Black People's Experience In Austria: Welcoming Or Not?

Austria has a history of racial discrimination, with recent years seeing a significant increase in the number of racist attacks in the country. People of colour in Austria are often subjected to microaggressions, stereotypes, and racist comments. According to a survey from 2012, around 50% of people of African descent in Austria feel discriminated against and are racially abused or harassed in public. The country's historical ties to National Socialism and discriminatory patterns based on ethnicity and race have contributed to a culture of racism and exclusion. However, it is important to note that Austria is not unique in this regard, and other countries in Europe, such as Germany, have also reported high levels of discrimination towards people of colour. While physical violence with racist motives is rare in Austria, it is not unheard of, and the country's police force has been described as rather racist. Overall, while Austria may not be as dangerous as the United States when it comes to racist violence, it is clear that racism and discrimination towards Black people are prevalent in the country.

A history of racism and discrimination

Austria has a history of racism and discrimination against people of African descent, with recent years seeing a significant increase in racist attacks in the country. The term "Afro-Austrian" or "Black Austrian" refers to Austrians of African, more specifically sub-Saharan, descent. The first documented African immigrant to Austria was an escaped slave of the Ottoman Sultan, baptised in Vienna in 1629. During the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary, African immigrants were largely exploited economically, serving as servants and slaves with little opportunity for social advancement.

After the Second World War, the number of students of African descent in Austria grew, and in more recent decades, the number of African refugees in the country has risen sharply. However, this has been accompanied by a rise in racist incidents. A 2012 survey found that around 50% of people of African descent in Austria feel discriminated against and are racially abused or harassed in public. This figure rose to 76% in 2022, according to the European Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA).

People of African descent in Austria continue to face "shocking levels of racism and discrimination", according to a report by the Vienna-based Fundamental Rights Agency. This includes experiences of racist harassment and violence, with no progress made in recent years to address these issues. The report also highlighted the lack of understanding and ignorance among Austrians regarding the history and context of racism and discrimination.

The impact of this discrimination is felt by Black people living in Austria, who often experience microaggressions and direct racism in their daily lives. This includes being subjected to racist comments, stereotypes, and suspicious treatment in stores and public spaces. Additionally, Black people in Austria may struggle to find hair care products and styling services that cater to their needs, and may be asked invasive questions about their origins and backgrounds.

The impact of colonialism

Austria's colonial history is relatively short and unsuccessful. From the 17th to the 19th century, the Austrian Empire made several attempts to expand overseas colonial trade through the acquisition of factories. However, most of these attempts were short-lived due to international pressure, lack of interest from the Imperial government, and opposition from Hungarians in high government positions.

The Ostend East India Company, formed in 1715 in the Southern Netherlands, was a private merchant company with no Austrian involvement. The only connection to Austria was that Emperor Charles VI controlled both the Southern Netherlands and Austria. The company traded successfully in the East and Canton, but its success threatened British, Dutch, Portuguese, and French interests. As a result, international political pressures ended its growth, and the company was dissolved by 1732.

In 1776, an expelled British trade official, Colonel William Bolts, approached the Austrian Imperial Court with a request to found a trading company to explore possible routes in Africa, India, and China. Empress Maria Theresa formed the Austrian Asiatic Company of Trieste, with Bolts as its head. In 1778, the Austrian ship Joseph und Theresia docked in Delagoa Bay, and treaties were made with the local Mabudu chieftains. A trading post was built, and the factory quickly became profitable, trading in ivory. However, the Austrian presence caused the ivory price to change dramatically, and the Portuguese expelled the remaining Austrian colonists in 1781.

In 1778, Bolts directed a venture to the Nicobar Islands as part of his colonial ventures in India. The colonization effort was successful until the head of the colony, Gottfried Stahl, died in 1783. The colonists lost courage, and the islands were abandoned in 1785.

In 1858, the SMS Novara sailed to Nicobar to promote scientific exploration and search for possible penal colonies. Austrian scientists and archaeologists explored the islands of Nancowry and Kamorta and collected over 400 native artifacts. However, the Austrian government decided against re-colonization.

In 1886, the Austrians became interested in another possible colonization attempt in Nicobar. However, they discovered that the entire Nicobar island chain had been colonized by the British several years earlier. This ended all further possibilities for Austrian colonization in the area.

Austria also had some involvement in the colonization of North Borneo. In 1878, Baron Gustav von Overbeck, the Austro-Hungarian consul in Hong Kong, bought land from the sultanates of Brunei and Sulu and additional land from the American Borneo Trading Company to form the North Borneo protectorate. Overbeck tried to sell off the newly created North Borneo as a penal colony but found little interest. He later sold these lands to Alfred Dent, a British colonial merchant.

In summary, Austria's colonial ventures were generally short-lived and unsuccessful due to a lack of experience, international pressure, and competition from other colonial powers.

Afro-Austrians' complex identity

Afro-Austrians: A Complex Identity

The term "Afro-Austrian" refers to Austrians of African, more specifically, sub-Saharan descent. The term was developed to curb discrimination regarding origin and replace derogatory terms such as "Negro" or "Moor". In a broader sense, it also refers to people of sub-Saharan origin living in Austria without Austrian citizenship.

Austria has a long history of Africans and people of African descent being subjected to economic exploitation, servitude, and slavery, rarely having opportunities for social advancement. This has resulted in a complex identity for Afro-Austrians, who struggle to be accepted as part of the national identity and often face discrimination and harassment.

A History of Discrimination

Austria has never officially been a coloniser, but it has benefited from European colonialism in Africa, contributing to the destabilisation of the continent. When Black people entered the consciousness of the Austrian public, they were seen as sub-human and treated accordingly through policy and practice. During the era of National Socialism, negative stereotypes and accusations about Africans prevailed, fuelled by the influence of Germany but widely embraced by Austrians. Racial policies prevented interracial relations, and official discrimination was practised at all levels. The children of interracial couples were often subjected to intrusive anthropological investigations to legitimise Nazi race policies.

Contemporary Racism

Despite progress, racism remains prevalent in Austria. According to a 2012 survey, around 50% of people of African descent reported experiencing discrimination, racial abuse, or harassment in public. Racist attacks have increased significantly in recent years, and even integrated Afro-Austrians are excluded due to changing migration patterns. Across Europe, an average of 47% of respondents in a 2022 survey by the European Agency for Fundamental Rights reported experiencing discrimination due to skin colour, origin, or religion in the previous five years, with Austria having the second-highest proportion of respondents reporting discrimination (76%).

The Afro-Austrian Experience

Afro-Austrians navigate a complex identity, often feeling like strangers in their own country. They grapple with discrimination, microaggressions, and the erasure of their history. The story of Angelo Soliman, an 18th-century slave who gained prominence in Viennese society, exemplifies this struggle. Despite his fame, Soliman's body was stuffed and exhibited after his death, and his daughter's pleas for a proper burial went unheeded.

Community and Resistance

Afro-Austrians have formed communities and organisations such as Pamoja: The Movement of the Young African Diaspora in Austria and Fresh Magazine, a publication on Black Austrian lifestyle, to foster connection and raise awareness about their experiences. They tirelessly organise to shift the nature of the Black experience in Austria and eradicate racism in public life, despite the country's recent shift to the political right and the rise of xenophobia and violent nationalism.

The rise of racist attacks

Austria has seen a significant increase in racist attacks in recent years, with the country's small Black population facing regular discrimination and harassment. According to a 2012 survey, around 50% of people of African descent in Austria experience racial abuse and public harassment. This trend is reflected across Europe, with an average of 47% of respondents in a 2022 survey reporting discrimination based on skin colour, origin, or religion in the previous five years.

Online and Offline Racism

Racism in Austria is prevalent both online and in social settings. In 2023, over 1,300 racist incidents were reported, with 58% occurring on digital platforms and 42% in social settings. However, the actual number of incidents is likely much higher, as many instances of racism go unreported.

Political Influence

The Austrian government has been criticised for promoting anti-Muslim discourse and policies, with the Freedom Party of Austria and the Austrian People's Party enabling a political climate that fuels racism and hate. This includes the implementation of the controversial "Islam Map," which identifies the locations of mosques and Muslim associations across the country. The release of this map was followed by a wave of racist attacks on Muslim communities, particularly mosques, which became targets of racist groups.

Institutional Racism

Austria also faces issues with institutional racism, with anti-racism advocates within civil society facing institutional harassment and attacks. There is a lack of official recognition of structural racism in the country, and racial profiling of Black people, Muslims, and refugees is on the rise. The government has also been criticised for its temporary headscarf ban in primary schools, which has been seen as a form of harassment and attack on the Muslim population.

Interracial Relationships and Couples

Interracial couples, particularly those involving male migrants, may experience verbal and passive-aggressive forms of racism, such as "stealing our women" or assuming the relationship is "just to get the citizenship."

Police and Authority Racism

There are also reports of racism within the police force, with some officers changing their attitude and behaviour once they realise the person they are interacting with is American.

Everyday Discrimination

Everyday discrimination is also prevalent in Austria, with people of colour experiencing microaggressions, suspicious looks, and being asked invasive questions about their origins. This can also extend to physical violence, though it is rare.

Vienna: A More Diverse City

Vienna, the capital and largest city of Austria, is the most diverse and international city in the country. It is home to a significant number of migrants and is generally considered more progressive and welcoming than other parts of Austria. However, racism and discrimination still exist in Vienna, and the city has been voted as one of the most unfriendly expat destinations.

How Black people are made to feel in Austria

A History of Racism

Austria has a long history of racism, dating back to the 14th century. While the country was never an official coloniser, it benefited from colonial trade and members of the royal family married into other imperial households. This means that, unlike other European nations, Austria never had to confront the uprising of Black nationalism when African nations began to demand independence in the mid-20th century. As a result, many Austrians are unaware of the country's Black history and the presence of Black Austrians.

Discrimination and Microaggressions

Black people in Austria often face discrimination and microaggressions in their daily lives. A survey from 2012 showed that around 50% of people of African descent in Austria feel discriminated against and are racially abused or harassed in public. This discrimination can manifest in various ways, such as being made to feel unwelcome in social settings, receiving poor service in restaurants or shops, or experiencing bias in hiring processes.

Stereotypes and Assumptions

Black people in Austria are often subjected to stereotypes and assumptions about their background, language skills, and knowledge of Austrian laws. They are often viewed as foreigners and told to "go back to where they came from". There is also a perception among some Austrians that Black people are not fully accepted as Austrian, even if they have lived in the country for many years or obtained citizenship.

Physical Violence and Verbal Abuse

While physical violence with racist motives is rare in Austria, it does occur. Black people may also experience verbal abuse, such as being called racial slurs or having people make derogatory comments about their hair or appearance.

Lack of Representation and Community

Black people are underrepresented in Austrian society and media, which can lead to feelings of isolation and a lack of community. However, there are organisations such as Pamoja: The Movement of the Young African Diaspora in Austria and Fresh Magazine, a publication on Black Austrian lifestyle, that are working to change this and provide a sense of community for Black Austrians.

The Impact on Mental Health and Self-Confidence

The constant discrimination and microaggressions can take a toll on the mental health and self-confidence of Black people in Austria. They may feel alone, ugly, or like they need to change their appearance to fit the Austrian beauty standard. It is important for Black people in Austria to seek support and find a community to help them cope with these challenges.

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