Way to Russia Talk Lounge

dimka7 · Just Starting Joined: 31 Mar 2005 Posts: 6

Hello, and thanks for reading my post.
My friend (black American) and I (Russian origin) were planning trip to Moscow and St.Pete in the summer from the USA.
About two days ago I came across the article about series of violent assaults on foreign (Black, Asian, Pakistani) students by skinheads in St.Pete, and concluded that we should not go to Russia. The article also mentioned that these assaults are getting more frequent and that there is a rise of race-motivated crimes in Moscow and St.Pete which are not adequately prevented or stopped by "militia". The article also mentioned that dark-skinned students are scared to leave their dorms in the evening and night hours. Those assaults are usually directed toward blacks, Asians (a lot) and other dark skinned people and they are increasingly frequent in the centers of the cities, when unpredictable leather-wearing teens can attack dark-skinned foreigner or student.
I believe that we should change our plans and go somewhere else: I hardly imagine myself walking the streets of those cities and not worrying about my friend's safety.
Of course, he doesn't understand the depth of my concern and thinks that I am overly preoccupied with this issue. I would like to know an independent opinion on this matter.
Thanks a lot!

LORY · Just Starting Joined: 02 Apr 2005 Posts: 4

yeah,u have bases to feel worry,but everything depends on what r u going to do here,what places to visit...r u going to travel alone or with group?

dimka7 · Just Starting Joined: 31 Mar 2005 Posts: 6

I am traveling alone with my friend. Going to Moscow and St.Pete. I am russian by birth and know that country very well, but have concerns about the safety of my black-american friend, who has never been to Russia.

LORY · Just Starting Joined: 02 Apr 2005 Posts: 4

I would like to tell u that it s ok but i can t...i don t think u r searching for "extreme", u just want to take pleasure from the trip...so my OWN PERSONAL opinion is that its not absolutely safe here...i m sorry Sad

Jutrzenkapolska · VIP Joined: 16 Sep 2004 Posts: 534

I knew a Polish-American woman who married a mulato guy (half-Polish, half-black). She and her husband went back home for a visit and sad fact is, many, many people on the street would comment about him or about them out loud, not knowing the poor man could understand Polish perfectly.Does your friend speak Russian? If not, half the problem solved.

dimka7 · Just Starting Joined: 31 Mar 2005 Posts: 6

Hi Lory, Thanks for your reply. That was also my guess about safety. I made all reservations, visas and purchased the tickets and really can not decide whether i should cancel everything or give it a chance..... Can u tell me more about your personal experience. Thanks a lot,
DIMA

dimka7 · Just Starting Joined: 31 Mar 2005 Posts: 6

No, he doesn't know Russian. My utmost concern doesn’t relate to offensive comments of the street people but to the actions of unpredictable (or predictable, for that matter) individuals. I am familiar with natural hatred of locals, and remember when anti-Semitic statements were heard on the streets, stores and public transport. But again, those were only words in peaceful old USSR and not violent actions.
Dima

quote="Jutrzenkapolska"]I knew a Polish-American woman who married a mulato guy (half-Polish, half-black). She and her husband went back home for a visit and sad fact is, many, many people on the street would comment about him or about them out loud, not knowing the poor man could understand Polish perfectly.Does your friend speak Russian? If not, half the problem solved.[/quote]

MrSpice · Lounge Wizard Joined: 14 Jul 2003 Posts: 3436

I think you are overreacting. When you talk about Asian students that live somewhere in russia for several years and experience certain problems with skinheads, that's one thing. If you are going to be in Moscow and St. Petersburg - both filled with tourists - for a couple of weeks, I think you should be quite safe. Not to mentionn the fact that your fiened is an American and Ameircans in general get more respect (because of many famuse athletes, musicians, etc.). I think you are being scared by some news articles that don't have much in common with your situation.

lurry · Just Starting Joined: 09 Apr 2005 Posts: 1

I will be leaving from Atlanta on June 10 to Moscow and boarding a cruise ship to St. Petersburg. I am African American and a university professor. I will be meeting a former student who is in the Peace Corps.
I have heard mixed messages regarding the racial attitudes of Russians. The curiosity is expected; I have traveled to Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
I suspect that the fact that there will be groups of us will make a difference. We will have time for personal get-a-ways.
I would not cancel my ticket. Unless your companion is ultra sensitive, tell him to enjoy himself. By the way, I usually greet a stare with a smile...especially with children. Children stare and usually their parents get embarrassed but they are looking themselves.