I am a college student and within the next year i will be leaveing to study in San Sebastián, Spain for a year and live with a host family. I know and understand that there are racist people everywhere but was wondering how the Spainish react to and treat African Americans? I am very worried esp. since I am American and after the problems that the black English players encountered from the Spanish side at a football game (the Spanish were making monkey sounds everytime a black English player entered the game). So maybe (and hopefully) someone can ease my mind with some of your experiences. Thank you

ttt

i think nowadays you will feel more comfortable than a decade ago.
the spaniards are quickly getting used to a multi-racial society.

we have many africans here now. i have not heard racist remarks in general in reference to the africans, as this immigrant group is not geting a bad reputation, contrary to some of the other ones.

as far as the football comments.. so many reactions worldwide are so primitive.. it does not surprise me.

i trust you will be comfortable in san sebastian. i am sure that if you get a few long looks it is because you, too, are very attractive, and unique, and perhaps dress more colourfully than the locals, but by no means be offended.

I can't answer your question directly, but this observation might be helpful.

Nothing on earth matches the British tabloid press in a fit of moralising. They will despatch planeloads of reporters to dig up - or when necessary invent - absolutely anything to support their current obsession.

Now, in all the self-congratulatory &quot;look how much more tolerant we are than those primitive racist Spaniards&quot; rants that followed the recent football matches, and the acres of sanctimonious gibberish the tabloids scribbled: <b> there wasn't a single example quoted (that I could find) of a real black person in Spain being mistreated, taunted or even noticed off the fotball pitch </b>

And believe me, had there been, it'd have been headlines in all of them.

Vannalyn17-
I think your comment that
&quot;there are racist people everywhere&quot; is a good description-
I continue to see this in many forms here at home everyday, including the behavior of many African American neighbors towards others. And it wouldn't be right to make assumptions of all African Americans based on the behavior of a few, or what is read in the newspapers.
The same principle must apply to all other ethnic groups and cultures. So, your reference to &quot;the Spanish&quot; comes across as a kind of a sweeping generalization.

You have already made the decision to live in Spain for a year. You will be living with a host family who has opened their home to you-, it would help to try not to make your fear of racism the main element you bring to their table lest it become the overwhelming filter of your experiences every day. You may be surprised to find that there are many more positive ways to experience the world!

It is a real privilege to have an a cultural exchange with a family, hope you can go towards it with an intelligent and open heart! Best of luck to you.

I am sorry bellastar I did not mean to offend anyone, I did not mean it in that way. But you are right that it came across that way and i am sorry. But thank you to everyone. I am more exited everyday ready to leave now if i could. I KNOW that this will be a wonderful experience that many people dont get to have no matter what happens and even if something does happen I will in no way hold it against anyone and i will continue to enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

Vannalyn, I live in San Sebastian and belive me when I say racism won´t be a problem here. There are students living here from all over the world. You´ll love the city!.

Forget about the problems that black english prayers encountered a few months ago, it was just a small group of &quot;people&quot; who were making sounds, and they were recriminated by the rest of people watching the match. It has more to do with football rivalry than with racism.

Cristina

Your personal attitude to and behaviour towards the local people will affect the way they treat you far, far more than your appearance. If you are polite, pleasant and respect local customs, including attempts to speak their language (instead of expecting everyone to speak/understand English), then it's most likely they will treat you with friendliness and respect.
This goes for everywhere in the world, not just in Spain.