to San Jose. I went to the mall in San Jose, I think Westfield? Nearly everyone there was Asian. I mean it's not a bad thing, they didn't do anything too me. Maybe a few weird looks, but I felt "out of place". Not like its unlivable, cause I could do it but it's just not the best feeling. I mean I didn't understand any of language, I didn't look like these people, etc. Does bug anyone else at all? I felt like I was in China or something lol, I was really surprised about the demographics. I feel like California is really just becoming all Mexican and Asian. It makes me like it's not my home anymore.

Please don't be afraid of me. I don't bite

[silverkris]

Originally Posted by Seattle4321

So I went on a trip to San Jose. I went to the mall in San Jose, I think Westfield? Nearly everyone there was Asian. I mean it's not a bad thing, they didn't do anything too me. Maybe a few weird looks, but I felt "out of place". Not like its unlivable, cause I could do it but it's just not the best feeling. I mean I didn't understand any of language, I didn't look like these people, etc. Does bug anyone else at all? I felt like I was in China or something lol, I was really surprised about the demographics. I feel like California is really just becoming all Mexican and Asian. It makes me like it's not my home anymore.

I'm a Bay Area native and Asian American. It's my home too.

[BicoastalAnn]

I understand what you're trying to say. I think it's the fact that the demographics have changed that makes you feel like a fish out of water, because it's redefining your old notions of what you should be seeing.

I'd say I feel out of place when there is no diversity in any situation... like all white, all black, all asian, all latino. etc. Except I suppose when you're in an all white situation you think that's just normal Americana, which overrides the weird feeling I guess. But I'm talking about like 95% one race in a room or defined area where you can see it all. It would not make me feel weird to go to an area like San Jose because, even if you see a lot of asians, it's pretty diverse.

[ketch89]

The different ethnicities don't bother me at all, they make me feel great about being part of the great Californian melting pot. The languages do often bother me, though. My grandfather was literally beaten bloody by his father whenever he spoke German, they valued integration so much. Sometimes it feels like Asians don't want to be Californians at all, but rather just stay within their insular communities. (I have no evidence to back up the idea that Asians today are being more insular than Germans were 90 years ago, I'm just stating my feelings).

[mossly]

No. I feel more at home in places that have a large number of different ethnicities.

I grew up in a small town and the population was quite homogenous. It was a nice enough childhood, but once I reached adulthood, it became stifling. After living in more diverse areas for the bulk of my adult life, I went back to my hometown for a few months to help with a sick relative, and it was just like...something was missing. Everybody in my hometown had the same life story, it seemed, and therefore the same perspectives, same favorite foods, same opinions, etc. I was really grateful to get to San Jose and its diversity after that.

There have been times since moving to SJ when I've been the only white person in the room - I admit that takes some getting used to if you grow up around people who look just like you. But, I also think it's healthy to experience this. That said, it's never happened at the mall! I find it frankly a little hard to believe that Asians at Valley Fair or Oakridge would be giving "weird looks" to a white person just for being there. These are large malls in a city that is something like 40% white.

[MediocreButArrogant]

Originally Posted by Seattle4321

Sorry I guess I made the poll question too long. It should say does a large number of other ethnicities other than your own make you feel like your not home in your own country, or out of place?

No, because I'm not an ignorant, inbred hillbilly.

[mstnghu2]

Originally Posted by MediocreButArrogant

No, because I'm not an ignorant, inbred hillbilly.

Wow, that type of overblown response that's typical for this forum took longer than I expected! It always happens any time somebody tries to discuss race here.

I didn't get the sense that the OP was some sort of ignorant, inbred hillbilly. Maybe you should chill out a little and stop looking for racism in every little thing.

[Moddedintegra56]

in the bay area if you are not a minority you are the minority

looking for the majority caucasian/white neighborhoods? strangely enough those happen to be the most expensive areas go figure.

[Ruth4Truth]

I stay in Fremont when I'm in the Bay Area. I'm unfazed. I enjoy the diversity. Even if it's pretty monolithic in Fremont. Walking around UC Berkeley can also have this effect.

[mstnghu2]

Originally Posted by Moddedintegra56

in the bay area if you are not a minority you are the minority

looking for the majority caucasian/white neighborhoods? strangely enough those happen to be the most expensive areas go figure.

That's not really true. The Mission San Jose area of Fremont is one of the most expensive zip codes in CA and it's almost entirely Chinese and Indian. Some of San Jose's most expensive zip codes also have large Asian populations, along with close-by cities like Saratoga and Cupertino.