When is the last time an American tourist of color was attacked in Europe - just for being there on the street? Has it ever happened - that is not the random mugging that could happen to anyone but because of their color - I bet never.

Europe has racists for sure but for the average tourist there is absolutely no worry - any more than this old white boy has.

<<<When is the last time an American tourist of color was attacked in Europe - just for being there on the street? Has it ever happened - that is not the random mugging that could happen to anyone but because of their color - I bet never.

Europe has racists for sure but for the average tourist there is absolutely no worry - any more than this old white boy has.>>>

This is the most reasonable post that has been written here.

Well, at least PalenQ gets it.

You don't cry fire in a building that isn't on fire.

You don't legislate endangered species regulations for species that aren't endangered.

You don't institute voter fraud reforms when there's no evidence of voter fraud.

And you don't scare black American tourists when there's no record of violence against black American tourists!

Curiously, PalenQ's reasonable statement sounds a lot like mine:

"If you're a visitor of any color, go anywhere you like in Germany. Chances are you'll have a great time. There is no evidence I'm aware of that tourists of any color are targeted for racial hatred or discrimination of any kind."

"something I don't plan to waste time on again"

"Why did I think that statement wouldn't stand true."

I said I would never again try to steer a conversation to focus on an OP's question.

I did not say I'd shut up altogether, BC. Tough luck there, hm?

If you suffer anything it'll be because you are an American.
Pretend you are Canadian and you'll be fine. Actually there is probably more Anti Semetism in much of Europe. However as Jewish US tourists we didnt feel much discrimination.

Nanabee, unless your husband is wearing a yarmulke there is little to distinguish you But read, of course, about the biggest migration from France since the end of WWII and the ADL survey from last year, especially Greece, Poland, and Hungary.

http://global100.adl.org/

<i>Many blogs said to avoid Eastern Berlin and Eastern Germany as much as possible because racial tensions run very high.</i>

"very high". Very high for Germany, perhaps but not like one would expect to see in the backwater areas of the American South.

It's all a matter of perspective. There certainly is "muted" racism rampant in Germany (mainly aimed towards the Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Roma/Gypsy populations) but it's generally below the threshold what what most Americans would notice, although disdain for the Roma/Gypsies is noticable.

I've witnessed racism towards Roma/Gypsies but have really only read about instances against Muslims and Middle Easterners. I'm also aware of Immigrant Group A beating on Immigrant Group B.

All that being said, don't act like an ass and you will be fine and have a great time.

I live in south Texas and believe me there are many more places Anglos would be uncomfortable than there are places where Hispanics would.

Racism isn't limited to just whitey!

I think that you don't have to worry at all. You can travel everywhere peacefully - east or west. Germany is a very modern and open minded country. Much more than a lot of other places. If you behave in a polite way than people will also be polite to you. Like everywhere in the world.

Again a person of color - an American tourist that is - has never ever been attacked have they in any part of Europe - other than a random mugging in say Barcelona and that happens to all kind of folks.

This whole thing is much ado bout nothing IMO. A person of color or Asian, etc would have much more to be worried about in northern Michigan or many parts of the States than in east or west Germany or anyplace in Europe.