Posted by Adeola
Original story at Prince 0772
Hi, I’m American and have lived in New York City most of my life. I’ve been living in the richest part of the city and have a successful international job. I am Filipino-American. My friends come from all different backgrounds: white, black, hispanic, indian, asian, you name it. I just moved to Sweden the last 11 months and already have I experienced racism 3 times! It was nothing hostile but I can account for 3 situations and the 3rd one was today, that’s why I searched for “racism in sweden” online. Here were the incidents:
1. I was walking my bike home on a rainy night and 2 drunk Irish guys were smoking outside a pub and cracked jokes in English how I just came off the boat from China. Assuming I didn’t speak English I just said “I’m American. I hear every word.” and walked away.
2. I was riding my bike home and a guy yelled “Nee-How”. Not so bad, but offended to assume I’m Chinese.
3. Today, I went to the supermarket. 5 Swedish kids around 13 years old (I’m 32) were bullying me! I’m 32 and twice their size! How were they bullying me? They just said stupid comments like, “Having a party tonight? Nee-How.”
Again, these incidents were minor. They were just comments. It’s just surprising to me that a culture that I assumed to be so advanced compared to the rest of the world is still struggling with racism issues. I guess Sweden is a bit more homogenous compared to New York. In all 3 occasions I walked away but I feel like educating them. It’s so difficult to have an intellectual conversation when the first impression is ignorance. I sometimes feel like packing my bags and just going back to NYC.
I don’t want to experience this every 4 months while I’m here. But I also want to fight for my belief and teach these people how ignorant they really are. It’s a battle that can’t be solved through violence but education and discussion. I’m starting to believe it’s only an American Dream.
33 responses so far ↓
yas // April 2, 2009 at 1:14 pm |
my friend , do not compare the US with this stupid uncivilized( seriously,just becuase a country is in europe does not make it civilized)countries . US is 100 times better than all this white trash countries. human rights do not work these type of countries(germany,denmark,austria)US is the most civilized nation in the whole world and ı hope it always stays the best one.
Michael // April 3, 2009 at 12:45 pm |
that is quite interesting i mean almost unbelievable . i ‘ m from middle east and been here for monthes ,never heard even such a thing from any one !
Danne // July 17, 2009 at 12:06 am |
Yas, you shout shut up before you say anything.
You call Sweden uncivilized and white trash? Just look what the heck is happening in the US.
Racism there is much worse than anywhere in Europe.
“US is the most civilized nation in the whole world and ı hope it always stays the best one”…the best joke I have heard in years. All the killing sprees that seem to be happening in the US almost every week..the death penalty….yeah, thats really “civilized”.
And sorry to burst your bubble, but USis not the best country in the world, especially with the crumbling economy. There are a lot of nations better than the US – including most of Europe.
Danne // July 17, 2009 at 12:07 am |
Sorry about the typo. That should read “should”, not “shout”.
FromThisEarth // August 3, 2009 at 7:24 am |
Hey I’m 19 year old black american female. I was recently becoming interested in Sweden because of it’s spotless war record in modern times. I was curious about it’s diversity and how it might potentially harm me. Thanks for providing insight on this matter. I think it’s quite disgusting that Sweden prides it’s self on being a Humanitarian yet treats HUMANS who are as common as them inferior simply due to color.
Danne // August 3, 2009 at 4:18 pm |
The original story seems to be quite unbelievable …. to me it seems like a work of fiction really.
As for the “FromThisEarth” comment, the problem is that Sweden has already too many people from outside of Europe. Basically there are people from Africa (including northern Africa) and the Middle East, arriving here, bringing their own problems with them, forcing them on our lives etc etc.
FromThisEarth // August 7, 2009 at 4:50 am |
I agree that there is an intense culture clash due to life style differences.
But how much can you use cultural differences as an excuse to resort to racist and discriminatory actions ?
If anything it would just intensify the matter and make it worst.
tom ade // September 17, 2009 at 12:47 am |
sorry bout those experiences man.Well am 24 African leaving for Sweden in the next couple of months.This really scares me.
David4Change // October 1, 2009 at 3:25 am |
Just give the Swedens their own medicine back…..show them what it feels like when a nation rejects them for being a backwards and ignorant people from the kids upto their parents. Screw Sweden. It’s a little no nothing country that makes little difference in the World. To me, Sweden means nothing.
Danne // October 1, 2009 at 1:20 pm |
Sorry to burst your bubble David, but Sweden is the best country in the world to live it.
And, unlike USA, Canada, Australia, England or France, we are pretty much ethnically clean…unlike those countries.
We do not need any more immigrants from Somalia or Iraq, because all they cause is problem.
Kiki Young // October 1, 2009 at 6:50 pm |
Danne,
I am Scandinavian (not a Swede though) and I am so ashamed of you. People, please understand that individuals like Danne are in the minority. Most Scandinavian countries are welcoming societies, but we do have a few bad elements. I apologize for individuals like
Danne. The only thing I agree with, it’s that Sweden is not a white trash country simply because of people like Danne. Danne, by the way I am blond (probably blonder than you), blue eyed and tall. Does that make me a better person? I rather surround myself with people that are dark, short, intelligent and not white trash like yourself. By the way folks, Sweden has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. Wonder why?
Kiki Young // October 1, 2009 at 6:55 pm |
By the way, Adeola, I am sorry about your experience. Any civilized person would be ashamed of their countrymen treating any other human being the way you were treated. Only ignorant, feeble minded people would try justifying that children mock someone who looks different from them. The best sign of civilization is shown by the way we treat others, not just humans but EVERY creature on earth. Anyone making comments such as “ethnically clean” belongs with the Nazis, who by the way, were not the most intellectual people. In fact, they killed intellectuals because they were jealous of their intelligence.
Mark from Canada // October 1, 2009 at 7:14 pm |
Danne,
Do you have anything against tanned, blond, green-eyed Australians? I love surfing, camping, and enjoying nature and yes, people, all kinds of people. I am married to a gorgeous South East Asian gal I met in Canada and I wouldn’t have it any other way. By the way, she has a doctorate degree whereas I only have the equivalent of a Bachelors Degree. According to you, who is the most superior one? Me, with my Caucasian looks or my ubersmart wife? Got news for you, we’re both special in each of our ways and in our own humanity. So, chill and stop spewing hatred on the internet. You still wanna blame someone? Blame your government comprised of white folks like you and I. They (the white men, because there aren’t that many women) are inviting the very foreigners you find revolting to come live in Sweden. The immigrants didn’t just one day decide to jump on a boat and come uninvited. So, why don’t you hold accountable the real culprits of the state your country is at and stop taking all your poison out on the immigrants?
Danne // October 1, 2009 at 7:21 pm |
so you are calling me a white trash just because Im speaking the truth that it, although censored in Swedish media, that in the major cities the crime is on the rise and mostly within the muslim minority.
The fact is, not only in Sweden, but in all of Europe, that if EU allows more people in, mostly muslim, all of European countries will become muslim. Welcome to Eurabia.
And I am sorry, people like me are not minority.
The thing is, most of us agree see the problem, yet most are afraid to speak up because they will be assumed to be racist for no reason.
There was this case a few years back…2 swedish girl were coming back from a New Year’s party..guess what happened? They were gang raped by 5 somalis. According to your statement, this is ok for them to do it, just because they are non-white.
I do feel sorry for you if you can not see the difference between a real fact and racism.
The problem is the left winger parties. They like the whole one-nation, one-race crap. Socialists and other left wing groups are the real threat to the world.
I would ask for an apology, but I guess I can not expect it from someone that can not distinguish the difference between racism and reality.
Kiki // October 1, 2009 at 7:32 pm |
Oh my God, Danne no one is justifying violence, much less rape. That just goes to show how twisted you are. Have you considered committing suicide? You’d do us all a favor!! I am terribly sorry, as much of the civilized world would be, for the rape of that innocent girl. She has nothing to do with you though, so please show respect and refrain yourself from using the misfortune of others to make your point. Like Mark, said, blame your government and become active in electing some right wing, NAZI party that will satisfy your “ethnic cleansing” desires. Until then, it is SWEDES who are inviting foreigners. You’re hatred has filled any room left on your brain for intelligence.
Danne // October 1, 2009 at 7:52 pm |
I feel sorry for you Kiki. You are obviously one of those that dont mind having your country overrun by muslims. That is your problem.
But to the point…why am i getting blamed for speaking the truth, no matter how harsh it is, while it is guys like David and yas that started the whole problem?
Danne // October 1, 2009 at 7:55 pm |
ánd yes, it is the Swedish government that invites all the foreigners. Same goes for all the other Nordic countries.
They are all left wing governments and all the left wingers are a plague to this world.
Danne // October 1, 2009 at 8:03 pm |
and I feel sorry for you because according to you, right wing is the same as nazism. I do feel sorry for you and i think that perhaps you should learn the difference.
Plus throughout history, the communists are responsible for more deaths than the nazis.
Danne // October 1, 2009 at 7:40 pm |
I dont have anything agaisnt other people, just those that create problems in my country. And whether people like it or not, the truth is that Sweden has problems with some immigrants group.
If you read my previous comment, you would see that I am not spreading hatred, just stating facts.
if you dont like the truth, then I cant help you.
And yes, I am blaming the government for the way things are. It was all in my previous comment.
Danne // October 1, 2009 at 7:44 pm |
Second of all, racism is everywhere. Doesnt matter Sweden, USA, Canada or any other countries….whether you like it or not, its everywhere.
And then I can say that I am proud to be white and to be Swedish. And there is nothing racist about that statement.
Kiki // October 1, 2009 at 9:00 pm |
There is nothing racist about being proud of who you are, but talking “ethnic cleansing” is ludicrous. Saying that I agree rape is OK is beyond stupid. How are those “facts”? Posting your garbage on four different posts because you are so consumed with hatred and agony is PRICELESS. BLAME YOUR GOVERNMENT. And, who elected your government?? Oh, the MAJORITY of Swedes!! You want the truth: here it goes: I am white, I am blond, I am as Nordic as can be and I am not full of hatred like you. I LOVE HUMANITY, I LOVE PEOPLE OF ALL RACES. There!!
Mark // October 1, 2009 at 9:03 pm |
Hey Danne, do you know what the word CHILL OUT means?? You might want to have my educated Asian wife explain it to you, since you don’t seem to get it. Gee, I’ll lose my sleep thinking you’ll feel sorry for me too, you piece of white trash!
Anita // October 1, 2009 at 9:07 pm |
Hi and peace to all. Danne just proves how far hatred and intolerance can get you. As of for me, I will make sure I never touch Swedish soil. Why would I need to, when I can visit and enjoy other countries that will value the money I bring as a tourist? I am always well treated anywhere I go because I treat people with respect. If you are not going to respect me, then why bother with you?
Moustafa // October 1, 2009 at 9:25 pm |
Danne,
Up until now, I thought that Sweden was a model society where people from all over the world could live and work. Your comments have sent shivers down my spine and I hope I never come face to face with people like you. I am a refugee from one of those Arab countries. I came here because your country volunteered to give me asylum after I was imprisoned, tortured, and threatened to death in my country. I am an engineer and from the moment I came, I’ve done nothing but work, show respect for the norms of my host country, and paid my taxes. I go to mosque, but in no way do I discuss my religion or culture with people in your society. How can you say that I am contributing to the arabification of Sweden, by simply existing, working and paying taxes? If you want to know the truth, I miss my country so very much, but I cannot go back and risk being killed. You may think of me as an unwanted immigrant, but I will tell you that I would have not hesitated to risk my life to save that girl you mentioned from being raped.
Jenny in USA // October 1, 2009 at 10:04 pm |
Of course here in the US we have problems with racism, intolerance, injustice, etc. It is not a perfect nation by any stretch of the imagination. As an American, I admit we have problems and a long road ahead of us to reach a level of improvement in human rights. However, had the article being about a non-white being attacked in the US, most nationals would have responded with indignation, not denial. The only reason why this forum is focusing on Sweden is because the person on the editorial happened to have experienced racism in that country. Hence, the subject is Sweden and not New Zealand. I think that Kiki had the right attitude for offering an apology for what happened. If someone abroad told me they were attacked in a NY subway, I would respond by saying, “I’m sorry.” I would not go on a tirade as to how the US was no more dangerous than Germany, China, and so forth. That’s simply lame. And to turn this into a discussion on other races and immigration is ridiculous when the editorial is about a wealthy Filipino-American (neither Muslim nor Somalian) who was made fun of by Swedes because of his Asian features. Please don’t get me wrong. I am not saying that a wealthy Asian American deserves more respect than someone of a different race. Everyone regardless of economic class, creed, or ethnic origin does. But the central subject of this article happened to be wealthy and filipino, so I was simply expecting the answers to be tailored to this person. Ignorance happens everywhere and we must combat it when and where it happens!
Danne // October 2, 2009 at 8:15 pm |
Ok, this will be my last post (hopefully), because I am getting sick of this.
First of all, I am really surprised how narrow minded most of you are. Political correctness has clearly gotten the best of you.
It is scary that you guys call white trash someone just because he’s got different opinion. You accuse me of being intollarate, but to think of it, you are doing exactly the same thing.
So much for the freedom of speech and being able to have a view that you want.
To Mark – just because I decided to stay within my own race, does not make a racist. This proves my above point – being able to make the choice that I want.
And you read everything carefully, you would read that the whole “rant” was against those immigrants that come to another country, cause trouble with the law or force their own ways of living on us.
Someone said about Sweden having a spotless war record in modern times – that could not be any further from the truth. All I can do is suggest some reading on that subject.
And the last thing, my rant was in response to stupid comments made by David and Yas…so you should get off my case.
Anyways, sorry for any problems.
Cheers.
Jenny from USA // October 7, 2009 at 4:01 pm |
To Danne,
Sweden does not have a “spotless” war record. They negotiated with the Nazis to avoid an invasion similar to the one in neighboring Norway.
If you don’t like political correctness, then you don’t have to participate in this forum. Who’s getting on your case? You sound delusional and your response is certainly no match to Moustafa’s, Kiki’s (a Scandinavian), and Mark’s.
All of those individuals have made valid points supported by facts. What you offered instead is accusations that others support rape and talks about “ethnically clean” societies. Please do not come back to this forum. It’ll be good for you and for the rest of the world.
Danne // October 7, 2009 at 6:59 pm |
There it shows how “carefully” you read. If you actually read it, you would know that someone else mentioned about Sweden having “spotless” war record. I simply clarified the thing. Sweden did help the Nazis. They loaned them the money for building war ships, they allowed them to use swedish yard to build them, they supplied steel and machine parts and allowed the transportation of ore from Finland through Sweden. Of course Sweden “supported” Germany, they had to chance to openly contest them. They had no choice, but to do it. They were cut off from the rest of the world. But don’t forget, towards the end of the war, Sweden helped rescued many Jews. For example, Raoul Wallenberg saved close to 15,000 Jews which dwarfs what Oskar Schindler did.
As I said, all the people in this forum had their valid points and the right to have their own views.
So did I. We are all entitled to have our own views. Some people dont like it, can’t help it. That is what the freedom of speech is all about.
And i actually doubt the validity of the original article.
And do not confuse (as Kiki did) “ethnic cleansing” with being “ethnically clean”. The first one is what the Soviets and the Nazis did in their respective countries. Being ethnically clean means that a nation has none or very little mixture of other ethnic groups.
So you say my comments are no match to Kiki’s and others? By confusing a single thing, Kiki just really proved otherwise.
Jenny from USA // October 8, 2009 at 3:56 pm |
Danne,
How about your accusation that Kiki supports rape? You keep skewing that question, why? But to give you credit, you are beginning to sound a little more rational than in your earlier postings. Huge improvement! Now, I did not say that there were not good Swedes. I did not say that Sweden is a bad country. Yes, Wallenberg did a lot for the Jews. The point, however, was that Sweden, as a country, does not have a spotless war record. Saying that would be tantamount of saying Germany does due to Schindler’s or the Weisse Rose’s actions. That is why I never judge a country by the actions of few, be it for better or worse. You are admitting Sweden’s collaboration with the Nazis. I know they had no choice, there were difficult times, etc. However, that just proves that the country does not have a “spotless war record.” I am not judging your government at all. I am simply saying is that when you collaborate with a regime such as Nazi Germany’s, well it doesn’t make you a neutral state, much less have a “spotless record.” Also, you need to be careful with the way you present things. Your statement that Wallenberg’s records dwarfs Schindler’s, is not correct. Yes, he saved more Jews, that’s undisputed. However, remember, the circumstances under which Schindler operated were perhaps far more precarious. Being in the lion’s den, is far more dangerous than being outside the cage. I’m not trying to diminish credit to Wallenberg, I am just trying to be fair to everyone. And, last, Danne, of course you are entitled to your opinion. Giving your opinion though, does not entitle you to accuse others of supporting rape, make sweeping generalizations about all immigrants and races, and use the words “ethnically clean.” I know you tried to defend the use of that term, however, a homogeneous or mono-ethnic society would be more appropriate. Ethnically clean implies that multiethnic societies are what, dirty? Clean, according to whom? That is why Kiki brought up “ethnic cleansing”, because when individuals such as Hitler or Milosevic speak of making a society “ethnically clean”, they perform and justify “ethnic cleansing”, which equals genocide.
By the way, just like I am giving credit to Danne for improving his postings, I like to say that others, Mark, I am talking to you, have no right to call Danne names. I didn’t notice before Mark’s last posting. The term “white trash” is very offensive, so please refrain from using it. People will get defensive and react to it, just like they would to any other label. This forum should be about a friendly exchange of opinions, not insults or stereotypes.
M // October 26, 2009 at 11:18 am |
Wtf?
Everyone here fails.
@OP: This is a made-up story. I can tell, because the phrase “Nee-How” would be completely foreign to Swedes. Our Asian population is also almost non-existant. Nice try though.
@Danne: Take a chill pill. I know your type and your views are fine to have. Just stay at stormfront and don’t bother the rest of us with them.
@Kicki: Sweden does not have one of the highest suicide rates in the world and Danne isn’t just making this up on the spot. Sweden’s integration policies have largely failed so I can understand his frustration even though I wouldn’t turn to racism like he has done.
@Moustafa: So one person changed your opinion of Sweden? Says more about you than Sweden.
Danne // October 26, 2009 at 8:07 pm |
@M – Just because I decided to stick with white women, does not make me racist. If a white woman can freely choose to be with either a white or a coloured man, a white man can chose if he wants to be with a white or a coloured woman. There is nothing racist about it.
And I take offense to your Stormfront remark.
On the other hand, yes, I do support SD, because, as we both agreed, swedish immigration system has failed. I am sorry, but if Malmö and Helsingborg has a close to 30% muslim population, it is simply wrong. Other swedish cities are not far behind. Let’s put it this way, years of socialist rule, has damaged the structure of our country.
@Jenny – thanks for your comment. I don’t think I expressed myself the way I intended.
I agree, I should have used the term “homogeneous” or “mono-ethnic society”. The term “ethnically clean” brings bad things to mind. Lots of people confuse it with “ethnic cleansing” and misunderstandings can cause a lot of problems.
As for Wallenberg and Schindler, I need to make a little correction to your comment. You pointed out the difference in being in the lion’s den and outside the cage. Don’t forget, that Wallenberg was also working in the lion’s den as he saved thousands of hungarian Jews and, don’t forget, that as a diplomat, he was working out of Budapest and Hungary were one of the Axis countries. So he was risking as much as Schindler.
Giselle // October 29, 2009 at 4:03 am |
You people are all digressing … Jenny was right the first time when she said “This is about a Filipino-American” What’s the Filipino population in Sweden that the sight of this poor man caused such uproar?
Mario from Spain // November 1, 2009 at 4:40 pm |
Danne,
I see your point about your concern over immigrants, especially when you made it clear that you have a problem with those that break the law. So, I don’t think that makes you racist like others are suggesting.
I also see Jenny’s point and agree with her in that Schindler’s situation may have been more difficult than Wallenberg’s, being that Oskar was in Germany, as opposed to in the occupied territories. Let’s not forget how the youths of the Weisse Rose paid with their lives for simply distributing pamphlets against the regime. I think it’s always hard and inappropriate to assess who sacrificed more, who is more of a victim, etc. Those were difficult times and I respect everyone who risked their lives to save the lives of (in many cases) strangers.
Also, Jenny brought up a good point when she said “ethnically clean” versus “ethnically dirty”, as there is an antithesis to everything. Is Marie-Chantal, Crowned Princess of Greece, “ethnically dirty”? Did you know her mother is of Indian extraction from Ecuador? I guess, someone might consider her “tainted”? That is why the term “ethnically clean” makes no sense unless you support that a big fraction of the world is “ethnically dirty.”
To Giselle, you are right about people digressing from the main topic and I would like to read more discussion on the Filipino national. However, I believe that a good discussion is also one that leads to the exploration and discussion of other issues as well. There’s my 2-cent contribution.