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[quote=Anonymous]The smallest towns I’ve lived in have been the most open minded overall. People didn’t care as much about politics, religion, race, what people wear, what school they send their kids to, etc. It’s more live and let live mentality. Watch out for your neighbors, treat everyone with respect, but if you don’t mesh it’s not the end of the world you just move on.

I encountered more bigotry and hatred in more populated areas where there were local “norms” and people were quick to chastise those that didn’t agree with their perceived “norms”. They labeled themselves as tolerant but often times that only meant tolerant to those that shared their own background and opinions.

Sure there are obviously places that still exist that are blatantly unopen to outsiders, sometimes blatantly racist, but usually it comes from a place of hating outsiders in general. Usually very very rural areas where you won’t find a grocery store much less a college, so I doubt you really have much to worry about on the college front.

In most small towns though what you perceive as racism is usually more lack of cultural understanding. While people may say things that some might find offensive, it’s usually coming from a place of inexperience with a particular culture rather than a hatred for that culture. If you immediately shut someone down for using an antiquated term then you also shut down the chance to teach someone else about a culture they may never have experienced.

There are good and bad people of every race, origin, etc living in all types of places and to generalize entire areas based only on your own limited experiences is very short sighted.
Whether living in a small town or large city, one just needs to look past the sometimes antiquated language and stereotypes to find common ground to establish friendships and understanding.

If you want to change the world to be more tolerant, then jumping on someone about their lack of cultural understanding probably isn’t the best method. Find common ground, establish friendships, then you can discuss nuances like language and cultural differences. Chances are you’re more alike than you think, you just have to be willing to give things a chance.

If you are stuck on maintaining only one way of thinking, or immediately criticize people for using a word you don’t like, that’s not really being tolerant or being open to individual growth (as one should hope to be at 18 years old and college bound).[/quote]

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