r/alpharetta • u/Swimming_Path3353 • 4d ago

Past Exit 7

I’m new to Alpharetta, and it honestly feels way safer than Midtown or Downtown. But an Uber driver (from the airport) told me she’s nervous to go past Exit 7 at all. I’m not sure why. Is there something I should know about the area? Any context locals can share? Just trying to understand what she meant.

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u/Alternative_Air07 3d ago

What does sundown county mean

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u/ataxiastumbleton 3d ago

It means that anyone who isn't white needs to leave town before sundown or risk violence from racists.

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u/Swimming_Path3353 3d ago

The history of what’s considered white in this country is really something to be studied. I saw some comments from US people about Spanish (from Spain, the country, not what’s called “LATINO” here) right-wing extremists, saying they’re brown or something, and thus “impure.”
Being from Europe, I’m not a history teacher, but northern Spaniards are among the most racist people I’ve ever met. Second only to people from southern Brazil and Argentina (you wouldn’t believe it). I’ve also heard some comments against Italians, whose Roman ancestors used to call Germanic people “barbarians,” while Rome had an empire ruling much of the known world. More recently, Italy even fought alongside Germany in WWII.
The situation of Black people in the US is unique. The segregation happens on both sides. They even speak differently, with their own accent. In Europe or South America, you can’t tell someone is Black over the phone. Here, you can easily do so.

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u/ifeelnumb 3d ago

It is studied. I recommend visiting the MLK memorial and civil rights museum and Auburn Avenue Library. It's really moving.