Photo: DPA
When a fourth government finally formed under Chancellor Angela Merkel last month, upon seeing photos of the new federal cabinet the lack of diversity immediately struck me.
Why, I asked myself, are there no people of colour at the highest level of German government?
When a study published last week revealed that foreigners in Germany with a visible migration background experience discrimination far more often than foreigners who appear “typically German,” it resonated with The Local’s Shelley Pascual.
Flags in Stuttgart (l) and people obtaining German citizenship (r). Photos: DPA
In the study, carried out by the Council of German Foundations on Integration and Migration (SVR), responses from over 5,000 immigrants and people with a migrant background across Germany were collected.
Of those who described their appearance as “typically German,” around 17 percent stated they felt disadvantaged because of their roots. By contrast, 48 percent of participants with a visible immigration background (e.g. those who have dark skin or wear a headscarf) reported having experienced discrimination.
According to these respondents, discrimination can come in many forms: violence, unfairness with regard to the search for jobs and housing, offensive statements as well as statements that may not necessarily be considered negative by the person saying it – including the often-asked question, “where are you actually from?”
Too true. | “I don’t admittedly know what will work out in five years, but I know that it must be somewhat different than what I do today.” -Christoph Niemann/@abstractsunday
If you happen to be in Berlin today, it’s your last chance to check out the Festival of Lights!
The annual light show takes place in the capital city every October, much to the enchantment of eager visitors like myself. 😆
