Your Opinion of Lafayette Will Be Directly Related
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2/8/2011
Lafayette is UGLY. There are very, very few attractive places in relation to the vast majority of commercial and residential areas that are neglected.
If you have lived in a city that cares about it's impressions to visitors and potential residents, you will notice this immediately. Very few greenbelts or parks, virtually no attractive landscaping, and it has some of the ugliest shopping centers on the planet as you drive down Johnston (the major artery)unless you are passing the college. If you were raised in the area, you probably will not realize this absolute fact unless you have lived in an area where some funds are spent creating a modicum of pride in the city's appearance.
The people are very nice and polite on the surface. Underneath there is a pervasive prejudice against people of color. I have never heard the "n" word used with as much flippant use as I have living in this area, and correct or enlighten at your own risk. Again, is you have lived here all your life, this fact will fly under your radar, as this is fairly normal and acceptable.
There are many fantastic attributes the people here embody. They are hard-working, largely honest and forthright, and they have a very deep sense of pride (as evidenced right here in the comments of the locals who were raised here). The culture promotes and esteems good times and great food. There is a live and let live mentality, especially among the Cajuns, that is refreshing.
Lafayette and the surrounding areas have their good points and bad points. And if you comment on the bad points, even when prompted, you can expect to be told to go back to where you came from.
Michelle | Abbeville, LA