Racism in Denmark

The first post is helpful because it addresses Denmark and the Indian population there.

But for what it's worth, some travelers have a different take on racism in Europe, in general (not specifically Denmark). These are excerpts from one of Rick Steves' books (* * * indicates sentences have been omitted from the quoted material):

"It's helpful to keep in mind the huge historical and cultural differences between the US and Europe--especially relating to race relations. One-third of the US population is non-white, compared to less than 5 percent of people living in Europe. * * * Today's Europe is struggling to adapt to its new ethnic make-up, and progress can be slow. * * * Travelers of color and mixed-race couples tell me that their most common source of discomfort in Europe is staring. * * * Another frustration reported by travelers of color is racial profiling, particularly at border crossings or airport security. * * * These trends obviously vary greatly by country...."

In light of recent outrage over Danish cartoons, there's more tension in Denmark than usual.

You'll be identified as a tourist first, which means you can expect a range of reactions from courtesy to complete disregard. Open, unprovoked hostility to tourists is extremely rare throughout the continent.

You're likely to be treated as a tourist or, in some cases, as a gypsy.

Speaking specifically to Denmark, where I have traveled many times but not in the past few years:

I have found the Danes to be very cosmopolitan, well educated and well=-traveled, liberal-minded, tolerant, and very friendly towards tourists---of all ethnicities.

I have never encountered or heard a reference to "gypsy" there and that would not apply to Elle in any case. As for racial issues evolving from the notorious cartoon, that cartoon was anti-terrorist, not anti-ethnic.

There is no need for you to pass for anything other than what you are, a South Asian woman proud of her Indian heritage.

Just smile, greet people in English (which most Danes speak very well, especially if they are working in shops and restaurants, etc.), and you will be fine. You'll quickly learn a few basic words in Danish, but I've never found it necessary to use them there.

I find Steves blanket statement that there is no racism in Europe to be very false. It surely does depend on where you go. Scandanavia is one of the better countries, but much of the UK, Eastern Europe including the old East Germany, parts of Spain and Italy certainly do have problems with racism. All you have to do is read some international news sources.

For the poster who made the comment about gypsies, that was just so wrong, and that post ought to be deleted.

I also agree that you should have no problem. You will be identified as a tourist and guest first, and afforded common courtesy.

As for racism in general; I always had the impression that to view European culture through the eyes of American style racism is a mistake to begin with. I have always viewed the issue to be Nationalism rather than Racism. It may be a subtle difference to many, but when you hear of problems between what we consider to be races in Europe, it is more likely between immigrant populations and residents. Now yes, the immigrants tend to be of a brown skinned complexion, and the locals white; but the tensions (jobs, religion,etc.) have roots other than skin color. I think a parallel can be drawn in Eastern European countries, but there, the issues seem to be rooted in economics and jobs even more. In short, there certainly are tensions between groups in Europe, but as a tourist, you are mostly immune to those disagreements.

I agree with the previous poster, that while there is prejudice based solely on race (at least in the east), it seems to be more of a nationalist sentiment in western Europe. Some of it, I think, stems from some locals' resentment of immigrant groups who form their own communities instead of completely assimilating into the country's western culture.

That said, I have to also agree with the others, in that you are more likely to be perceived as a North American tourist than anything else.

Have any of you even looked at the Graffiti Wall about Minority travel? This CAN be a problem sometimes, saying it doesn't exist, is walking around with rose colored glasses on. It is unfortunate, but bigotry and racism are there.
I don't think I would blame it on Nationalism either. Neo Nazis are alive and well in Europe just like they are in the US. It is pure ignorance and hate for anyone who is different, whether it is color, religion, or nationality.

Please don't take my posts wrong, I doubt if you will have any problems, I just wanted to make it clear that not every country or city is alike in Europe. Lumping them all together and saying there are no problems here seemed like wrong information to pass on to you.

Hello,

Thank you everyone for your insightful replies.

I come from a very multi-ethnic/and cultural city, so I am used to seeing all kinds of people that I never really considered anyone as an "outsder."

There are "ethnic" tensions where I live too, I just wondered about a country that perhaps may be not used to seeing a variety of people. Perhaps there is a level of ignorance on my part, however I just do not want to put myself in a hostile environment if I can avoid it.

There is so much to dicscuss on this topic! Thank you for your responses!

-Elle

Not sure about Denmark. But most of Europe treat others similiarly, so no racism since they treat everybody else the same.

Edwin

Tourists are very UNlikely be exposed to racism,, but try being an immigrant is some places,, YES,, there is definately SOME racism in Europe,, I know there is in France anyways.

There however will not be more then you have seen in Vancouver.. and in the Northern countries I think you will see even less.

Especially as a tourist, it’s highly, highly unlikely that you’ll encounter any discrimination or racism during your visit to Denmark. You should feel about as comfortable as you might in Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, or Portland. As Jo (and Pat) correctly points out, however, racism is (unfortunately) alive and well all over Europe. Immigrants and refugees are often the targets of radical right-wing extremists. And, the neo-Nazis aren’t limited to just Germany and Austria…they’re in Denmark, too. As Jo said, just read some of the press in the large European papers. Sometimes, racism in Europe does find its way to the tourist. Recently, the US State Department reported that a couple of African-American federal government employees were detained and beaten by police in Barcelona. Racism was cited as the probable motivation. Still, as a tourist, don’t sweat it…you’ll have a great time.

The comment regarding “gypsies” was interesting. Absurd!

I don't quite get why the comment about "gpysies" was so absurd,, or even insulting. I don't think it was meant to be either. ( pull back on the political correctedness)

If OP is of Indian descent then she is more closely ( genetically speaking) related to the Roma people ( who originally decended from peoples from what was land near and about Northern India) so appearence wise she may in fact appear to be "gypsy"( which is the slang term for the Romas)

I think the assumption that all Roma dress a certain way is inferred,, and that perhaps is a bit more insulting.
The only time I was accosted by a "ring lady" she was dressed like any other Parisian,, a nice fitted jacket, jeans and a blouse. She did however appear to not be caucasion. Who knows what she was though.

I see gypsies on a daily basis and have never, ever seen one that looked like someone from India. They have lived so long in Romania, or in France or in Germany or Italy, that they have stopped looking Indian at all. They surely have a certain fashion sense that gives them away and no tourist would ever be mistaken for a gypsy. That is why I found the one post to be offensive.

Jo,, I see gyspies too,, but not everyday . They most definately DO look of Indian descent. Perhaps your perception of what that means is different from mine, I live in a part of Canada with many immigrants from India( and,, btw,, they do not all look similar, so I find your comments interesting,, they have different dress and skin colors depending on area they are from , and most of them dress just like anyone else, mostly the only the older ones dress in a nationality identifyible way) .

PS Didn't know there were so many Roma in Germany Jo,, I mean, my SIL, BIL ,, and hubby,, all of whom either have lived there, or now live there now,, never mentioned seeing so many one would see them daily. Frankfurt must be overrun.

Considering Frankfurt has a higher foreigner percentage than other cities, trust me, I know what different nationalities look like. I also know that Indians are as varied as any other country in how they look.

I have no idea where your in-laws lived. Every city in just about every country has gypsies and if you work downtown, ride public transportation on a daily basis, walk through train stations, or go to flea markets and festivals, you will see your share of them. It does not mean that the city is over-run. There is no need to go overboard here with statements like that.

Some cities have big problems with them, others don't. Frankfurt doesn't have a problem as the police keep a tight rein on their activities, unlike the scams that go on in Rome and Paris and Barcelona. Watch a few documentaries if you can about the organized scams being run from Romania, learn about the children and how they suffer and have to live, so that the most tasteless mansions you have ever seen, can be built in Romania.

Why absurd? Well, most Indians in Denmark are professionals (i.e. IT, doctors, students, and so on) and wouldn’t be mistaken for Romani people. A tourist of Indian descent from Vancouver would never be mistaken as Romani. And, the term “gypsy” itself isn’t slang. It’s an outdated ethnic slur and conjures up images of Nazi genocide. For all of these reasons, it’s absurd to suggest that a tourist might be “treated as a gypsy” in Denmark.

BTW, the OP is of Indian descent, not Romani.