Since moving to San Diego in 2005, numerous people have informed me that East County is steeped in racism. More specifically, Santee is a hot bed for racists and hate crimes. I’ve even heard that during one military organization’s indoctrination, they tell members to avoid Santee for this very reason.
Now, I’m from Texas, so I have seen blatant discrimination and racism. Let me tell you, it’s not pretty. As a woman who just happens to be black (and white), I’ve also been subjected to both.
Since living in Santee, I have yet to experience racism as I did growing up in Texas. I am thankful for this, but there is still a shame associated with living in Santee. Each time I inform someone where I reside, the immediate response is, “Oh, you live in Klantee?”
Immediately, I go on the defense and ask, “Well have you ever been to Santee?” Every time the response is the same, “No."
It is the same answer each time. If they've never been, then why would they think this? Are there some secret Klan meetings held in my backyard that I am unaware of?
I did some quick research on racism in Santee, and stumbled across a few incidents that were labeled as hate crimes by white supremacist gangs. The two most prominent incidents happened more than two years ago. I would say that sums up the incidents of racism in Santee. Few and far between.
Of course, I could be wrong as I am only correlating this to my experience and a Google search. I still feel that it is an important topic to approach for residents of Santee. Even the perception of intolerance is unflattering. That is why it is important for others to know that not all Santee residents have skewed views on other people.
Do we really want people to stay away just because they have this image of white hoods and burning crosses?
People are avoiding our community because of assumptions based on the past or another person’s perspective. This bothers me, especially because I still have to defend “Klantee” from all of the people who believe the negative stereotypes about our community.
Unfortunately, trying to change someone’s opinion or view on matters like race is nearly impossible. It can be done with time and positive stories on the diversity in Santee.
I can only submit my personal experience to the not-so-flattering opinions regarding Santee. I want the rest of San Diego County to know that I’ve lived here for three years without incident. Not too bad, I’d say.
As an aside, not everyone in Texas wears cowboy hats and rides a horse. Remember, not all stereotypes are true.
What is your experience living in Santee?
8:29am on Thursday, August 11, 2011 My wife and I moved to Santee 16 years ago, I was raised inthe Southbay area Nestor, by IB and have always seen gangs and a lot of graffitti. When we moved here that's what impressed me about Santee no graffitti. I think the mentality of Santee has changed. I love Santee, our son has been raised here but your right there is that negative stigma, my son has played youth football since he was 5 he is now 13 he played for the Santee Cowboys and now the Santee Ravens. Which by the way was one of the reasons for the new look and new name. There was such a negative perception with being the Santee Cowboys. But still while being the Santee Ravens we have played in Chula Vista and El Cajon and have had other kids call our kids santucky, have said, klantee go home... It's sad that even kids, have learned from their parents this ignorant mentality. I hope the mentality will change...
Trying to bait a situation in a gym because you are CCW shows very poor judgement and your use of language as you did is uncalled for in this forum. You seem to have quite a chip on your shoulder and should probably seek out a mentor of your race who is also in LE. I hope you will mature and get some attitude adjustment. ps I retired after 30 years in local law enforcement.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_(Internet)
I am looking into purchasing a home in Santee but I am new to San Diego Area and I have heard much about Santee being racist and prejudicial. I have read this blog and everyone's comments and it does not appear to be that way. What do you have to say since you have responded to many of these post by other people. I am Latino so I would like to know if there is any racism or hates crimes against Latino people
I hope you find your way to Santee, it's a great little community. In my two years reporting on Santee I don't remember encountering a "hate crime" or any record of a recent incident. !6% of the population is considered Latino. Santee has a racism stigma that seems was largely wiped clean and hasn't shown up in recent times. Come visit some parks and restaurants and see what you think.
Thanks for your reply, I will definitely go out to the area and visit the city of Santee to get an idea of the community. I have a one year old little girl and I would not like her to grow up in a community where such things as racism are encouraged, so I am glad to hear from a reported that you have not experienced such incidents. Thanks :)
@ Ruby, I am white, my girlfriend is not, we often frequent several different ethnic restaurants here, I have a gay couple for neighbors, the Iraqi man who owns the local liquor store helped me move a swingset for my kids. Don't listen to the rumors, come out here and see how folks treat you. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.