What is the best country in Northern or Western Europe for a Black American woman to live, socially? ?
I'm quite over the situation here in the US. I feel like as an educated black woman, I am not afforded a normal life socially as a woman (I don't think we are in the same situation as educated black men here at all), and I'd like to leave. I've lived in and traveled to several different countries and been around enough different folks to figure out that I can't deal with conservative cultures as far as gender roles and sexism is concerned even if they are slightly better as far as race is concerned (so that puts out the Caribbean and Africa) nor can I deal with the post-slavery/post-colonial context that both blacks and whites and other groups exist in here in the US i.e. the residual internalized racism and racism… so I guess that puts out Latin America too. God knows Eastern Europe is known for its racism. Also, I've heard that France, Italy, and Spain can be quite difficult at times as well. Please spare me any sermons about over-generalizations; I really don't have time for it because we all know that things that occur commonly in cultures have a real effect on a person's life. So, where should I go? Belgium, Sweden, England, Finland, Switzerland etc.? I've heard really good things about Northern Europe as far as race is concerned and they are way liberal in comparison to here in the US so I think the gender thing should be covered there too. HELP PLEASE 
Any suggestions are much appreciated
By the way, I've already been living abroad for three years. So, I'm quite serious about this. Language won't be a major obstacle for me. I just came back this year in order to do post graduate study, and afterwards hopefully…I'm off once again
By the way, the only thing that I think that makes me unique from other educated black women is that I'm willing to actually do something about the situation as opposed to just sitting here and settle for less than what I deserve. And the fact that I don't feel strong ties to any one place in the US. Hey, if "better" is not out there, then it's not out there, but hell, at least I'll go down swingin like a true fighter LOL!!!
I am also a black American woman who has traveled a lot, and I positively LOVE Europe. Of course its not perfect, but when I was there and walked the streets, not being judged by my skin was liberating. My husband and I have been all over, and here are some cities/countries I recommend and why:
1) Barcelona, Spain I know people think Spaniards are racist, not true. Love the architecture, the food, the siesta, the people and their laid back style and zest for life. I also know Americans who got work there teaching english. Con: they smoke alot over there.
2) Bern, Switzerland Absolutely beautiful, in the Swiss alps, very clean, saw a lot of blacks with professional jobs there. Con: not as diverse as other cities, but up and coming
3)Brussels, Belguim LOVE the architecture, the food is awesome, very clean, very diverse, Con: weather can be dreary sometimes.
Hope that helps!!
What is the best country in Northern or Western Europe for a Black American woman to live, socially?
December 31st, 2008 at 9:49 am
How about going back to AFRICA
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December 31st, 2008 at 10:28 am
I know many black folks living in Switzerland, who have said nothing but good things about it. Look into that, good luck in whichever new country you move to. I've also thought about moving out of the US one day, I used to say I want to move to Paris, but the weather's not really to my liking there.
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December 31st, 2008 at 10:39 am
just because they have a liberal government doesn't mean they'll all look at you as one of them, remember, white racism was invented by the Nordic types
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December 31st, 2008 at 10:51 am
lol are you serious?
my question is, what makes you think that your situation is so unique from the other 20 million black women living in this country lol? Plenty of people have problems with racism, sexism, etc and they dont get up and leave the continent.
Moving to annother nation might help, it might not. Europe is liberal overall, but there is a growing level of far-right sentiment and extreme nationalism within Europe. Conservatism is resuging in Italy and France (france's president himself is conservative), as well as Britain. Switzerland just passed a law which basically allows the residents of a neighborhood/village the right to vote on whether an individual immigrant should be granted citizenship. For all the hype about how liberal Europe allegedly is, alot of it is bullshit. Europe has just as many problems regarding minorities as does any other nations. Legally they have a live and let live attitude but that doesnt necessarily means that EVERYONE is accepting of everything. France is allegedly liberal, but only 45% of French people believe that being gay is "an acceptable lifestyle". Disillusioned muslims have bombed Britain's public transport, there have been massive riots in Spain and France by both Left and Right wing factions and violence has occasionally broken out.
Also worth considering is money, culture, and language. None of these nations speak English as a first language. Also the cost of living is much higher, and the money you currently have isnt worth as much over there.
So if youre moving because of ideology then I'm sorry but youre gonna be dissapointed. There aint no utopias in this life, honey. Basically what it looks like to me is that you're lookin to move away from ignorant people…..but theres ignorance and intolerance EVERYWHERE. If you wanna go to Europe, go for the right reasons, not because you think its gonna be paradise or anything like that. Europeans might not have to deal with the same type of crap as americans, but they still have their own sh*t to shovel.
But if i was to recommend two places they would be:
Marseilles, France-it's the most multicultural city in france and probably the one with the least volatile race relations.
London-expensive, with alot of slums, but the nicer areas are worth it. My fam lives here (theyre caribbean)
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My family lives in europe and from what they tell me, London aint all tea and crumpets, its one big slum pit.
December 31st, 2008 at 11:03 am
the grass isn't always greener on the other side. Stop running away from your problems.
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December 31st, 2008 at 11:45 am
Don't be offended, but the European Union is turning on more restrictions to immigration, legal obstacles to live here, I mean. By the way, black people are not misregarded by only their color skin, but the social background is very important.
I think France goes on accepting blacks easier than other countries.
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December 31st, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Its not best to run from your problems but i heard of a lot of black people living in Switzerland france, and england……..
I would perfer england because it would be easier, and you dont have to learn a new language, but there is going to be problems wherever you go
Phoenician Princess::::how about you go back to the trash can in the trailer park where you came from ….racistbitch
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December 31st, 2008 at 12:33 pm
I am also a black American woman who has traveled a lot, and I positively LOVE Europe. Of course its not perfect, but when I was there and walked the streets, not being judged by my skin was liberating. My husband and I have been all over, and here are some cities/countries I recommend and why:
1) Barcelona, Spain I know people think Spaniards are racist, not true. Love the architecture, the food, the siesta, the people and their laid back style and zest for life. I also know Americans who got work there teaching english. Con: they smoke alot over there.
2) Bern, Switzerland Absolutely beautiful, in the Swiss alps, very clean, saw a lot of blacks with professional jobs there. Con: not as diverse as other cities, but up and coming
3)Brussels, Belguim LOVE the architecture, the food is awesome, very clean, very diverse, Con: weather can be dreary sometimes.
Hope that helps!!
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Life Experience
January 1st, 2009 at 1:53 pm
You cannot escape discrimination. The very question you asked “…Black American woman…” is discriminating, raciest, country biased, and sexiest. If you are an intelligent, hard working, moral person, go to which ever country has the best opportunities and get to work. Sure you will encounter discrimination (both good and bad) based on everything from your age to your beliefs. EVERYONE on this planet is discriminated against for one reason or another. In the Unites States, Barack Obama is about to acquire the power of the president. Logically, race is not holding back the “Black American”. If it were not Barack, then it would probably have been Hillary Clinton. Is Hillary being held back by her gender? What about Oprah Winfrey? Is she being held back by her age, weight, religion, color, gender, country, or other factors? In your write up you wrote “Please spare me any sermons about over-generalizations; I really don’t have time for it because we all know that things that occur commonly in cultures have a real effect on a person’s life.” I suspect people have been trying to answer your questions for years, but you refuse to accept the advice. The problem is not the country, it is you. If you are so qualified, prove it. You know what you want, go out and get it yourself. Stop looking for a country that will do it for you.
January 3rd, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Here is your problem. You cant look past the color of peoples skin. For example you keep saying ” I am a black women” what does color have to do anything about it? Why cant you say I am a women? I also noticed you kept saying “Black men with good jobs” Why not just say men? Does it matter if your black, white, purple, or orange? No offense but sounds like you judge people of the colour of your skin.
February 22nd, 2009 at 8:23 am
Pardon my language but, Europe is the Xenophobic #%%#hole of the world!
The European nations like to talk big on anti-racism, anti-discrimination etc, but all this is just marketing to make them appear more open-minded than they are – it is good for business and boosts the European claim to ethical supremacy.
My parents are from Hungary but I grew up in Sweden and have lived in a couple of places in Europe.
It is true that Northern European countries are more liberal concerning woman’s rights and gender equality – but they are still light-years behind United States, Australia and Canada when it comes to equality for ethnic-minorities and immigrants.
For Northern Europe: if you manage to get employed at a Swedish company you will discover that you might be the only “ethnic” person there, and that you are mainly there as a show-piece for the company.
Scandinavian culture is very close-minded, even children of the ethnic minorities who are born in the countries and speak the languages fluently are still considered as “outsiders” and foreigners, and not proper Swedes, Danes etc.
If this is how they see their own, supposedly, citizens, what chances do you have of being seen as an equal or “one-of-them”?
Scandinavians have an obsession to be politically correct and are very idealistic, but this is just for appearance.
Another thing is that racism in Europe is never taken seriously, no-one really does anything about it: the governments only hand out pamphlets and hold pretty speeches, but most importantly the general public doesn’t really care about it.
Minorities are not even represented in most European governments, there is no-one to talk for them – they have no voice.
In Europe, if you get attacked by a bunch of neo-nazis on the street, it is your own fault for being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Also, if you think you are being discriminated against at work don’t expect alot to happen.
There is a common saying among economists that:
it is hard for immigrants in countries like the US to get welfare support but easy to find work, whereas in Europe it is easy to get welfare support but very hard to find work.
Immigrants/foreigners in Europe are only seen as something negative, never something good.
I lived six years in Australia, and it was the first time in my life that I felt respected as an individual: no-one asked me if I had a bomb in my bag every time I went on the bus or train, little kids did not call me the N-word (even though I’m east European) and throw stones at me, no-one called me Arab and spat on me, I was never chased by a bunch of nazis just going home from work…
As I see it you are already in Paradise, I can only dream of living in the US, as good as every every minority-child in Europe dreams about living in the US and make their dreams come true.
Maybe you are just in the wrong job or working for the wrong company?
March 25th, 2009 at 10:08 am
hellooooooooo….For all black woman it’s HOLLAnd!!!!IM DUTCH SURINAME…and thnx you.. i traveled true lots of europian and south*north american countries…no no thnxx holland all the way holland all trhe time..My hubby is eater europe and is half italian…traveld a lot more than me..and he said the same thing…HOlland!!!oh i love my dutch countrie,and im fromn south america suriname …ahhh just look it up!!!
April 9th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Hello, my name is Sandra and I am very happy to find your question. I would like to do the same as you, and I am in the process of seeking the right country to move to. I am also well-educated, have much professional work experience, and speak three languages (I am learning a 4th). You might find it helpful to check out the blogs of black women who are living in the European countries/cities that interest you. There is a website called blackwomenineurope that is run by a black woman from Washington DC (I think) – her name is Adrienne who now lives in Sweden – she can put you in touch with black women living and working throughout Europe. There is also a blog by a black american woman artist who lives in Marseilles, France called mysocalledlifeinfrance.blogspot.com. There is a blog by a black american woman writer from Chicago named Beverly who recently moved to Paris and her blog is called mycrazycoollife.blogspot.com. These blogs should be a good starting point for you. I would love to keep in touch with you and share information. Please feel free to contact me through my private email address. Paradise is different for everybody and everyone has their opinions on how everyone else should live (mind you, they often aren’t too happy in their own lives, so it’s often a case of misery loving company). Their prescription for happiness may be different from yours or mine, and they aren’t necessarily wrong re their own lives – they’re just wrong re yours. Different strokes for different folks. Best of luck and happy hunting. Take care.
May 13th, 2009 at 10:58 am
Why are so many of the comments so hateful. Countries are very different as it concerns racial issues. Apartheid South Africa was different from the United States and the United States is different from Canada. Russia with its roving Nazi’s attacking non-Russians is different then Holland especially if you are the one getting your teeth kicked out in Moscow. Racism and xenophobia has different manifestations even within countries. Stop the hypocrisy. There are places in the United States where people do not go because they know how they will be treated. Why not use the same judgment when choosing what country to live in.
July 11th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Go back to africa. Why are Blacks so desperate and fixiated on living in white societies and countries.
WOuldnt you be more comfortable with your own people.
September 3rd, 2009 at 9:43 am
I think most of the white men answering this question miss the point. She isn’t talking about work discrimination. Reread her question, you brainiacs. Sean – I think it’s the money. And barring the evidence the fact that due to educational and cultural factors going to most African countries will not solve the problem at the heart of her question.
September 9th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
I too have the same concerns and desires to leave America. I am a true American, multiracial, veteran and hold an MBA, but as for living as a person of color (any color than white) this country is very limited and like you, I can not seem to advance in my career, get stares when I travel to the “wrong” spots, get treated different than men with lesser or equal education and experience and to tell you the truth I would like to find a place on the planet to enjoy the fruits of my labors before I die. I also would “Go Back to Africa” if I could find a place with simular living standards like America. Not that I want an American life, but I do want running water, clean foods, police (fair trials) etc…so what is a person to do? The idiots in this nation are raising more idiots…when our President can even speak to children, you have to wonder…when will the drama end? We blacks and whites will NEVER be able to live together in harmony. And I am too tired to try anymore.
September 11th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
I am a s/b/f who is also planning to do the same thing. I’ve been to Italy and France. I think Italy is better for me, but you should do more traveling to see which place suits you best. I will be moving there as soon as a finish school in two years, without a doubt. I may have to start my life completely over, but it’s worth it if I can be happy. My reason for leaving the States is simply because I want marriage. In the U.S., there’s no chance of that happening. OK, maybe a 25% chance, but that’s virtually impossible. For some people, it would be silly to move out of the country for that reason, but those same people don’t face the same statistical odds. I don’t care about the reasons behind the odds, I just need to make sure I don’t let those odds rob me of the things that are most important to me.
I’ve always wanted to be a wife since I was a little girl and can’t fathom that not happening. I won’t allow it. By continuing to leave in country without opportunity I’d be doing just that – allowing it. I think well-educated black women should save their resources and leave the country. It’s best that the creme-de-la creme represent us overseas. Not the ghetto mamas from the hood. They should stay here in the States because they’re used to hard living and not driven or savvy enough to pursue more out of life.
October 31st, 2009 at 10:02 am
Sister,
First off let me say I have had similar thoughts as a professional, moral, human. The condition of the mental intellect and moral fiber of the average American is unacceptable. The absolute fear Americans show the government is shocking to any one that is from outside the US. The racism is alive and well, even if a few blacks are rich, fools. That is like saying because their is some rich guy living like a king in Sudan, then the country must be fine. That is how you sound when you say “Oprah is rich, so there cant be any racism in America”.
I say Holland, I have a high school friend there that loves it!!!
November 10th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
I think its a wonderful idea to live and travel wherever you want. Why stay in the US when you have the whole world to see and live! If you ask me, she has the right mind set.
Denmark is pretty cool!
November 11th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
why do blacks always want to flee to nice white areas. all they do is infest and overbreed and fuck everything up. go back to africa and make a change there. stop leaching off civilized white countries
November 16th, 2009 at 2:53 am
I can completely identify with Nicole, as my desire to move to Europe (after I finish school in Japan)or anywhere in the world w/less racism is largely motivated by the same reason. I want a career but I very much want to get married and I don’t see that happening for me in the U.S. For the people jumping on here and saying go back to Africa (especially since we haven’t been there) and calling the U.S. or wherever “white societies”, you should get your DNA tested and follow the line back to be surprised by how many “blacks” are in your family line. There’s nothing wrong with wanting a better life w/o having to worry about it being affected by the things we’re worried about–since you don’t have to worry about it, you couldn’t possibly understand or care. So why even comment? You racists should just be glad we don’t wanna live with your crap anymore and are getting out. Like people always say “Love or Leave It”. Hmm…I choose to leave it. Go jerk off to Nazi porn or whatever and shut the hell up!
December 8th, 2009 at 8:29 pm
Wow – James, Michelle, Feelin U, Nicole, Ash, Shawn and JRay, so great to hear from you all. I thought the original poster and I were the only black women interested in leaving the US and living abroad! I hope the original poster is seeing these responses, and didn’t get turned off by the silly ‘misery loves company’ types who are ruled by their fears. Some people just are more pro-active and are willing to take chances and make changes for a better life. Let us be those pioneers for the younger black women following us who know that something is wrong for us here in America, but don’t know what to do about it. We can, by our daring, show them one way around the problems for us here in the US. I hope that you all are able to fulfil your dream. When you get to wherever you’re going, PLEASE start a blog, so that others of us who are also abroad can keep in touch with each other, and other black women who are still in the US can see proof positive that they can do it too, if that’s what they want. Peace and Blessings.
January 27th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Hi all,
I just googled, “Best countries for black women,” and came across this whole discussion. I too am a black, educated, professional, American woman who can’t help but wonder if there is a better place out there. I too am really weary of America with all its racism both blatant, and the more dangerous subtlety of white privilege. It would be nice to live in a place where I could feel more in control of my career and life choices. No matter what you do in America, as a black person, you always have to wonder about how your skin color is affecting your chances. I work on staff at a university, and have found in talking with students of all ages from other cultures/countries, that not everyone agrees that America is the greatest country on earth. Some of them have no idea why Americans even think that, and especially question why I as a person of color would believe that. When I was young I only vaguely cared about racial issues, I admit. But the older (and hopefully wiser) I get, the more I am confronted not only with the economic and social impact racism has on minorities (me) in America but also the deep impact these circumstances have had on our (my) very psychological make-up. My world view has been so conditioned by this reality that it has only occurred to me now (in my early thirties) that there might be better places out there. I don’t think, as some of the more ignorant responses on here would indicate, that leaving America is the same as running from your problems – and I’m not even going to touch “Go Back to Africa” – read a book! Everyone should read, “Privilege, Power, and Difference” or any number of other such related books that explain why America is still not a level playing field. We’ve been waiting for America to change, but let’s face it that could take another two hundred years and we won’t be around then. Can’t blame a girl for trying to find something better – and as this poster points out, it’s not only skin color one would have to consider when looking at other countries, but as a woman, also gender.
February 4th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
In all honesty I think the Caribbean is the best place for black people to live. I say this because each island in the caribbean has its own special flavour. The carbbean has all of the modern convienceses that US or Europe has.
In the caribbean the governments are ruled by (Black people by that I mean african, Indian and Chinese). Trinidad is lovely, they have beautiful shopping malls, excellent trasport system and good jobs, Jamaica is nice because of its fun atmosphere and party vibe, and I could go on and on.
Trust me the caribbean is excellent. It is neither too westernised or too “non-westernised” (if that is a word). The only problem I see with living in the Caribbean is the heat. Lol! It is alomost always HOT HOT HOT!
Try it you just might like it. Yes I know I sound like im selling for a tourism website. Lol but it is true! Caribbean is a sweet place to live.
All the best to you all.
February 4th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Wowzers. This conversation seemed to turn quite hostile. But as a young college educated Caribbean woman living in the states I feel your pain! I’ve traveled quite a bit and I have friends from just about everywhere across the globe so let me offer my two pounds:-)
Brussels:
I’ve spent the most time here throughout my travels. Politically speaking, it’s center to left and the school systems are actually really good (on both the postgrad & undergrad levels). It’s lacking in diversity but the French are way more racist then the Belgians. Actually I encountered more racism from muslims than anyone in Brussels. There’s a vibrant underground art, music, fashion scene but you have to look for it! I think Belgians suffer a little bit from an inferiority complex and not to make sweeping generalizations but I’m trying to capture the essence of the country as I experienced it: it’s like Belgium is always playing kid sister to the more high-falutin’ big sister France. Although, I guess one could see the culture more as just being laid back. It might also have to do with the euro-diversity there because there isn’t a strong sense of national/collective identity. Yeah the weather is dreary at times. I actually wasn’t crazy about the food.
France:
Lyon & Marseilles are the best places for diversity in France although some areas in Marseilles can be kind of sketchy as far as safety is concern. Paris is nice for all the obvious reasons but I don’t think it’s as progressive most think. But actually at least the racism there is straight-forward and therefore easier to root out in my opinion. I know France has a reputation for being rude in general but I appreciate the directness, maybe it’s from my New York city girl days:-)
London:
SO much diversity there, it’s beautiful! The club/dance scene is great fun and it’s so stunning when taking a trip out to the country. If you’re a foodie, you will never tire of the selection and whether your fashion sense is quirky or classic you will have too much fun discovering the flea markets, shopping or ogling on Seville row.
Italy:
The men are delightful but too forward for my taste. But a brown girl will appreciate the attention! Just don’t mistaken catcalls for respect or anything. Have fun with it, don’t take it seriously. Italian men are extremely religious and family oriented, and VERY traditional went it comes down to it. But boy, oh boy is the food delicious.
Amsterdam:
I find the art scene so wonderful here! And so unexpectedly inspiring and diverse. You’ll find people here from all over Africa, the caribbean (from Curacao & Surinam for instance) and from all over europe. I love the pacing of the city and the architecture is an eyeful. I like how neutral gender seems to be there, people just get on with it. And actually I think their language is the most accessible for an American to learn. I’m not fluent but it seems one can pick it up with ease.
I would ALSO say: don’t rule out Africa!
Dar es Salaam:
It is stunning, beautiful, so many cultured people there who have traveled and lived all over. Yes it’s religious and therefore conservative in some ways but the culture there is wonderful. The art scene is fantastic! The people there are so educated, their over-educated. lol. Needless to say, the educational system is really great there.
Dakar:
The food is heaven in Senegal. Restaurant culture and music are such a vibrant part of the everyday culture. I would say moreso than most other African cities. The outskirts are very conservative but Dakar is bursting with progressive (and stylish) thinkers, movers, shakers. The natural beauty of beaches, land, etc. will literally stun you to silence and you will never have fresher and healthy seafood then Senegalese wild fish. Wow.
Ouagadougou:
Oh many never think of Burkina Faso but it is a major center for culture, art, huge film scene, music- just about everything. People are laid back and the economy is pretty stable. The school system is quite good there as well. There are obviously several languages spoken there but all you need is french to get around.
Good luck finding the place you’ll call home! I wish you peace and love;-)
February 4th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
Other places on the planet I’d like to see due to the urging of friends that live or are from there:
Budapest: I hear it’s so stunning and the food is clean, fresh. The art and cultural scene is supposed to be fantastic and people speak a flurry of foreign languages so you can get on easily there.
Rio de Janeiro: so many ex-pats from all over are in Argentina right now and real estate is so inexpensive right now because of the dollar crash. The architecture is supposed to be insane. But Argentineans are racist, no joke.
Everywhere in South Africa: the art, film, music scenes are through the roof here. And the economy is the most stable of all “developing” countries. The business ventures and sheer creativity coming out South Africa is tremendous. Actually, the culture is very close to American culture in many ways. I’ve never been yet!!
Melbourne: again, very close to American culture. Just loads more friendly, laid back, and a little more progressive thinking. And if you’re outdoorsy this may be the place for you.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
Hi! So glad I found this site!
I’m a 24 graduate from the UK and am looking into countries to move to…Amsterdam was of interest, as was France and Australia, but I hear such mixed views about them, they put me in doubt! I don’t hyave a problem with my skin colour (black), and I dont mind being the only black person in sight either. However, I do care about my saftey and that is why I’m doing my research!
As for the UK, black people will be fine pretty much anywhere…Leeds, Bradford, Manchester, Birmingham, London, Nottingham…they are all multicultural cities…be wary of rural areas though…my family moved to rural West Yorkshire – BIG mistake! We have never been so desperate to move before! I can deal with curious stares, even slight hostility perhaps, but these people are damn RUDE! Trouble makers… not the type you’d find in a so-called ‘posh’ area. Usually, it’s a minority of people who are bad, but in the case, its the MAJORITY. Fair enough the UK is ‘liberal’ and people can generally live and let live, but I believe that a lot of ‘accepting’ people in the country are actually extremely resentful, but have to repress their thoughts about different races due to fear of legal issues. This is the only reason that racist crime isn’t as bad as years before. Believe me, if we were back in the day, black people would still be being lynched and there would be signs saying ‘no blacks’.
Still, every place has it’s good and bad, and I don’t think people should label an entire race based on a few people. There is good and bad in everyone.
February 11th, 2010 at 6:49 pm
I have wanted to move to a different country for a while but the thing that scares me is the visa, language (not so much) and of course racism I’m black and Mexican but you can’t just up and move to different countries you need to research and plan it first. Well I’m still undecided in what to major in and what I will do as a living over in Europe but I can’t seem to find out what is that is in demand over their and their pay because for example science, math, and bi-lingual education and medical careers are in demand over here in the states. Could any one please help? Also is interracial marriage common in Europe because I have watched several videos on Europe and like 5 blacks have ever been in them and no interracial couples are ever shown.
and if youwould/could e-mail me with any help
this is my e-mail martinezsel@live.com
February 13th, 2010 at 4:27 pm
To Sandra. thanks for providing the information on the blogspots that we can check and contact women already living abroad and see how they feel/live/work, etc.
February 20th, 2010 at 7:08 am
if never again in life my eyes behold brazen, strong, God-given black female pride and voice of stern rightous existance, “i can smile and take pride that i have seen it at least once in my lifetime,” right here with YOU. (your words have echoed exact mimics of my mind and soul since i was a teenager) i too have pondered why my sisters of skin have made zero uprisings concerning our treatments here in this country. and Moreover, why they simply herd together here head bowed low and STAY and take it! ~thank you for the common-ground of voiced discontent~
that meant A LOT in midst of a repetitive generation of welcome-mats for america that most black women have come to except to be
February 21st, 2010 at 5:55 pm
I am from London and have lived in Paris and am currently living in Rome and have also travelled extensively (US, MiddleEast, N. Africa, S. America).
You should only take advice from people who have actually lived in a country, not from those who have gone on holiday or visited (totally,different perception).
I would recommend London, it is multi-cultural and we brits have a good sense of humour and it is easy to build a social life and if you have the right qualifications, it is relatively easy to find work. The weather is ok, especially in the S.E. of England and London is a great spot geographically with tons of flights connecting us to mainland Europe and easy access to the countryside (Devon, Cornwall etc).
I absolutely adored living in Paris. The dimensions of the city are great. Good transport. Lots to do. Great mix of ethnicities. After a short while you get to understand the Parisian mentality and the Parisians are actually not as off-putting as they initially seem. The food is great, the city is beautiful and diverse and its a good place to work.
I would not recommend Italy. I have, unfortunately, been living here for quite some years (husband ) is Italian. While I have been fortunate to make quite a number of friends (more due to my bubbly attitude and to the fact that I work for the UN) as a black woman it is not a good place to be. For the Italians, we are all whores, inferior, dirty, ugly, stupid, or as the new insult that they like to call out ‘papere’ or duck-bums. They are so racist it is unbelievable. The work situation is also crap and there is so much corruption here and most Italians get into the work place because they ‘know’ somebody or work in the family business. If you don’t have any Italian connectìons you will be at a complete loss here.
I know that you think that the US is not a great place to be, however, have you considered changing cities or regions — the US is a biggggg country.
Most of us in Europe, while recognizing that the US is not a racial paradise, admire the fact that it is a melting pot country. In no oher country that I can think of apart from maybe the UK, do you have such an array of black A-list actors, presenters, singers, black millionaires, businessmen, black generals, black role models, in general. In Europe, we are a long way off from that and look a lot to the US for black role models.
Switzerland (my parents live in Zurich) is ok. Good for work, cosmopolitan — but you will be regarded as a foreigner by the Swiss (my step-dad is Swiss) but as long as you hang out with the International crowd you should be ok — however, on the longterm not too sure this is a good thing.
Good luck