Why is The Villages so predominantly white?

[The Mountaineer]

A former co-worker tells me that The Villages' predominant whiteness is systemic. I haven't seen it in my 4 winters (4 months each time) in The Villages in the Historic District or on the golf courses. I also haven't seen class distinctions, with CEOs playing alongside former hourly workers with no difference in treatment to each other. Am I naïve? With the Schwartz family so in charge I would think that, with their heritage, they would not discriminate based on color, religion or ethnicity. So, why is The Villages so predominantly white? It can't be because of the financial requirements because millions of non-whites have as much $$$ resources as those of us living in The Villages. Enlighten me. How did this whiteness come about? Are non-whites uncomfortable in The Villages? Those I have encountered don't seem to act that way. But, not being non-white, I can't speak for them. Let's have an informative, civil discourse. I know The Villages is predominantly Republican because the voting tallies show that. But I want to know if the whiteness is systemic, or because non-whites don't want to join in. Educate me. My 43 years on newspapers always made me inquisitive and wanting to know as much as I can about my fellow human beings. Thank you very much for your civil responses. I do not accuse. I only want to know more about The Villages from those who have lived here far longer than I have.

[billethkid]

Because we chose to come to TV.
Your question could easily be about blonds? Blue eyes?
From PA? NY? Germany? Orientals?

The blacks vs whites is a distorted racial implication.....which in my opinion has absolutely nothing to do with who lives here (or not).

Because the OP is about why not more blacks.....it is more race bait than inquisition?

[manaboutown]

This smells POLITICAL to me...

[rubicon]

A former co-worker tells me that The Villages' predominant whiteness is systemic. I haven't seen it in my 4 winters (4 months each time) in The Villages in the Historic District or on the golf courses. I also haven't seen class distinctions, with CEOs playing alongside former hourly workers with no difference in treatment to each other. Am I naïve? With the Schwartz family so in charge I would think that, with their heritage, they would not discriminate based on color, religion or ethnicity. So, why is The Villages so predominantly white? It can't be because of the financial requirements because millions of non-whites have as much $$$ resources as those of us living in The Villages. Enlighten me. How did this whiteness come about? Are non-whites uncomfortable in The Villages? Those I have encountered don't seem to act that way. But, not being non-white, I can't speak for them. Let's have an informative, civil discourse. I know The Villages is predominantly Republican because the voting tallies show that. But I want to know if the whiteness is systemic, or because non-whites don't want to join in. Educate me. My 43 years on newspapers always made me inquisitive and wanting to know as much as I can about my fellow human beings. Thank you very much for your civil responses. I do not accuse. I only want to know more about The Villages from those who have lived here far longer than I have.

Well i could easily ask "why is it the NBA predominately is black". However the purpose for other than NBA owners, officials etc would be meaningless .

How and why this racial nonsense has gotten so out of hand here is indeed becoming problematic.

There are no laws being broken here as to who can buy a home here.

I'm sick of threads like this

personal Best Regards:

[affald]

Answer...Duh... golf

Topic is such a bait it should immediately removed from the general forum.

[kstew43]

Answer...Duh... golf

Topic is such a bait it should immediately removed from the general forum.

tiger may disagree.....

[affald]

tiger may disagree.....Once again, someone mentioning an exception does not change the facts.

[graciegirl]

What brought us all here is hard work and planning and open mindedness and a caring and accepting and flexible attitude. AND a pioneering spirit. It takes GUTS to relocate after having lived all of your life in one area and many have, while many others have been world travelers.

Nothing is keeping anyone out that wants to live here and has the means to do so.

Golf is one of the main draws and there are a LOT of golfers here.

There is no reason why. It is just the choices people make. I believe that almost everyone here grew up with not much money and saved and scrimped and sacrificed and did without in order to retire where they chose and they chose here. No conspiracy, just what happened.

[Taltarzac725]

A former co-worker tells me that The Villages' predominant whiteness is systemic. I haven't seen it in my 4 winters (4 months each time) in The Villages in the Historic District or on the golf courses. I also haven't seen class distinctions, with CEOs playing alongside former hourly workers with no difference in treatment to each other. Am I naïve? With the Schwartz family so in charge I would think that, with their heritage, they would not discriminate based on color, religion or ethnicity. So, why is The Villages so predominantly white? It can't be because of the financial requirements because millions of non-whites have as much $$$ resources as those of us living in The Villages. Enlighten me. How did this whiteness come about? Are non-whites uncomfortable in The Villages? Those I have encountered don't seem to act that way. But, not being non-white, I can't speak for them. Let's have an informative, civil discourse. I know The Villages is predominantly Republican because the voting tallies show that. But I want to know if the whiteness is systemic, or because non-whites don't want to join in. Educate me. My 43 years on newspapers always made me inquisitive and wanting to know as much as I can about my fellow human beings. Thank you very much for your civil responses. I do not accuse. I only want to know more about The Villages from those who have lived here far longer than I have.

It seems more a cultural thing that many African- Americans want to stay closer to family and friends where they worked for some time. Rather than coming to the Villages and being immersed in a kind of Senior Disneyland. Morse did seem to model the Villages on plans of Walt Disney properties.

[villagerjack]

Lumping all white people into the same category is called Racism. Most come from different cultural backgrounds and countries. Diversity, an overused word, is not determined by skin color, unless you are a politician with an Agenda.

[Barefoot]

Well i could easily ask "why is it the NBA predominately is black". However the purpose for other than NBA owners, officials etc would be meaningless .
How and why this racial nonsense has gotten so out of hand here is indeed becoming problematic.
There are no laws being broken here as to who can buy a home here. I'm sick of threads like this.
:agree: Anyone who wants to buy a home in The Villages can do so.

[bob&Gail]

We live here because we choose. So can anyone else. If this to "white" for you why don't you move elesewhere. Why must everything revolve around racism?

[CWGUY]

:024: Is everyone sitting at their computer or are is someone on one knee? :confused:

[fw102807]

This forum needs a hide button like FB for stupid posts like this

[affald]

This thread is gone in 3.2.1....


Stop the race baiting

[fred53]

Oh good grief! the population of the US is predominately white...what the hell do you expect??? Someone is a trouble maker...

[Tom2172]

Why is everything race ? Why can’t people just do what they want to do without everything being classified by race, gender etc.
somethings are just what they are. Why aren’t there more left handed dentists who knows who cars life’s too short to worry about it

[Chatbrat]

There is only one color in the villages that means anything--its green--no hand outs or subsidies to live here--its not section 8 housing--

[Rapscallion St Croix]

The answer is simple

https://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2017/03/09/the-retirement-crisis-facing-african-americans/#3833f69c4f5b

[Bonny]

This thread is ridiculous. There is no reason what so ever to post this question !!!!

[asianthree]

I have to agree with Bonny,

Asianthree

[Taltarzac725]

The answer is simple

https://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2017/03/09/the-retirement-crisis-facing-african-americans/#3833f69c4f5b

That's a good link.

I have met a few African-American couples here in the Villages and they seem to have done well for themselves. One was an immigrant from Africa who gained citizenship and managed some part of the New York City subway system. He style spoke with a strong accent.

And families come to the Villages. I know several pairs of sisters who moved to the Villages or near it.

[Fredman]

Another trouble maker

[CWGUY]

Another trouble maker

:grumpy: Why don't posters "QUOTE" the post they are replying about?:wave:

[ColdNoMore]

A former co-worker tells me that The Villages' predominant whiteness is systemic. I haven't seen it in my 4 winters (4 months each time) in The Villages in the Historic District or on the golf courses. I also haven't seen class distinctions, with CEOs playing alongside former hourly workers with no difference in treatment to each other. Am I naïve? With the Schwartz family so in charge I would think that, with their heritage, they would not discriminate based on color, religion or ethnicity. So, why is The Villages so predominantly white? It can't be because of the financial requirements because millions of non-whites have as much $$$ resources as those of us living in The Villages. Enlighten me. How did this whiteness come about? Are non-whites uncomfortable in The Villages? Those I have encountered don't seem to act that way. But, not being non-white, I can't speak for them. Let's have an informative, civil discourse. I know The Villages is predominantly Republican because the voting tallies show that. But I want to know if the whiteness is systemic, or because non-whites don't want to join in. Educate me. My 43 years on newspapers always made me inquisitive and wanting to know as much as I can about my fellow human beings. Thank you very much for your civil responses. I do not accuse. I only want to know more about The Villages from those who have lived here far longer than I have.

I applaud you for attempting to have a civil discourse on the subject, but I think a big part of your answer(s)...come from the defensiveness of a lot of the posts.

I believe there is a group for African-Americans here and it would be great to hear their views/comments... on the questions you pose.

Because, as you mention, those of us who are white...can never speak for them and their experiences.

[CowBubba]

After spending so much of our lives in Washington D.C., moving here was quite different, but no better or worse. I do know people that find the lack of racial diversity as a negative. If I was prejudiced against minorities I would find the villages favorable, but I'm not so I say, ehh.

[karostay]

Get out of Town Join the NFL and Hollywood

[paulascorpio]

A former co-worker tells me that The Villages' predominant whiteness is systemic. I haven't seen it in my 4 winters (4 months each time) in The Villages in the Historic District or on the golf courses. I also haven't seen class distinctions, with CEOs playing alongside former hourly workers with no difference in treatment to each other. Am I naïve? With the Schwartz family so in charge I would think that, with their heritage, they would not discriminate based on color, religion or ethnicity. So, why is The Villages so predominantly white? It can't be because of the financial requirements because millions of non-whites have as much $$$ resources as those of us living in The Villages. Enlighten me. How did this whiteness come about? Are non-whites uncomfortable in The Villages? Those I have encountered don't seem to act that way. But, not being non-white, I can't speak for them. Let's have an informative, civil discourse. I know The Villages is predominantly Republican because the voting tallies show that. But I want to know if the whiteness is systemic, or because non-whites don't want to join in. Educate me. My 43 years on newspapers always made me inquisitive and wanting to know as much as I can about my fellow human beings. Thank you very much for your civil responses. I do not accuse. I only want to know more about The Villages from those who have lived here far longer than I have.

Anyone, any color, any race, religion or nationality can live here. So at this point you moved to the Villages so, what do you think the reason would be? Regarding your CEO friend, what did you give as an explanation? Regarding Systemic: we all bleed the same color!

[justjim]

Answer...Duh... golf

Topic is such a bait it should immediately removed from the general forum.

Golf is definitely a big "draw" for a lot of residents. Tiger did get more African Americans involved in the game but African Americans and Hispanics are still a small number who play golf today. As a matter of fact, there are less golfers today than yesterday period.
While others seem to think this topic isn't appropriate I don't see why not. Perhaps this is part of the problem---we don't want to discuss such issues. This is a topic that can get "political" but it doesn't necessarily have to be a political subject.

The income gap and retirement savings discussed in post #19 has much to do with the number of minorities in The Villages. Unfortunately this gap is widening as opposed to narrowing.

The Villages does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender sexual orientation or national origin. Bottom line: A person only needs the "desire" and the "means" to live here in this place called The Villages.

[Wiotte]

This thread is ridiculous. There is no reason what so ever to post this question !!!!



No question is ever ridiculous.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[perrjojo]

The answer is simple

https://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2017/03/09/the-retirement-crisis-facing-african-americans/#3833f69c4f5b

I agree that this is a very interesting article and likely plays an Important role in our lack of racial diversity. I am friends with a black couple who live here and I will ask her for her imput.

[Carl in Tampa]

A former co-worker tells me that The Villages' predominant whiteness is systemic. I haven't seen it in my 4 winters (4 months each time) in The Villages in the Historic District or on the golf courses. I also haven't seen class distinctions, with CEOs playing alongside former hourly workers with no difference in treatment to each other. Am I naïve? With the Schwartz family so in charge I would think that, with their heritage, they would not discriminate based on color, religion or ethnicity. So, why is The Villages so predominantly white? It can't be because of the financial requirements because millions of non-whites have as much $$$ resources as those of us living in The Villages. Enlighten me. How did this whiteness come about? Are non-whites uncomfortable in The Villages? Those I have encountered don't seem to act that way. But, not being non-white, I can't speak for them. Let's have an informative, civil discourse. I know The Villages is predominantly Republican because the voting tallies show that. But I want to know if the whiteness is systemic, or because non-whites don't want to join in. Educate me. My 43 years on newspapers always made me inquisitive and wanting to know as much as I can about my fellow human beings. Thank you very much for your civil responses. I do not accuse. I only want to know more about The Villages from those who have lived here far longer than I have.

1. Did you ask your "former co-worker" to produce evidence of such systemic exclusion? Was there any convincing evidence?

2. Have you looked into the ratio of Blacks to Whites in retirement communities throughout the United States? What did you find?

Satisfy your (and our) inquisitiveness.

[logdog]

The answer is simple

https://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2017/03/09/the-retirement-crisis-facing-african-americans/#3833f69c4f5b

1. Did you ask your "former co-worker" to produce evidence of such systemic exclusion? Was there any convincing evidence?

2. Have you looked into the ratio of Blacks to Whites in retirement communities throughout the United States? What did you find?

Satisfy your (and our) inquisitiveness.

I looked at demographics of a couple of retirement communities and found The Villages - 95% white, Sun City AZ - 96% white, Sun City Center Tampa - 97% white. A quick look that seems to support the Forbes article.

[Gpsma]

Why would blacks want to come to TV. If this community was predominately black most current residents would not have bothered to look here.

[John_W]

I grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida in the 1960's and my high school St. Petersburg High my senior year 1967-68 was 1200 students and about a 1/3 of the school or 400 students were African American. Our school wasn't the school for most blacks in St. Petersburg. Gibbs High School also had about 1200 students and only 7 students were white. I was suppose to go there until some boundary lines were changed 2 blocks from my house.

I lived on the southside of St. Pete and the area as a whole was predominately black. I just checked the stats and it hasn't changed much. St. Petersburg is 160,000 white, 60,000 black, 17,000 Hispanic, 8,000 Asian and 6,000 others. So if you had asked me when I was growing up if St. Petersburg was mostly white, I would of told you no. You can drive there now and see nothing but white people, it all depends on the part of the city. I find that African Americans who retire to Florida don't choose retirement communities where a minority would really stand out, but rather live among others of their own race and don't mind living in the cities because they came from city life. Of course there is the exception. In my CYV community we have 80 villas and 3 are owned by black families. In 2013 my High School had our 45th Reunion and our class of about 400, we had 80 students attend and only 1 was African American.

https://statisticalatlas.com/place/Florida/St-Petersburg/Race-and-Ethnicity

[l2ridehd]

I had a very interesting conversation with someone just this week. They were from Europe and this was their first visit to the US. Guess what amazed them the most? Their exposure to the US was television. They honestly believed from watching US TV that we were at least 60% plus minority and most of that was black. What amazed them the most after visiting NY, Boston, a couple other smaller cities and some rural US was how many white people actually lived here. They couldn't believe the distorted view they got from US television. Their most shocking comment was that almost all our news broadcasters were black. They just didn't understand what was happening here.

Shocked me that folks from overseas would notice that.