I was going to name this when "When Stupid People Attack" but I should practice what I preach about tolerance, right? This is a video of me recounting a story or two of the locals being a bit too familiar.
I understand I am different because I am a Black expat living in Germany but please, do not touch me.
Video rant after the break
Nicole!!!!!! LMAO!!!!! You had me cracking up lady! You are such a beautiful sister and you have such a great personality! Thanks for following me too on twitter! I feel honored!! Oh, get me a T shirt too! LOL!
ReplyDelete@lovin! thanks! no worries about the follow.
ReplyDeletehaha, that's pretty hilarious nicole! and fun to hear an expat see germany :)
ReplyDeleteif it's any help at all - i often feel stared at for wearing a particular outfit or lipstick or hairdo and i have a friend with extremely blonde curly hair who gets touched a LOT.
there is no excuse for this, i assume it's just part of the culture. i do, however, feel that it's been getting better. with more people and diversity coming in, berliners grow more accustomed to seeing things they don't see every day.
hang in there, germany needs you! ;)
@kat walks aw thanks, this is so sweet. i think there needs to be an international memo, in every language. 'do not touch strangers':) i hope to stay in berlin for a long time. i complain sometimes but i really do love my life here. these videos and commentary are by no means the complete picture of my experience here. i love the diversity of germany and i enjoy contributing to it
ReplyDeleteHi Nicole!
ReplyDeleteLove the blog! Keep up the great work! In response to this one particular post, I am so sorry to hear about this experience. Its so absurd that all you can do is laugh. I was jut wanted to say as a black girl from the states who lived in Sweden for a couple of months last year, I have unfortunately gone through the same situation, multiple times over. I had one old drunk Swedish guy keep touching me and no one do anything to assist me (might I add this was during broad daylight in a restaurant and my uncomfortableness was not missed by its other patrons) and saying creepy shit about being me black and from africa and my body. Another time some guy grabbed me late at night, but in the most crowded trendiest part of Stockholm, and again no one did everything (I blame the whole northern european mentality of not wanting to get involved in other peoples business at all costs. I swear, there is no such thing as being a Good Samaritan in Scandinavia). But glad to hear you have a great time otherwise. I really really really want to go to Berlin and your blog makes me want to go even more. Thanks again
@evehigh scandinavians, i have to be careful of what i say because the three loves of my life are danish :) (my boyfriend and his 2 sons) i asked them about this over brunch shortly after reading your comment. and they agreed, that it is sad, but they would most likely not have stepped in either. its just something they do not do. i dont know if it common for them to even witness public altercations. sorry for your experience. if i was there, i would have said something :/
ReplyDeleteGirl.. I just moved here a week ago, and Oneika put me on to your blog. I am so glad you wrote this. I have been here quite a few times, but it is different now that I know I am not going home. Thanks for writing this. They just don't realize it's rude I guess.
ReplyDelete@blackgirlinberlin well you found me. if you ever want to meet up for coffee let me know. it can be difficult when you first move abroad but making friends and buidling a network is a big step in the direction of making this place feel like home :)
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