Alabama

[waapo2018]

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Hi,

I am going to UAB next year for optometry school. I know this is kind of weird, but I've heard that Alabama is like one of the most racist states in the country. Do you think it's safe to be a minority living there?

 

[WhyNeedAName]

Wow, congrats with UAB! With such a small class, I'm really happy to hear this lol. I spent 6 weeks there last summer for an internship and I was asking myself the same questions when I was about to go there, especially since I'm from South Florida and we're not anywhere like that lol.
First off, UAB has a 0 tolerance policy for any racism/ sexism.
Secondly, as far as I was told by med students there, the downtown area is ok (mid town, the campus, maybe outskirts of that area). I heard north of Railroad park is a bit sketch at night, but, again, that's what I was told.
Thirdly, Bham is about 80% black. The towns around there may be otherwise though (like Homewood).
Become friends with Dr. Simon lol! He's amazing, and he'll help you if you feel a bit uncomfortable with the majority 😉

 

[pstifter]

I'm not going to UAB, but I did get accepted there and considered matriculating there. As the above person was saying, Dr. Simon is actually amazing and makes me wish I was going to UAB. He'll go above and beyond to help you.

I actually go to The University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) and have spent a lot of time in Birmingham as a result. While there are always fringe incidents, Birmingham is a big enough city that it's actually quite liberal there. I would not worry too much about being a minority there. Good luck and congrats!

 

[wareagle08]

This is so incredibly offensive. Obviously you have never traveled...anywhere. Some of the most racist people i have ever met were in new york. Hey buddy, you might be lucky enough to have running water while you suffer through optometry school in the sticks. #yousurehaveaprettymouth

 

[pstifter]

This is so incredibly offensive. Obviously you have never traveled...anywhere. Some of the most racist people i have ever met were in new york. Hey buddy, you might be lucky enough to have running water while you suffer through optometry school in the sticks. #yousurehaveaprettymouth

Ah leave it to the Auburn dude to get set off by this. His question wasn't offensive at all. Alabama IS one of the most racist states. If you're offended by facts that's your problem. I went to the University of Alabama for four years and as a white dude I'm still stunned by the racism that I see perpetuated down here, even in Tuscaloosa which is a very liberal city for Alabama. I would NOT want to be a black person at either Auburn or Alabama.

I honestly think it's wild how much his honest question annoyed you. Get over yourself. Alabama IS behind the times, deal with it.

 

[WhyNeedAName]

This is so incredibly offensive. Obviously you have never traveled...anywhere. Some of the most racist people i have ever met were in new york. Hey buddy, you might be lucky enough to have running water while you suffer through optometry school in the sticks. #yousurehaveaprettymouth

I've traveled a lot of places and if you think new york is racist, then you got a lot to learn. Yes, new Yorkers can be rude, but racist is something totally different. I don't get glances walking down the street for my skin color. Tbh, I can tell you're white from your statement of offense. Any other minority (and non racist white person like above) would know Alabama racist past. If you wish to educate yourself of Alabama's racist past, you can visit the Civil Rights museum in Birmingham. It's right across the street from 16th street Baptist church.

 

[deleted613943]

This is so incredibly offensive. Obviously you have never traveled...anywhere. Some of the most racist people i have ever met were in new york. Hey buddy, you might be lucky enough to have running water while you suffer through optometry school in the sticks. #yousurehaveaprettymouth

As a minority and a New Yorker, that is offensive. I am going to guess that you don't go to SUNY. If you think people in NYC are racist as a whole, I can't imagine what will happen if you go somewhere else.

 

[pstifter]

This is so incredibly offensive. Obviously you have never traveled...anywhere. Some of the most racist people i have ever met were in new york. Hey buddy, you might be lucky enough to have running water while you suffer through optometry school in the sticks. #yousurehaveaprettymouth

I'd like to further add that by believing racism is not present in Alabama you are indirectly promoting and adding to the problem of racism in the south. Enlighten yourself before speaking on this topic again.

 

[eyeeseeeyou]

Hi,

I am going to UAB next year for optometry school. I know this is kind of weird, but I've heard that Alabama is like one of the most racist states in the country. Do you think it's safe to be a minority living there?

Hi,

I was called in for an interview, and would like to know your experience interviewing there. thanksss!!!!

 

[pstifter]

Hi,

I was called in for an interview, and would like to know your experience interviewing there. thanksss!!!!

I'm not that guy but I interviewed there on super saturday back in August. Just be yourself. Nicest group of people that work there, and same for the students. There is absolutely nothing to stress about; if you've already been invited for an interview that's a great sign!

I had two interviews, one where they know nothing about you and they just say "tell us about yourself" and the conversation goes from there. The other is an academic overview. Just relax, you'll do great.