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What is the reality of racism in Germany? |
Travel Info Hello everyone: I am an East Indian interested in visiting Germany for tourism purposes, but am being swayed not to go due to the country's infamous reputation for racism. Can anyone who has visited Germany contribute their thoughts on this issue? Thanks, Vikram Travel Tips Hi Vikram, I couldn't resist in answering, even though you've gotten many answers already. The bad reputation of Germany for racism dates back to WW II, which is now more than 60 years ago! Did you know that in a city like Frankfurt 30% of the population are foreigners? In Berlin and Munich, about 20-25% of the residents are foreigners. Wow! How can all these foreigners live in Germany if we're really that racist?? The truth of course is, Germany is not more (and maybe even less) racist than any other country in the world. As a tourist or business person, with a decent behaviour (and by that I mean being a polite "normal" person not looking for trouble such as hanging around drunken and starting to offend people) your chances to be a victim of racism are less then being hit by a flash. I have many friends and colleagues from all over the world (Asians, Africans, Indians, Europeans, ....) and none of them has ever had any complaint about being treated rascistly. You might get stared at, when visiting smaller towns in rural areas. But that's more curiosity than anything else. I remember when I visited for the first time Kenya about 10 years ago. In a small town children would start crying and running away when they saw me!! Obviously not because they were rascist, but because they had never seen a white person before. Personally I think it's more dangerous to be in New York than anywhere in Germany, independent of your skin color or race. Others Hi! I'm Mexican and I was a bit concerned about racism in Germany when I visited. I was surprised when I discover I felt more rejected in the USA than in Germany. I felt quite comfortable there. Even though, some German friends told me that in some parts of the east there are more racist groups than in the west part of the country. I think that while you are in the touristic cities as Frankfurt, Munchen, Cologne and Berlin you shall not have any kind of problem. Personal advise: Avoid to be alone at nights in lonely places and if you see a group of skin headed youngsters stay away and safe. The reality is that they are racist and rude but they want your tourist dollars. You'll be okay in the West and miserable in the East. To add to the previous post, I am African American and I was in Germany for six weeks this past summer and I was also suprised how nice and friendly there are. I was also nervous about racism and I did not epxerience any of it in the major cities but if you go to the smaller towns and villages you get stared at and might get attacked. So be cautious and try not to look for negatives. I went to a nazi bar in small city and I am glad my friend didn't tell me this till we left the bar/club. Because I had a great time and yes I was stared at but I was open to new experiences. I fell in love with Germany and I miss it everyday and my advice to you is to go because you will make memories that will last you a lifetime. And yes I also agree that america has more racist people than Germany. I am euroepean and as I know and often heared about, you better avoid visiting eastern germany if you are non-white. too much happened there in the past. last week someone there said goodbye to me as "heil hitler", but this wasn't cause of racism, just only a young idiot. I have lived in Germany for 19 years. Racism in Germany? Yes, but as far as your visit, not a problem. If you happen to visit Frankfurt you will more than likely run into someone for your country before you meet a real live German. As a tourist, I do not think you will have a problem. What bothers me is how often I hear this about Germany when the rest of Europe is just as bad. Yes, if you happen to wander into a small town that does not get a lot of tourists you will be stared at. I think that would be true if I visited a small town in your country, people might look at me too, wondering what is he doing here? Be happy that you are not American. Thanks to Bush I have all kinds of problems from unfriendly comments in restaurants to being attacked by a group of young Turkish youths - as an American I represent the enemy of Islam. At least that is what these young punks were screaming at me. My advice to you? Same as any tourist to where ever you go - be careful and have a good time! Jeez... People who told you that have never been to Germany and just heard what they now tell you. It's not that bad and I get really angry when I read something like infamous reputation for racism!!! I am German and I am not at all racist, as well as all the people I know! Especially not against Indians! We have a lot of respect for other nations. If you want to discuss with me or find out what places you like to visit, write me an e-mail. I strongly advise you not to listen to people who spread their prejudices and I invite you to visit beautiful Germany!! |
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