I agree with TQ
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10/29/2007
I, too am a Calif. transplant. I have loved the kindness and graciousness of Nashvillians. Having lived in major cosmopolitan U.S. cities over the years I am used to open, respectful and lively debate on issues of politics, religion, etc. Nashville truly is 5 decades behind the rest of the country and even well behind other southern capitals. The beauty is in the scenery and gentility of the people. Once a transplant like me has calmed down from the euphoria of low real estate prices and the ease of getting things done here, then reality sets in. Mediocrity is the standard in too many areas of Nashville life.
There are many universities here with Vanderbilt far and away the finest. However, ask students and faculty of color about their experiences within the Vanderbilt culture and you get the picture. Vanderbilt is isolating, hostile and allows staff and alienated students of color to struggle w/o the honest scrutiny of institutionalized racism.
I met a family of Europeans which had just moved to Nashville from a big city because the father was joining the Vandy faculty. When I asked how they felt about their new city and Vanderbilt in particular, tears fell from the wife's eyes. She only silently shook her head indicating that they had made an enormous mistake.
The arts are flourishing w the new construction of the Schemerhorn Symphony Hall, a fine ballet,regional opera company and a good symphony. There is plenty of fine dining. However, there is an absence of luxury. There is one 4 star hotel, no fine department stores, average country clubs with none of the amenities I've experienced in clubs of the west,mid west and New England, and a sort of pride in keeping things rather ordinary. Too many college grads cannot speak or write good English. It is simply not important. Transplants are stunned by this all the time.
Obviously there are no perfect places in the world. Still, with all of its superficial beauty, efficiency in services, and affordability, I would never want to raise children in such a close minded and rigid community, where average anything is just fine and racial barriers are maintained by the complicity of all involved. I'll be leaving.
If one does not expect to live in a dynamic community where cutting edge creativity, progressive thinking and high standards for art, fashion, and architecture are a source of pride, then settle into your comfort zone here. For those who want to set the world on fire with innovative entrepreneurism or the free flow of ideas, move on. This is not for you.
Michele | Brentwood, TN