Racism in Copenhagen

Submitted by Ketan (Denmark), Feb 7, 2008 at 15:14

Hi there,

I am a British born Indian and I am a HINDU. I have just moved to Copenhagen and I work here as an Investment Banker for Saxo Bank. The working environment at Saxobank is Great and there is NO racism here at SaxoBank what soever.....However....the problem arises when I leave the office and I have to live out there in the real world in Copenhagen. I am always given a very hard time because of the colour of my skin, People immediately think the worst of you because of my slightly tanned skin.

I speak perfect english, dress very well and extremely well mannered and polite at all times as any decent human being would be. I have only been here 2 months but the level of racism that I am experiancing in Denmark is very harsh and uncomfortable. I think the problem is arising because most Danes cant tell the difference between Hindus or Muslims and automatically assume you to me a Muslim because of the colour of your skin...when you can be either Bhuddhist or even Christian, a huge amount of Indians are also Christian.

We Hindus are very integrated in the UK, we are law abiding and Peaceful people who respect the law and work hard to better ourselves. Alienating Communities who have integrated and are law abiding is a very dangerous trend because you will start to create a lot of resentment. Imagine boarding a train to go to work here in copenhagen and people physical getting up around you and walking down the train carriage to sit some where else. I just hope things will change.

Thanks,

Ketan

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