Prejudice in the Czech Republic?

Question

How are things for a foreign person of color in the CR? I may be relocating there for work so I would like to know people's experiences.

Answer 1

I used to live in the Czech Republic. Sadly Czechs are generally quite prejudiced. How bad the prejudice is depends a lot on what color you are and what country you are from. Czechs are quite used to Asians and I think they are a bit less prejudiced towards them than towards other groups. I think Asians don't often get harassed in the Czech Republic, but they are looked down on by many Czechs. There is a lot more prejudice towards black people. I've heard about incidents where Czechs threw bananas at black people etc. I don't know how common such incidents are, but they do happen and Czechs look a lot down on black people. They are also not too fond of gypsies or anyone who looks similar to gypsies. Czechs are also prejudiced towards certain white nations, such as Ukrainans. So it's not only about color, but about nationality too. Non-white Americans probably get treated better than non-white Africans or Asians.

I know a Chinese guy who lived in Prague for years and he didn't experience anything serious, but he did face prejudice in people's attitude towards him all the time.

I don't know where you will be working, but I think that at work there shouldn't be many prejudice-related problems, but you will probably experience prejudice out on the streets in people's attitude in shops etc.

Anyway, best of luck and I hope you won't have many negative experiences.

Answer 2

Everyone's experience is different but I would like give you the other side of the story just to calm your mind. I am from Czech Republic and I can tell you I have never seen any racism towards anyone, regardless of color or origin. It is true that very few foreigners decide to live outside Prague which makes them a curiosity in the countryside but people will be polite if they meet with politeness. Also there was a lot of Cuban students living in Czech during 70s and 80s and many were good friends of local people.

With regards to prejudice against nationalities there is some truth in the previous answer in a way that we Czechs don't have a short memory. It is like if you were to ask the Iraquies to be polite to Americans. Some events can't be forgotten.

I am sure that like in other country you will come across stupid people who will stare at you or say impolite things but all together Czech are polite friendly people who like showing off their country.

Have a nice time in Czech