I try not to give ridiculous actions and articles too much airtime but this has to be called out. I’ve seen this article from the Atlanta Black Star floating around for a few months. Quoted in forums and Facebook groups. It wasn’t until I began receiving emails and private messages from readers speaking of this article as if it’s the definitive guide to Black Travel. Let me be clear. THIS ARTICLE IS TRASH. It’s misleading, irresponsible, and patently false in some areas.
Represented in this image, Germany, USA, Chile, and France.
“Author” A.Moore, cherry picks quotes and claims from various sources to create a fear mongering piece under the guise of “informing”. Rarely does he offer any firsthand knowledge at all. This article could have been written by a 11 year old with an internet connection. Not to mention he rarely provides any sources so the context of his claims can be explored. For example, the issue with Ribkat in Thailand. THAILAND HOTELS ARE NOT RACIST TOWARD BLACKS AND INDIANS. I’ve stayed at Nasa Vegas, which I can easily prove, and it’s an absolute shithole with one of the worse staffs I have ever seen. You can’t paint an entire culture as racist based on the ridiculous actions of one notoriously bad hotel. Especially when a simple search will show you that this “luxury” hotel is $16 a night and has received terrible reviews for years. This is ONE hotel that did this. And this isn’t “policy”. I stayed there on several occasions, most recently April 2014. Isolated incidents does not a policy make.
This is at best, shoddy journalism and at worse race baiting. Shame on Atlanta Black Star for this. Your audience is predominately black. Our community has largely been misinformed, misrepresented, and miseducated. You’ve decided to perpetuate this cycle of ignorance and fear of travel by allowing yourselves to be associated with someone that couldn’t write themselves out of a third grade essay contest.
The only saving grace to this article is the countless number of black travelers in the comment section that’s called this piece out for the trash that it is.
I’m a minority tourism expert. Knowing this stuff is part of my job eleven months a year. I’ll address each country on this list and clear up these misconceptions. The premise of this article is TRAVEL. That’s what i’ll stick to and share my experiences as I’ve been to every country on this list several times and living in half. I’ve also reached out to several ex-pats living in these places to produce a series of articles about living in each country. Stay tuned.
NOTE: These are my personal views and experiences. This is in no way meant to denounce the experience of others. Some of which have had racist experiences abroad in some of these countries.
Thailand: I have to say, when I saw this on the “list” I did a double take. Not only did I find largely complimentary of black culture but actively pursing knowledge about it. The article points out an incident where rapper Ribkat was denied entry to Nasa Vegas “Luxury” Hotel. What they fail to point out is even Ribkat stated he knows this isn’t representative of the Thai people and went on the perform for his fans.
Thai culture is and has long been very open and accommodating to foreigners. Especially blacks. Thailand is one of the most open and kind countries on the planet. An absolute must visit for black travelers.
Germany: In my experience, Germans are some of the most well traveled and non discriminatory people in the world. Germans are in a weird historical place. They are forced to constantly prove how they aren’t racist constantly because of the WWII Nazi stigma. Lets be clear. Nazi’s were of German decent. Not all Germans were Nazi’s. I feel like Germans sometimes go overboard proving they aren’t racist.
My time through Germany has always been nothing but pleasant. What some may consider racist, I point out is nothing more than directness. Germans don’t mince words. If they think something is stupid they’ll say it’s stupid. Coming from the U.S. African Americans largely don’t see that very often and may misinterpret it. Personally, I appreciate it. I’ve probably spent over two years in Germany and have NEVER seen a skinhead or neo nazi in person that i’m aware of.
Russia: Deserves a spot on EVERY SINGLE LIST of where people shouldn’t travel. My experience there was filled with direct and subversive racism. I agree with this one. I have several Russian friends that will openly tell you about the racist sentiment there. HOWEVER, at no time did I feel threatened there. People just avoid you and let their feelings be know up front. I did meet quite a few Russians who went above and beyond to ensure I was comfortable and safe. They are aware of the issue surrounding race and sexuality there. Unfortunately it seems the more even minded Russians are outnumbered by the more bigoted.
China: ………really? Blacks are treated like damn rockstars in China. I can’t tell you how many babies I held and pictures I took. I traveled with a black female here who had an afro. People loved it and kept asking to touch it. As a country that was largely closed off to foreigners until the mid 80’s and late 90’s it’s too be expected they have some apprehension to foreigners. But I experienced the exact opposite of racism. It was pure curiosity and kindness. China is largely a homogeneous country. China is 91% Han Chinese. When you’re black you stand out.
I found that the Chinese, as with many other nationalities, believe in western media’s representation of blacks. You’re asked if you can rap or play basketball. But I found this not to be malicious. Just curious.
South Korea: I think I met more black travelers in South Korea than I have anywhere else (other than Thailand). I found Korea to be the most “white” of the Asian countries I visited. Meaning they had a fantastical view of white America. White is right. A few of my friends were bothered by this. It didn’t bother me. Their fondness for all things white American didn’t result in a total denouncement of black America. In fact, I found our culture prevalent in Seoul. Especially regarding music and dance. Korean DOMINATES the international B-Boy scene. They have some of the best dance crews on the planet because they’ve embraced idolized our culture.
And how in the hell is the USA not on this list? Do I really need to point out why the U.S. Is the worse country for blacks to travel if we are using the same parameters as this “author”? Police brutality, racist organizations, openly racist policies. You can’t make a valid list about this without adding us.
Let’s be honest here. Each country on this list does have racist people who would like to do harm to black travelers. EVERY COUNTRY ON THE PLANET DOES. But the risk to black travelers isn’t greater in these places. Had this list focused on a single country then maybe I could have let it slide. But from a purely tourist standpoint, the places chosen are far and away say and highly encouraged for black travelers. A vast majority of what some black travelers would see as racist is purely curiosity and lack of exposure. And how will they get exposure when Atlanta Black Star is telling people to stay home? A home full of racism and marginalization I might add.
List like these do nothing but perpetuate a culture of fear. This isn’t the 1800’s. Most countries take tourism very seriously and as a tourist you honesty won’t have many problems anywhere. And before you take articles like the ones produced by Atlanta Black Star please consider the source or lack thereof.
