Us vs. Them

iguanabanana · 2013-05-15T05:11:05Z

Note: I have not attributed these quotes to the person who said them, allowing them anonymity, because that is the only reason I can figure that my original post (see below) and inquiry were DELETED from this "open" forum. I admit, there is a bit of sarcasm in my initial statement. However, in my opinion, the type of statements below are truly alienating to those of us newly relocated or considering relocation. Where do these numbers come from? Are there entry/exit polls done of those coming and going to the USVI? Do any of you really feel you have an adequate sampling of the thousands each year, coming and going, to make such sweeping statements? These assertions have an impact on many people and it is quite irresponsible to throw out such judgmental, and frankly, polarizing generalizations on such a regular basis. In the very last quoted statement below, the OP talks about how much better off "we" would be without all these dysfunctional transplants and then goes on to eschew the "us vs. them" mentality such transplants bring. The irony was too much for me and I had to post. This is a serious topic and I do not want to see it deleted again. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ It looks like [ anonymous forum regular ] has done some serious social research. Do others who have lived here for a while agree with this assessment? Are there some actual studies out there that document why people come here, at what age, how long they stay, and why they leave? IMO, the Vi "self selects" for transplants with big-time baggage (substance issues, emotional instability, occupational challenges like poor education and inability to hold a job, relationship problems). I think about half the folks (50%) who move here do so because they are running away from Issues which they cause themselves. ....... Additionally, about half the transplants arrive with minimal amount of resources (no job, no career training, no money in the bank, no prospects). The Vi also attracts a certain segment (10%) of adventurous folks who decide that time is right to "follow a dream" or" try something different". Normally these people are in stage of transition in their career and/or personal lives. (i.e. recent retirees, 20 somethings exploring life choices). These people view the Vi as pit-stop in the overall life journey. Most young retirees or "kids" I meet are planning to stay for 1-10 years. Some people make a more calculated move and factor things like life-style and career variables. (5%) A large portion transplants (35%) come to the Vi from outside the US for economic opportunity. This segment has the most persistent longevity. Many will do what ever it takes to carve out a life for themselves in the USA. And if/when they fail, no other country provides immigrants with a social benefit safety ntet like the USA, (food stamps, subsidized housing, education, health care, black market employment etc.). IMO, the island would better off with out all the left over "transplants with baggage" and "benefit sucker". THese are the people who keep us from moving forward by fueling the us .v them menatility, rather then bringing creative resourses and talent into the mix. Welcome. I left this final quote in, [ anonymous forum regular ], because it reflects a quite defined us vs. them mentality... I have seen you make this particular rant repeatedly and just have to say it is one of the most UNWELCOMING things I have seen on this forum.

Page 2 / 2 Prev

RSS

Neil

(@Neil)

Posts: 988

Prominent Member

Us vs Them is everywhere in various forms. Old as the hills.

People move for many reasons, not all of them good. Nothing new.

Message boards are full of all sorts, and all sorts of "messages".

Why are people so surprised to discover that the Virgin Islands are in the Caribbean (with all that means) instead of being a quaint oceanside town in the States?

Posted : May 17, 2013 1:25 am

Iris Tramm

(@Iris_Tramm)

Posts: 681

Honorable Member

Why are people so surprised to discover that the Virgin Islands are in the Caribbean (with all that means) instead of being a quaint oceanside town in the States?

Because a great many people in the States are stupid and don't do research and assume that all Caribbean towns/islands look and operate like a Disney-themed all-inclusive resort.

Posted : May 17, 2013 2:14 pm

IslandHops

(@IslandHops)

Posts: 929

Prominent Member

Why are people so surprised to discover that the Virgin Islands are in the Caribbean (with all that means) instead of being a quaint oceanside town in the States?

Because a great many people in the States are stupid and don't do research and assume that all Caribbean towns/islands look and operate like a Disney-themed all-inclusive resort.

Brilliant. Now if only I could hire a disabled person to help me get to the front of the line... 😎

(OK, that's my snarky comment for this week - see you next week).

Posted : May 17, 2013 3:07 pm

Page 2 / 2 Prev

4 Forums
33.3 K Topics
272.9 K Posts
535 Online
43.8 K Members

Forum Icons: Forum contains no unread posts Forum contains unread posts

Topic Icons: Not Replied Replied Active Hot Sticky Unapproved Solved Private Closed

Us vs. Them

Living In De V.I.

An Introduction for Newcomers (DVD)

Thinking about moving to the Virgin Islands?

The Settler's Handbook is a Indispensable Guide

Stay up to date with news from VIMovingCenter

Advertise with Us

Also Visit

VItraders.com

VInow.com

Official Sponsor