[TrudyM]

I really want to ask a question everyone is going to hate. We visited in 2006 for a week and we had a great time. TV is top of my list for retirement in 24 months. But my husband’s friends are telling him that he will be happier in Las Vegas (a lot of people from Hawaii live there) or Arizona. Their reason is that he is a Hawaiian of Japanese ancestry. He thinks of himself as an American and would bleed red white and blue if cut I suspect. His friends say he is too nice (probably true) and naive that just because everyone was friendly on the outside doesn’t mean that we will be really accepted and included in the lifestyle. Are they right? We always think the best of people but just because people aren't rude doesn't mean that they will feel comfortable including us. I didn’t see any minorities when we where there come to think of it. I am hoping that his friends are wrong and I am worried for nothing.

[Muncle]

A very reasonable question. No, there are not an abundance of minorities in TV. There is an active African-American club, but I have no idea of the numbers. Additionally, there are a number of Hispanic and Oriental (Pacific Rim) residents but I couldn't even fathom a guess at numbers.

As to whether the the friendliness one perceives here is a facade or is actually real, I'd strongly claim that it is the real thing. What you see is what you get. If a person is open and friendly, it wouldn't matter if they were French. They'd still be welcomed and accepted. TV is somewhat of a mix as it is. There's a big difference between someone born & raised in NYC and someone from Suburban Kentucky. Throw in a Cape Codder, a DC government worker, and a Michigan factory retiree and we have our own little melting pot. Yeah, it's predominantly white, even heavily white, but that's evolving, all for the better. And I think you'll find that most folks here in TV really don't care. They want a good neighbor who maintains a nice yard, maybe plays golf with the gang, joins the cards and luncheon group, and can cook up something really good for the periodic block parties. And if they can't do that, it doesn't bother us all that much either. We'll still like 'em.




`

[GMONEY]

whats a minority now a days????????????????? That is the question you need to ask yourself.. Kinda wierd you would think of that, but never know.. This is a retirement community for all that wish to live it.....
Bust a Move or set back wish you did... This is the place. BY the way No Hate Here...

Money Out

[ChattanoogaTn]

Originally Posted by GMONEY

whats a minority now a days????????????????? That is the question you need to ask yourself.. Kinda wierd you would think of that,

...............

[softfire]

I belive you are worried for nothing. I imagine if it is a concern to him. He may be the one that will have to answer this for himself. I truly belive the both of you will have a grand time here and will be included in all you attempt to partcipate in. At our ages we reccognize the varity of people is what makes our world very interesting and more delightful. Bring a smile and a great personality to the table and you will be fine. Good luck in your decision.
Judi in woodbury.

[graciegirl]

I hope this helps. I can't imagine any problems at all with your husbands ancestors. I have yet to see anyone even pause at such a small issue here.

The interesting problem here to me is ....HOW you are raised. I always assumed that all people had pretty much the same values and attitudes, figuring in religious and political views, but I was really wrong.

Here it does really make a difference in small ways how you drive a car, whether you say "excuse me" when you bump into someone, or honk at them at a stop light and even flip them the bird. What you might hear if you stand in front of someone at the square....or sit in their seat.

It takes a little getting used to.

What is different and wonderful is that by the time people have reached the age that draws them here that most of them have worked hard, had a few bouts of extreme sadness and serious illness, have met a few major disappointments and have a lot of wonderful happy experiences. It makes them into compassionate and caring people for the most part....So you can forgive them if they just stand in the middle of the aisle at Publix. And stand and stand and stand.

Do any of you find background and regional origins make a small difference?

Not to start a war between the states.....

[softfire]

Gracie,,, War between states. It is still not over between the North and the South lol. You are so right about whats draws people together here. It always leaves me in amazment and I have been here for seven yrs.
Reminds me of the movie, "Field of Dreams" , build it and they will come.

[marianne237]

Perhaps you should make one more visit a little longer than a week if at all possible. And I for one would love to meet a couple like you who have such an interesting heritage. We've been here for over 3 years (how did it happen so fast?) and no one has asked me my heritage yet, and I don't suspect any one will. We're a melting post society for the most part. And once you move here, you're family!

[katezbox]

Trudy,

I also believe your questions is reasonable. As Muncie says, this is a predominantly white community - and those of us that are white will never be able to totally appreciate the experience of someone who is not. My son-in-law is Turkish and my daughter got a lot of negative comments on his religion when they became engaged.

That being said, I think that the large majority of people here are friendly to all - regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, etc. I personally don't see race anymore - I just enjoy people.

I agree with the suggestion to visit for a bit longer if you can. This is such an important decision.

[TrudyM]

I really appreciate the positive feedback, and the private messages as well.
The feeling of friendly that we expierenced is reafirmed.

My husband is a very open and friendly golfing guy. Its his childhood Hawaii friends who can't fathom us moving to FLA. Of course he is considered a rebel who can put up with alot, he married me. We have been living on the mainland for 31 years and they think thats nust too. We did pick a wrong neighborhood once and the chill (as well as Jap go home lines) was a shock. As was said as a mainland hoale (white non islander) I don't always get it so I was just trying to do my do dilagence.

Thanks alot
Trudy

[Indy-Guy]

Go to thevillages.com and sign up for The Villages Vmail. After you sign up you can go to the June 2008 edition of The Villages magazine. Read about the best lady golfer in The Villages Priscilla Salute. She is from the Phillipines.

Every time I see her she has a smile on her face. I would to if I could play golf as well as she does. She has shot a 69 on Tierra del Sol from the white tees also a 74 from the whites on Havana Hemingway/Kilimanjaro rotation. At the time of the article she was holding 9 course records.

[mikeandnancy1112]

This is truly the friendliess place in the world no matter what nationality you are. Don't hesitate to come here. I promise you will be welcome.

Nancy


QUOTE=TrudyM;205602]I really want to ask a question everyone is going to hate. We visited in 2006 for a week and we had a great time. TV is top of my list for retirement in 24 months. But my husband’s friends are telling him that he will be happier in Las Vegas (a lot of people from Hawaii live there) or Arizona. Their reason is that he is a Hawaiian of Japanese ancestry. He thinks of himself as an American and would bleed red white and blue if cut I suspect. His friends say he is too nice (probably true) and naive that just because everyone was friendly on the outside doesn’t mean that we will be really accepted and included in the lifestyle. Are they right? We always think the best of people but just because people aren't rude doesn't mean that they will feel comfortable including us. I didn’t see any minorities when we where there come to think of it. I am hoping that his friends are wrong and I am worried for nothing.[/QUOTE]

[JoC]

This might make you feel more at home here. If you can't bring it up, you'll have to subscribe to The Villages Vmail.

http://www.thevillages.com:80/Recreation/dance.htm

[SUNNYMARYANN]

From what I have read and heard about the people who make The Villages what it is I dont think you and your husband are going to find any problems there. Remember though that there are cranky people no matter where you go no matter what you are or do so just let them crank along by themselves and enjoy all the other fine friends you are about to meet. I hope to meet you someday.

[Indy-Guy]

Originally Posted by Indy-Guy

Go to thevillages.com and sign up for The Villages Vmail. After you sign up you can go to the June 2008 edition of The Villages magazine. Read about the best lady golfer in The Villages Priscilla Salute. She is from the Phillipines.

Every time I see her she has a smile on her face. I would to if I could play golf as well as she does. She has shot a 69 on Tierra del Sol from the white tees also a 74 from the whites on Havana Hemingway/Kilimanjaro rotation. At the time of the article she was holding 9 course records.

To read the article on Priscilla Salute do a copy and paste of the link below to your browser and hit enter then go to page 26. Zoom in to read. Enjoy!

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/thevillages/0608/