Way to Russia Talk Lounge

madhavan

Can any Russian tell me what Russians think about India and Indians? I am curious how bad is racism against Indians? One of my Indian friends wants to visit Moscow and wants to make sure he doesn't get killed for looking like a Persian guy (he is light but olive brown skinned with dark hair and brown eyes). He is visiting Moscow with his Russian girlfriend who stays in US now. I would appreciate your reply.

mediashark · Moderator Joined: 04 Nov 2004 Posts: 1601

Well actually the average Russian wouldn't care much about you. Just be polite, well-mannered and considerate and they'll treat you the same way.

Only try not to travel around the city at night after 10pm especially when unaccompanied by a Russian friend, when all kinds of weird people come out.

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

When I was in Russia in June, I asked my Russian friends whether they heard about the issue of outsourcing and about the fact that so many American companies shift jobs from the US to India - none of them either heard or knew anything about that. I was surprised that the topic discussed in such volume here in the US does not concer russians. In spite of the fact that Russia (and former Soviet Union) and India were very friendly and had close relations, I think most russians today don't know much (or care much) about Inidia. I don't think the chance to experiecing any kind of racial vilolence is higher than in most other countries.

mister_wizzz · VIP Joined: 27 May 2004 Posts: 559

2Spice

I disagree, you have more chance to experience racial violence in Moscow than in any other city in the world.
Just key "racism in russia" on google and you will see... Moscow is said the city where the skinheads are the most numerous in the world, and most racist attacks are not condamned in Russia which push the racists to act again and again.

2madhavan

I don't know what your friend is looking like but better for him to look like Indian or persian than Caucasian.

Rick · Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 6:37 pm Post subject:

mediashark · Moderator Joined: 04 Nov 2004 Posts: 1601

It happens but not very often.

Don't let the odd media report scare your friend. Just take normal safety precautions.

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

Rick: I understand why it's not a pertinent issue in Russia. You don't have to explain that to me. I was just saying that in Europe, the issue of Indian economic development and the fact that India is expanding so quickly in the technology sector is discussed in the media. And I thought people in Russia at least heard about it, since some Russian firms compete for the same kind of outsoursing business as the Indian firms. For example, there's a huge interest in Russia towards China and the fact that it's developing so quickly. One of my Russian friends even went to China as a tourist. But they don't know much about Inidia. And that was surprising to me.

madhavan · Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2005 7:51 pm Post subject:

To Mister wizz
I get completely confused as to how to differentiate slavic looks from Caucasian looks. I have seen many slavic people with dark hair.Then how can one identify a Russian and a Caucasian? Sorry, I am just ignorant.....

mediashark · Moderator Joined: 04 Nov 2004 Posts: 1601

Why are you worrying so much about outwardly appearance?

There is nothing you can do about it. Just ask your friends to be themselves, and respect others and others will respect them.

Russians are not so racist. Calling them racists is a racist act in itself.

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

madhavan: I am just as confused by that comment about Caucasians, madhavan. I think you should just ignore that comment. If you are dressed well, have all the necessary documents, don't drink in public and behave like any other tourist and observe resoanable precausions, you should be fine.

mediashark · Moderator Joined: 04 Nov 2004 Posts: 1601

Just FYI, Caucasians generally have slightly darker (and more) hair and often rather pronouced features than Russians, but of course, there is quite a bit of mixed blood, so some people look in-between.

MrSpice gives good advice. Also do not attempt to seek the nighlife out on your own (without Russian company) when you are not familiar with the city yet. (As you can read in init6's adventures in Back in the USSR). These safety precautions should be practised by every visitor, regardless of race. Anyone can be a target of the odd thug or corrupt militsiya.

mister_wizzz · VIP Joined: 27 May 2004 Posts: 559

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

mister_wizzz: I don't much about Moscow - I have not been there in a while. But I have not seen a single skinhead in St Petersburg. I am sure they do exist, but I have not seen any.

There are quite a few ordinary russians with dark hair and brown eyes.

mediashark · Moderator Joined: 04 Nov 2004 Posts: 1601

I lived in Moscow as a foreigner for almost 2 years... ditto about skinheads...

mister_wizzz · VIP Joined: 27 May 2004 Posts: 559

http://www.rickross.com/reference/skinheads/skinheads54.html