Question by praetorenfer: Would there be danger for an interracial couple in Russia?
My girlfriend is Russian and I’ve always wanted to take her back to visit her home city of St Petersburg. However, her family and her and very scared of Putin’s Russia and are especially scared if we go alone because we are an interracial couple. They say there is a lot of racism there, and it would especially bad for us together.
Personally, I think they’re probably exaggerating, but I guess I don’t really know.
Have any of you had any experience actually living in or visiting Russia?
Thanks for your time.
Answers and Views:
Answer by Iryna
It depends on where and where you go . I mean people are more open minded in the bigger city like Moscow or St. Petersburg). My friends went there last year- they are still alive:)))
You will just have to pay attention to people you are hanging out with and places you are going to.
Add your own answer in the comments!
≠ says
…more propaganda in form of "question"…
JJ says
Drumming down Russia on this subject is very common. I'm not going to tell you it's all rosy, but the same issues exist in many European countries.
You would be at a higher risk than some visitors, but I certainly wouldn't stop you enjoying such a great city. With my white skin, Johannesburg is a far more dangerous place and I still visited the city.
All the best.
Storm says
The answer to almost every question is "depends". As the other reply says St Pete is a pretty modern and international city. If you have money (I mean disposable cash you can spend for a good time) and stick to the nicer areas, you will be fine. If you go during the warmer months many people like to sit outside at cafes to drink and socialize. Depending on what interracial means (are you Asian, Black, from Mars) you will probably get stares but not because you are an interracial couple but because you are different (mainly if you are Black or from Mars since there are many Asian-looking Russians). Not a bad thing at all but these cafes are frequented by all types because they are cheap and one can just hang out without spending much money. If you are black and present yourself well (nice clothes, speak well, etc) you will be fine and may get more attention than your girlfriend wants (especially if she is the jealous type). Her parents are right somewhat but Russians in general always look at the negative side of things. Something in the Russian soul…
You definitely don't need a bodyguard. Heck, this would probably just draw more attention to you both. Like I said, hang out in the nicer places and you will be fine. You can occasionally get the Al Capone want-to-be type who wants to talk to you or bring you into his circle because you are different and it will make him look cooler to have you around. But besides that, you can't go wrong hanging out in the better places.
Veiled One says
If you are black or Asian, I honestly recommend that you DO NOT GO! Let her go by herself. But if you do, PLEASE be careful! Maybe even hire a body guard. Russians are notoriously racist and the situation over their is out of control. The government over their is increasingly becoming far right and there are open skin head and neo nazi displays and demos in the streets and it is becoming more acceptable. Sadly, so many politicians are supporting this. Obviously not all Russians are this way but too many are, particularly those actually in Russia. Please carefully consider this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j59BiLwdNO8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4dgQ4LWVVo
Not trying to scare, but it is always better safe than sorry.
commanderx777 says
You MIGHT run into racist people no matter where in Europe you go.Some places in the USA are the same way.As far as Russia,I feel that the bigger towns that are more modernized and have a lot of popular clubs,dance ,music places and bars are more open to interracial couples.Use common sense and don't wander into dark alley places or get into an unknown taxi or car,or go into an area that has a Group of skin heads hanging around.Don't wander into neighborhoods you don't know..I think you guys will be fine..enjoy the trip and just use common sense to be safe..