I'm from London, and am of mixed race, my mother was German, my father a black African (both now sadly deceased). So we visited my mother's family in a small German village many times over the years. I do remember when I was small, that people would stare at my dad, and that small children would even scream and run away! But I also found that once people got used to him and got to know him they became very friendly, and the stares turned to smiles! People would greet him in the street. I always loved going to visit Germany, and still do! I've never had any problem at all! Being stared at is a consequence of unfamiliarity, not racism. People will stare at something they've never seen or have seldom seen. A couple of times I visited my father's country (Ghana in West Africa) and there I was stared at, because being of mixed race I'm lighter skinned than most of the local Africans. People will be people! If you're new to a community and you're different in some way from most of them, give them a chance! Once they get to know you, you may end up having a positive experience!
Can't understand who would downvote this video so much. I'm Swiss, so I'm more or less familiar with Germany and I think you're right on and it was refreshing to hear your experiences. Thanks for keeping an open mind!
Well you mostly talked about kids. Kids can be stupid, that's normal. The percentage of black people in Germany is in average pretty low but it really depends on the area you are. There are cities where your will see a lot black people and there are areas where you will find almost none. So you can't really generalize it. Usually the stares are not meant in a harmful way (at least from my side they were not when I was a kid). I remember that I was always fascinated by black people because I rarely saw them. Actually when I was like five years old I saw a black man in the city and I said to my mom "Look, there is a blue man" (I always said blue... don't ask me why). I found them special. That's it. Don't be too sensitive about it. It mostly doesn't mean anything.
Thank you for sharing your vast travel experiences (and vastly traveled you are indeed). Your reaction toward these unique encounters is highly commendable. Gracious, patient and tolerant.You represent us very well (I'd seriously thought that Europe had diversified beyond the point of us still "standing out" by now, though I'm sure in larger cities that's not the case). Loved your video. "Precious and rare" you are.
Black people are a rare sight in here in Germany, so unfortunately a lot of people stare. In bigger cities like Berlin it's not as big of a deal because there are a lot of immigrants there.
I think you are right to a certain degree about them being ignorant of minorities. I grew up as an Asian with rather dark skin in a very small town in Germany and I have to say that in the last ten years things have gotten a lot better when it comes to racism. I feel like sometimes, when they stare or talk stupid stuff, they don't really do it in a mean way, they just don't know any better sometimes. Fun story: I was once asked by a little German girl, if my internal organs were the same, as a white person's :P Where in Germany do you live? Because I often feel like people in the southern parts of the country are a bit more biased and just more conservative I really liked this video, thank you for being so honest about your experience in Germany :)
LaySong TV Statistically, it's the opposite. I mean, usually, East Germany is the most biased. South Germany (Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria) are the most tolerant and open.
@12:52 yep I think you got it there. Staring definitely doesn't mean disrespect. It is a try to observe and by that understand. If you happen to encounter something you are not used to, the first intuitive thing to do is to take a good look to have a kind of idea what to do about it. So let me use an example. If someone wears a kind of unusual piece of clothing, it is quite hard to treat it as a piece of clothing you are used to. You maybe want to see how it looks, how it is made etc. And maybe you want to judge if it is good or bad. So if we see people who look different from people we are used to, it does have some kind of impression on us,at least on me. This does not apply so much to black people, since I live in an area where I am used to many different kinds of people including people with darker skin colour. And still, I was working together with a black guy and had some easy conversations, we shared some interests, And I could hear from his accent, that he came from the northern parts of Germany (I come from there as well). And still I often smiled talking to him, because the idea of a black person sporting a gorgeous northern German accent was special and amazing (in a positive sense) to me. This is kinda frightening... But I really would like to get into another country where I am a minority or an exception and then I want to experience the reactions to get an idea.
Well it has been a while since the vid so i think that I will do another soon. This will be an update about my feelings of Germany and so experiences I had. I believe I have some advice for anyone who plans to live here.
They see you and ALL black people as AFRICANS...NOT specifically American or other. I also live in Germany as American and have experienced being asked if I am from Ethiopa, North African via (France) or just Africa period. They do stare though. My god do they stare. Go to Amsterdam, they are far more open.
MrVeesworld Lolz, cause the Netherlands have one of the biggest Slave History in the world while the Population of Black people in Germany never reached 2% ...
Thank you for this vid! I'm doing research and so many stories have been negative! It's so refreshing to see something more balanced and rational on Deutschland. Vielen Dank!
well folks. I'm white and blonde and I went to some non-touristic region in the Dominican Republic and yes, all people were staring at me too. Not in a negative way, I was just seen as some sort of exotic guy. Was OK for me.
A person calling you "Mohr" is like a modern white American calling you "negro". It's an outdated term that used to be the usual term, but which is now considered offensive in Germany. However, as it is so often the case, some people will use the term without realising that it is now considered offensive. So the person describing you as a "Mohr" was most likely not being hateful in anyway, but very racially ignorant nonetheless.
Demian Haki there is a really old but still popular children's book in Germany (Der Struwwelpeter") where this term is used. It's actually telling children not to be rude. I have never heard anyone use this term, I would classify it as mildly offensive at the most, but outdated.
Demian Haki It is not exactly that. There are different dialects in Germany and some simply speak in those "ancient" dialects. If the mother reacted as told the word was just used out of convenience or for being raised around people speaking in a dialect.
+Demian Haki I must disagree with the term "Mohr" is nowadays offensive in Germany. The word "Mohr" can be considered a very majestic designation for black people even if it is not used commonly any more.
No, "Mohr" still is not considered to be racist in Germany, but just to be on the safe side most peolpe here try to avoid anything that could be considered even in the slightest as offensive or racist by OTHERS.
Thank you for this nice video and sharing your experience. Funny that so many people wanted to take pictures of you, but I guess if I would go to Africa maybe it would be the same as a tall white blonde person :D I'm from Germany and I feel like there's a lot stereotypes out there about Germans and I heared a lot of times that others say we would look rude and starring all the time, so I guess it's important to speak with others, cause Germans mostly are really respectful, nice and helpful. Even when we don't look like that haha :D Liebe Grüße
As a white german, I find it very interesting to hear what your experience is like living here! I'm not sure in which part of germany you are, but here (Nord Rhein Westfalen), where I live, the word Mohr is not used at all (if I hear it it is mostly old people) since it is considered rascist by most people. Having grown up in New York most of my childhood, I remember being shocked by how few black people there are in Germany when I moved back. Anyway, I would really look forward to a new video about your experiences, since this is pretty old. Thanks for sharing!
Do you live in a smaller town? cause my hometown is really small and I don't know we, but I'd say we have really only a few black, I'm always unsure if it's okey to use it (I'm serious) people,. that's why most people are just not used to it and more or less interested. and germans mostly tend to stare alot, at anyone :D as for me , if it's ablack person, or just someone who speaks a different language, I'm most of the time thinking about why there here and where thye come from, but more in the really interested than the "I don't want you here" way. I don't know but I can understand if it feels like beeing some kind of tropical animal while people want a picture with you. I'd probably get really annoyed by that, so thumbs up for be so nice :)
I like in the 6th largest city in Baden Württumberg with a Pop. of 324,543 people. I was reading a news paper article that talked about the population and I am 1 of 208 Americans in my city. So yeah, I am rare. It does not bother me anymore.
People in rural areas and smaller cities tend to stare. When you enter a village as a stranger they stare at you no matter which colour your skin has. But sure, black people are still kind of exotic for many people in Germany. It's not seen as a perfectly polite to stare at people but also not as rude as it would be seen in the USA for example.
Are you sure the girl didn't say "schwarzer Moa" which is Austrian/Bavarian dialect for "black man". "Schwarzer Mohr" would be very antiquated and also redundant, because a "Mohr" is already black.
+Andreas Keilhauer I mean yes, Mohr is an old word, that not a lot of people use these days, but I don't see it as very negativ. I live in lower Saxony and we even have a store called "Polster Mohr".
tgamagedon he didn't say it was negative. He just said its unlikely that someone would say "Schwarzer Mohr" since the term Mohr, already suggests that the person is black. "Schwarzer Moa" would make more sense since that means black man.
"Der schwarze Mohr" is an expression of a childern's book called "Der Struwwelpeter". This book contains some really rude stories but just this one tells children to be tolerant and not to offend people who are different. They are told to imagine how they themselves would feel when being offended. So I could imagine very well that mum reading out this story this very evening as bedtime story. Especially when Santa Claus comes to put you into the ink, then you are just as black. And a word to "staring": Germany are raised to Look in sombody else's eyes. Not to look at your face would be very, very impolite. Just smile and look back for one and a half second and most people will smile back: "Oh, you are common with our culture, welcome!" And that's it in most cases. Have a good time!
Brigitte Oesterle It could be that the kid referred to that 150 year old children's story. In those days, the story must have seemed pretty progressive, though. 😊 de.m.wikisource.org/wiki/Der_Struwwelpeter/Die_Geschichte_von_den_schwarzen_Buben#
I've seen how they stare bro, but germanas stare even a leave blowing away with the wind. I have also seen how many German girls love balck northamerican guys. I odn't what to say they are racist to the African ones, but that's how it is.
I'm German, and I live in a small flat in a skyscraper in Cologne. There are several black people among my neighbours, one of which is a good friend of mine, a reggae singer from Senegal.
+elfboi523 I am scared od sky-scrapers man. I must add that Reggae singers are cool and they don't care about the N-word, which is cool. My fellow Africans are too sensitive for no good reason.
Hi Nathaniel, thanks for sharing your experiences. I like the way you honestly described how you felt but also made the effort to see it from the German perspective. My wife is black and we're considering moving to Germany - your video gave us some idea of what to expect. As a side note, I'm Polish (and white - I hope it's not such a given anymore :)) and I'm familiar with the curiosity without outright racism you recognized. However, we've been to Poland together a few times and my wife didn't notice any hard staring of the sort you've seen. Even in my little home town. Different culture I guess. Just hilariously honest curiosity from kids. For example, we have a mixed race child and one kid asked her mum "will the baby turn brown when she's older?" :)
Just in case: taking pictures without ones consent is illegal in Germany. I don't think it's right to do so anyway, some people should raise their kids right.
thank you for making this video Nate! some friends and i [who are all African American] are talking about moving to Berlin. we all have lived and taught English in South Korea for years so we are used to handling and living with a lot of the things you described. i've been trying to research grad programs and opportunities there, and have watched a few other videos and read some online posts that were not as informative/by people who seem to have never experience these kinds of things. i really appreciate you talking about your experiences. do you still live in Germany? any plans for more videos?
No, "Mohr" is pretty racist actually. It's not like super racist, it can definitely get worse but it's not particularly cool either. Basically it comes from the word "Moor" referring to the muslim berber Moors in southern spain. It's at best a very old-fashioned word that is common to the very much older generation. It stems from times when Germany was still an imperialist power in the 19th century and had colonies in Africa and it's, i would say from my personal feeling, equivalent to the american "Negro" in how outdated it is. You do see it used on stuff like 50-60 year old commercial labels but it's really not a very enlightened term. Then again I might be wrong and it may have slightly different connotations in the very conservative south of germany, but in the north and west it's definitely one of those words you know is a relic of times when the mentality definitely not a healthy one toward minorities.
being called a moor is only offensive if someone is unlearned in facts, moors navigated Chris Columbus journey to America and they held found Europe and were close counsel to George Washington etc....it's ignorant to use that as an insult
I find it really frustrating how the people in the comments are justifying/defending Germany, saying that staring is not meant to be rude and stuff. It is rude! "Mohr" is not a politically correct term for a black person (it's what is sometimes called "kolonialrassistisch"). Wanting to take pictures of you is not okay. And I'm actually surprised how you can stay so calm and nice about it. But I guess it's because you don't want to be rude and if you got mad they woudn't understand why and get all pissed, just like the people commenting on this video. The fact that there are not so many black people living in Germany is not a good enough excuse. If we saw black people on TV (not in a racist way) and childrens' books etc., we would probably be more sensitive. Germany has a problme with racism but we are so ignorant that we don't even see it. (It's a bit more hidden than in other countries) like the US, I think)
+imaginareality It was a small child who said Mohr and it probably got it from the Struwwelpeter book. Get a grip. And excuse me but try to go to Africa or arabic countries air China as a blonde, white person and everyone would stare too. It's just curiosity. people will always stare at things they are not used to. You would also stare if a really obese person would walk past you, or someone with pink hair and a tattooed face. And no, Germany doesn't have a problem with racism. At least no more than other countries. Less so even. Taking a picture is actually rude though but there are idiots in every country. ask black people who live in the US about the racism there and you will get another perspective on things.
+imaginareality As far as I know, people from Nigeria like the term "Mohr" (ususally the english version "Moor") especially the muslim population, since the term is quite accurate.
Hey, I hope you feel okay in Germany now. Most people don't have a lot of contact with black people and are sometimes a little helpless in a such a situation. It's like being obliged to be very polite and kind which then results sometimes in an awkward kindness.
haha I went to Berlin with a Mexican friend and this little kid in a stroller would not keep his eyes off him for like 15 minutes . Even after we left the subway, he would pick his little head over the little stroller and stare. There are just not enough of us over there.
If a small girl alled you "Moor" in a public place and people did not jump from their seats in shock you've probably been to the most rural parts I can imagine. I live in Berlin, the capital of Germany and I've visited every big town in Germany but also some rural parts in Bavaria e.g. and from what I and many black German friends I have experienced this would most probably never ever happen in cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Munich or Cologne (Also the term "Moor" is very very obsolete and there actually was a chocolate brand here that was called "Moorenshokolade" from the company Sarotti and they had to change the name by court a few years ago) . Makes me sad though that some people still jugge eachother by looks, religions or similar stuff instead of just getting to know each other bc in the end we are all the same, humans :)
My apologies for the 'unicorn effect'. To the Germana word 'Mohr': It is derrived from the word 'Maure' which is one of the words used for the Arabian/Maroccan people that once occupied Spain which where of the Caucasian type with a darker complexion. It somehow survived the sanctuaries since the so called 'reconquista' and was used to every man with a darker skin - not necessarily real black people. It is also a common second name (there is a 'Franz Mohr in the "Robbers" of Schiller, who is plain white). Nevertheless it has pejorative connotations which might derive from it's use during the time of imperialism.
I know this video is a bit old but I'm pretty sure it's not racism but just something really rare. I'm white, but for some time I had my hair dyed blue and I also got all the kind of reactions you described because my hair was blue (or even now that it's neon red) just because it's so rare~ Now, okay, for me it's a choice, but I find myself chuckling at those stares - not at last because I dye my hair as a statement against closed minds...
As a German: we stare at everything. At least older people... It can be creepy sometimes but we're used to it. It's usually not done with any bad intention, it's just a habit, I guess. It's sorta like those old people who you'll discover sitting on their window and just observing the streets.
Hey a friend of mine has the same picture in her guestroom and I always wondered: What is behind the large glass window on the 3rd tower from the left? I am from germany. In large cities normally no one stares.
I'm sorry that you had some bad experiences here. Remember that there are alot of people that are not like this! I have two "black" classmates and I get along with them just with everyone else! There really is no difference. It's kinda awkward to talk about it because I don't even think about it usually. Also: Mohr is kinda racist (at least as far as I know). We had these sweets that were called Mohrenköpfe ( go google it for images) ( means: "Mohr"-heads) that were renamed because the name was offensive. People that are older often use it, because it was common when they were young. They don't really mean it offensive, they just don't realise it could offend people and if you try to explain it to them, they tell you they have always said it like that and won't change it because they are old or some other reason. The stares: Some people ( especially older people) are not used to people with darker skin because, like you said, they are rare. If I as a european go to china for example, people are gonna stare too. Or if I went to Namibia etc...
I wonder about your expierences. Must be very small cities or country. In big german cities no one would stare at you cause people like you you see there every day. Nervertheless nice the way you react in this several situations. ;-)
What the hell D: Im sorry for your negative experiences, some are really unbelievable (asking you to take a picture??!!! wtf, like in a zoo or what.!!!??). The 'German stare' is a thing on its own, some say if starring was a olypic competition we germans would always win, and i guess they are right. You probably got more stares than ususal because the black people are a small minority, but i guess it feels more intense than it is, because, yeah, we like to stare and stuff... xD
One thing: Starring is normal in Germany. Germans stare at everyone its on of the ticks of germans. So they dont really stare at you cause you are black, gay or whatever, they just stare at random people (I know that sounds kinda weird but if you live longer in Germany than 6 Month you will notice :3)
I'm black and gay..had the time of my life in Germany. I felt more than well received if not sought after. Sucks coming back to the states..thinking of ways to become an expat..I'd switch with you any day
In europe starring is not seen as inpolite than in the USA. So your interpretation here adds two things up. The mentioned unicorn effect, and the point that we are just starring more in general, or are not that aware of not to stare like in the US.
that's true. Staring is nothing bad in Germany if it is just staring in general without a bad face expression. And people turning around and children being afraid sometimes? Nothing bad! I was afraid first too when I was a child because it IS something different (not bad! But different) and we are not exactly used to black people. Still, being black is absolutly okay but we look at black people astonishes as I am watched with an hawk eye in Turkey for my white skin. It's just wondering not hating. BIG difference!!!!
Mouth gaping- experience? In 2014? In Germany? Hm, don't think so! Maybe from very small children, what's understandable. Staring I can believe though. "Ein großer Mohr!" That's nearly a biblical expression. Most people don't even know that word any more. WHERE on earth has he been??!
My guess would be some parts of south Germany, knowing he came from Austria? I mean I see lots of black people every day on bus and train on my way , they aren't exactly "unicorns" where I live... Sooo no one's really curious about blacks.
Dude offence but being obese, american, gay and black. I think you've pissed off a whole lot of prejudice groups at the same time there. Don't assume that people are staring at you purely because of your ethnicity. I have black friends in Germany and they love it. So yeah, I think you'd even get stared at in any European country. I feel for you. You are gonna get some dick heads who will be openly racist or prejudice against you. But generally speaking, not everyone who looks at you on the train wants to do you harm.
Acey Eliza I actually liked the "offence" part :PBut really, I think most stare because he is big. That's mean, but it happens to me as well from time to time (I'm somewhere between thick and fat) and I'm pale as my picture shows
They stare also on persons with large body sizes because that is uncommon too, especially if the one that is starred at is young. So how do you know that they starred at you because you are black and not because of your body size? It's only a question, this shouldn't be offending.
Come on. Not even one % is racist. They staring at him because he is fat. Sry for the word fat. But they dont look because he is black. Its because he is fat and gay which isnt really the standard in germany. Nearly in every school class there is a german black. They are normal kids like the white ones. So if you go to germany, than welcome
+Dara Marc Sasmaz Hi there. I am from eastern Germany and as long as you are not in a small villige these NPD idiots (political rightwing party), you are perfectly fine. Cause most of Germany is liberal or left wing anyway. But I think one of the big Cities would be best, like Berlin, Hamburg, Munich.
+Dara Marc Sasmaz If people keep avoiding the eastern part of Germany nothing will ever truly change. They were just never as exposed to new faces as the west even though they had guest workers from other countries, also black people. It's also not true that most people there are racist. I grew up there so i should know. There are right-wingers but you can just as well avoid them. The more people get exposed to other cultures and people from different places the more used they get to it until it's just normal. It's mostly old people (and there are plenty of them in the east) who are afraid of the new and the different. They are just not used to it. Don't let the NPD idiots win by staying away.
Wow, am I late to the party or what? In my experience the best way of discouraging other peoples small kids from staring is to acknowledge that you noticed them somehow, like waving or making a face at them. They'll usually run back to mommy. Pretty much anywhere outside the 5, 6 largest cities i Germany you'll get stares for not fitting the norm, but mostly from kids under 10 and older people over 50. It's just them being curious. I have a luscious braided beard and yeah, even living in Hamburg I still get stared at sometimes. Watching other people is our national sport only second to soccer after all :B
Strange world we live in. I am a white male born and living in Africa. I am educated and have a good job, have the same culture, am Christian, have German forefathers etc. I want to go to Germany. But they will not let me in. But if I was black, muslim and hated the white man, then they will. Crazy world we live in.
Germany can and could and would have every right to be so cause all the foreigners are rude dont immigrate are criminal kill steal are anti-german etc but nethertheless germany is not racist.
PAUL brandel are you fucking stupid?? You moron dont live in Germany nether did and you have no idea. Germany Takes most foreigners and refugees in the whole World. Germany is so tolerant that its even anti-german. Germany is the most tolerant country in.The workd you Idiot. Usa dont even tolerates if you are not a Nationalist.
blacks walked free during the Nazi era in Germany. Go and see this movie in youtube. "Growing up black in Nazi Germany"... the black kid there was even a Nazi sympathizer. LOL
The staring in european countries is surely not about the fact that you are gay or american. You don't have that tattooed on your forehead, so no. If people hear you speak, being american might come into account, but not just from looking. The fact that your black surely is a factor since the aren't that many black people living in europe. But it depends where you are. Usually in big cities with half million or more inhabitants most people have seen black people before and it's nothing unusual to them. The more you get into smaller cities or even the countryside the more you will be getting stared at. The fact that you're a big guy is a factor for being stared at almost everywhere. I'm from germany, dark blond, blue eyes. There's tons of guys like me here. But I'm also a big guy like you and I'm getting stared at too. I think you get my point. So I think the big and black combination is what makes people curious and/or stare.
the people wanting to take a picture of you is interesting. try not to be too offended because it's not just you in a white country. I'm a super white skinned girl and I had that when I was in china. minding my own business and I look up and someone was taking a picture. it's the craziest thing! the people who don't are the ones are the people who are used to seeing people who are different
Some people approach others in a way that is certainly racially insensitive, but also borders on almost childlike, ignorant curiosity. Which is annoying, of course, but it is different from hateful, malicious, aggressive racism. Maybe it can help to look at such people in a way that one would look at a naive child.
Austria is Germany. Just an independent German State and not a Part of the german nationalstate(anymore). But still a Part of the culturally home land of the Germans, Germany.
Nick S "ruled over Europe" is a bit of an overstatement :-) Although most European inhabitants of the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea were afraid of being raided and sold into slavery, the only Area of western Europe that was under (partially black) Muslim rule was Spain.
Sorry but you couldn´t be more wrong. I mean sorry little kids stare at you? well newsflash. Maybe they have been just interessted in you (you know little kids don´t know how to be false or fake friendly) they see you and if they are interssted they will stare at you. End of story. oh and one drunken lady does not represent the people of a whole country. You have one point. That in general people will look with suspicion on you. But thats because 90% of all black people in germany are asylum seekers from africa (and lets face it they are not wanted by the general population) but also fact is once people find out that you are not one of them the behavior will totally change and the people will become VERY friendly.
I dont know what kind of people you met in germany, but normally people dont ask you to take a photo with them, also you are a black guy xD But like in every country there are people that cant really behave. And ok we dont have so much black persons in Germany, but its not like no one has seen a black person before. And its very sad, that in the year 2015 people behave like this in germany
Why is it that African Americans HATE being associated with Africa...especially when they are abroad?! Have seen so many vids of them complaining about being confused for an African? I don't get it honestly...somebody explain
***** Care to explain how those same subsaharan Africans come over here and become engineers? Do you know what that means or the level of brain energy required?
Nate all due respect.........people get that stare right in the USA or any other place in the world. If U are a black person in various parts of Montana, Maine, or remote parts of Texas.....U (or anyone looking different) than the locals will get the exact same "look". if a person is white and U see them in an all black neighborhood..........they will be stared at. It's just "human nature". I am a 6' 8" American black man........I get stared at all the time in the USA or anywhere I travel in the world. Staring is just staring..........I read nothing to it.
People look at you because you do look different. You do stick out. We are curious and study your features ;) The taking picture thing is just rude though. Where have you been?! And the Mohr thing...she probably got that from the Struwwelpeter children book. The old version. You can google it.
I was there for a year Munich.. I know EXACTLY what you mean. I learned to take a camera with me at all times. When they would try to film me... or photograph me. I would emulate them and RECORD them on video. LIKE they would be staring or having their friends STARE at me and I would just do what they did. LOOK, POINT, and FILM them.. That stopped quickly. They have a lot of ugly people there too.. They have their nerve... YEAH the staring was cray cray. Yes no air conditioning that's why people so skinny. All that walking and no air. Also you have to pay the same price for water as a soda or lemonade. I didn't like living there
No. Not at all you moron. The 'east' how you call it what isnt even zhe real east was just 20 years ago communistic. So I dont think you will have a Problem there. And even if. Its their choice, their land.
But you do look MOORISH or SUDANESE.. I don't think being called a MOOR is as bad as being called SWARZ... VIENNA were you in OPERA? Austria is Bavarian Culture. HOw did you go there? Is your partner married. The MOORS ruled Spain and in Germany there are many signs of MOORISH culture, statues, and etc. But you have to be able to see it.. If they called me a MOOR i wouldn't even care. OTHELLO was a MOOR...
I really dont get it why someone in Germany would stare at a Black person. But I also dont get it why I should stare at a Super car who drive by slowly and everyone make pictures of it. Nah never!
***** I know I know but it is just like a thing you don't do, to stare at someone. It is a thing your parents teach you. I worked and studied near major big cities and I know on the countryside are none or only a few black people. But still I never get it why some is doing that.
The comments here are a fucking outrage. Please be aware that headlines like that just attract a certain type of people and the internetz are in general mostly the dominion of ignorance and idiocy.
I'm from London, and am of mixed race, my mother was German, my father a black African (both now sadly deceased). So we visited my mother's family in a small German village many times over the years. I do remember when I was small, that people would stare at my dad, and that small children would even scream and run away! But I also found that once people got used to him and got to know him they became very friendly, and the stares turned to smiles! People would greet him in the street. I always loved going to visit Germany, and still do! I've never had any problem at all!
Being stared at is a consequence of unfamiliarity, not racism. People will stare at something they've never seen or have seldom seen. A couple of times I visited my father's country (Ghana in West Africa) and there I was stared at, because being of mixed race I'm lighter skinned than most of the local Africans.
People will be people! If you're new to a community and you're different in some way from most of them, give them a chance! Once they get to know you, you may end up having a positive experience!
sahil 8181 Has nothing to do with the gay guy in the video.
Can't understand who would downvote this video so much. I'm Swiss, so I'm more or less familiar with Germany and I think you're right on and it was refreshing to hear your experiences. Thanks for keeping an open mind!
I almost forgot about this video. lol... well update is I am back home in the U.S.. I wish you all happiness, love, and good fortune.
Where have y ou been lately? new to your channel
Well you mostly talked about kids. Kids can be stupid, that's normal. The percentage of black people in Germany is in average pretty low but it really depends on the area you are. There are cities where your will see a lot black people and there are areas where you will find almost none. So you can't really generalize it. Usually the stares are not meant in a harmful way (at least from my side they were not when I was a kid). I remember that I was always fascinated by black people because I rarely saw them. Actually when I was like five years old I saw a black man in the city and I said to my mom "Look, there is a blue man" (I always said blue... don't ask me why). I found them special. That's it. Don't be too sensitive about it. It mostly doesn't mean anything.
Stylebreed The kids in Germany are more respectful, shy and well mannered as compare to UK, USA , France , Australia.
(Personal observation)
Thank you for sharing your vast travel experiences (and vastly traveled you are indeed). Your reaction toward these unique encounters is highly commendable. Gracious, patient and tolerant.You represent us very well (I'd seriously thought that Europe had diversified beyond the point of us still "standing out" by now, though I'm sure in larger cities that's not the case). Loved your video. "Precious and rare" you are.
Black people are a rare sight in here in Germany, so unfortunately a lot of people stare. In bigger cities like Berlin it's not as big of a deal because there are a lot of immigrants there.
I just love your personality!🙌
Nina La Bella I like your avatar.:-)
I think you are right to a certain degree about them being ignorant of minorities. I grew up as an Asian with rather dark skin in a very small town in Germany and I have to say that in the last ten years things have gotten a lot better when it comes to racism. I feel like sometimes, when they stare or talk stupid stuff, they don't really do it in a mean way, they just don't know any better sometimes.
Fun story: I was once asked by a little German girl, if my internal organs were the same, as a white person's :P
Where in Germany do you live? Because I often feel like people in the southern parts of the country are a bit more biased and just more conservative
I really liked this video, thank you for being so honest about your experience in Germany :)
LaySong TV Statistically, it's the opposite. I mean, usually, East Germany is the most biased. South Germany (Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria) are the most tolerant and open.
@12:52 yep I think you got it there.
Staring definitely doesn't mean disrespect. It is a try to observe and by that understand. If you happen to encounter something you are not used to, the first intuitive thing to do is to take a good look to have a kind of idea what to do about it.
So let me use an example. If someone wears a kind of unusual piece of clothing, it is quite hard to treat it as a piece of clothing you are used to. You maybe want to see how it looks, how it is made etc.
And maybe you want to judge if it is good or bad.
So if we see people who look different from people we are used to, it does have some kind of impression on us,at least on me. This does not apply so much to black people, since I live in an area where I am used to many different kinds of people including people with darker skin colour. And still, I was working together with a black guy and had some easy conversations, we shared some interests, And I could hear from his accent, that he came from the northern parts of Germany (I come from there as well). And still I often smiled talking to him, because the idea of a black person sporting a gorgeous northern German accent was special and amazing (in a positive sense) to me. This is kinda frightening...
But I really would like to get into another country where I am a minority or an exception and then I want to experience the reactions to get an idea.
Well it has been a while since the vid so i think that I will do another soon. This will be an update about my feelings of Germany and so experiences I had. I believe I have some advice for anyone who plans to live here.
They see you and ALL black people as AFRICANS...NOT specifically American or other. I also live in Germany as American and have experienced being asked if I am from Ethiopa, North African via (France) or just Africa period. They do stare though. My god do they stare. Go to Amsterdam, they are far more open.
MrVeesworld
Lolz, cause the Netherlands have one of the biggest Slave History in the world while the Population of Black people in Germany never reached 2% ...
***** STFU with this b.s
***** A rude racist kraut,what a surprise!? :-)
***** your drunk fake german go home this is what you said now shut the fuck eat and do not leave me on the nerves
if it makes you feel any better, I'm a small white straight non-German and they still don't treat me well
Thank you for this vid! I'm doing research and so many stories have been negative! It's so refreshing to see something more balanced and rational on Deutschland. Vielen Dank!
well folks. I'm white and blonde and I went to some non-touristic region in the Dominican Republic and yes, all people were staring at me too. Not in a negative way, I was just seen as some sort of exotic guy. Was OK for me.
LOVED the Dominican Republic. I was seen as a "curiousity". I got a kick out of the reaction of the locals to this white guy. It was an education.
A person calling you "Mohr" is like a modern white American calling you "negro". It's an outdated term that used to be the usual term, but which is now considered offensive in Germany. However, as it is so often the case, some people will use the term without realising that it is now considered offensive. So the person describing you as a "Mohr" was most likely not being hateful in anyway, but very racially ignorant nonetheless.
Demian Haki there is a really old but still popular children's book in Germany (Der Struwwelpeter") where this term is used. It's actually telling children not to be rude. I have never heard anyone use this term, I would classify it as mildly offensive at the most, but outdated.
Demian Haki It is not exactly that. There are different dialects in Germany and some simply speak in those "ancient" dialects. If the mother reacted as told the word was just used out of convenience or for being raised around people speaking in a dialect.
Demian Haki It was a child and she most probably got it from Der Struwwelpeter.
+Demian Haki I must disagree with the term "Mohr" is nowadays offensive in Germany. The word "Mohr" can be considered a very majestic designation for black people even if it is not used commonly any more.
No, "Mohr" still is not considered to be racist in Germany, but just to be on the safe side most peolpe here try to avoid anything that could be considered even in the slightest as offensive or racist by OTHERS.
Thank you for this nice video and sharing your experience. Funny that so many people wanted to take pictures of you, but I guess if I would go to Africa maybe it would be the same as a tall white blonde person :D I'm from Germany and I feel like there's a lot stereotypes out there about Germans and I heared a lot of times that others say we would look rude and starring all the time, so I guess it's important to speak with others, cause Germans mostly are really respectful, nice and helpful. Even when we don't look like that haha :D Liebe Grüße
As a white german, I find it very interesting to hear what your experience is like living here!
I'm not sure in which part of germany you are, but here (Nord Rhein Westfalen), where I live, the word Mohr is not used at all (if I hear it it is mostly old people) since it is considered rascist by most people.
Having grown up in New York most of my childhood, I remember being shocked by how few black people there are in Germany when I moved back.
Anyway, I would really look forward to a new video about your experiences, since this is pretty old.
Thanks for sharing!
Do you live in a smaller town? cause my hometown is really small and I don't know we, but I'd say we have really only a few black, I'm always unsure if it's okey to use it (I'm serious) people,. that's why most people are just not used to it and more or less interested. and germans mostly tend to stare alot, at anyone :D as for me , if it's ablack person, or just someone who speaks a different language, I'm most of the time thinking about why there here and where thye come from, but more in the really interested than the "I don't want you here" way. I don't know but I can understand if it feels like beeing some kind of tropical animal while people want a picture with you. I'd probably get really annoyed by that, so thumbs up for be so nice :)
I like in the 6th largest city in Baden Württumberg with a Pop. of 324,543 people. I was reading a news paper article that talked about the population and I am 1 of 208 Americans in my city. So yeah, I am rare. It does not bother me anymore.
Nathaniel Austin
we only have about 330000 people in our town^^ great, that it doesn't bother you anymore^^
Nathaniel Austin Do you live in Karlsruhe? Thank you for sharing your experience.
People in rural areas and smaller cities tend to stare.
When you enter a village as a stranger they stare at you no matter which colour your skin has. But sure, black people are still kind of exotic for many people in Germany.
It's not seen as a perfectly polite to stare at people but also not as rude as it would be seen in the USA for example.
Are you sure the girl didn't say "schwarzer Moa" which is Austrian/Bavarian dialect for "black man". "Schwarzer Mohr" would be very antiquated and also redundant, because a "Mohr" is already black.
+Andreas Keilhauer yea the bavarian word for man makes more sense then mohr, mohr is a word they use in the bible stories and shit.
+Andreas Keilhauer I mean yes, Mohr is an old word, that not a lot of people use these days, but I don't see it as very negativ. I live in lower Saxony and we even have a store called "Polster Mohr".
tgamagedon
he didn't say it was negative. He just said its unlikely that someone would say "Schwarzer Mohr" since the term Mohr, already suggests that the person is black. "Schwarzer Moa" would make more sense since that means black man.
"Der schwarze Mohr" is an expression of a childern's book called "Der Struwwelpeter". This book contains some really rude stories but just this one tells children to be tolerant and not to offend people who are different. They are told to imagine how they themselves would feel when being offended. So I could imagine very well that mum reading out this story this very evening as bedtime story. Especially when Santa Claus comes to put you into the ink, then you are just as black.
And a word to "staring": Germany are raised to Look in sombody else's eyes. Not to look at your face would be very, very impolite. Just smile and look back for one and a half second and most people will smile back: "Oh, you are common with our culture, welcome!" And that's it in most cases.
Have a good time!
Brigitte Oesterle It could be that the kid referred to that 150 year old children's story. In those days, the story must have seemed pretty progressive, though. 😊
de.m.wikisource.org/wiki/Der_Struwwelpeter/Die_Geschichte_von_den_schwarzen_Buben#
I've seen how they stare bro, but germanas stare even a leave blowing away with the wind. I have also seen how many German girls love balck northamerican guys. I odn't what to say they are racist to the African ones, but that's how it is.
yeah, I wish only the girls
that's what they do the best anyway
Diego Duran in germany you see no white girl with blacks lol rofl germans starre blacks because is what "new" ^^
Yeah, that is why I wrote that it is what they have told me(some girlfriends here in Germany).
I don't think germans are racist. I found you people very nice, don't worry.
Black people don't be afraid of racist europeans. Black people lived in europe in ancient times
I think people stare at you because you dont have ears
Lollollollol
Omg hahhahaha 😂😂😂 i shouldn't laugh but i pissed in my pants.
Peter Eli what photo?
Peter Eli you mean the photo on which I hold up my ID and show off my ears in order to be allowed to make a joke? I dont know, you got me officer
Peter Eli yeah i wish i could be as brave as you are, but unfortunately i dont have a dog behind which i could hide uglyness :(
I'm German, and I live in a small flat in a skyscraper in Cologne. There are several black people among my neighbours, one of which is a good friend of mine, a reggae singer from Senegal.
+elfboi523 I am scared od sky-scrapers man. I must add that Reggae singers are cool and they don't care about the N-word, which is cool. My fellow Africans are too sensitive for no good reason.
Hi Nathaniel, thanks for sharing your experiences. I like the way you honestly described how you felt but also made the effort to see it from the German perspective. My wife is black and we're considering moving to Germany - your video gave us some idea of what to expect. As a side note, I'm Polish (and white - I hope it's not such a given anymore :)) and I'm familiar with the curiosity without outright racism you recognized. However, we've been to Poland together a few times and my wife didn't notice any hard staring of the sort you've seen. Even in my little home town. Different culture I guess. Just hilariously honest curiosity from kids. For example, we have a mixed race child and one kid asked her mum "will the baby turn brown when she's older?" :)
Lol will the Baby turn brown 😂😂 that's funny lol
Just in case: taking pictures without ones consent is illegal in Germany. I don't think it's right to do so anyway, some people should raise their kids right.
thank you for making this video Nate! some friends and i [who are all African American] are talking about moving to Berlin. we all have lived and taught English in South Korea for years so we are used to handling and living with a lot of the things you described. i've been trying to research grad programs and opportunities there, and have watched a few other videos and read some online posts that were not as informative/by people who seem to have never experience these kinds of things. i really appreciate you talking about your experiences.
do you still live in Germany? any plans for more videos?
No, "Mohr" is pretty racist actually. It's not like super racist, it can definitely get worse but it's not particularly cool either. Basically it comes from the word "Moor" referring to the muslim berber Moors in southern spain. It's at best a very old-fashioned word that is common to the very much older generation. It stems from times when Germany was still an imperialist power in the 19th century and had colonies in Africa and it's, i would say from my personal feeling, equivalent to the american "Negro" in how outdated it is. You do see it used on stuff like 50-60 year old commercial labels but it's really not a very enlightened term. Then again I might be wrong and it may have slightly different connotations in the very conservative south of germany, but in the north and west it's definitely one of those words you know is a relic of times when the mentality definitely not a healthy one toward minorities.
being called a moor is only offensive if someone is unlearned in facts, moors navigated Chris Columbus journey to America and they held found Europe and were close counsel to George Washington etc....it's ignorant to use that as an insult
I find it really frustrating how the people in the comments are justifying/defending Germany, saying that staring is not meant to be rude and stuff. It is rude! "Mohr" is not a politically correct term for a black person (it's what is sometimes called "kolonialrassistisch"). Wanting to take pictures of you is not okay. And I'm actually surprised how you can stay so calm and nice about it. But I guess it's because you don't want to be rude and if you got mad they woudn't understand why and get all pissed, just like the people commenting on this video.
The fact that there are not so many black people living in Germany is not a good enough excuse. If we saw black people on TV (not in a racist way) and childrens' books etc., we would probably be more sensitive.
Germany has a problme with racism but we are so ignorant that we don't even see it. (It's a bit more hidden than in other countries) like the US, I think)
+imaginareality It was a small child who said Mohr and it probably got it from the Struwwelpeter book. Get a grip. And excuse me but try to go to Africa or arabic countries air China as a blonde, white person and everyone would stare too. It's just curiosity. people will always stare at things they are not used to. You would also stare if a really obese person would walk past you, or someone with pink hair and a tattooed face. And no, Germany doesn't have a problem with racism. At least no more than other countries. Less so even. Taking a picture is actually rude though but there are idiots in every country. ask black people who live in the US about the racism there and you will get another perspective on things.
+imaginareality As far as I know, people from Nigeria like the term "Mohr" (ususally the english version "Moor") especially the muslim population, since the term is quite accurate.
Hey, I hope you feel okay in Germany now. Most people don't have a lot of contact with black people and are sometimes a little helpless in a such a situation. It's like being obliged to be very polite and kind which then results sometimes in an awkward kindness.
haha I went to Berlin with a Mexican friend and this little kid in a stroller would not keep his eyes off him for like 15 minutes . Even after we left the subway, he would pick his little head over the little stroller and stare. There are just not enough of us over there.
If a small girl alled you "Moor" in a public place and people did not jump from their seats in shock you've probably been to the most rural parts I can imagine. I live in Berlin, the capital of Germany and I've visited every big town in Germany but also some rural parts in Bavaria e.g. and from what I and many black German friends I have experienced this would most probably never ever happen in cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Munich or Cologne (Also the term "Moor" is very very obsolete and there actually was a chocolate brand here that was called "Moorenshokolade" from the company Sarotti and they had to change the name by court a few years ago) . Makes me sad though that some people still jugge eachother by looks, religions or similar stuff instead of just getting to know each other bc in the end we are all the same, humans :)
My apologies for the 'unicorn effect'. To the Germana word 'Mohr': It is derrived from the word 'Maure' which is one of the words used for the Arabian/Maroccan people that once occupied Spain which where of the Caucasian type with a darker complexion. It somehow survived the sanctuaries since the so called 'reconquista' and was used to every man with a darker skin - not necessarily real black people. It is also a common second name (there is a 'Franz Mohr in the "Robbers" of Schiller, who is plain white). Nevertheless it has pejorative connotations which might derive from it's use during the time of imperialism.
I don't think the young girl was being racist at all. She was just seeing someone like you for the first time, that is all.
I thought you were Sean Kingston in the thumbnail
lmao 😭
people actually stare a lot in general, in smaller places it suffices that they don't know you or that you are not old.
I know this video is a bit old but I'm pretty sure it's not racism but just something really rare. I'm white, but for some time I had my hair dyed blue and I also got all the kind of reactions you described because my hair was blue (or even now that it's neon red) just because it's so rare~
Now, okay, for me it's a choice, but I find myself chuckling at those stares - not at last because I dye my hair as a statement against closed minds...
As a German: we stare at everything. At least older people... It can be creepy sometimes but we're used to it. It's usually not done with any bad intention, it's just a habit, I guess. It's sorta like those old people who you'll discover sitting on their window and just observing the streets.
Firstname Lastname hello dear even in India people stare I can understand
i like your spirit. It's true that people are use to stare a lot, they will learn it by time hopefully. Greetings from Germany
It sounds like for the most part you were a positive representer of black people, thank you.
being a black in Germany is peace and love Germany people's are very kind and good people's god will bless Germany to go forward and peace forever
Hey a friend of mine has the same picture in her guestroom and I always wondered: What is behind the large glass window on the 3rd tower from the left?
I am from germany. In large cities normally no one stares.
I knew that you were gay and I still think you are sooooo beautiful your complexion is flawless.
I'm sorry that you had some bad experiences here. Remember that there are alot of people that are not like this! I have two "black" classmates and I get along with them just with everyone else! There really is no difference. It's kinda awkward to talk about it because I don't even think about it usually.
Also: Mohr is kinda racist (at least as far as I know). We had these sweets that were called Mohrenköpfe ( go google it for images) ( means: "Mohr"-heads) that were renamed because the name was offensive. People that are older often use it, because it was common when they were young. They don't really mean it offensive, they just don't realise it could offend people and if you try to explain it to them, they tell you they have always said it like that and won't change it because they are old or some other reason.
The stares: Some people ( especially older people) are not used to people with darker skin because, like you said, they are rare. If I as a european go to china for example, people are gonna stare too. Or if I went to Namibia etc...
I wonder about your expierences. Must be very small cities or country. In big german cities no one would stare at you cause people like you you see there every day.
Nervertheless nice the way you react in this several situations. ;-)
What the hell D: Im sorry for your negative experiences, some are really unbelievable (asking you to take a picture??!!! wtf, like in a zoo or what.!!!??). The 'German stare' is a thing on its own, some say if starring was a olypic competition we germans would always win, and i guess they are right. You probably got more stares than ususal because the black people are a small minority, but i guess it feels more intense than it is, because, yeah, we like to stare and stuff... xD
One thing: Starring is normal in Germany. Germans stare at everyone its on of the ticks of germans. So they dont really stare at you cause you are black, gay or whatever, they just stare at random people (I know that sounds kinda weird but if you live longer in Germany than 6 Month you will notice :3)
I'm black and gay..had the time of my life in Germany. I felt more than well received if not sought after. Sucks coming back to the states..thinking of ways to become an expat..I'd switch with you any day
+gunit8590 that's true. wonder if my experience was different because I'm American lol. idk
I got through the first minute of this video, that was enough.
That's the cost of watching random content on youtube
It's like you're famous down there haha
In europe starring is not seen as inpolite than in the USA. So your interpretation here adds two things up. The mentioned unicorn effect, and the point that we are just starring more in general, or are not that aware of not to stare like in the US.
that's true. Staring is nothing bad in Germany if it is just staring in general without a bad face expression. And people turning around and children being afraid sometimes? Nothing bad! I was afraid first too when I was a child because it IS something different (not bad! But different) and we are not exactly used to black people. Still, being black is absolutly okay but we look at black people astonishes as I am watched with an hawk eye in Turkey for my white skin. It's just wondering not hating. BIG difference!!!!
Mouth gaping- experience? In 2014? In Germany? Hm, don't think so! Maybe from very small children, what's understandable. Staring I can believe though. "Ein großer Mohr!" That's nearly a biblical expression. Most people don't even know that word any more. WHERE on earth has he been??!
My guess would be some parts of south Germany, knowing he came from Austria? I mean I see lots of black people every day on bus and train on my way , they aren't exactly "unicorns" where I live... Sooo no one's really curious about blacks.
The Child possibly said "Ein großer Mann."
I have never seen a big black gay guy in my life
Dude offence but being obese, american, gay and black. I think you've pissed off a whole lot of prejudice groups at the same time there. Don't assume that people are staring at you purely because of your ethnicity. I have black friends in Germany and they love it. So yeah, I think you'd even get stared at in any European country. I feel for you. You are gonna get some dick heads who will be openly racist or prejudice against you. But generally speaking, not everyone who looks at you on the train wants to do you harm.
*** no offence
Acey Eliza I actually liked the "offence" part :PBut really, I think most stare because he is big. That's mean, but it happens to me as well from time to time (I'm somewhere between thick and fat) and I'm pale as my picture shows
gerbelle90 so true tho xD
They stare also on persons with large body sizes because that is uncommon too, especially if the one that is starred at is young.
So how do you know that they starred at you because you are black and not because of your body size?
It's only a question, this shouldn't be offending.
Your Video was very interesting for me (i'm german). Thanks!
Moor is not a racist term.
We are Moors.
Interesting experiences, thank you for sharing.
You are so cute :D
Love you
I'm also black and gay, currently waiting to hear if my job will place me in the UK or Germany. I really hope it's NOT Germany!
Come on. Not even one % is racist. They staring at him because he is fat. Sry for the word fat. But they dont look because he is black. Its because he is fat and gay which isnt really the standard in germany. Nearly in every school class there is a german black. They are normal kids like the white ones.
So if you go to germany, than welcome
TeanoZ British are fuck racist than Germans. Long live Germany and freedom forever
+Dara Marc Sasmaz Hi there. I am from eastern Germany and as long as you are not in a small villige these NPD idiots (political rightwing party), you are perfectly fine. Cause most of Germany is liberal or left wing anyway. But I think one of the big Cities would be best, like Berlin, Hamburg, Munich.
+Dara Marc Sasmaz If people keep avoiding the eastern part of Germany nothing will ever truly change. They were just never as exposed to new faces as the west even though they had guest workers from other countries, also black people. It's also not true that most people there are racist. I grew up there so i should know. There are right-wingers but you can just as well avoid them. The more people get exposed to other cultures and people from different places the more used they get to it until it's just normal. It's mostly old people (and there are plenty of them in the east) who are afraid of the new and the different. They are just not used to it. Don't let the NPD idiots win by staying away.
Wow, am I late to the party or what? In my experience the best way of discouraging other peoples small kids from staring is to acknowledge that you noticed them somehow, like waving or making a face at them. They'll usually run back to mommy.
Pretty much anywhere outside the 5, 6 largest cities i Germany you'll get stares for not fitting the norm, but mostly from kids under 10 and older people over 50. It's just them being curious. I have a luscious braided beard and yeah, even living in Hamburg I still get stared at sometimes. Watching other people is our national sport only second to soccer after all :B
Germany is the place on earth to be a German among Germans.
Really Nathaniel,no aircondictioners,that would suck in the summer.
What Charge them 10.00 per pictures
Where in Germany were you? I plan on visiting Köln in a year, if you lived there how was it?
I am the big black gay guy in Germany... I like you already!
Nice video!
I am a Black American. You guys can keep him. We don't want him lol.
How are the jobs down there and very cool video.
Very good video...informative. You are also a great host. Hope you do more videos.
Strange world we live in. I am a white male born and living in Africa. I am educated and have a good job, have the same culture, am Christian, have German forefathers etc. I want to go to Germany. But they will not let me in. But if I was black, muslim and hated the white man, then they will. Crazy world we live in.
I would say that Germany can be very racist. But so is every country. You can see it from Sweden to Suriname , every country in the world has racism
Every country is NOT the same,Sweden,Canada,Brazil and USA are among the most tolerant countries,Germany not so much.
PAUL brandel
The USA is way more racist than Germany. Look at the bible belt. Look at your conservatives. And think again.
Did I say that they were all the Sam? No
Germany can and could and would have every right to be so cause all the foreigners are rude dont immigrate are criminal kill steal are anti-german etc but nethertheless germany is not racist.
PAUL brandel are you fucking stupid?? You moron dont live in Germany nether did and you have no idea. Germany Takes most foreigners and refugees in the whole World. Germany is so tolerant that its even anti-german. Germany is the most tolerant country in.The workd you Idiot. Usa dont even tolerates if you are not a Nationalist.
blacks walked free during the Nazi era in Germany. Go and see this movie in youtube. "Growing up black in Nazi Germany"... the black kid there was even a Nazi sympathizer. LOL
nate? you realy like kfc aint ya ? :))
Starring is a german thing dont worry about it..we stare at everything :D
+8thHorcrux and its a special thing for little white children when they see a black person for the first time in their life :D
The staring in european countries is surely not about the fact that you are gay or american. You don't have that tattooed on your forehead, so no. If people hear you speak, being american might come into account, but not just from looking. The fact that your black surely is a factor since the aren't that many black people living in europe. But it depends where you are. Usually in big cities with half million or more inhabitants most people have seen black people before and it's nothing unusual to them. The more you get into smaller cities or even the countryside the more you will be getting stared at. The fact that you're a big guy is a factor for being stared at almost everywhere. I'm from germany, dark blond, blue eyes. There's tons of guys like me here. But I'm also a big guy like you and I'm getting stared at too. I think you get my point. So I think the big and black combination is what makes people curious and/or stare.
the people wanting to take a picture of you is interesting. try not to be too offended because it's not just you in a white country. I'm a super white skinned girl and I had that when I was in china. minding my own business and I look up and someone was taking a picture. it's the craziest thing! the people who don't are the ones are the people who are used to seeing people who are different
Some people approach others in a way that is certainly racially insensitive, but also borders on almost childlike, ignorant curiosity. Which is annoying, of course, but it is different from hateful, malicious, aggressive racism.
Maybe it can help to look at such people in a way that one would look at a naive child.
Austria is Germany. Just an independent German State and not a Part of the german nationalstate(anymore). But still a Part of the culturally home land of the Germans, Germany.
Nat, you're too nice. I would have b...slapped that hefer ;)
many greetings from Ghana West Africa
The little girl called him Moor? Moor means.... black. The Moors who ruled over Europe during the Dark Ages... were black. Let that sink in.
Nick S
"ruled over Europe" is a bit of an overstatement :-)
Although most European inhabitants of the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea were afraid of being raided and sold into slavery,
the only Area of western Europe that was under (partially black) Muslim rule was Spain.
+Nick S Not "Moor" > "Mohr" |] Mohr means "Mauren". Don't know whats "Mauren" in english. Sorry, i'm german.
Wikipedia: Spain, Muslim, 10th century
Deine Aussprache ist gut :)
I never hear people in Germany use the Word Mohr. A lot black people life in germany is not unusual.
Sorry but you couldn´t be more wrong. I mean sorry little kids stare at you? well newsflash. Maybe they have been just interessted in you (you know little kids don´t know how to be false or fake friendly) they see you and if they are interssted they will stare at you. End of story. oh and one drunken lady does not represent the people of a whole country. You have one point. That in general people will look with suspicion on you. But thats because 90% of all black people in germany are asylum seekers from africa (and lets face it they are not wanted by the general population) but also fact is once people find out that you are not one of them the behavior will totally change and the people will become VERY friendly.
I dont know what kind of people you met in germany, but normally people dont ask you to take a photo with them, also you are a black guy xD But like in every country there are people that cant really behave. And ok we dont have so much black persons in Germany, but its not like no one has seen a black person before. And its very sad, that in the year 2015 people behave like this in germany
"Ein großer Mohr!" xD that term is so outdated, at least in Germany :)
Why is it that African Americans HATE being associated with Africa...especially when they are abroad?! Have seen so many vids of them complaining about being confused for an African? I don't get it honestly...somebody explain
*****
Care to explain how those same subsaharan Africans come over here and become engineers? Do you know what that means or the level of brain energy required?
Nate all due respect.........people get that stare right in the USA or any other place in the world. If U are a black person in various parts of Montana, Maine, or remote parts of Texas.....U (or anyone looking different) than the locals will get the exact same "look". if a person is white and U see them in an all black neighborhood..........they will be stared at. It's just "human nature". I am a 6' 8" American black man........I get stared at all the time in the USA or anywhere I travel in the world. Staring is just staring..........I read nothing to it.
People look at you because you do look different. You do stick out. We are curious and study your features ;) The taking picture thing is just rude though. Where have you been?! And the Mohr thing...she probably got that from the Struwwelpeter children book. The old version. You can google it.
+Frieda Did they change the book? Ours says "Mohr" too, but my parents used to tell me not to call anyone Mohr when we read this.
+Murmeli Stein That's what i heard at least. I remember there was a debate about it. Political Correctness and stuff.
I was there for a year Munich.. I know EXACTLY what you mean. I learned to take a camera with me at all times. When they would try to film me... or photograph me. I would emulate them and RECORD them on video. LIKE they would be staring or having their friends STARE at me and I would just do what they did. LOOK, POINT, and FILM them.. That stopped quickly. They have a lot of ugly people there too.. They have their nerve... YEAH the staring was cray cray. Yes no air conditioning that's why people so skinny. All that walking and no air. Also you have to pay the same price for water as a soda or lemonade. I didn't like living there
Whats wrong with him that are so much hatefull commends here?
To be Black in Germay is no Problem in West, North and South .. onlly the East is a litte Problem
No. Not at all you moron. The 'east' how you call it what isnt even zhe real east was just 20 years ago communistic. So I dont think you will have a Problem there. And even if. Its their choice, their land.
I have 2 Vietnamese and 1 black friends and I usually don't stare at them xD
Awwww, like Kinder surpise in minorities, big, black and gay? Wow, that are threee minorities in just one person. My compliments.....
she is a good mom i think
But you do look MOORISH or SUDANESE.. I don't think being called a MOOR is as bad as being called SWARZ... VIENNA were you in OPERA? Austria is Bavarian Culture. HOw did you go there? Is your partner married. The MOORS ruled Spain and in Germany there are many signs of MOORISH culture, statues, and etc. But you have to be able to see it.. If they called me a MOOR i wouldn't even care. OTHELLO was a MOOR...
so sorry for what happend to you!!
I really dont get it why someone in Germany would stare at a Black person. But I also dont get it why I should stare at a Super car who drive by slowly and everyone make pictures of it. Nah never!
***** I know I know but it is just like a thing you don't do, to stare at someone. It is a thing your parents teach you. I worked and studied near major big cities and I know on the countryside are none or only a few black people. But still I never get it why some is doing that.
It's not that you're a minority, it's that you're part of an easily identifiable small minority.
Nate you are sooooo pretty
The comments here are a fucking outrage. Please be aware that headlines like that just attract a certain type of people and the internetz are in general mostly the dominion of ignorance and idiocy.
Awesome