Black Acceptance In Vienna, Austria: Is It Real?

Vienna, Austria, is a safe city for visitors, but it is famous for its xenophobia. Black people make up roughly 40,000 of the country's 9 million people. While Black people are not unusual in Vienna, Black individuals may experience racism, stereotypes, and microaggressions. There are Black communities in Vienna, such as Black People in Vienna, which is a vibrant and supportive community for Black people living in the city.

Black people's experiences of living in Vienna

Vienna, Austria, is a predominantly white European city. While some Black people have reported feeling accepted and safe in the city, others have shared experiences of racism, discrimination, and microaggressions.

A Sense of Community

One Black woman living in Vienna, Austria, wrote about her experience of finding community and support through a group called "Black People in Vienna." This group was created by and for Black people to connect, share ideas, and celebrate their experiences in a predominantly white environment. The group hosts networking events, movie nights, happy hours, and other interest-based subgroups, providing a space for Black individuals to come together and build a strong community.

Racism and Microaggressions

However, despite finding community, Black people in Vienna still face various forms of racism and discrimination. One individual shared their experience of being skipped in a supermarket queue, while another recounted an incident of someone leaning out of their car to yell a racial slur. Microaggressions, such as people touching their hair without consent or making comments about their appearance, are also common occurrences for Black individuals in the city.

The Impact of Culture and History

The history of colonisation and slavery also plays a role in the experiences of Black people in Vienna. One individual shared how their lighter complexion and use of African American Vernacular English made them feel disconnected from their African roots. They described the emotional toll of not knowing their ancestral origins due to the marks of colonialism. Additionally, Black individuals in Vienna often have to educate others about their culture and history, including addressing inappropriate language and behaviour related to race.

Navigating White Spaces

Black people in Vienna often have to navigate white spaces, dealing with both the abuse of the ignorant and the curiosity of well-meaning individuals. This constant hyper-visibility and vulnerability to unwanted interactions can be exhausting and isolating.

Overall, while Vienna has a diverse population due to organisations and asylum seekers, Black people in the city continue to face challenges and seek out communities for support and connection.

Racism and police brutality against Black people in Austria

Austria has a history of police brutality and racism against Black people. In 1999, 25-year-old Marcus Omofuma, who was being deported to Nigeria, was bound to his seat with adhesive tape, gagged, and restricted of breath, ultimately leading to his death during the flight. The three police officers responsible for his death were convicted of "negligent homicide" and served only eight months in prison. This case is one of many that demonstrates the problem of structural racism and police brutality against Black people in Austria.

Police Brutality and Racism in Austria

Austria has a history of police brutality and racism against Black people. The most infamous case is that of Marcus Omofuma, a 25-year-old man who was being deported to Nigeria in 1999. During the flight, Omofuma died after being physically bound to his seat with adhesive tape, gagged, and having his breath severely restricted. The three police officers responsible for his death were convicted of "negligent homicide" and served only eight months in prison. This case sparked protests against "racist police terror" and revealed the deep-rooted racism within the Austrian police force.

Other cases of police brutality and racism in Austria include the killing of Senegalese-born Ahmed F. during a drug control operation, the death of Richard Ibekwe in custody, and the death of 19-year-old Johnson Okpara, who jumped out of a window during an interrogation in a juvenile detention center. These incidents demonstrate that police brutality and killing exist for Blacks in Austria and that the problem is not limited to the prejudices of individual officers but is rather a systemic issue.

Racial Profiling and Discrimination

Racial profiling and discrimination against Black people in Austria are also prevalent. According to a report by the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI), accounts of alleged practices of ethnic profiling by the police, particularly against Black and Muslim communities, continue to be reported. Additionally, Austria ranks highest among EU member states in terms of the mistrust of law enforcement bodies by people of African descent. The same report shows that 66% of respondents with a Sub-Saharan African background were stopped by the police in the five years before the survey, and 37% of them perceived it as racial profiling.

Anti-Racism Efforts in Austria

Despite these alarming statistics and incidents, Austria has been criticized for its lack of action in combating racism. In the evaluation of the National Action Plan against Racism, Austria scored 5/20, indicating no identifiable action plan. The country has been promoting anti-Muslim discourse and policies, and anti-racism advocates within civil society face institutional harassment and attacks. There is also a lack of participatory mechanisms in place to address these issues, and the government has largely denied the existence of racial profiling and discrimination.

Impact on Black Individuals in Austria

The racism and police brutality experienced by Black individuals in Austria have had a significant impact on their lives. One Black woman shared her experience of living in Austria, describing the five stages of identity that she went through: acknowledgement, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. She recounts experiencing microaggressions, stereotypes, and direct racism, including being yelled at with racial slurs and being touched and commented on inappropriately because of her braids. She also notes the lack of representation of Black people in Vienna, feeling like she was "the only Black person everywhere [she] went." These experiences highlight the challenges and isolation faced by Black individuals in a predominantly white country.

Protests and Activism

In response to the murder of George Floyd in the United States, large-scale protests against police brutality and racism took place in Austria in 2020. Over 50,000 people attended a rally in Vienna, and more than 10,000 people protested in front of the US Embassy. These protests were organized by Black Austrian activists and aimed to bring attention to police brutality and racism in Austria, as well as stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement in the US.

Black people's experiences of nightlife in Vienna

Vienna, Austria, is a city with a diverse range of nightlife options, from jazz nights and karaoke to rooftop bars and clubs. While the city has a reputation for xenophobia, it is also known for its safety. Black people's experiences of Vienna's nightlife vary, with some reporting discrimination and racism, while others feel accepted and part of a vibrant and supportive community.

Safety and Discrimination

One Black woman shared her experience of dealing with small amounts of racism, stereotypes, and microaggressions during her time in Vienna. She recounts an incident where someone yelled a racial slur at her and her friend from a car. She also mentions being met with suspicion in stores until people heard her American accent while speaking German.

There are also reports of some nightclubs where bouncers reject foreign-looking people, including Black people. However, these incidents are considered rare, and organisations like ZARA exist to report such discrimination and promote moral courage and anti-racism.

Community and Support

Despite these challenges, Vienna is home to a vibrant and supportive community of Black people. The "Black People in Vienna" group provides a space for Black individuals to connect, share ideas, and celebrate their experiences. They host regular in-person meetups and maintain a virtual community for members to engage in discussions, share resources, and stay connected.

Nightlife Options

Vienna's nightlife scene offers a range of options for people of all backgrounds. The city has jazz nights, karaoke bars, rooftop bars, and clubs. Some popular spots include Celeste, a club with three rooms and a spacious garden, and Loos American Bar, known for its espresso martinis and art deco interior. WhyNot, Vienna's oldest and best-known gay club, is another popular destination with three floors and three bars, each with a unique vibe.

Overall Experience

While Black people may experience some discrimination in Vienna's nightlife scene, there are also opportunities for connection and acceptance within the Black community. The city offers a range of nightlife options, and Black individuals can find spaces where they feel welcomed and valued.

Black people's experiences of travelling in Vienna

Black Peoples' Experiences of Travelling in Vienna

A Community for Black People

Black People in Vienna is a community created by and for Black people living in Vienna. The group provides a safe and inclusive environment for Black individuals to connect, share ideas, and celebrate their experiences. They host regular in-person meetups and maintain a virtual community for members to engage and stay connected.

A Safe City for Visitors

Vienna is considered a safe city for visitors of all backgrounds. The presence of various international organisations and a diverse range of nationalities means that Black faces are not unusual. While individuals' actions may draw more attention than their skin colour, many Black travellers have reported feeling safe during their visits to the city.

Xenophobia and Racism

However, it is important to acknowledge that xenophobia and racism do exist in Vienna. Some Black individuals have shared experiences of microaggressions, stereotypes, and direct racism during their time in the city. These incidents can include being followed in stores, receiving suspicious looks or comments, and facing discrimination in nightclubs.

Cultural Differences and Curiosity

Cultural differences can also play a role in Black travellers' experiences. Some Black people have reported being stared at or receiving comments that may be attributed to curiosity rather than racism. The lack of diversity in certain districts can contribute to these experiences. Additionally, hair-touching, which is considered inappropriate and racist in many cultures, may be interpreted as curiosity by locals who are not familiar with different hair textures.

Building a Supportive Community

Despite the challenges, Black individuals in Vienna have found ways to build supportive communities. By connecting with other Black residents and expatriates, they have created safe spaces to socialise, network, and foster lasting friendships. These communities provide a sense of belonging and help navigate the complexities of living or travelling in a predominantly White country.

Overall Impressions

While Vienna may not be as diverse as other European cities, it offers a unique experience for Black travellers. By being aware of potential challenges and seeking out supportive communities, Black individuals can enjoy the city's rich culture and history while navigating any negative experiences they may encounter.

Black people's experiences of hair care in Austria

Black people moving to Austria from countries like the US can expect a massive culture shock. Austria is a predominantly white country, with only about 40,000 Black people out of a population of nine million.

One Black woman's experience of living in Austria reveals that she knew she wouldn't be able to find hair care products for textured hair in drug stores. She also knew it would be difficult to find a hair braider.

Hair care is a mature category in Austria, with shampoos being the highest sales driver. However, there is a lack of products for textured hair, which can make it challenging for Black people to find suitable hair care options.

In addition to hair care challenges, Black people in Austria may also face racism, stereotypes, and microaggressions. They may be subjected to suspicious looks and treatment in stores and may be asked invasive questions about their heritage and origins.

Despite these challenges, it is possible for Black people to find community and support in Austria. Connecting with other Black individuals and finding safe spaces can help ease the transition and provide a sense of belonging.

Overall, while Austria may present some difficulties for Black individuals in terms of hair care and discrimination, it is not impossible to navigate these challenges and find acceptance and community.

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