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
Umm, stormfront777, I think I see where you're coming from, but I'm not trying to be an activist. I went that route and was an organizer for a while and realized that it was a stressful complicated mess. So, now I'm just thinking of my own personal happiness…just like everybody else
By the way, Africa is just a "homeland" to my DNA. Culturally, I would be like a fish out of water there. Not that I wouldn't want to ever visit though. I just know too many Africans to be snowed about acceptance and "brotherhood" or black authenticity or anything that the stereotypes say is there for us black folk in Africa. Colonization is a b*tch and has had some real psychological and cultural results over there concerning their concept of self in relation to white people no matter what people try to make it seem like.
FINLAND, please let it be Finland. Finland is known for its very racial friendly atmosphere. I actually have family and friends there and they have no complaints
Which country is the best place to live and work in?
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stormfront777, you say that you are not trying to be a jerk but guess what ? you already did . if thinks were that easy, ofcourse any body can go to africa and help the countries improve but the wars and confilics in africa does not let anybody to go there. its not that easy. onthe other hand, european people are not very racist but they have big problem:they are not very open minded . france is not a good place for immigrants beucaes french people are not open minded at all and germans are already ranked #1 as being racist to other etnics . ı think England ,Sweden,holland and finland are the most modern countries to a good live . these 4 countries are most Americanized and also most respected nations by other countries in the world . so choose from these 4
France, England
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Mmmmmm…well from what ive heard Canada's kicking a s s right now…sorry if its not your location choice.
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PERHAPS MARS, JUPITER, YOURANUS, NEPTUNE?
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I say london or france
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\Germany by far is one of the more racially accepting places. France openly supports Hamas and does nothing to stop anti-Semitism plus it does little to create jobs for the poor immigrants who come there. The U.K. bears strong abhorrence towards what they call "Pakis" they lump all Arabs and Indians into there. There are so many cultures who have come to Germany. It is the strongest economy in Europe. When my family not white lived in Germany, we lived amongst a bunch of white Germans who had no exposure to ethnic people. They treated us as equals and even welcomed us into their homes. I am not going to lie their is racism everywhere. One would fool himself to think otherwise, but Germany is by far one of the more socially advanced countries.
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FINLAND, please let it be Finland. Finland is known for its very racial friendly atmosphere. I actually have family and friends there and they have no complaints
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family in Helsinki
The only real solution is buy an island and make your own country
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go to scandinavia, thats where im originally from. i go back there every summer. there arent alot of black folks but i'll tell ya', the men go gaga over black women. hardly any race problems either. wherever you go i wish you the best of luck and to be safe.
cheers
Alex
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How about taking your education and going to your homeland in Africa and helping them build a better country? Not trying to be a jerk, I think it is a legitimate question.
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I think you need more edcation of mind and you are insecure. You have problems on your own. america is the best country you can live. If you do not like here, i do not think you will be able to live any where else.
It does not mater where you live as long as you learn to accept others as who they are.
I do not think that africa is bad. the proble you go with long noses thinking that simply you are american you are better that others.
And most african american here in the usa. are the ones who bring racial problems.
Honestly, you need to work on your attitude ( most black women here in the usa are very arrogante,.. and they have this bad attitude . For God’s willing do not take such attitude to other countries. You need to work on your own before you gain happiness.
Go to africa and help them to make it a better place to live, right?
I am from New Zealand and currently live in Sweden. I would strongly suggest either of these two countries.
New Zealand is too young to care what colour someone is, they just care if you have something to benefit their nation.
Sweden fall over themselves being politically correct in every way. In sweden a foreigner is a foreigner. There again you will be judged on what you can bring to the country.
As far as what suits you, I think Sweden has the best prospects for an educated person. It’s a beautiful country. Lovely summers and the people are super nice once you get to know them.
But if you are going to live in a country like this, then you can’t be racist or predjudict either. Everyone has to have an open mind
good luck
sarah
England is a good fit for what you are looking for- particularly London, but Birmingham and Liverpool are also fine. To the poster who said if you can’t live in America you can’t live anywhere- bull.
America has alot of great qualities but there are other countries that have just as great qualities and are socially more centered and adjusted when it comes to racial issues. America is a very young country in the overall scheme of things, and still struggling to find its identity balance.
Other countries that I have heard good things about are Netherlands and Sweden. Don’t know about Finland…but if you have family there already, sure, check it out. It’s half and half with Germany and France….depends on who you are and how you fit there…but I think England would be better than those two. Good luck!
To the original post,
To the original post- I feel your pain. I was googling best countries to live in just now for the same reason as you- I am SICK of American racism. I am 18 yrs old, about to graduate from a highly ranked New England prep school and (hopefully) go on to a “big name” university and I am tempted to throw it all away and run away to Europe because I am sick of being a second class citizen aka black american female.
I am currently doing a year abroad in a medium sized city in Bretagne, France and I must say, racism here is virtually non-existent. From what I have seen in Europe, most racism problems are really about culture, religion, and nationality, not strictly skin color. For example, I have encountered several French people who do not believe in letting muslim women wear the veil in public because it contradicts the traditional christian values that France is based upon, but this is different that the strictly color based prejudice of America.
Also, the French in general love Americans. (The men I’ve encountered here love my accent:))
I’ve also spent a significant amount of time in Austria and I did not experience any problems. People were intrigued by me and I did have some folks touch my hair but they were warm and welcoming (curious not hostile).
All in all, I think you should leave. I am going to probably finish up my undergrad and then come to europe to do grad school, and stay here. I think you should do the same. Wherever you go, it is going to be better than in America. From my own personal experience, 9/10 times people will be more intrigued by you and think you are even more beautiful because you’re black. Whether its Germany, Austria, Romania, Finland,England, France etc. you will probably be happier and more welcomed in Europe than you ever were in the US. Good luck and please contact me I would love to talk with you more about this
To the original post,
First of all racism is everywhere. Especially in all of the
western european nations that everyone has mentioned. I just came back from a two week trip to Scandinavia about three weeks ago. I went to Denmark, Sweden and Finland. It’s very
subtle. It’s not so “in your face”. For instance, you see
it when you walk into a nice restaurant, and people glare at you as if to say “what the *** are you doing here”. People
refusing to sit by you on trains, trams and such is a very
common occurance.
To the black american women who want to emigrate.
Don’t do it because you want to escape racism, because eventually I feel you will be very disappointed. Do it simply
for the experience of living in another country. (I’m black incidentally.) I had very high hopes before my Scandinavian trip, especially for Sweden. Ironically,I found it to be the most unfriendly of the countries I visited. Sweden is already deluged with several immigrants, and maybe that is the reason for some of the cynicism and coldness I encountered.
I’m a graduate student as well. I attend a very good university. It was so frustrating at times to be associated
with poverty, ignorance, and crime, and it’s supposed to be
such an open-minded place. As for the comment about the men
going “gaga” about black women- just make sure it’s genuine
interest and respect for you as person, and not a fetish.
Anyone deserves better than that. I actually saw a Swedish guy have his black girlfriend walk a few paces behind him so that it wouldn’t be too obvious he was with her! It was not a
paradise there.
To be fair, I did meet a few wonderful, helpful and compelling individuals in Scandinavia, but you can meet great people of all races here as well. Whatever you life plan is I hope you don’t force yourself to look at your newly
adopted through rose-colored glasses.
The best of luck to you.
I am of african descent. Haitian American to be exact. I am currently feeling tired of living in the U.S. and would love to live in europe so I feel your pain. I am have nothing against the U.S. however it is time for a change. I am a handcrafted jewelry artisan and here it really does not feel appreciated. I work very hard at my craft and I get ignorant remarks from women of color such as ” you didn’t make that ” or ” she didn’t make that. It is very degrading to themselves mostly that a women of color cannot be so talented, she must be lying. I do not want to sound bitter but sometimetimes people of color don’t respect or appreciate people of color. I see beauty, talent and infinite positive possibilities in all people. We are all amazing. I believe if you have this spirit, wherever you choose to live you will have a wonderful life. Good fortune and prosperity to you my beautiful fellow sister!
Tim,
Your comments were excellent. I read the original post and laughed out loud. The author basically found any little excuse to cancel out every single region but western Europe, as if they have somehow been elevated above the rest of the world as far as racism goes. Well guess what? If you’re scared of colonial history, Western Europeans WERE THE COLONIZERS. Do you think colonialism hasn’t affected their societies too? They may know how to be polite, but it is DIFFICULT for black people in those countries all the same. And her blurb on Africa was ridiculous (and hypocritical). I’m not saying the US is the best, but if you enter Europe thinking it will be a walk in the park, you will be limping back home with your feelings hurt. If you want to move to Europe, just say it. There’s no need to devalue other countries that you clearly know very little about.
Wow… this is a great thread and it’s clearly leading to some eye opening comments and heart felt opinions. But I think the question at hand simply points to the individual psychology of internalized historical prejudices and how people can learn to co exist with a different race of people. Let me first say that I’m black and blacks in America are generally quite friendly to one another among the presence of other blacks.(I will later touch on black interaction while under the white microscope) The proverbial hand pound or dap is often used as a way to show respect and symbolize some level of social equality among strangers/friends/new acquaintances. Now this is just a perfect example of a cultural difference. Something everyone notices but that the majority dares to speak of because in the past they were called racist. Well… we’re all racist people! The human heart is filled with insecurities and fears of anything “different” that we encounter. Of course the media and our general daily exposure to new/different things/people might shape our preferences toward those differences but none the less what we hold dearest are our family values we were raised on and the education received in school. Unfortunately, because (as Americans) we have been educated about the history of poor race relations and colonization in the past, those in the minority population feel second rate. Of course, now we can buy nice stuff and own a nice home but prejudices still loom in our minds. And those in the majority population don’t want to further strain those relations by going out of their way to connect with a different culture because it would seem insincere. It’s just how it is. Human beings will second guess someone’s intentions in a second. Want variation to a certain extent? And prejudice will rear it’s ugly head everywhere you turn. (That is if you let it get to you) I firmly believe that if you placed a white newborn, a black newborn, an asian newborn, and an indian newborn in a bubble and told them nothing regarding the history of each other, they would grow up within that societal shield happily and ignorant. But not racist or prejudice because they would all have equal representation. It’s a numbers game people. But because the numbers don’t balance out in America, we
(humans) are obliged to categorize because that’s what we do. We’re observers first and problem solvers second. It’s too bad that blacks in America have been forced into adapting to the culture of “the haves” if they want to make any money or be respected. If you want to live outside of ignorance, I suggest Mars. If you want to live fully I suggest using your talents and your interests to create the lifestyle which you wish to sustain. I mean at the end of the day nobody knows what the fuck is going on in their neighbors heads but its lack of faith in our own knowledge that forces us to question other’s intentions. If your simply looking for social politeness. Go to the
south. Everybody says hello, and how are you. But then again slavery was born in the South. Or you could go somewhere that you know nothing about. Don’t read, don’t look around, just walk with your head towards the ground fearful of any racially awkward situation. And i bet you someone will come up to you and ask, “Are you okay?” Of course another option is to just do what wealthy white people in America do. Gut it out… make money..and retire early on your own large property so you don’t have to deal with the people in the outside world that may be acting as stressors in your life. I feel what your going through is a completely normal feeling among minorities in any situation. Good luck and please please please don’t let any pessimistic close minded American tell you that living somewhere outside of the US is cowardly. It’s your life, you’re the one living it. Do what the fuck you want to do. Freedom. Isn’t that what this country was built on? Hell I don’t even know any more. I would love to talk more about this topic in detail.
P.S. nice work Tim, Izzy, and BWill. Have a happy life (free of BS, but with lots of SEX!)
Africa is a continent-not a country.
Anyway, I have been considering the same thing. I might go to Finland myself
. Racial problems are inflamed when people start to see a trend of increasing population from a particular ethnic group. Due to world history, since the beginning of time, the allocation of resources and preservation of race is a major source of fear. Take the extreme opposition of hispanic immigrants in the US. The thought that hispanics will outnumber all other races by year whenever has ignited a movement to reject them in every way. If a bunch of african americans were to set up in Finland, history would repeat itself. As for the US, we were brought here against our will, but now that we are all not providing free labor, some would like us to die or “go back” to West Africa. My grandmother, mother, nor I have been to Africa, but like you, i am not sure how I would fit there culturally. From what I understand, Tanzania is beautiful and is reaching out to African Americans. Whatever you decide, I wish you a life of success and happiness.
T
wow. she asked for your suggestions on where she should live. She did not ask for your opinion of her attitude so in the future keep those comments to yourself.
Tunisia, Libya, Morocco or Egypt.
Hello
I am a well travelled, post graduate, black British born woman currently living in London but contemplating a move overseas permanently in the next few years. I would not recommend the UK as a good place to come to as a black person at the moment. There has been a considerable shift in white British people’s opinions on immigration over the last 12 years as there has been a radical increase in numbers of people coming here from Eastern Europe, Africa and in particular Asia. This has resulted in an increase in more white Brits becoming far more right wing in their political opinions and for the first time we actually have extreme right wing Members of Parliament who were voted in through our parliamentary system to represent Britain in the European Union. This would have been unheard of 10 years ago. Unfortunately there has also been a huge increase in knife crime in this country over the last 5 years and usually this crime is undertaken by young black male gangs. Black men are also failing in education as compared with their US peers and so generally black people are not perceived in the greatest of light. I have travelled extensively across France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Germany and Eastern Europe. On the whole I was treated really well in France, Italy, Belgium, Holland and Sweden however I would avoid Eastern Europe and Spain at all costs as there is a very high level of racism in both those parts of Europe. The Spanish in particular have a very poor attitude to race, considering their historical association of slavery. Eastern Europeans are still getting used to Western culture and just have not had a substantial amount of exposure to different races although this is changing slowly. I am surprised that as a clearly well educated middle class woman, you are contemplating leaving the US. Ironically, a great many British people of all races see the US as the perfect place to come and live and more and more are are planning to emigrate there as soon as they are able to secure a green card/job. I have previously worked for a US business and so travelled to California and New York on many ocassions and have always felt welcome and very comfortable during my trips. As others have alluded to, racism exists everywhere if you look hard enough for it. Sometimes it is very subtle and other times it is overt but it’s should never stop you from achieving whatever you want to achieve as it is someone else’s problem and not yours if they have a racist agenda.
Why not take a year out and travel to 5 top countries suggested,including Finland…as people say, experience is the best teacher. You’ll be surprised at what you discover firsthand after all people see things differently. Also pray for God’s guidance, he knows what’s best for you and he wants you to be happy!!! All the best!
Interesting! I was born and raised in California, and it’s not pretty here anymore. Blacks are not considered for almost any jobs, they prefer to hire immigrants.
Racism is pretty bad here also, especially among the immigrants towards blacks. Yet, a lot of racists websites are making comments about getting rid of blacks one way or another – one site talked about poisoning the food in Detroit – go figure!
I’d like somewhere to go also! I think the Caribbean it out, because I’ve been there, and sometimes the women are not very friendly – regardless if I say hello and good day when I visit an establishment.
I am really interested in leaving because not only can we not find jobs, the extremist groups are stocking up on ammunition, then it is alleged that Latinos were trying to commit genocide of the blacks in Los Angeles – it was a big report about this on the news as well as in the Los Angeles Times. So yes, it’s very scary here.
hey do not iskame as in Europe go to Finland and see what is racism
just do not want other ethnic groups to Europe have poured their ample black people possessed the United States and now wants to conquer Europe and beginning with the Nordic countries do not understand you but you hate iskame in Europe
Wow I can’t tell you how useful all this information has been! Originally from the Caribbean, I have travelled to Europe several times (though I’ve never lived more than 6 months in any one country) but I’ll add my two cents anyway.
I’m surprised no one has mentioned Scandinavia. As a general rule though stick to larger cities.
Sweden is first preference as it has some of the most relaxed labour laws, fantastic social benefits and equality in workforce etc. But (there’s always a but) It’s expensive, the Swedes are increasingly intolerant against Muslims though in a subtle way (high abundance of Iraqis) and the job market is very tough now (expect a lower salary, even as an MS grad) and of course you must speak the language. Swedes can seem reserved at first, but once you’ve passed that boundary you have a friend for life. (studyinsweden.se; thelocal.se)
Denmark is similar to Sweden in terms of social benefits, but if you work in a desirable industry, i.e. Medicine, Engineering, IT, Marketing, Law etc. Then you may be eligible for the Danish greencard, which gives right to permanent residency. Denmark has a fantastic design and art scene, and the winters aren’t as intense has Finland or Norway. But immigration is tightening and it take even longer for a foreigner to gain citizenship (They have these ridiculous tests). Also unless you are very specialized in your field you may have an uphill battle for executive positions.
Norway has the most ample job opportunities, it’s cheaper to live in Oslo than in Stockholm. You’ll also be paid more as the country is richer (Norway has oil). However it is not as diverse other cities. You may find some arts and culture, but for the most part, I have found Denmark to have far more excitement. If you like to ski, or winter sports then Norway is the place, also the fjords are worth the trip! Norwegians are more reserved than their Swedish counter part. Also it take 10 years to naturalize as a citizens.
Finland mmmm…where do I begin. So the design in this country is fantastic, Alvar Aalto etc. The furniture is amazing as well as seeing men take care of their children as much as women, it’s a site to see (esp. coming from the Caribbean it’s a fuss to get them to wash a few plates). BUT! The job market is not as thriving as Denmark or Norway. There are few immigrants. Because of this you’ll get a look of stares. I’m dark skinned so all day long people looking left right and center. It’s not because they are racist, far from it, it’s because you’re different. Oh and ladies please beware, Finnish men are reserved, until they start drinking. There is a huge problem with alcoholism. They can get aggressive, so if you are going out late night (most bars close at 2am, except of course for Lost and Found) please, please go with some friends that won’t ditch you. Other than that it’s a fairly, very clean and safe, best suited for families.
Iceland. I honestly don’t have any concrete info. I haven’t been, but immigration is tough, few immigrants, and the economy fell spectacularly flat 2 years ago and they are still recovering. Pretty interesting language though, and they are the fittest people on earth (They exercise to keep the winter depression away)
Rural areas in addition to lack of work opportunities you’ll also find some unpleasantries. Over the past few years there have been a lot of immigrants from Turkey and Somalia especially, and with any mass immigration there is both good and bad. Crime and violence have increased, but it is contributed by the small handful and not the majority of immigrants or refugees from African/Middle-eastern etc. Just acknowledge it, but don’t let that deter you from your goal. In most cases when they see how you are dressed and when you speak, you’ll get the same response as another westerner or European.
Keys to survival:
1. learn the language. of course it’s great to speak English, but you’ll progress much farther if you learn the local language,
2. Oh yes join the gym, or partake in some local sports, it will keep the weight off, you’ll meet people, and it will keep winter depression away (I’ve seen couples in the heights of winter jogging in the park with the baby stroller)
3. Be persistent. Job searches can be hard and frustrating. Especially if you’re on limited funds and you don’t have a partner to help, use all the contacts you know, don’t be shy. Ask your friend’s uncle’s partner if they know of a job opening, get yourself out there. It is true that Scandinavians prefer to hire locals, but it’s not impossible. Network
4. The next option is to go back to school. Have a Bachelors? Get your Masters school is free in Norway and Finland. In Denmark masters range from USD5K to 10K, and Sweden is introducing new fees, but it won’t be as scary as the American counterpart. Have a Masters? Try a Doctorate, scholarships are rampant for PHD candidates and the good part is that most programmes for MA upwards are taught in English.
Wherever you decide to live, you have chosen that place for a reason. It can be and is hard to learn new customs, a new language, or to doubt yourself (what if I had stayed in US or Canada, I would be this much further with my career etc…) But you chose it for a reason, and kudos to you for having the guts and the willpower to following your dream. Have a goal and stick it. But don’t give up, believe me (the strongest steel is forged by the hottest fire). Everyone who has immigrated somewhere has faced the same obstacles you have and sometimes even more, be persistent and surround yourself with positive people.
Currently I’m planning to do my masters, first choice of course is in Stockholm/Uppsala (Sweden) however I am also looking at Germany as well. (That’s a whole other kettle of fish) I’m actually looking for some information on social life for black women in Germany!)
I wish you all the best with your endeavours. I’ll give updates as I go along, and please feel free to share the same! paloma.negrita@yahoo.com
Sorry my comments posted twice! Looking back on what I wrote, I do want to make a few additions. There is racism everywhere, from Port of Spain, to Kuala Lumpur. And whenever and wherever you decide to move you, if you move a country where you are the minority, socially if not politically you will be considered an immigrant, regardless of whether you were a refugee or a well-paid executive. It’s just that in some places there seems to be less resistant that others.
I’ve been to France several times and absolutely love the food, but I didn’t include it on the list. You know why? The French are extremely bureaucratic and xenophobic and I found it much harder to get on there than the North. But you may have an entirely different experience.
I liked England too, but what really turned me off, was the mentality of many of its black denizens, who complained a lot, but lived happily on welfare, even though schooling is a mere 1K (Pounds) for the year. Also Asians (particularly Indians and Pakistanis) were extremely racist.
Italy is a beautiful city to visit, but unless you plan on marrying an Italian man, this is the hardest place on the lot. The jobs are tight, in more country areas, many people will think you are a prostitute (even though you’re fully clothed and have a guide book in hand), and if you don’t have a good grasp of the language you’re toast! Italy is a beautiful country, especially amalfi, but to live perhaps I think you’d get on in a few others.
It is what you do with your time inside this new land, will earn you adulation or infamy. So go on and do something great!!!
The strongest suggestion I can add is to visit these places, (I know visiting is different from living) but at least you can get an idea of what you’re in for. Travel with another girlfriend and see what happens!
Good luck!
Mel, good writing. Your entry is very straight to the point and truthful. I worked for 5 month in Barcelona, Spain, and was constantly bombarded with sexist slurs inferring I was a prostitute. I was working as an IT professional with an internation IT company. I have lived and worked in Germany, so I am sure I can answer some of your questions.
It’s so weird to find this blog. I was desperate to find some information but didn’t know what to search so I typed this really long search. To find another person with a similar question feels like a happy miracle
I’m desperate to move countries and a pros/cons list leads me to believe that Europe would be best (I’ve already lived in N.America for over 10 yrs. Loved it but time for a change). Anyway, some very helpful comments here; lots to think about.
I would appreciate information from people who’ve been there done that i.e. black/dark skinned, college-educated, female who has already lived in Europe. Please feel free to e-mail me at miamor2111@hotmail.com
PS: My reason to move is not to avoid racism I just really need a break and an adventure.
Well racism is something you cannot avoid, unless you move to a pre-dominantly black country.
I have just returned from 4 yrs in the UK and was fortunate to have travelled to alot of the places mentioned above. I think the lady from the UK has summed it up perfectly, personally I found the standard of living very sub-standard and the people to be backwards.
I have much love for Scandinavia, however you get the impression that any foreigner is considered second choice. Having dated a finnish girl who was into black culture, she was very much against foreigners moving to finland. Apparently, they (foreigners) do not work and are ALL on benefits.
Denmark is actually paying Non-EU people to leave (Irag’s etc).
France has strong dislike for Roma’s (gypsies), Muslims (banning of the burqa) and Africans (recently a pregnant black women was dragged by police in the streets).
Germany still has some neo-nazi’s but would be my choice due to the economy. Funny enough the Seal/Klum relationship seems to have broken down alot of stereotypes in the country.
Another thing to take note is that you will be discriminated against because you are American, I am Canadian and once I told people this it worked in my favour.
So if you are looking to escape, think again because Racism is in Europe but in a different form.
I want to leave America also. I’m tired of the looks and phoey smiles when I walk into a nice hotel or resturant. I’m also tired of all the racist and/or sarcastic Obama jokes or sexist comments. Sometimes it seems either I work in the wrong job or i’m in the wrong country. People say black women have bad attitudes but I’m usually happy until someone makes a unfair comment or assumpion about me. I’ve been to New Zealand, Antartica, Germany, France, Holland, Egypt, Canado, Qata, Krygystan, Turkey and Hawaii and I still do not know if leaving the U.S.A is whats best. I’m complelety American born and raised but I have never quite fit.
My passport is good for 10+ so I’m just waiting for some sign I suppose. I had this hope that I might meet my husband in America but black men don’t seem to really want us anymore. Since the economy is in bad shape I been researching to see what kind of trades are useful in more fermal friendly nations. America would be a dream come true with it wasn’t filled with hateful and greedy people.
OmI think if you live in a muticulture country you would have to worry about racism . But they will still be racism but it won’t be as strong,cause you wouldn’t pay a attance cause you have people of the same back round as you. I say don’t worry what people think. You want to live life for yourself and all because the us makes you a second class citizen. You don’t have to work under anyone who doesn’t recpect you. Most immigrant are smart when they came to the us cause they open up and run their own business. They do this so they can have there own,instead of people being racist toward them. Now they have a way of living cause they are working for themseves. I was born and raise in america,being a black women I felt racist from all groups of people. But I learn how to deal with it and not let it get to me. Now to deal with it I only go to places were I know it is a mixer of culture and I work in muticluture towns. I don’t go anywhere were it is only one race of people because that’s were you will fill the racism. And I love america because I follow those rule. Each country has there good spot and bad spots. You have to know were you belong because that’s human race each race will take care of there own.
Thank heavens! I thought I was the only young black female with this thinking. I have my degree and am working on my masters from France (but doing so online while in the US) . I recently got married and am heavily persuading my husband (Light skin cuban) to moving either to UK or France. I am still learning my french, but have english and spanish under mybelt currently. One thing I simply must agree on with many folks here stated.. American racism is a b*tch! … I have been to many countries throughouth Europe, and even though visiting can be different from living, I personally had no problem within my travels. And… I traveled solo.. A 5 foot 11 tall goregous black female with high indian facial features – from NJ so i could handle my self
– traveled to many countries solo. The only reason I would hate to leave the US is because knowing my ancestors (african and asian and native indian) built this damn country, and yet we still get looked at as second class citizens.. Its the major slap in the face and spit on the floor. Once I saw the light and educated my self well beyond what college and private school did,.. i saw that there was another path! This is by far not the ‘best country to live in’. I will say… in comparison US does rank top on something.. LOL but no… no no not everything… Education for starters.. How is it that Finland has a free educational system.. University free.. WTF?? Seriously here in the US you have to go in debt with paying for your education because not all scholarships can cover everything- especially if you are a dual major and will be in school for 6 years. So gaining debt before you graduate, then after you do, hopefully you get a job in your field and live like a college student again for a bit longer as you work to svae and try to pay off your debt, then you might get married and buy house with your partner and then his/her school debt is now a bigger picture of which you’ll never get from under… Why do we keep this viscous cycle going??? Oh yes. i have seen a better path, and its not the USA..not from here on out.
Ha I’ve been thinking about that too Alana…the vicious cycle. I have met so many international friends just online and like everything you guys are saying seems to be true. It comes out in the relationships you are able to form or are not…how people respond to you or don’t. I would say one of my Swedish friends is very conservative, but totally loved the Jazz era and appreciates blacks in that way. He’s attracted to black women…liked me when I was heavier just as much and he shares sort of everything (and I mean EVERYTHING…checks in the mail…how clean the house is whatever haha) after getting to know who I was. He’s even older so it wasn’t a younger generation sort of thing. Since I haven’t been anywhere but Jamaica and I wouldn’t recommend that ha, I can only comment on the people I know from those places.
I met an Italian journalist and he was onnnnnly interested in one thing lol. So I guess if you were going to get married or something that might work there but nothing I said seemed to mean anything to him.
My friend in London is pretty cool. Also conservative but appreciates all people he knows to be positive members of society no matter what race they are. He’s well read and is very warm. I would say he seems like the type to do anything for you. But in general watching the news it seems like there is a lot of violence over there.
In the U.S. people of different races totally accept me when they find out we may have similar views. If you think differently and they can’t change your mind about it, then they kinda group you in with others. That’s just what I would consider generally average people around the U.S. lol.
I have lived in California and I would say the cool thing about it is you can just be anybody and know all kinds of people and be accepted into all kinds of groups. People just really are playing around out there most of the time. Very independent. As a black woman though I did date all kinds of people. The down side of Cali is being able to stay there and being able to find a decent job. If you get lucky you’re alright there. If you have a B.A. or a Masters it helps. If not then you just have to get lucky. Starting a creative business is not hard there if you are committed. The economy just makes it a bit harder. I feel for the kinda average ‘content’ people jobs are being taken more by young hispanics. If the job situation was easier it would be the best state to live in and every Black person that leaves always wishes they could go back there. If you prove yourself to be cool any community will accept you pretty well. I worked around a lot of Armenians and made a lot of girlfriends.
All in all it doesn’t seem like the U.S. is really bad. It’s just that you are more accepted in community life if you fit the leave it to beaver type of life in some way–married–children–teacher…etc. But California is the coolest if you are just a bit more quirky or different if you can have a decent job. In most of America if you get in with a community, you are educated or at least trained in some way, you can have an average cookie cutter life. It’s the American dream lol…everybody gets a shot at average.