Racial Prejudice in Russia?
 

A Chinese couple that I know very well is planning a trip to Russia (Moscow and St Petersburg). They have heard lots of horror stories about racial prejudice in Russia, including beatings, harassments, refusal of services (in restaurants) event murder by Russia gangs, skin heads, policemen etc. They wonder if this is true; and if so, should they avoid a trip to Russia altogether? Would appreciate any insights and suggestions in this matter. Thanks.

sgsg

okay. As racially "enlightened" as the previous poster is, I would have to take offense at this. Do not forget that the great majority of Russia is in Asia, and there are a lot of native Russians who have Asian characteristics.

I have seen issues arise with tourists who were Asian and very clearly tourists (enormous cameras, fanny packs, maps) who were targeted in Saint Petersburg by a group of gypsy children. The reason behind this was that tourist=$$, not because they were Asian.

My sister is Asian and she came to visit me in Russia- we had NO problems whatsoever- in fact she often got away with paying the "Russian" price for things, as people assumed she was Kazakh or from another Central Asian area. She speaks no Russian.

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katya_NY:

The posting did not mean to offend anyone, definitely not the Russian people. However, reading through various postings in this forum, one got the impression that if you are not white or blond, you are second class and will not be well treated in Russia. I sincerely hope that any such incidents, if they did happened, are isolated. Thanks.

sgsg

This is a touchy subject, and unfortunately what your friends have heard/read is true. But I would not worry if I was Chinese. Just like Katya says, it does not really involve Chinese because similar looking people live all over Russia, also in western parts. It is African-looking people who have to be careful in some areas/situations.

to sgsg: I have to let you know that I think the post I replied to was taken down- someone else responded to your comment with multiple ethnic slurs and generally horrible things.
...I guess no wonder it disappeared quickly?

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