NRW Youth Talk about racism : Steps to tackle it
Date: 26.03.2022
The inhumane treatment of black refugees from Ukraine following the war with Russia sparked a debate about racism in the African community in Germany. This was the same in the state of North Rhein Westphalia. The African Impulse e.V. , through project NRW Zusammen, had a conversation about this with the youths of the Candi Cartel (A group of young people with african roots who post videos on YouTube to entertain people.)
Here is the summary of the discussions.
Video topics
- Discrimination against black people in Ukraine.
- Propaganda and manipulation by the media.
- How can I integrate? How can I deal with hate/racism.
Topic 1 : Discrimination against Black people in Ukraine
Because of the Russian attack on Ukraine, many people are trying to leave the country. There are shocking videos that are currently circulating on the net: Black people who want to flee the war in Ukraine are kept away from the rescuing trains by Ukrainian police officers and train drivers and are not allowed to board - only because of their appearance.
The discussion started with each of the young people taking a stand. Everyone shared their own opinion on the incidents in Ukraine where Black people were discriminated against. The young people were mostly of the same opinion and their statements all fitted together very well. It became noticeably clear how hurt and angry the boys were about the incidents, because Ukraine always emphasised how democratic they were. The seven boys pointed out that you only really see the true face of someone or something in tough times. In this case Ukraine and its people. It was then discussed how something so sad could happen. One of the boys said that it must be the state's fault because it allowed officials with a right-wing image of society to do such a job. It was immediately pointed out, however, that the state cannot always assess how everyone in the country thinks and that one should therefore not only blame the Ukrainian government. In conclusion to the first topic, one of the boys asked what would happen if this whole scenario were here in NRW and whether the same would happen to them. Dead silence made it clear what the boys thought about such a horror scenario. Namely: anger, fear, and sadness.
Topic 2 : Propaganda and manipulation by the media
The boys made it clear that we should always form our own opinion and that we must always look at both positions. Especially in these days where you can reach a lot of people through social media. This is very positive and good but can also have a negative effect on society. The guys pointed out that we should be careful what we read on the internet and in the news. Examples are fake news, manipulation and propaganda. Most news outlets show us only one view, namely what they want us to see and not what we should see. Mostly, only one view is shown in the news, namely only half the truth.
Topic 3 : How can I integrate? How can I deal with hate / racism?
The boys pointed out the following:
You have to be proud of your skin colour. Be proud to be black! We have to be proud of our culture and radiate that. Never go in with the attitude, "Oh, there are only Germans there, they won't want me!" You can't think like that! Whether it's work, school, training or just the mall, always go into the situation open and relaxed and stay the person you are. Not everyone will like you but that is their loss and not yours. You will meet people who just hate you and are racist. Let them talk and get over it. Learn to ignore these people because you are worth more, Black man and Black woman!!
Watch the video of the discussion here.
One of the best ways for us to fight racism is to change our mindset.
