When you’ve lived in Russia for a while as a foreigner, especially as an African, you can probably count a number of instances when you’ve been asked a really really weird question by a Russian friend, classmate, group mate or even a complete stranger.
Many of these questions are mostly based on sheer ignorance, innocence or harmless curiosity so we hope you’ll learn not to take them too seriously. This is a short compilation of such questions we hope you can relate with if you’ve been living here long enough😅.
*Why are you black? Why is your palm lighter than the rest of your body? Why is your teeth so white?
*Is this your real hair? Can I touch your hair? Why do you add extensions to your hair? Can you make my hair?
*Can I take a photo with you? (This one can even get so weird that they start taking pictures/ videos of you in secret).
*By what means of transportation did you come to Russia? Did you walk here?
*Do people in Africa wear clothes? Is it true that you don’t wear shoes in Africa? Do you have electricity in Africa? Do people drink clean water in Africa?
*Is your country poor? Are your parents rich? Why did you come to study in Russia and not America? Don’t you have universities in Africa?
*Do you have televisions/ refrigerators back home? Why are you using an iPhone? Do you live in huts?
*Do you have winter/snow in Africa? Is Africa hotter than here?
*Have you seen chimpanzees and lions before? Do animals roam the streets in Africa? Do you always eat bananas in your country? Is it true that in Africa, you eat elephants and snakes?
*How many kilometres is Nigeria from Russia? Is Africa a country? Where is Wakanda?
*How do you understand English? Don’t you speak other languages?
*Are your parents slaves? I thought blacks are always dirty; How come you don’t smell?
The funny thing is some Russians, especially the children, have never seen Africans and you get someone pointing at you and “secretly” asking “Мама, мама, почему он так чёрный? ( Mum, mum, why is he so black?)
Here are some of the funny responses we also got from our WhatsApp viewers:
“Someone walked up to me to say *why do you eat humans, stop eating humans, you can eat some other types of animals but not humans* 🙂”
“(I was asked to) donate my eggs😂😂. Well, they were willing to buy the eggs from me. I mean ova (eggs from my ovaries). They apparently wanted a black child and thought I would do well for them because I was smart enough and pretty too (in their opinion).”
“A man (my client who was to learn English online) once asked me if it was true that in Africa before a lady can be given out in marriage, her family must prepare about 14 guys to sleep with her before she can be allowed to marry her husband. So he asked if it was the same in my family. To say I was upset was an understatement, I was furious because that question isn’t just about ignorance or stupidity, I saw it as being rude.”
“…”Why are you using an android phone? I thought you guys don’t have any? 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️. Bro give me your number.. Ohh I’m sorry I forgot you guys don’t know how hoe to use an android device. Should I show you where contact is?” 😪😪😪 I don see shege…”
“They show you selfies with other Africans and expect you to know them. They can show you a Kenyan guy and expect that you (automatically) know them. Most of the Russians and many Europeans believe Africa is like one state. And so once you’re black or dark skinned, then you probably know (all) other Africans.”
RACISM IN RUSSIA
There is racism in a lot of countries of the world, Russia inclusive. However, many foreigners here can actually testify that they’ve never had a racist experience contrary to the popular expectations.
Even though some of these questions can come off as offensive or down-right racist especially when you’re not in a good mood, many Russians only ask these questions because of the media narrative about Africa- dusty roads, bad leadership and poverty.
So, have as much fun as possible answering these questions and try to change the narrative everywhere you go. Be excellent at what you do, be a good example and obey the rules every single time.
Over the years, the number of blacks in Russia has really increased and we’re gradually becoming a community. As a foreigner in Russia, help yourself and get to know people, have a group of friends and join associations that resonate with your values.
Learn the language really well, make friends with Russians that you can trust, don’t get into anything illegal and always mind your business. You’ll even find that if you get into any difficult situation with racism, other Russians will support and rescue you.
Do you have any experiences you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments.
