Styel Mechling, 2018. (Destinee Clayton)
Styel Mechling, 2018.

Destinee Clayton

Being Biracial In Martinsville

October 26, 2018

When I found out I was moving to Martinsville last summer, my first question was, “What’s Martinsville?” Once I referred to my family, they all told me stories and fiction of what Martinsville was really like. Being the Sherlock Holmes that I am, I Googled Martinsville and came up with the same results my family told me. Based on only the things that I heard, Martinsville was a racist, low-class, country small town. While I Googled Martinsville, I found the murder of a young African American woman in 1968, which is part of the reason why Martinsville has the reputation of being racist. With me being biracial, this didn’t sound like an amazing place to live. Knowing this, I was skeptical about how moving would actually affect me.  

One the hardest parts of moving was breaking it to my friends. They asked where I was moving, expecting me to say Ben Davis or Franklin Central, which are some of the more commonly known schools in Indy. After I had explained to them that I was moving to the small town of Martinsville, most of them just gave me a look like they were sorry for me. So now that I had the negative opinions of Martinsville from my family, friends, and even neighbors in my mind, moving to this town seemed like it was going to be the worst thing I’d have to do in my life.

After moving, I found that the only problem I had with Martinsville was the lack of diversity. One of the main things I loved about Indianapolis was that there was a wide range of all different types of people. Because of this, it became apparent that some in Martinsville are ignorant when dealing with other cultures. In an interview I had with my younger sister, Danica Mechling, she agreed, “. . .Martinsville isn’t racist. They just aren’t as diverse, so they’re not as educated.”

After living here for almost a year, the picture has come through to me what Martinsville really is. I realized that Martinsville isn’t as underrated or racist as people make it out to be. I’ve met some of the smartest people I know since moving here, but on the other hand, I’ve also met some of the most “peculiar”. In fact, I feel as though the people who live in Martinsville put the town down more than outsiders. I often hear statements of how they truly feel about their hometown and most express a feeling of languish.

Although coming from a big city into a small town was a rigid experience at first, now that I’m more adapted to the environment, the town is a nice home. My sister also agreed that her opinions have a changed since her first impressions, mentioning the school’s difference and how she’s grown to like it. The town of Martinsville entails admirable personalities and a friendly bond that welcomed me with open arms upon my arrival.

 

Do you think Martinsville is a racist community?

  • It may have been, but that has changed and continues to change. (65%, 24 Votes)
  • No (32%, 12 Votes)
  • Yes (3%, 1 Votes)

Total Voters: 37

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  • A

    Adaiah ShumakerNov 16, 2018 at 8:19 am

    Wow it’s really cool to hear someone who hasn’t lived here their entire life’s opinion of the town

    Reply
  • P

    Peyton BowerNov 15, 2018 at 11:16 am

    I really love this article. Being born in Martinsville, I’m constantly wondering what outsiders think. Whenever I talk about the town everyone seems to put it down, but I simply don’t see their point. I’m happy to see that your experience is different than what rumors would cause people to expect. Thank you for this amazing piece.

    Reply
  • B

    Brayden GoochNov 15, 2018 at 10:43 am

    I 100% agree with the fact that Martinsville isn’t as bad as people say. I have met some of the most genuine, smart, and funny people since I have moved here. Brayden Gooch

    Reply
  • S

    Sydney BeachNov 15, 2018 at 10:27 am

    This story was very eye-opening for me. I did not fully understand how hard it was to be by-racial in Martinsville until reading this piece. It is truly an amazing story that I would most definitely recommend other students read it.

    Reply
  • M

    Makayla CapillaOct 26, 2018 at 2:20 pm

    I LOVE this. It is completely true. Martinsville is not as racist as people make it out to be. A lot of people are just uneducated about other cultures and races- not just African-Americans too. I think what the town needs is more positivity and for more people to move here. Nothing will change unless we have more brave people willing to come into this different environment. This article is really nice since it gives an insiders point of view. I hope that Martinsville continues to grow. Thank you for writing this!

    Reply
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