Comments on How to Marry a Bulgarian: Black in Bulgaria

I can't belive You, you all talk how bulgarian peo...

2010-03-02T15:05:56.199-06:00

I can't belive You, you all talk how bulgarian people are racist, but aren't you racist against bulgarians right now.

I'm a black man dating a Bulgarian woman. We visit...

2010-02-27T11:51:22.198-06:00

I'm a black man dating a Bulgarian woman. We visited Bulgaria last year for about one week, going all over the country. I can't recall experiencing any racism, perhaps I didn't noticed it. In appear to be mixed but my features are of black a person. I was seriously thinking about going there but I have been thinking about all this, perhaps we'll just go else where. This life is sad... but to hell with what anyone says, our mixed kids will be beautiful!!!!!!!!!

Hi, i'm bulgarian, born in Burgas, living in Franc...

2009-12-29T08:22:24.186-06:00

Hi, i'm bulgarian, born in Burgas, living in France. I am reading your article and i have to say that you are right on one thing ; we are definitely "racists". I am from Burgas and I was kind of smiling when i read the story of the racist grandma ; my grandma is the same : she likes Siderov, she doesnt like gypsies because 90 prozent of them are thieves, rapists and so on.

But you know, we are european, we have an identity (slavic and thracian culture) and we have been occupied by turks during 5 centuries ; so, we are defintely proud of our nation, our land, our ... color of skin, it is like that, it is how bulgarians are, and i am like that.

Anyway, take care
Dovijdane

Thank you for this. I was considering going to med...

2009-11-29T12:44:25.192-06:00

Thank you for this. I was considering going to medical school in bulgaria or romania but I will definitely not be going there as a female black person. I would urge other people to reconsider too. Shame about racism because places like romania and bulgaria are quite cheap and that may encourage tourism, holidays homes etc. But at least not for me.

this is just all scary. I am black and from the UK...

2009-11-02T14:43:03.900-06:00

this is just all scary. I am black and from the UK and was thinking of going to Bulgeria during my trip around Europe, but I may just avoid it now.

I can appreciate that there are racists everywhere, but I dont think I can stand to be in a place where I can be insulted and people pass by and turn the other cheek, - maybe ill visit in 10 years time when the people (not all just the racists and those who ignore their behaviour)become more civilised!

Stop with this bullshit, please. The foreigners wh...

2009-09-13T06:30:26.981-05:00

Stop with this bullshit, please. The foreigners who read that will think this is Nazi Germany. Are you well everyone, or what?
There is no racism in Bulgaria. Have you ever seen real racism???
Hahah,..this is funny what i read here...

Everywhere the gipsys are not wellcome, but nobody make some rasist war against them.
Everywhere ..i repeat EVERYWHERE on this world are people who dont like black, yellow., blue...or however people. But not everyone. Why you put all BULGARIANS in one way of thinking???????

Unfortunately Bulgarians ARE racist. Just another ...

2009-09-02T09:08:19.206-05:00

Unfortunately Bulgarians ARE racist. Just another proof for that is an article I read in today's online issue of Dnevnik, a newspaper which is supposed to be read by intelligent people. The comments made my heart sink.

http://dnevnik.bg/istorii_na_denia/2009/09/01/777706_bialo_na_cherno_tri_albinoscheta_v_semeistvo_na/?pic=6#picture

Longanlon: The comparison with the US in the 50's ...

2009-09-02T00:25:15.427-05:00

Longanlon:
The comparison with the US in the 50's is right on. It's just sad to admit that we THAT behind.

Re: Jacobs University
My sister went to IUB and had friends from all over the world. It's one of the things she loved the most about the university. That being said, I am not surprised to hear your stories of blatant racism among the Bulgarian students. One thing that I keep realizing is how little we talk about racism in Bulgaria. Most people are extremely ignorant about it... and either don't recognize racism or don't realize they themselves are being racist. Unfortunately, I don't think the Ministry of Education is doing anything to include racism awareness or general human rights education in the curriculum and racism/sexism/homophobia are rampant. I am so sorry for your bad experiences but thank you for sharing them here.

Hi Petya! It's brave to write about that. Not goin...

2009-09-01T17:10:04.028-05:00

Hi Petya!
It's brave to write about that. Not going that far, if you happen to be in Bremen, Germany, in March or April, and you want to see racism in the hands of a group of (academically, only) educated Bulgarians (not all) with your own eyes you just have to go to Jacobs University Bremen...This is an excellent university, which is actually an international university (it used to be called International University Bremen before) and has offered full scholarships to a great number of Bulgarians after an intense application process which involves the openness to other cultures.
Why March or April? Because they celebrate in JUB the Intercontinental Football Tournament, in which the Bulgarians get to have their own team. In this occasion, as it has been for many years, a great number of them have openly attacked verbally Africans, Asians, Latin Americans, etc. calling them names such as monkeys, niggers, even gypsies (considering that they use gypsy in a pejorative form), etc. Amazing that this is not only in the hand of so-called "intellectuals" but that it happens in an environment of tolerance...and this is just one example of many. The worse is when in the next morning they sit in the same table with you with the biggest smile on their faces and appear to be your friends. Hard to take.
And, just to underline something, this does not involve all Bulgarians there, just a relevant group of them.
Please, correct me if I'm wrong, and there's absolutely nothing against this nationality. It's just a contribution to the topic based on an experience. Sorry if anyone misinterprets this.

Petya! Thanks for the gesture, However the Human r...

2009-09-01T08:53:38.179-05:00

Petya!
Thanks for the gesture, However the Human rights lawyers have been engaged with cases of these Blacks in Busmantsi,to secure their release. But always reached a Block Wall by the Migration Boss or gives order of continue detention despite the the court injunction. See a cut from an article and a short answer by Migration BOSS>

Of course, most foreigners appeal their detention. Although after long legal battles significant number come out. Sometimes, however, even when a court finally ruled to be dismissed, he remains in Busmantsi.
Why? You will not believe. Take for example the case of Abbas Madan, a citizen of Iran, which is accommodated in the house in "Druzhba" on February 21, 2006 he appealed against the order for accommodation there, as has moved into a new home in Busmantsi. At the end of 2006 the court judged that Abbas should be released. Directorate of Migration, however, does not comply with this decision. Because - and be careful now - has appealed the order for placement in the "Druzhba" and in moving to Busmantsi issued another order. Which has yet to be appealed.
Madan Abbas is not the only one caught in this vicious circle. In these cases, the detainees fall into despair because they have power and do not fully reveal the sense of legal action in their favor, comment on the legal clinic of the University. "I was cruel, because these people are waiting with hope throughout this process. They know that a positive decision, but appeals awaiting the second case, you win the case, then they said - but, but meanwhile we issued another order "said attorney Valeria Ilareva.
"The orders for housing [in the" Druzhba "and Busmantsi] are essentially exactly the same. I mean the act is the same. And if they'll change the name of the place where it is placed or not has no importance from the standpoint of the compulsory administrative measure, "commented George Toshev from BHC.

DIRECTOR OF MIGRATION STEFAN CHRISTOFF, HOWEVER, IS IMPLACABLE: "THESE ARE SEPARATE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS. IN THIS SENSE - YES, HE IS THE SAME, BUT IF YOU CANCEL THE ORDER FOR PLACEMENT IN THE" DRUZHBA "IS AN ADMINISTRATIVE ACT REPEALED. A PLACEMENT IN BUSMANTSI IS ANOTHER. "

WHAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!

.. there - I mean in Bulgaria :)

2009-09-01T05:56:26.475-05:00

.. there - I mean in Bulgaria :)

cmon, remember the States in the 50's Talking abo...

2009-09-01T05:23:25.022-05:00

cmon, remember the States in the 50's

Talking about racism, Bulgaria is not that different from the USA 50 years ago. After that period In the States racial relations have developed under the pressure of the multiracial society. And you have to have in mind, as Monica said, there are almost no black people there.

summary of a real conversation with a young bulgar...

2009-09-01T04:29:39.086-05:00

summary of a real conversation with a young bulgarian on a train:

her: "What are some differences between Bulgaria and the US?"
me: "Well... I think there is a lot more racism here."
her: "What? There's no racism@
me: "What about with the Roma?"
her: "Oh, that's not racism, it's just because they are dirty, lie and steal. It's not racism."

Sad.

To the anonymous reader who wrote about Busmantsi:...

2009-08-31T18:55:29.411-05:00

To the anonymous reader who wrote about Busmantsi:

Do you or anyone you know need legal help? Send me an email if you do. I can put you in touch with human rights lawyers in Bulgaria.

Thank you all so much for your comments!

I have been similarly disappointed by Bulgarians, ...

2009-08-31T11:11:54.431-05:00

I have been similarly disappointed by Bulgarians, educated, smart, living in the US, whose racism seems to just go worse. They don't have a problem saying things like:

"Ugh, with Obama president I hope things don't go worse for us, white people" or

"Something needs to be done about this horrible attitude that we have to endure from black women"

And then they insist they are not racist.

Anny. HooolA!!! Believe in Borrisov and his cabine...

2009-08-31T04:54:34.542-05:00

Anny. HooolA!!!
Believe in Borrisov and his cabinet, he sacked many from interior Ministry, it would soon looked into the affairs of migration Department too.

From Experience!!! Its Sad,just an advise to those...

2009-08-31T04:38:26.696-05:00

From Experience!!!
Its Sad,just an advise to those (Blacx) who might be interested in marrying a Bulgarian. Been black(more of African) to marry a Bulgarian you will end up in the Detention Camp (BUSMATSI). The official body of Interior Ministry Migration) will invalidate the marriage you legally conducted, detained you and later deport you, Ohh! forget to mentioned that even if you have a child, that will not avoid them to detained you in BUSMANTSI. Many blacks who are marriage to Bulgarians are still lingering in Busmantsi. We hope this current government to look into the decision of who and what ground these blacks are still in detention. Minister of interior should investigate the reason why BLACKS are in detention!

This is a very interesting post, and the issue is ...

2009-08-30T15:50:47.748-05:00

This is a very interesting post, and the issue is something that frightens me for our future as a civilized society. So many Bulgarians, when I confront them about racism, insist on telling me that there's no such thing here. They would then "explain" to me how it's the Roma's fault, how they are predisposed to stealing, how they refuse to "be like Bulgarians". I'm also sick and tired of politicians playing the race card, scaring people that "oh my god, the Roma and the ethnic Turks are voting." Are they not Bulgarian citizens, with a guaranteed right to vote?

I also hate how whenever people here talk about people of a Turkish background, they are Turks and never Bulgarian. This essentially negates their citizenship and places them in an "other" category, something to be feared.

@Doctor J - it's an interesting assertion but I fe...

2009-08-28T23:31:23.367-05:00

@Doctor J - it's an interesting assertion but I fear I'm unconvinced. Now, I probably could be convinced if I could think of an example of a non-racist society. Can you give an example? If not, I would suggest that perhaps it _is_ a fundamental part of human nature, but one that we can understand for its destructive nature and resist.

And perhaps, talking in strictly racial terms isn't really accurate. Maybe it's in some sense tribal - that's closer to what I mean in describing it as "us-against-them." Gang wars, for example, aren't always racial in nature, but are manifestations of exactly the same behavior and biases exhibited by racists.

@awthird: I'm not Bulgarian (and have never been ...

2009-08-28T21:09:10.068-05:00

@awthird: I'm not Bulgarian (and have never been there), but I have often heard claims like yours ("Racism is a fundamental character of human nature.") expressed as a manner of explaining why people are racist. I just want to say that such explanations are themselves products of racist societies.

There is no "natural" (genetic or biological) reason why we "fear" racial differences more than all of the other differences that exist between human beings. Why not fear redheads? Why not fear tall people? Why not fear people who lisp or stutter? We don't fear those differences because we don't have a complex and protracted ideological history that trains us to see those differences as significant. "Racial" differences have come to stand in for all kinds of moral, intellectual and characterological differences, such that we take skin color to be an indicator of racial "essences." That is a social construction that we are habituated to accept when we live in a society in which "race" matters. It is NOT a part of the fundamental character of human beings.

Just to add - there is a big difference in Bulgari...

2009-08-28T16:41:07.978-05:00

Just to add - there is a big difference in Bulgarians' attitude towards gypsies and towards Africans. Without a doubt, gypsies are victims of most fragrant discrimination. However, I have worked in a US institution in Bulgaria and a few of my colleagues were African-Americans. They had lots of Bulgarian friends and generally had a very good time in the country. In Bulgaria there are generally very few Africans and the ones that are here are football players, dancers, diplomats, employees in international companies, etc. Therefore, the general attitude toward them is one of interest (as to sth exotic). The situation with the skinheads described above strikes me as an exception. This having been said, a black person marrying a Bulgarian would generally encounter racism.

Spot on. And, by the way, have a look at the comme...

2009-08-28T16:28:04.972-05:00

Spot on. And, by the way, have a look at the comments to a Bulgarian article reporting on Madona's concert in Romania - http://www.dnevnik.bg/razvlechenie/2009/08/27/775563_madona_zashtiti_romite_v_rumuniia_60_000_ia_osvirkaha/ - the general attitude is "if she dares say sth like this in Bulgaria, we'd show her..."

It was a bit of a surprise to me when we visited S...

2009-08-28T11:07:22.677-05:00

It was a bit of a surprise to me when we visited Sofia, too, but it also helped me confirm a long-held observation about human nature.

Racism is a fundamental character of human nature. Well, perhaps that's not quite accurate, but whatever drives the "us-against-them" mindset that is so widespread everywhere in the world. Somehow, our innate sense of self-worth is enhanced by feeling like we're superior to someone else, and if you can classify that someone else in a larger category - based on race or ethnic origin or religion or what team they support or what neighborhood they live in - so much the better because now you're better than a whole bunch of people.

It takes, I believe, conscious effort to overcome that, simply because we have to fight our own (maybe genetic?) makeup to do so. But because we have rational brains, we can fight the instinct, both on a personal basis and by reinforcing our disapproval of the views of those who haven't evolved sufficiently yet.

I had a black friend from UK who was working in Bu...

2009-08-28T06:31:43.315-05:00

I had a black friend from UK who was working in Bulgaria for 2 years on some kind of EU project. His wife had heard about racism in Bulgaria and was refusing to come over with their 3 kids and all of us Bulgarians who knew the husband thought this was so stupid of her. Then finally towards the end of the 2 years she agreed to come and visit together with the kids and the whole family got harrassed by skinheads, while sitting in a restaurant. They were sitting close to the window, some skinheads spotted them from outside, came over and started tapping on the window and threatening them. The children were scared to death and the whole family was afraid to leave the restaurant. In the end they managed to get home safe but I can only imagine how they felt about the whole thing.
Of course, what's even worse is that it's not only skinheads who hold racist attitudes but all kinds of people, even educated, succesfull, etc. Mixing with other cultures should help but it doesn't happen to everyone in Bulgaria and it doesn't work fast.

What Petya wrote is so true...I myself studied at ...

2009-08-28T06:22:35.913-05:00

What Petya wrote is so true...I myself studied at an internatioanl univeristy and a lot of my friends were "from other races", indian, black or with indian american roots... my family couldn't help comments like "he looks like a gypsy" or "be careful, we don't want a black baby in the family"... and this coming from highly educated and cultivated people.. in fact, this kind of intolerance (especially in the small towns) regards not just races, but all kinds of differences.. race, sexual orientation, caste, or even lifestyles that don't fit in the norm, you name it.. it pisses me off immensely...it exists everywhere in the world but more so in Bulgaria..