Being black in Norway | My experience living, studying, and working in Norway

[@oneandzero6251]

Regarding the "welcoming" at 1:40. This is typical norwegian behaviour. We are not known for greeting and welcoming new neighbours with open arms and gifts. We are modest, and a part of that behaviour is because we don't want to be a bother to anyone. We might seem cold at first, but once getting to know a person or family, you can build friendships stronger than in a typical suburban neighbourhood in the USA (I'm norwegian but have lived in the USA in the past aswell). A typical trait of norwegians is that we do not want to bother or impose on someones lives. It takes quite a bit longer to get to know us than in many other countries. Regarding being invited to parties: A lot of what I initially wrote is true here also. In general you won't get invited to a party unless you are forthcoming and active socially in the group attending the party. People won't come up to you and say "You want to come to a party?". I'm quite sure it had nothing to do with your skin color. I'm a white norwegian and even I can relate to that situation. Our modesty / reserveration towards strangers have pros and cons. I don't know of many norwegians that are racist. But I know we kind of stick to what we know and feel safe with. Being one black girl in a classroom of white norwegians, I can imagine it being hard. But I don't think it is because of racism. They where just simple too insecure to approach you nor knew how to. Sadly and unfortunately enough, all the weight was placed on you initiate interaction with them. That is easier said than done though, especially being so young. If you experience "hostility" from female co-workers, that is because they are jealous. I guarantee you. Because you are a very attractive and beautiful woman in the eyes of most caucasians. That awakens the competive part in them. Also many guys feel intimidated by a beautiful woman, so they do not dare too approach. This might have affected parts of your experience of not feeling included. This last part I think plays a bigger part than you know. Research shows that most white males would prefer women outside their own color. Tons of research shows this on google.

[@oh515]

Godt skrevet 👍

[@damedawg8667]

You should DEFINITELY travel to Africa and America to broaden opportunities to see what " Normal" looks like regarding our black experience. Here in New Jersey, it's EXTREMELY diverse and you get to experience that diversity regularly in food, etc. You deserve and deserved better growing up. ❤

[@AlphamanKing]

Keep up with the good content. Am looking forward to one day visiting Norway.

[@AmliFightClub4865]

It's a very common thing in Scandinavian countries people won't talk to you/interact with you unless it's a life or death thing. Going up to people even to help in small ways are considered rude whether you're a stranger, college or a friend. To complement someone you basicly need atleast a 3year friendship from before.

[@siyasanga_makie]

Thank you so much for this video ♥️ I’m South African and I’ve been looking into doing my Masters in Norway and this video really helped ♥️. Subscribed immediately!!

[@prxgramz950]

Love the video ngl you seemed way more experienced with camera quality and editing and more! I love your vids

[@smithhbea]

I am a black American who recently visited Norway and I hated it. I felt like they were racist. First off, the passport control was very rude towards me and made me feel unwelcome. Then, I went to burger king in Storgata and I was waiting behind these two young Norwegians for about three minutes. Then two older Norwegian men came and lined up behind me, the two young Norwegian people in front of me told the two older Norwegian men behind me that they weren't in line and that they could get in front of them (in Norwegian). Why didn't they tell me that they weren't in line? I couldn't wait to get out of Norway. I've been to Stockholm and Swedish people seem nicer and less racist than Norwegians.

[@SarahMally859]

I just moved to Norway from South Africa. I have been here 5 months. I haven't yet experienced racism interpersonally. I have applied for a few jobs but have been unlucky. I was shocked when a PhD research job I applied for where the topic was "experiences of racism in Norway " was given to a white woman! Your video has shed some clarity. I do worry about not being to find here. While the racism in South Africa was bad, at least the majority of people were black, and as a black person you could find work and also work in multicultural environments.

[@missaliyah]

I read your comment a couple of days ago and really wanted to give provide a helpful response. Finding a job in Norway can be hard, it is hard for most people, not just Africans or foreigners, because the competition is also very educated and skilled. I think, if you are still looking, I would say try to apply broadly. I know it might seem super hard to but most Norwegian employees want someone who speaks Norwegian really well and are accustomed to the Norwegian culture, unless you are in tech or finance something similar. If you can get your foot inside a reputable company that will help you in the long run as well. The racism and in-direct discrimination can be bad but you should not let it taint your perspective of Norway.

[@fontasgenave7066]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I am thinking of traveling around In Scandinavia and Norway. Your video gave a good idea what’s expect being colored person.

[@mortiel84]

Thank you for this video ☺

[@boscohabimana3484]

How long have you been in the Norway 🇳🇴

[@iam_marwa6934]

Interesting

[@nicoswann]

Norwegians keeps to themselves regardless of any kind of colour. Colour does not com into it, we just like our privacy. We usually talk to people about the weather, and that's it. I think maybe you are a bit paranoid.

[@justincaron2010]

Sorry you had bad experiences. Scandinavians are generally very nice people, and very welcoming. However, in recent years, they have become concerned that migrants into their country are going to clash with their values. Many of them are afraid that immigrants are not going to assimilate and replace them. I can assure you that most of them are not doing it out of hate, but out of concern. They want to preserve their culture and their values.

[@mamiebanya639]

Hi Aliyah. I got to know about your videos lately. I am very sorry if this would cause any inconvenience. Where’s your origin??

[@missaliyah]

East-Africa

[@Lifeislifn365]

That is 75% US.

[@justincaron2010]

You also have to remember that you’re in a country that 99% white. Most people there are of Norwegian descent. If you plan on living in a European country, you do need to get used to the idea that you may be the only person of color there. That’s not racism. That’s just the fact that they are a homogeneous society.

[@benttranberg2690]

This is not entirely correct. In 2021 the number of non-whites living in Norway was more than 17%, and 2 to 3% was African. So this does not even include people that are white but immigrants, which are also many. Today's Norway is a mix of people from all over the world, and we all notice that. You have to go back all the way to 1960, the year I was born, to find this 99% white Norway. Back then we had an attitude towards non-whites that was absolutely ridiculous viewed through the lens of history. We just couldn't help it. Of course as we got used to more immigrants, we learned. We are part of the global village now. We do struggle a bit with racism, but it's not bad compared to the world at large. And we know we can always do better. In my lifetime I have witnessed unbelievable changes in the world - technology, migration, wars, crises building up.

[@danielshaw8049]

Racism in Norway, is a culture thing. People in Norway are beautiful. You have to get to know them. The Racism comes from Africans.

[@kaarisacaridine1022]

Welcome to my world. The only person of color most everywhere I go...