[daguy]

I'm going to study in Virginia in August and I did a little research about the state. It was the capitol of the Confederacy during the American Civil War (who wanted to keep slavery) and Republican candidates have won all previous presidential elections except for when Obama was in the race for president. Virginia is represented by 8 Republicans and 3 Democrats in the House of Representatives. In the Netherlands, Republicans are known for backwards racist people in general but are there any major (cultural, moral, traditional) differences among Republican and Democratic states? Are Republicans more racist than Democrats (from your expierence) or is this just a stereotype?

I don't think Republicans are biologically racist but more symbolic racists (not all of them of course!). Symbolic racism is a new variant of racism which finds it origins in conservative/protestant values. An example of this is when they say that 'blacks fail to try hard enough' which comes from the calvinist ideology that one has to work hard for a living. In this case, racism is based upon (or mixed with) American values (individualism). An example of what I mean can be seen in the following video which shows an ad of Republicans during the 1988 U.S. election: There were also racist republican commercials in the last elections, but I couldn't find those. I kind of look like an Alejandro, what should I watch out for?

Typo, title should be racism among liberals and conservatives in the USA.

[comprar-espana]

Don't forget that America is full of immigrants and visitors from all over the world-- we're not just a racist white country. Sure there are some people with racist beliefs (like my grandfather) but they are mostly in their 80's and 90s. We're actually pretty forward thinking here, believe it or not.

I haven't been to Virginia since I was a kid, I'm not sure what their culture is regarding the Confederate heritage, but don't worry. It is very near Maryland/ DC which is a major metropolitan hub for the entire world. People here are very accepting of anyone as long as you don't throw around the words "communism" and "anarchy" but then again, as a college kid you could probably get away with that, even.

If I could give you any advice, just be wary of anyone with politically extreme ideas (right or left): tea partiers and the like. Those people tend to be generally unbalanced and uneducated.

Glad you're coming to the US and I hope you have lots of fun! If you have any other questions, shoot me a pm.

ETA that in my experience, I agree with what you said: Republicans tend to be more racist than liberals but I think that's just because, like you said, the fundamental Christians and old people who are stuck in their old ways tend to be both 1. right wing and 2. untrusting of anyone who looks different.

[Nupbeaupeteew]

The University I'm attending was chosen as the best University for international students a few years ago so Im not expecting too many problems there but I also signed up for a host family, that's why I wanted to get informed about Virginian/Republican culture. Most likely, I will also get an American roommate (even though I payed for a private room with single bath but Americans seem to share a room with another student..). I was also told by a professor that 'red' states (despite them being conservative) are also more hospitable and warm than 'blue' states (but if they apply that to a West-Asian muslim is another case).

The place I'm staying is just an hour away from Washington DC and it's a big city. I can see it from the crime rates which are above national average. Fortunately, I'm no anarchist or communist so that's a big plus I guess. I know I should avoid tea partiers since they have the brains of a spider and any arguing with them will do no good. Can't wait to leave Leyden to be honest, I hate it here. I hope it will be a good experience and if I'll come up with any questions, I'll pm you, thanks so much ; )

I've no problem with having a talk with someone who has fundamental views on religion (I have a Christian colleague who is of the opinion that the Netherlands should be a theocratic state, nice conversations though). As long as they are not extreme like Christian Identity (US group) who are utterly racist, it shouldn't be too big of a problem.

It could be that I was too influenced by friends and schoolmates who said Americans were stupid and that I wouldn't feel welcome there. I don't think that will be the case, especially not there. Still, I'd prefer the US over any European nation anytime.

[chuecafressds]

Each state has its own unique culture, but in general Red states are more traditional than Blue ones. As Larali said the only ones you need worry about are the Tea Partiers, they are easily distinguishable by their clothing and bumper stickers which are usually extremely anti Obama/liberal and usually consisting of extreme far right mantras. While I have never been to Virginia if it is anything like other Southern States, then the people should be kind and friendly, particularly so towards guests to our country.

If Virginia is anything like Texas then there should be a sizable portion of the Populace that pays homage to the Confederacy, flying confederate flags on their lawns and inside their stores and shops. I personally will not enter a shop or store that openly flies Confederate flags.

[usatramadolusa]

That Has Jewish written all over it.

Wild Hebrews Issuing Tactical Engineering = White