Lyla Lindsey
Several Asian individuals living in Austria have shared their experiences of what it's like to be Asian in the country. While some have experienced racism and verbal harassment, particularly in rural areas and outside of major cities, others have found that the older they get, the rarer these instances become. Many have also observed that racism in Austria is more common than in other countries, and it tends to manifest as indirect racist remarks and questions rather than physical violence. However, some have also noted that Austrians are generally distant and unfriendly towards foreigners, and it can be challenging to make friends. Learning German is crucial for social acceptance and accessing services, as government bodies insist on 100% German communication. Overall, while there may be challenges, some Asians in Austria feel safe and accepted by their close social circles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Austria is considered safe for Asians, with no reported violent crimes |
| Racism | Racism is present, but not hateful or aggressive |
| Social acceptance | People are generally distant and unfriendly towards foreigners, but once you break into a social circle, relationships tend to be solid |
| Language | Learning German is essential for social acceptance and accessing services |
| Housing | Asians may face discrimination when applying for apartments |
| Employment | Asians may experience difficulty finding jobs |
| Education | Asian children may experience verbal harassment at school, but it becomes rarer as they get older |
| Healthcare | Healthcare workers are overstressed and private insurance is recommended |
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What You'll Learn
- Austrians are generally unfriendly towards foreigners, but social circles are solid once you're in
- Racism is present in Austria, but it's more common in rural areas and outside of major cities
- Verbal harassment is common for Asian children in schools, but it becomes less frequent as they get older
- Austrians expect immigrants to speak German, and those without perfect German skills are looked down upon
- While there is racism in Austria, it is not as aggressive or violent as in other countries
Austrians are generally unfriendly towards foreigners, but social circles are solid once you're in
Language plays a crucial role in fitting in. Austrians highly value proficiency in German, and those without perfect German skills may face challenges in social and professional settings. Learning the local dialect can be advantageous in making friends with Austrians, although younger generations in larger cities tend to speak more standard German. Additionally, drinking alcohol can facilitate social bonding.
Racism and discrimination are present in Austria, as in many countries. People of Asian descent may encounter stereotypes, racist jokes, and verbal harassment, particularly in rural regions and outside major cities. However, it is important to note that racism in Austria is often attributed more to ignorance than hate, and violent or aggressive incidents are less common. Instances of racism can range from subtle remarks to more explicit forms, such as difficulties in finding housing or employment due to ethnic background.
Children of Asian descent may experience verbal harassment at school, particularly at a younger age, but these instances tend to become rarer as they get older. Additionally, parents of children in kindergarten are reported to be super tolerant, friendly, and supportive.
Despite the challenges, some advantages of living in Austria are highlighted, particularly the sense of safety. Austria is praised for its low levels of violent crime, catcalling, and aggressive sexual harassment. While racism exists, it is not considered to be as physically dangerous as in some other countries, such as the United States.
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Racism is present in Austria, but it's more common in rural areas and outside of major cities
Racism is present in Austria, but it is reportedly more common in rural areas and outside of major cities. One source notes that racism in Austria is "more of an ignorance thing than hate", and that it is particularly prevalent outside of major cities where people are less likely to have experience with people of Asian descent. Another source observes that while Austrians are "distant in general, [they are] more distant towards foreigners".
People of Asian descent in Austria report experiencing everyday racism, such as being asked if they eat dogs or knowing kung-fu, and being treated with suspicion. They may also encounter difficulties in accessing housing and employment. One source notes that when applying for an apartment, a person with an Austrian name is likely to be chosen over someone of Asian descent. Another source shares that their Asian friend in Austria "had constant racism experiences while growing up".
However, it is important to note that the racism experienced by Asians in Austria is generally not aggressive or violent. One source observes that while there is racism in Austria, they have not encountered the same level of racism in Canada, where they lived for over 40 years. Another source notes that Austria is very safe, and they can walk home alone at 4 am without fearing for their safety.
Learning the German language can be helpful in navigating some of the challenges associated with racism in Austria. One source notes that Austrians can be distrustful of strangers and come across as unapproachable and cold, but once someone is part of a social circle, these relationships tend to be solid. Learning German can help facilitate social connections and improve acceptance. Additionally, learning German is crucial for practical reasons, as government bodies insist on 100% German communication, and some Austrians may be hesitant to interact with individuals who do not speak the language well.
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Verbal harassment is common for Asian children in schools, but it becomes less frequent as they get older
Verbal harassment of Asian children in Austrian schools is a cause for concern. Children of East Asian descent are often asked to showcase their "kung-fu skills" and are asked if they eat dogs. These racist remarks are often passed off as jokes, but they can have a significant impact on the well-being of Asian children. Additionally, Asian children might be expected to perform well in school, particularly in subjects like mathematics, due to stereotypes associated with their ethnicity.
However, it is important to note that instances of verbal harassment tend to decrease as Asian individuals get older. While Asian children may face more frequent harassment, adults report less frequent instances of racism as they age. This could be attributed to several factors, including the age and maturity of peers, the increased ability to advocate for oneself, and the development of stronger social connections.
One factor that may contribute to the reduction in verbal harassment as Asians in Austria get older is the establishment of solid social connections. Austrians are known for their initial distance and distrust towards strangers, but once someone is welcomed into a social circle, these relationships tend to be solid and meaningful. Therefore, as Asians in Austria build their social networks and form close bonds, they may experience less harassment from their peers.
Additionally, learning the German language fluently can be a game-changer. Many Austrians value proficiency in German and may look down on those who do not speak it well. This can create a barrier for Asians who are new to the country and are still learning the language. However, as their language skills improve, they may find greater acceptance and experience less verbal harassment.
While verbal harassment may become less frequent as Asians in Austria get older, it is important to acknowledge that racism still exists in the country. Some Asians in Austria have shared their experiences of dealing with racist remarks and microaggressions throughout their lives. These instances may be less aggressive or violent compared to other countries, but everyday racism is present. It is essential to address these issues and promote cultural sensitivity and awareness to create a more inclusive environment for Asians in Austria, regardless of their age.
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Austrians expect immigrants to speak German, and those without perfect German skills are looked down upon
One user on Reddit mentions that their wife, who is Asian and works in the semiconductor industry in Austria, has experienced racism from doctors in hospitals. The user also mentions that their children, who are learning German, are treated well at kindergarten. Another user, who is Asian American, mentions that they had a hard time finding jobs when they were younger. They also mention that Austrians tend to make racist jokes, such as asking them to show their kung-fu skills or stay away from their dogs, but that it is not hateful and they have never been told to go back to their country or been physically attacked.
Another Asian user mentions that they experienced verbal harassment at school when they were younger, but that it became rarer as they grew older. They also mention that Austrians make racist remarks about their nationality and ask a lot of strange questions. However, they feel safe in Austria and do not experience catcalling or aggressive sexual harassment. They add that while people close to them accept them as Austrians, they should not get frustrated if others treat them like outsiders.
A commenter on a Tripadvisor forum mentions that they have had to step in twice to stop the harassment of visible minorities in Vienna, but that it does not happen often and should not stop someone from visiting the city. Another user on Reddit mentions that racism in Austria is more common than in many other countries, especially in rural regions, but that it is more problematic for people of Arabian descent or refugees. They add that Austrians in cities like Salzburg will assume that immigrants are tourists and will be extra friendly to sell them something.
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While there is racism in Austria, it is not as aggressive or violent as in other countries
People in rural regions might be more prone to making racist comments, as they are less likely to have experience with people of Asian descent. One user mentions that they have had to deal with racist jokes about eating dogs and kung-fu skills, as well as being treated with suspicion. They also mention that it can be challenging to find housing and jobs. However, they note that the racism they have experienced in Austria is not hateful and that they have never been told to go back to their country or physically assaulted because of their race.
Another user agrees that Austrians make borderline racist jokes but that it is usually meant in a friendly way. They also mention that Austrian racism is more about ignorance than hate and that it is rarely aggressive or violent. This sentiment is echoed by another user who says that while there is racism in Austria, it is not as bad as in other countries like the US, where Asians are physically assaulted.
Language also seems to play a role in how Asians are treated in Austria. Those who do not speak German well might be treated with more suspicion or disdain, especially by older Austrians who expect immigrants to learn the language. Younger Austrians in larger cities are more likely to speak Standard German rather than a dialect, so it might be easier to connect with them.
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Frequently asked questions
While some people have experienced racism in Austria, it is not as aggressive or violent as in other countries. People might make racist remarks about your nationality and there is a presence of everyday racism. However, many have also said that they feel safe in Austria.
People might assume you eat dogs, ask you to show them kung-fu skills, or make other "jokes" related to your ethnicity. You might also be treated like an outsider and it could be hard to make friends or find an apartment.
Austrians tend to be distant towards foreigners and have a solid social circle that can be hard to break into. Learning German can help, especially when dealing with government bodies and healthcare workers.
