being black in Germany
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- Curious about what it's like to be black in Germany? Here's my experience as a black American living here! Disclaimer: Results may vary.
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Makes me really feel ashamed for that person showing that gesture. And i am sure the great majority of germans would feel the same.
Yes, the few people I told were shocked and disgusted.
Keep on trucking.
Chart your own course.
There is life, there is Love still awaiting you.
...there's a black football player from Mannheim, Germany right now - professionally playing for the Greenbay Packers plus iving in the States - he desribes the racisim in the US much harder to take and to tolerate - like hearing the N... word from time to time or just beeing constantly observed or even followed while shopping etc. - but ok - he's huge, extremely strong and likes to wear dreadlocks plus sloppy "gangstalike" cool hoodie outfits ....all of that together "triggers white mans darkest thinking :-)
What gesture is this??? I honestly have no clue! Please educate. Great video!
@@deotio2768 The one linked to world war 2 germany
Hi, I commented on a different video of yours, I lived and worked in Germany for almost 30 years. I would still be there now if it wasn’t for my 94 year old Mother who has Alzheimer’s. I must admit that I felt I was safer and very much happier in Germany, it was a completely different way of life. I had such an abundance of Friends from so many different cultures,Turkish, Italian, Greek, Russian, Polish, African American. It was the best time of my life. I miss it so much, Even as a white person I have experienced discrimination in Germany, but that was many years ago when I was a serving Soldier, there would be signs on various establishments (pubs, clubs and restaurants) which would say „out of bounds“ , referring to British and American service people. But all in all , a great country to live in...
Regards from UK....
I guess foreign soldiers have a reputation to start fights when drunk (experienced it firsthand once, everybody was pretty glad MP showed up rather quickly).
When I studied in Paderborn we were told to call MP directly when having problems with any army personnel, instead of calling the local police. Also their cars had the telephone number printed all over the side xD
I think one of the reasons why some Germans ask you the questions about your origin is, we have many of guest workers in Germany. At the year 1955, many workers came from other countries and some stayed some not. We have like so many family's that have their roots in other countries. I live in a region in germany, where many of those family's live. My family is one of them. My Grandfather came from Croatia to germany and met my grandmother. In our region, people ask about their origin less from racist backgrounds, more out of interest. Its like: Oh your last name is.... Well where does it come from/where are your parents from?
I am not saying there are still stupid people out there but sometimes it comes off wrong.
Grüße aus Deutschland👋
Thisssssss.
Yes there are lots of turks arabs and kurds in germany
To ask where someone is from is common all over the world. I was asked this question the most times in the US and in Asia
@@MarksL-7 Italians, Greeks, Spaniards, Poles, Romanians …
@@orphanl englisch, american, african, creek, italian , asian... And so on
Hey, I have just discovered your channel and I love it. I'm a teacher in Germany and unfortunately my Cameroonian student has been racially abused by other kids last school year. The offenders were punished and social training took place but it was aweful to hear children calling her names in reference to the skin colour. I hope that she felt empowered by having so many people in her corner speaking out. Sad though. Racism is wrong
Unfortunately the experience varies from area to area in germany.
ya der Osten hat leider so wenig geistig nachgerüstet (nach dem Krieg und DDR) und neu aufgebaut. Es erschreckt mich manchmal schon, wenn ich dort bin, wie sich die Mentalitäten teilweise unterscheiden...
Nicht, dass es Rassismus im westlicheren Teil nicht gibt. Aber teilweise hat man das Gefühl auf der rechten Seite weiß niemand mehr, welche Rolle sie/wir gespielt haben und welcher Schaden angerichtet wurde, der immernoch Narben zieht. Einzelne Menschen mit dieser Anschauung gibt es leider aber überall.
@@thatone42069 der osten hat einfach andere erfarungen gemacht. warte noch etwas und lass die neue generation auch neue erfahrungen machen.
First of all you are beautiful and excellent in the way you explain things. I was born in UK and moved to Germany 50 years ago after I meet my German husband in a pub. Several people then could not believe I was marrying a German !! We are Still married 😀. We have spent many holidays in USA and what I find difficult to understand is that if you have to fill in any application form im USA they always ask your ethnicity, that is something you would never be asked in Europe, so from birth to death in the USA you are divided into different groups before you even get your driving license, job, bank account etc. Wish you all the best in Germany, it is wonderful place to live, I became a German citizen 4 years ago because of BREXIT and will never leave. Take care
Thank you!
Yes! You're categorized from birth, it's very hard to adjust to if you're not used to that. Congratulations on your citizenship, I'm glad you found happiness here with your husband! 😀
Welcome Back to the European Union :-)
@@KendraAshanti and the other way round? How easy is it to leave behind such categorizations when people are brought up to identify their selves with what could be boiled down to mere identification markers like, say, eyecolor?
@@KendraAshanti Do you know why you have to tick the ethnicity box in the US when filling out applications/forms? It seems to be a pretty superfluous information to me.
Welcome, dear friend, to Germany! As a European I‘m sad about the BREXIT. I work with some really nice guys from the UK at a European Institution and we all are sad about how things fall apart between the UK and Europe. And that moron who pushed for it looks like Trumps little brother. I‘m just kidding, I don‘t know much about him.
I'm so sorry about the incident with the guy, who showed that gesture! I'm ashamed it still happens, but it was an interesting video. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Wow was a nice video. And the truce too... I am a black American living in berlin germany ( retired military). I have 2 kids about your age.
I alway tell them the same think what you said on you video: Stay strong and always be pround of who you are .
As soon as you started talking, I knew you were from New York lol. I'm also from New york(Harlem), currently living and working in Germany. I can definitely agree with your video.
As a bilingual woman of color (a foreigner in the USA for 22 years) myself I am so impressed when I see my fellow Americans exploring other cultures , traveling and expanding their horizons and above all learning a new Language and mingling ! Is so awesome and open minded !!
@@San-eh8do they mean the skin colour, like dark or light but not actual colours
You find raciest everywhere in every culture.
Yep! That's what I said in conclusion. Thanks for watching.
Great video! I obviously can’t relate but thank you for the explanation!
Thanks Seth!
As a black man in Germany i get a lot of stares. Or when i enter a shop some of them follow me. But i'm used to it. It happend in France too and happens in America too.
I'm proud to be a black man. It's not always easy to get the stares but then i imagine myself just being a famous celebrity. Hahahahaha.
💜🇭🇹
I get the same being Northern European in Central America, sometimes it's just unusual to see someone different. Though it can still be uncomfortable.
"'m proud to be a black man. It's not always easy to get the stares but then i imagine myself just being a famous celebrity."
Kudos to you - that's a great attitude and I guess/hope it makes your life easier.
In recent years there were a few racist incidents happening in soccer here in Germany, a lot of reporting of this incidents and the affected (black) players giving interviews how shocked they were etc.
And I always thought why is none of these players ever saying: "These (the offenders) are idiots and it doesn't bother me".
Don't get me wrong, racism is bad and stupid, but a strong reaction is exactly what they want and I would not want to give them that.
Erm, as a Moroccan-Spaniard, who was born here in Germany, you don't need to refer yourself as "Ausländerin". You sound very German, you integrated yourself very well and I can assure you many Germans would see you as a German person, because of your personality, tolerance and good will. I am not entirely dark-skinned, I am light brown, I have an afro. I never really experienced racism from Germans, only when I was on a catholic private school, where the majority of students were Germans and they called me the N word many times and mistook me with someone from Turkey (since when do Turks have afros?!). After my graduation I never experienced this type of racism ever again, seriously. Many Germans I know and meet are very open minded and are overall nice people, but from my view, they are a bit reluctant, shy and insecure. However, if you know them well enough, they can be your best friends, that I can fully gurantee anyone.
I guess it depends on how you perceive the term. It's not an offensive term to me, it just is what I am because I'm not from here.
I am planning on going to Germany and I was really concerned about being black there... Thanks for sharing your experiences
You're welcome, I hope you decide to come and I hope you have great experiences
Just discovered your channel. Really like the way you explain things! Glad to hear your overall experience with Germany is positive.
Keep on making those videos!
Viele Grüße aus Hamburg (haven’t seen enough of your videos to know whether you’ve already been here. If not, come and visit 😉)
Thank you so much! I haven't been but it's on my list once things are safe!
Hey there, I just stumbled over your channel and find it lovely so far! I'm sorry you are experiencing racism. It's not okay to assume your home country based on skin colour but many germans (people all over the world I assume) try to be nice but still have certain stereotypes and it shows through questions like: "And where are you REALLY from?". Confronted about this they will say they are just being friendly and interested but they'd never ask their new white colleague the same question. So that's not cool.
I am happy germany starts to become more diverse and hope those things will be non-issues in the future. Glad you are here :)
Thanks for your kind words 💕
And yes, I think a lot more people need to recognize the malice in that question (especially when asking people of color born in Germany).
I love the skit the little skit 😭. Glad you’re having a positive experience being black in Germany 🇩🇪
😂 thank youuuuu!
I‘ve only watched two of your videos yet but you just seem so nice and intelligent. Love your positive vibe💕
Thank you so much!
„And your parents are frooom....???“ ........ „Brooklyn.“ 😂😂😂👌 Girl, ich feier dich gerade so. Klasse. I know people like that, too. They usually think (or pretend?) that they‘re just interested - yet they‘re just very uninformed, or plain ignorant. As long as they‘re not haters, well ok; I guess it can always be worst. Fun fact: basically all of humanity goes back to African heritage at some point in history.
Edit: On a more serious note I want to add that I‘m ashamed about that idiot on a bicycle you encountered one day, and that it‘s frightening how racism is on the rise in Germany since some years - which was unthinkable of when I grew up. But then again, we didn‘t have internet when I grew up. Things spread much faster of course and people start to feel safer to make statements of a racist nature in public after they noticed inside their internet-bubble that there‘s others who think the same stupid nonsense as they do. I just hope the majority stays strong and stands firmly against all kinds of hate and separation. ✊✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿
Very, very good statement about racism in the Internet
As a young British soldier in West Germany in the early 70's, I lived in Lippstadt (North Rhine Westphalia) we had a few guys in the Regiment who were Black English people anyway two of the guys were really way out characters, they called themselves 'The Brothers' and trust me they dressed like some Pimp from some 70's cop show even wore the big fedora hats.. (remember it was the 70's)....and we had the usual 'banter' over a beer or two and somebody asked them how they got on with German girls.....and they just smiled and said they could have their pick of girls, their take was that Germans had some huge 'war guilt' about treating black people badly, so girls would fall at their feet. My background? British English, my Aunt Married a Jamaican guy in the early 50's, (He was a Sergeant in the Royal Airforce) and I lived in a UK town with two huge USAF bases, I have been around people of colour since I was a small child. I now live in Poland (in retirement) and I ask you to not listen to any stories about black people not being welcome here...They are welcome....just not the kind of people I,m sure you would not associate with (people who live off the state and have no job). But even I, having lived here 11 years am still amazed by the way as soon as I start talking English, people and children just stop and stare, some even point at me..it is bizarre, but you get used to it.....they will not be pointing because you are Black, but because you Speak English (or German) Having said that I do live in the real backwoods of Eastern Poland, like going back 50-60 years in time in some ways. Oh and in Tourist cities like Krakow and Warsaw, you will not get the staring and pointing thing...just out here in the boonies. Good Luck you sound like a nice person.
Wow, thanks for sharing that! I think with a lot of exposure to POC comes wayyy more awareness and respect for other cultures/races for sure.
I love Krakow, but I agree, I probably wouldn't venture into rural Poland...thanks for the well wishes!
Greetings from Lippstadt 😁
Had the same staring experience the first time that I visited England. The people were amazed when they listened to a conversation that myself and a relative were having. When they heard our accent and realized that we were American, they were amazed and wanted to question us. Before that, they assumed we were African.
Yeah, it seems like a common thing throughout Europe.
Hi Kendra,
sorry for this experience. It doesn't make it any better but I'm afraid we still live in a world where stuff like this happened.
I spontaneously had to think about a german Rapper called Samy Deluxe.
In his song called "Mimimi" (Mitbürger mit Migrationshintergrund or Fellow citizens with a migration background), he is rapping about these things.
He has African roots but is born in Germany.
I quote a few lines that are so on point and where you might say "I know this feeling"
"Many of us were born here
But the origin is always in the center
People ask me where I come from
I say I'm from Hamburg City
They say, "Nah, you know what I mean!"
Yet the answer was correct
They say, I speak great German
They ask me where I learned it so well"
And when I complain about this country
They say, "Go back to where you come from!"
Okay, then I'll go to Eppendorf.
I started rappin' there, too
But that's not what you meant, is it?
You want me to go back to my home country.
I swear, this country is so ignorant.
Every time I'm on the plane
Everyone speaks to me in English
They think I'm just passing through
But I've just arrived
I was just in another country
Where everyone thought I was German
But as soon as I'm back in Germany
Suddenly I'm just a foreigner
So yeah. Things like this have happened, are happening and I'm afraid to say that they will continue to happen at least for a while.
I hope that we will reach the point where the color of your skin, your belief, or anything other which makes us different from other people is something nobody cares about.
Until then I can only hope that this might be a single experience for you. Maybe a foolish thought. But the best thing you can do about it is:
Surround yourself with people who are good for you and ignore the others.
Welcome to Germany, I wish you well and I leave a subscribe as well.
Thanks for sharing that song; Now I have to check out Samy Deluxe's music...and thank you for the well wishes and the support!
@@KendraAshanti Be aware that he sings in German. I just translated it for you. But music is always a good exercise for learning other languages.
@@RebellHAI Absolutely! I'm on year 7 of learning German (still can't believe that)
More black ppl have to live there for it to feel more normal too most.
Love your videos. Keep it going. You inspired me to learn the German language again. Thanks for being you.
Thank you for the support! And I wish you all the best with your language learning journey.
Thanks. If you haven't yet check out this channel, another favorite of mine, TheUrbanEve. Aug Weidersehen.
3:10 this is soooo common in germany 😩
people just don’t t believe me when i say, that i was born in germany and just keep asking it’s so irritating
Every time I see it happen to German POC I’m annoyed for you!! 😩😩😩
I think it's great you met ppl you could talk about race and racism too. I guess coming from a country like the US it can get confusing/or seem ignorant when many European countries don't use the classification of ppl into races anymore even though racism itself sadly still exists. I guess except for those far rightists it stems more from a racism based on the nationality ppl assume you have based on looks. Happens from European to European to someone from different continents. I hope more ppl realize that this is not how it works anymore since we are living in globalized countries. So the connection between certain looks and a nationality doesn't really work anymore.
In the end I am just happy that you have mainly had good experiences and I rly hope we can move forward to become a country that can be comfortable to everyone.
It depends on the city, in most cities it’s not like that🥰
Sis, thank you for sharing your experience. I have been watched other UA-cam videos. They are from people from Africa. I have a completely different life experience. I do think Africans look different from many African Americans. However, I feel a lot of white people don’t notice our features or hair textures or complexions. They just see Black people. I’ve not had any issues in Germany. I have had people who wanted to touch my skin, which I thought was bizarre. We are contemplating moving to Germany and I wanted to get the perspective of living there versus traveling there. Thank you for your good opinion.
You"re very welcome! Yes, I think nuance is definitely needed when having this conversation. Thanks for watching and all the best with the move if you decide to come
I love your positive attitude towards Germany.
If we really think about racism, it's crazy, stupid, what can someone do form what kind of parents they were born? when someone meet a dangerous gang that's totaly different, than a person with different eye color or skin color or hair color, that's I think is beautiful, you have more to choose from.
Exactly, it doesn't define whether or not you're a good person.
@@KendraAshanti
Exactly, for me is just like a flower garden with many colors. It is more beautiful.
Guys , this is one thing I have told
many , it doesn't matter who you
are , what you are , as long as you
behave ,respect the people and the
Traditions, follow the Rules and Regulations ,the Laws and you will
be fine and can go anywhere you
like .. . Last but not the least. LEARN THE LANGUAGE and INTEGRATE. GOODLUCK..
Fun fact In the 1920s black American musicians use to go to Berlin and Paris to play because they felt more comfortable than in Amerikkka.
A cousin of my mother is the son of an American GI and was born in late 50s in Munich Germany, at the beginning it was really hard for him to be the almost only black kid in the kindergarden and later at school, it took his time that it changed. Now, he is living in Hamburg and he is okay, his life is good, he has his own family.
If we think where Germany comes from and where it is now, a lot of things happened and changed, but there is always something to do and to improve. In the bigger cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart or Munich I guess the people or mostly more opened to other people, it's normal to meet international people. In villages the people are more conservative and it needs more time to convince them and to try something new.
A liberal, democratic society has always a lot to do to keep that lifestyle and the human rights.
I mean there is only one race and that race is called human, a diversity of different human races is nonsense and an old invention for white people to excuse their behaviour.
It's not only racism it's also sexcisum and xenophobia that needs to get out of our civilization.
Agreed! So happy to see how far Germany has come and how much further it will go.
Let's be honest here: Back then there was a concerted efford by the German government itself to send children of blakc CIs back to the US if ever possible. Thankfully a lot of this systemic racism ended over time. There is still some left, though, hence we can never let down our guards. And feminism also still has some ways to go. But at least we move in the right direction...hence those AfD stooges screaming so loud.
When my family moved to Munich in the early sixties, I was the only non-Bavarian in class, and believe me, I was treated as an outsider! As a child, it wasn't easy. As an adult, one shouldn't take it personally if you are the only person of color in a small village and attract some attention. It's not a specifically German thing. Go to Africa or Asia or anywhere where they don't get a lot of tourists, the same thing happens!
Another thing I noticed is (from another perspective): being aware that you are white, you were born in a western country, plus it's Germany, the 'Nazi-country' and wanting to distance as far as possible from the people still following similar mindsets- I usually try my best to include everyone and make minorities feel safe, less insecure and accepted, which often is then perceived as too much or just raising too much attention on something, that shouldn't matter. Just a simple example: When I walk along the street and a white person walks in my direction I don't really 'do' anything, except if it's somebody I know or I just like the style or whatever, and if a black person comes closer I automatically try to have an aura that says: "I'm not racist", I want you to be as accepted as everyone else.
But this actually makes a difference: based on the skin color I act differently. Which is wrong, even if it's in a positive way, - if we want to overcome racism, I should treat anyone the same.
I feel like a lot of people I know are insecure about whether trying to send such a subtle message to minorities or just ignoring the difference, to make it actually fair. And then often it depends on the person and I actually want to know them and not what is connected with their skincolor/religion or background.
It feels already weird to just comment this, don't get it wrong. :)
i live in Germany myself and that nazi shit annoys it was over 70 years ago and there will always be racism no matter if black yellow red white we are still people and apart from that if you walk past someone then don't look at them ill do it it doesn't matter if black asian or no matter from which country because i think when you look at someone it looks like you're looking at him strangely as if he has something you know and we live in a modern era with the nazi time is over and a long time ago
@@creme_puppemh4247 sorry, for many it’s still very much alive because their grandparents lived it. My grandfathers killed people, they thought of them as less … it’s not a long time ago. With that attitude you better avoid many countries, it’s shameful and simple minded
@@orphanl this is nonsense. You are not guilty of the actions of your grandfather. You are not responsible for them. But it is a "Volkssport" in German countries to seemingly roll themselves in guilt so one can feel morally superior to anyone not adressing issues in such way.
Omg I really can't believe someone made that gesture in public. I hope he gets seen by the police if he ever dose that again. Oh I am german btw. so the fact that someone made that gesture makes me kinds angry, it also angers me that it was directed at you. I really hate racism even though I am not perfect and sometimes stereotypes are still in my brain. So I think that's where the positive racism comes from. They think black people have to be cool because that's a stereotype. I think people im Germany still have to work a lot on these thing but at least we try i guess. Oh btw I also admire that type of curly hair, I honestly admire every type of curly hair though. I think that's because mine is flat and dosent hold curls well when I stlye them so I am always like : omg this is awesome. I which I could have curls too.
The question of origin is easy. Most young people might be born in a certain country, but their parents came from another country. In Germany we are used to this. Everyone in my school was born in Germany, but their familys moved here from Turkey, Serbia, Greece, Detroit ect. So dont be offended by this. 🙂
The question is not the problem, we ask the same thing in NYC where everyone is the child of immigrants or an immigrant themselves. It’s the *disbelief* when I say that I’m American and the insistence that I can’t be that’s offensive.
I'm so glad I came across your channel.
Glad to have you here, thanks for watching!
@@KendraAshanti ❤
Kendra! it is so lovely seeing ya on the tubes. thank you for sharing your reality. -fintan from bths
Hi Fintan, thanks for the support!
I know there is a huge debate about "Nein, ich meine wo kommst Du GEBÜRTIG her? (where do you ACTUALLY come from?) and rightfully so. It is a kind of Alltagsrassismus- racism that is commonly displayed but neither recognized by the sender nor meant as an insult. Well in the most cases at least it really isn´t meant to be hurting, but well the road to hell is paved with good intentions. The odd part is- that most people really want to know your roots- oh you got family from the Ukraine! Great! An aunt from Norway? You are from Nigeria? Wow amazing, do you have any kind of connection to that part of your live? We ask often where somebody is from and also often explain back where we are from. (From Saxony, my Grandparent had to flee from second worl war so one side is from Poland, Bohemia, Russia, another part of Germany etc or my Opa is Italian etc) I think it is in part duw to the fact that Europeans look overall pretty much the same (hear me out XD) yes you have the lighter skin tones up north and the mediterraneans peops well around the mediterrean sea. But our history is different to each other yet deeply intersected. When you look different than "european blend" than you must have a rich history- and we would love to hear it. Your parent were guest workers from the Philipines during GDR times? Amazing! Your father was an american soldier stationed in Western Germany in the eighties? What a hoot! I know that it is tiring when you get asked those questions over and over again. It is more of a cultural thing than open racism- at least that is my turn on the issue. I hope you have a lovely day. (oh by the way- I stopped myself asking the "where are you from questions" - my curiousity should never bother someone. But to be honest I love to hear family histories :-)
Agreed! The question is totally harmless on its own and we ask it a lot in NYC where most people are immigrants or the children/grandchildren of immigrants. I just don't think it should surprise/confuse people that I'm American 😅
To be honest, the usual reason why I ask a person for their roots if I get a hunch that they might lie elsewhere is because I love talking about different food cultures. I actually made a friend far away from home once whom I asked that question, he answered quite similar to you - with the German town where he is from - and it turns out that we live only a few streets away.
I live in Brussels and we all ask eachother where we’re from. I think the question displays interest. (If the answer is Germany it doesn’t matter how you look.)
As a german, when I went to spain they somehow loved to show me that sign... They were joking but I found it pretty rude (my grandpa and his mother were jewish in Germany during the world war and yeah well..).😅
Wow! You must live in a big metropolitan city. In southern Germany where I live, some people are skittish about saying "black" and this one time, an older gentleman asked me if it was ok to call me the N-word. According to him, it is not derogatory in Vienna where he grew up.
Thank you for your honest insights. I think, it is necessary to unterstand for a BPoC, who is interested in travelling or moving to Germany, that she/he will still be something "special" in a lot of regions in Germany. Originally I came from Munich, therefore I'm often there to visit my family. But at the moment I live in a much smaller city in northern bavaria.
If you come around in Munich, you will of course see a lot of BPoCs, they are "normal" like everbody else due to the very international environment there. If you would visit my city, you perhaps won't see any BPoC, especially not on a daily base. During the year (not now of course) I see more asian tourists than BPoCs here, since my city is a touristic hotspot.
It's not dangerous or anything like that here (it's in fact a very liberal city with a somehow huge university for such a small city). It only means, you will definitely be perhaps the only BPoC they see in RL in days or weeks here, whatever that means for you and them.
Yes, definitely something I noticed (and expected) when moving to Bavaria, as compared to when I lived in Berlin...thanks for mentioning that. People should know that it is harmless curiosity that drives people's attention for the most part.
Please recommend some German hip hop artists I’m planning to move to Berlin and I would love to get familiar with the German music scene. Great content, I’ve binged most of your videos, look forward to more videos 👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you! RIN is my favorite, but I also recommend Jazn, Bausa and Luciano 😊
All the best with the move!
ahzumjot
You seem really nice and reflected! It's interesting to hear your point of view. Do you think that there is a particular reason why it's easier to speak about racism in Germany/Europe? Maybe because of education or history?
Thank you!
And I feel like it's a bit of both! Also, it may be the fact that people are more transparent in general here and maybe because there is less direct exposure to the negative stereotypes surrounding black Americans in Europe.
I get the Africa assumption in America for 20 yrs now lol nobody seems to kno of the variety we have when it comes to spreading out amongst the globe
Still so blissfully ignorant in 2021 🤦🏿♀️
I noticed a huuuge difference between the attitude of black Africans and black Americans regarding the colour.
Africans call themselves black, call white people white without any shame and without prejudice and don't usually mind when white do the same.
It is sad that this innocence was never an option in the US.
Very nice looking woman. Good communicator.
which german hip hop would you recommend?
the question is always where you live in Germany, big cities in Germany are no problem, but in the provinces in eastern Germany it is sometimes not so easy.
Yes, partially true. The occasion with the N*zi salute happened in Berlin. And I've been called a N*ger in Kassel...
I haven't explored too much of eastern Germany (just Dresden and Brandenburg), but I've often heard that.
@@KendraAshanti I have partly Jewish ancestors, I know a colored woman from Cameroon who had attended a church and was insulted because of the color of her skin in Frankfurt.
@@besi-shop7801 colored?
Thanks for the video. I am a mixed American guy who is moving back to patent my child. Love to hear any advice you might have. Peace
I guess you mean "parent" your child, although "patenting" your child might be a good idea....😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅
Encountered racism the second day in Germany, Compared to month 4 in Spain
I'm an African American from Atlanta looking to move to Germany at the beginning of summer and found this video very beneficial, so thank you. I'm sorry, will you please tell me the gesture you referred to? I honestly can only think of the middle finger?
Thanks for watching and all the best with your move!
It was a N*zi salute
I think that at the beginning is always a bit difficult to get to know people in a foreign country if u haven’t learned the language, but at least in Berlin, there are a lot of people that wants to meet foreigners and know about their culture, living style and others. Luckily, most of the people there learn English at school and get a level where they can express themselves and have a real conversation, that’s why I think it is not that hard to socialize with strangers.
I’m not black but as a Latina I felt sometimes that I was treated different because of it, but fortunately never in a bad way 💕
I love to watch your videos ahah 🥰 makes me miss u a little bit less 😔
Agreed! It was really nice living in a multicultural city like Berlin, where people are open-minded (and them speaking English was a plus). Thanks always for watching and supporting, mi amor! Miss you and wish you were here 💕
im new to your video --- ive seen 4 so far ,,... thanks
Thanks for watching!
Hi Kendra ,
I love your Channel and the topics you cover about life in germany. I respect your point of view on how some germans think and behave regarding to particular racial issues. Personally i have experienced that the country of original plays an essential role in how people in Germany treat you. Your experience might have been different if you were from a sub-saharan country. I recommend that you talk to some afro-germans and listen to their opinion.
I have. That’s exactly why I made that statement at the end, I don’t want people to think my experience is representative of all black experiences.
Thanks for watching 😊
I'm living in London for more than two years and wondered when I went to job center for the first time. I saw just black people there working. Haven't expected it as a German. Meanwhile I'm used to see people from all colours and I like the multi culti. My neighbours here are all from India and Pakistan (their roots).
And I have to say that most of Brits I've talked to are amazed when they know I'm German 😊 And British people love German cars due to their reliability
The fact that he laugh before giving you the gesture; he is a psycho 😟
Its surprisingly for me, that most people assume, that you aren´t a native US-American, because until the 90s most black people in Germany had been US-Army Members.
That changed rapidly in the last 25 years. Also you can consider that a lot of families in Germany have done research about their family-history longterm back in time far as they could. Some lines are building a heritage-tree going back 1000 years. From that perspective, the question for your original roots is not mean, and it is not done with an offending purpose. The question is not about you, but it can be about your grand-grand-grand-parents - just as far you can go back. With other US-People the discussion could lead to Native America or European heritage, properly Canadians are different diversified from their roots. But I understand it feels odd if a white American can answer NY and is not further questioned (in the first talk) but if you say Brooklyn they start questioning your answer.
@@j.s.l4652 "...a lot of families in Germany have done research about their family-history..." That's old information. The law requiring every german to do genealogy in order to proof that there are no suspicious genes in his/her bloodline was abolished almost exactly 76 years ago. Since then only few people do that, and those who do are eyed with suspicion.
You don't have to have the wrong skin color to get problems, sometimes a wrong cap is enough.
I think discrimination is coded differently in Germany. It is more tied to education and a specific type of "culture". Displaying racial bias is considered very much a lower class symptom, so even people who ARE racist will avoid admitting it, unless they try to connect via a kind of underdog solidarity with other lower class people. I worked as a nurse in outpatient care, and many "regulars" will start accepting me as a working stiff after a month or so.
Black or north-african coworkers definitely get unwarranted complaints from some rich people, but it will be always about their "lack of culture" and followed by an immediate declaration, that it is definitely not about race-.
On the other hand some poor folks may even try in a very odd way to "bond" with black or arab nurses via racism, as strange as it may sound. It's kind of a "We are both blue-collar and can be honest with each other, and I will definitely treat you as an exception" idea.
That is very strange...but yeah, some people will definitely use coded language that shows their racism. Whenever I hear talks of "assimilation" and "lack of culture," it's a red flag.
Great video , my experience is pretty similar. I don't get the African assumption even though I am Nigerian lmao
To me and the people in my "inner circle" your skin color is absolutely irrelevant. But there are two funny things to tell: The first one is that everytime black people walk towards me, Im afrait they start talk in french, because the most black people I met until now, came from france xD The second thing is that I've heard from many black people, I've talked to, that they face much "positive racism" in germany. This is hard to explain as someone who is.. white, I think. But they told me that they are sometimes feeling uncomfortable because of people being kind of extra friendly. I think this happens because most germans are afrait of being judged as racist and want to show that they are not. And that seems to lead into some awkward situations. Did you experience similiar things?
Yes, definitely. I actually lived with someone like that who thought black people were "so cool" and always wanted to touch my hair and all that weird stuff.
These people mean well, but they don't know how ignorant they come off because they are still othering black people.
@@KendraAshanti I understand what you mean. I have seen also seen such people and just thought that they are acting extremely weird. Ok, if someone has an afro, I also stare sometimes because I see it extremely rare. But I would also stare if is would be a pink iro xD and I would never ask to touch it.. I mean.. wtf?!
And yes, you are absolutely right. It remindes me on some kind of freak show, where the people wanted also wanted to touch the freaks. Maybe you should tell them this kind of association and ask if they think you are a freak... dunno.
I cannot really give any advice to you. I am a white married male. I think it is the group that has the most difficulty on understanding how you feel because there is (nearly) no discrimination against this group. Maybe some white people read this and starts to try to see it from your perspective.
Maybe some happy day, the skin color, gender, religion and so on will be completely irrelevant for everyone. I don't believe that this day will come in the near future but I hardly hope that it will come while I'm still living.
They actually like to have you as friends but in the workplace in Germany, be careful.
Why?
In Germany usually people dont care that much about race, a black person or skin color in general the way people in the US do. The occasional "Arschl0ch" is the exception from the rule.
Donner Summer war in den 70er Jahren in München und sagte in einem Interwiew auf Deutsch sie wäre hier ohne Farbe gewesen sie sprach sehr gut Deutsch.
The thing with people not believing that you are from the US is something I actually thought you'd get in the US too I have to say🤔.
My parents are vietnamese, I was born in Germany so I feel german and would say so but I think I'd get that disbelieve here the same as if I'd be asked in the US where I'm from you know what I mean? People always want to know where you're "really" from which can be annoying 🤦🏻♀️
Yeah, that's true. I'm used to it in NYC because everyone is "from" somewhere else, so it doesn't feel as accusatory. But yeah, there are people who think you're not American American if you're a POC.
@@KendraAshanti Well, you're caught in white american history there.
The American Americans are the natives.
Blackness is not a monolith and blackness is not a single story.. beautifully said and very nicely made video!! Thumbs up!!
Thank you!
Haha :D i knoooww!!
I am half german, half brasilian.
Born,grown up in germany.
Strangers in German sometimes ask me ,,sooooo were you from?"
Me;,Near Stuttgart"
Stranger ;,ok..originaly"
Me ;,yes..."
Stranger ;,ok..so you were born there?"
Me ;,Yes...?!?!?"
Stranger ;,sooo were are your parents from?"
Me ,,mother is german, my dad is brasilian"
Stranger ,,AAaaaahhhh sooo then your brasilien" (thinkin,,aahh thats why you look different)
👏 😂 always..
ich stell mir grade vor, wie du den Leuten in breitestem Schwäbisch erklärst, wo du herkommst und die kapieren es trotzdem nicht :D
Yes, some people won't stop until they know where your great grandparents are from 😅
I had the same conversation in England
10 years living and working in germany taught me that most germans might fake a smile to make you feel welcome, and that's the most sociable and tolerant ones, although they don't really want to be with you, but I made good german friends here through trust and knowing each other throughout the years. Germans are good people if you are a honest person right off the bat and show respect for the culture but it takes a loong time to earn the trust. You can turn someone who screams "scheiss ausländer" to you the first time you see them to "schön dich zu sehen" later on with a bit of common courtesies and civism. There is a lot of distrust especially from the older generations since the brainwashing got real some 80 years ago and, of course, there are people who just don't deserve a chance because they are irredeemable; there are assholes everywhere! Point is, "go to rome, be roman". Learn and move on..
Woah im ashanti clicked ur vid ur ashanti is that ur last name
Quote by Nelson Müller, a michelin-star decorated chef on German TV: "I have black hamor".
Nelson was born in Ghana and came to a German foster care family at young age.
Just read a little bit about him, seems like a cool guy!
I had a black guy on vocational college who said he will go to Bavaria because the blacks are in power there.
(For all who don't get this. Bavaria is gouverent by the CSU (a conservative Christian party) ever since and black is the colour ascoiated with this party)
Your amazing thank you
Thank you :)
And also when i go to my birthplace in South Germany they ask me tooWhere are you from,because i lost my dialect😆this is normal and often the First step for a little converstation..
Yeah, it’s not the question that’s bothersome. We also ask that same question in New York...but it’s the disbelief when you tell people you’re from a western country that’s problematic and weird
I'm under no illusion that people are less racist here than elsewhere. I have too many aunts whose funerals I won't attend because of that.
But I do think that there's a considerable difference when it comes to institutionalized racism. See, that guy from your story? He's a criminal, and there's no doubt about it. And if there had been a German cop nearby and witnessed that scene, that asshole would probably have been apprehended.
In the U.S., however, not only would what that guy did be perfectly legal, it's also likely that _you_ would have gotten into trouble with the law. I remember a story from last year when a black businessowner in Decatour, Al. confronted a guy who had tried to steal something in his store. He called the cops and detained the robber with his gun. When the cops arrived, they punched and overwhelmed the business owner and charged him with obstruction.
A story like that is just outlandish for people living in Germany. I look at law enforcement in the USA and don't see cops but "militarisierte Ordnungsämter". From a German perspective, American law enforcement is what happens if you hand out guns to parking ticket fairies and tell them to "get the baddies".
And it's not as if Germany deserves any credit for that, just like I don't deserve any credit for not robbing a bank today. The issue is that in America, there are many institutions that are deeply rooted in a racist past - like how law enforcement in the early US derived from "slave patrols" - and there has never been a reckoning for them. And that's a problem.
Yes, 100%. You encounter different types of racism in different environments.
Greetings from Wedding
I miss Wedding! Hello 👋
Hehe, I understand you! I am born here, and people think I am a "biodeutscher" but I am not! I am a European that's all! And iam happy with it! You know I am half Russian, half French, half Norwegian, half Italian, half Dutch, half German, half, what ever you want. We're all just brothers (and sisters) from different mothers. 😘
That's right! Those are just borders created by people.
Thank you for sharing your experience and opinion with us!
I find it very interesting, that as an african german, I often experience racism here in Germany more than in the US. I think, maybe it is just hart to unterstand the little cultural differences in a foreign language, so you don't always get it, when someone is beeing a racist. Racism does not only start, when someone is doing the forbidden gesture. The question, where you are actually from, is already a form of racism. I get that question so often, although I am speaking perfect german, because it is my first language and although I am light skinned, because my mother is white. And the fact, that some people think, black americans are cool and black people from Afrika are not, is racism, too.
Thanks for sharing your's as well!
I'm always grateful to hear the voices of black people from the whole diaspora because a lot of our experiences are so similar yet sooo different when you take a closer look.
Good bless you. You very nice woman.
I'm a 55+ y.o. white German and HATE HIPHOP. So, better mention The Platters, Lionel Hampton, Howlin Wolf, BB King, Alfred King, Big Mama Thornton, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Sam Cooke, The Ronettes, Ike & Tina Turner, Wilson Picket, Sam & Dave, Harry Belafonte, Aretha Franklin, Screaming J Hawkins, Mother's Finest, Joan Armatrading, Eartha Kitgt, Jimi Hendrix +++
Who needs HipHop "music"??? :o)
Black music has been a topic since 1955 or before in Germany and has had extrem influence on German music and musicians ever since! Black musicians from the 1950s-70s had 99% white audience because most people in Germany were white. But after their concerts they were NOT seperated. They shared everything with white people and this was a great experiance for them. Best wishes!!!
That's right! Thanks for acknowledging that black music is comprised of more than just Hip-Hop, blues came first.
That sounds like a sight to see! Thanks for watching :)
6:42 There are plenty of people mixed people in Germany that would disagree about not being denied opportunity do to being mixed with Black American .... Unfortunately they don't really stick together as they should... Due to Intelligent Social Engineering ... Mixed folks in Germany experience racism just like Black Folks in America probably a more direct tho
At the busstation i was waiting with a black women and her children than a black man came and ask this women ,where are you come from?,,😆The reason is there are a lot Black people in Germany .And the most are economic Refugees The most come with boots very dangerous from Marokko over Spain or Italy or Greece And the most want to live in Germany .Black people have a long history in Germany .As USA Armeesoldiers eg. Under our skin we al the same. Its only interesting to hear the Storys from other countrys and lifes.. with the best wishes..And sometimes older people who have problems with other colered once came often from Poland or Russia..but they speak German ,too
The thing with ppl being suprised that you r not from Africa (which you basically are 😂) I would say that mainly happens in areas with no US troops. Where I came from (Ffm from Hessen with love 😍 😂) I think less ppl would question your answer. In terms of racism I have my a lot of stories, growing up as a Poc in Germany,.. Good and bad. I think the difference is that in the US racism can get you killed more often than not. And that's a big difference in Germany. What I learned is that it's definitely easier to blend in, in a city rather than the country side. Which is the case in a lot of countries. In terms of rap and hip hop.... Germany really has a lot to offer but the French are the best 😂... If u wanna know more about the experience of grown up black in Germany I recommend the book. By Alice Hasters "Was weisse Menschen nicht über Rassismus hören wollen aber wissen sollten." we r born 11 years apart but the story line did not change a bit, which is sad to a certain extent. Another difference that I have noticed... Black does not equal black. Being a descendant of a group of kidnapped ppl growing up in the US gives you more credit in Germany than being directly from Africa. At least thats my experience.
That makes sense, because then they're kinda like...well what are you doing here if you're not in the military... 😂
100% agree. The US is definitely more dangerous in that sense for us. And yeah, that's what I've noticed as well with the "American privliege"...Thank you for the recommendation, I'll check it out!
@@KendraAshanti you are more than welcome. Her book is also available on Spotify if listening to German is easier than reading.. Or if u r just lazy as I am 😂
@Eff dees Wer bist du denn? Wenn ich Poc sage kann dir das scheiss egal sein. Naturlich musst du AH nicht gut finden, aber lass sich andere Leute ihre eigene Meinung bilden. Was denkst du denn wer du bist? Und dann sagen, daß bestätigt die Vorurteile WTF
There is racism in Germany. It has many layers like in first place is islamophobic tendencies, unfortunately you can spot the old borders watching the numbers of right wing crimes. Second layer is European foreigners mostly from the Mediterranian area and South-Eastern Europe (called Balkan), third layer is colour. There are a lot of coloured people that are German in third, forth or fifth generation. They have to face racism and are questioned to be like Non-German.. Germans as a whole are very open to other cultures if they dwell in cities mostly and more in the Western area or Northern part. There is a strange tendency visible all over Europe and maybe the world to follow demagogues... fortunately still a small minority...
It's crazy how deep it goes...and how crazy diversity makes things better and sometimes worse. But I'm grateful they are a small minority with little power.
I am from Harlem NYC
Please keep in mind that Germany has a very short colonial history and therefore a completely different ethnic composition that the US. There are Afro-Germans living in this country but it's not like in the US where 40% of the population are black and have been living in the country for generations. Most black people in Germany are immigrants that came directly from Africa, mostly from Ethiopia to the GDR. So it is very unusual which explains the disbelieve. I wouldn't consider that to be meant offensive.
Yeah, I'm never offended. It's just off-putting to have someone be skeptical of your background.
@@KendraAshanti I understand. But also keep in mind that Germans are curious and direct. Their outright instead of roundabout way of talking is often considered rude and indiscrete by people from other cultures.
The us is only 13% black…not 40%
Me being an black American, i wonder what the g3sture is, but im too chicken to google it....
It`s the nazi salute which is forbidden by law to show in germany.
@MrCatSyndrom oh wow ok. 😐
I think it is pretty common, that people ask „wo kommst du wirklich(!) her“=where are your really(!) from. If they think you don’t look like a german should look in their mind. That is pretty sad and it makes me angry, cause when you tell me you’re from NY, it’s your mind and i shouldn‘t disbelieve you. And maybe they don’t mean it as a racist comment/question but in fact it is
I totally agree that we Germans do not have the sole privilege to have stupid people among us,. I have seen dumb people everywhere on the world and have experienced also racism against me although I am a person of colour,
My skin looks pink, red, grey, orange, violet, and light sandy depending on body parts, weather and temperature.
Sometimes a mixture of that at the same time :-D
Ja auch hier wird die gute Erztiehung vergessen! Kopf hoch ,derjenige ist sich nicht bewusst das er sebst sich demütigt!
or being 🔥🔥🔥 in Germany :) it usually goes down a bit different for me it's like *imagine loud music* A: Where are you from? Me: I'm Moroccan. A: Really American so cool! Me: No, Moroccan. A: Oh ok... silence lol
😂😂
Are you a Ghanaian?
Me suscribo a tu canal. 💜💜
Gracias ❤
I think it's easier for people to understand when you came from the US than when when you've grown up here. The amount of times I've been asked if I even speak the language, people have touched my hair, thrown stereotypes at me etc has literally lead me to have to go to therapy :C
Or maybe I was just very unlucky
Oh mann, das tut mir so leid. Es gibt einfach noch zu viele ignorante Vollpfosten auf der Welt (und da will ich mich manchmal nicht ausschließen..Stichwort positiver Rassismus). Ich hoffe dir geht es bald besser und dass die ganzen Vollpfosten sich bald in empathische Menschen verwandeln, so dass dir sowas in Zukunft erspart bleibt!
@@susanneschoknecht8687 dankeschön!! Das ist sehr lieb von dir!! 💕
Skin color does not define who you are. Your character defines who you are. Period.
You, dear Ashanti, are by what I can ascertain from your videos, a beautiful character, inside and outside. Idiots exist everywhere, no nation has them all exclusivly. So that idiot with that gesture was a serious case of "Fremdschämen " for me. IE feeling ashamed for someone completely unrelated making me cringe in shame for their actions.
Thank you for your kind words and for the support!
Wir sind alle gleich, all Skincolors. Auch die Grenzen sind eine Erfindung des Menschen. Es gibt keine Ausländer. 💕 Be all proud and strong for your Skincolor, it is very same whis the Skincolor. Black, Red, Yellow or Wite is so same. Have a beautiful Day. 💕 💕 💕 💕
Honour and Respekt for you all. Gemeinsam sind wir stark und erreichen was wir wollen. Gary Kicking Wolf 🐺 💕 💖 💕 💖 💕 💖 💕 💖 💕 💖 💕 💖 💕 💖 💕 💖 💕
Vor der Erfindung von Flugzeugen gab es zumindest noch geografische Grenzen.
I wanna go Make music in German ✔️
Funny enough, Germany in WWII had nothing against black people. The African Corps who defended German interest in Africa against the US and its partners had many people of color in the units, even officers and the like, you can actually look up many infos on that topic, pictures as well. Alas the German people were more welcome as well in many parts of Africa back in the days and the same applies today as well. Thats also one of the reasons why Germany is a "future" stay place for refs. Movie´s and media never really touched that.
Liked your video! Shame that you had a bad encounter, they dont know better .... relics of the past and stuff.
Great that you experienced such little rascism. I must confess that is not that normal anymore in Germany. With the AFD and Trump, being Rasist is not a Stigma anymore so more people say something in that regard which is sad. I think Germany has come along way after the II World War, but we are going some steps backwards unfortunately. Even more in the East Region, then the West and of course more subburbs then Citys. Hopefully you like it here the next years or forever and won't ever have to endure such incidents. 😊 All the best! 🤗😎✌
Yes, people are definitely a lot less shameless about their racist views...thank you for the well wishes and thanks for watching!
Being black in Germany depends where are you from. You said there is a diaspora of the black people in Germany and they are most of them from Africa. But do you think there is a black people in Germany from the Caribbean Islands?
For sure! I've only met one Caribbean person here though, a nice Jamaican man who owned a catering business in Berlin.
@Felix yesss! I'm a Jamaican living in Germany 😌
I think it’s calm because you’re American and not straight from Africa