Racism in Europe?

Question

I'm a black female traveling alone to central europe (germany,
austria) will I have any problems with racism? Besides that, What are general things I should watchout out for?(eg pickpockets, scams)
Thanks

Answer 1

I am an African American woman living in Germany and I was walking in my area when someone in a van yelled out the window the N word "******." I've been at the flea markets and have had sellers walk away from me and go to the white customers. One lady walked away from her table and did not come back until I walked out from her table. I am not scarry looking, I am not dressed provacative, "bummy", its the color of my skin they are judging me on. I have been cut in the supermarket lines, and ignored. I would say be careful, it only takes one person to make a good experience bad. I still like to travel but am very aware of my surroundings. Don't take any cabs not properly marked, check the badges of the taxi's, travel in the day time when possible.

Answer 2

I doubt it very strongly you'll have any problems but I've work in factories where I was the only white boy and that nearly got me killed. Considering what "ve gone through in factories I personally would be petrified to walk in a predominately black area. I come from a small town and I really can't believe I was chase several times in th 20 yrs I've been in the city and no I'm not a racist I give every one more than a fair chance.

Answer 3

I think you will be just fine. I am from Germany and we love people from the USA, black or white. I would not recommend maybe going to East Germany, where there is more activity with Neo-Nazis lately....But try Bavaria (Munich, Stuttgart, Bamberg) or go north to Cologne, Duesseldorf , Bremen, Hamburg, Berlin...
use common sense -like you would do in your own country also-
Have fun und enjoy! Viel Vergnuegen!
PS: Look at the website of the German Embassy...it has some good info in English for travelers

Answer 4

As long as you don't get confused for a Roma (gypsy is a derogatory man for them) you should be okay. I live in the Czech Republic, and I've seen a lot of racism towards that group. Okay, I'm a white male, but I still have the ability to hear and see. Good luck, as you're travelling in a very nice part of the world.

Answer 5

Sweetheart, as Black man living and working in Germany, I'll tell you right now: They never let you forget! No matter where you are, whether there in the US of A or in the tiniest backwater bar in the poorest section of eastern Germany, you'll always find one clown to remind you.
That being said, it's pretty calm over here in comparison, crime-wise. They might be argumentative(none of them like George Bush and they want to vent, because you're American, it's all YOUR fault!), but they rarely get physical, unless they're drunk or high and in large numbers.
As a rule, you have little or nothing to fear of theft or damage to personal property in Germany; I've left my keys in the car and my wallet on the dashboard overnight, and come out to the money, the windows open and the car radio still playing the next morning!
Try and bring along a dictionary or electronic translator; they all learn English in school, but like our Spanish lessons, they hate to be made to use it unless forced to do so; and you make Brownie points by trying to muddle along in German. Just play dumb and try not to be offended too easily; they think anybody with dark skin is African and they are accustomed to making statements that we as Americans haven't heard or thought about in 20-30 years! Have fun!

Answer 6

I would think that it depends a lot on your behavior. Young teens by their attitude and noisy behavior are likely to encounter problems. Those are civilized countries, they have all seen females traveling alone, and certainly black females as well. If you keep out of bad areas, you should have no problem. You are certain to encounter the Arab population, and there as well as anywhere else, I do not know what to say. Why not ask , what are good areas to visit

Answer 7

I aggree with Sabbes. You should probably stay away of the Eastern part of Germany plus the land of Schleswig-Holstein (far north), and also from Karinthia (Southwest Austria). Cosmopolitan big cities in both countries are quite safe.

Answer 8

hello
being from Germany and having lived in other countries (e.g. Finland, New Zealand, Russia and the US) I can tell you that you do not have to be more or should not be less careful than anywhere else, I know that Germans' reputation concerning racism is not the best but just for comparism there are more racists living in the US (not only by number but also by per cent)
if you behave normal you should not have any problems, just enjoy your trip and be as carefull as usual

greets Anne

Answer 9

i dont know why everybody scare about visit east europe.only coz we had a hard life under the comunism dont makes us bad people.i am from romania and its ok to be black here.

Answer 10

You answered yr question - take care