RACISM IN DENMARK

Submitted by Veena Fischer (Denmark), Sep 29, 2006 at 04:57

Dear David,

I am so glad to read your posting now I feel I am not the only one. I have just moved to Denmark from the United States in April of this year. I am originally from India but having lived in the US for 16 years. I consider myself American. I also have dark hair and dark eyes which makes me stand out here. I had my first discriminatory experience this past week at an ISO store in Lyngby. A lady going down the escalator with me gave me advice on how I need to raise my daughter by saying, "this is not allowed in denmark" I guess she assumed I am uneducated and utilizing resources here in Denmark when in fact I am not.

Perhaps you are right that the Danes really need to think before they speak, they may think Denmark is the greatest county in the world but there is no individuality here. Everyone looks the same acts the same. Everyone is not equal here despite what they think. In the US people are very careful about giving advice to parents especially in a public place such as a grocery store therefore I was quite shocked the other day when a older danish woman had the courage to give me advice. In the US the result would have been more aggressive however I decided to thank her and proceeded to tell I will decide what is right or wrong for my daughter EVEN in denmark. Veena

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