Hey, Friends! If the phrase, “Why does everything have to be about race?” has ever dropped from your lips, scroll on to the next post. I don’t want you to be triggered and this post won’t be long enough to include a US history lesson. But seriously, hear me out. I’ve seen quite a few posts on my social media algorithms lately from black Americans, detailing incidents of racism while traveling abroad. I’m fortunate to be able to say that in my travels to roughly 30 countries, I have yet to have an experience where I felt unwelcome or unsafe due to my skin color. Am I just lucky?
Let me be clear. I’m not invalidating anyone’s experience. ‘“Traveling while black” is absolutely a thing. But I think it’s worth noting that we travel with the weight of our experiences with racism at home everywhere we go. These experiences shape our perceptions and reactions to the world around us. Do these experiences make us quick to stamp every negative encounter abroad as racism, or are we sometimes misinterpreting cultural norms through the lens of our own experiences? Let’s talk about it.
Racism Abroad: A Mirror of Home?
A recent survey of people of African descent living in 13 EU countries conducted by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights revealed 45 % of blacks reported experiencing racial discrimination and 58%, racial profiling. A quick search through social media will reveal more than a few posts from black travelers detailing uncomfortable encounters with overt stares, inappropriate touches, or dismissive behavior while traveling abroad. While these experiences are not universal, they are common enough to be concerning. And addressed.
I certainly don’t want a stranger coming up to me and touching my hair with shock and awe when exploring a new country, but I think I do have to consider the cultural context. What might be perceived as rude or discriminatory behavior in one culture might be regarded as normal in another. For example, in some Asian countries, staring is not necessarily a sign of hostility but sheer curiosity. In some European countries, personal space norms are different, and what we as Americans perceive as a cold shoulder might simply be a cultural difference in social interaction. And sometimes, unfortunately, what you’re experiencing is exactly what you think it is.
One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller
Navigating the World
Regardless of what you’ve experienced – or what you’ve heard about someone else’s experience – it’s important to approach each new destination with an open mind and a willingness to understand (and respect) its unique cultural norms.
- Do Your Research: Before visiting a new country, take the time to learn about its cultural norms and social behaviors.
- Connect with Other Black Travelers: Join online communities and forums where black travelers share their experiences and advice. This can provide valuable insights and help you feel more prepared.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with current events and social dynamics in the countries you plan to visit. This can give you a better understanding of what to expect.
- Trust Your Instincts: If you feel unsafe or unwelcome, trust your instincts and take appropriate action. Your safety and well-being are paramount.
Summary
Despite the challenges, traveling can be an incredibly enriching and empowering experience. Approaching each journey with a readiness to understand cultural differences is the first step in advocating for a more inclusive and respectful world for all travelers. Whatever the reason for negative encounters, never stop traveling, exploring and sharing your stories. Let’s live our best lives, one destination at a time. 🌎
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