Im russian myself and Im still scared of those cops every time I fly to moscow. Not cops but the OMOH guys.

Yob
 

Yob - slang term for an uncouth blue collar individual or thug

Romelle

+1. All of the CIS for that matter.

sigh...I dont know if I'm going to make this trip. I've been doing a lot of research and most of the results are bad. I read a article stating that attacks normally increase around this time because of Hitler's birthday. Theres not much I can do, I cant keep looking over my shoulder constantly and avoid public transportation. I cant blend into the general population there, unless I cover my face but I'm sure people will still be able to tell that I'm American by my clothing. I wish I knew about these situations in Russia before I actually got my visa & plane ticket and what person of color wants to visit a country in these kind of conditions? It saddens me, Russia is the way it is today. It is funny how naive my russian friend is. Even after bringing this hate crimes to her attention, she still doesnt want to believe this happens.:confused:

It works the other way around. Many Russians believe America is extremely dangerous because of almost weekly shootings.

Having actually been to Moscow quite a few times and knowing people from all over the world there who have been there, I can't help thinking you might be panicking a bit too much! Western news reports always tend to focus on the negative in Russia - it's what readers want/expect!!

Hitler's birthday is today, so even is there is an increase in attacks (which is often stated but I am not sure ever proved!) it will be long over by May when you go. Yes, there are hate crimes at times in Russia and you can find lurid accounts of them (the worst tending to be in the regions) - but you could also find accounts of hate crimes on occasion in Germany, the UK or USA as well. There are not exactly gangs of skinheads rampaging through the streets of Moscow - you would probably have to really go out of your way to stumble across any! As mentioned upthread I believe, it is not as if locals in Moscow have never seen a person of colour in the city - many Moscovites are very sophisticated and cosmopolitan, they are not all yobs! While it is true that you probably stand more chance of being stopped to show ID than a white person, to be honest the police are more likely to pick on anybody who looks like they come from the Caucasus or China/Vietnam who are viewed as the stereotypical illegal traders/criminals (there is a pecking order of picking on minorities!).

This is not to say that Russia is a paragon or tolerance (far from it!), but I had friends who are black or south Asian who lived in Moscow the same time as I did and loved the place and only faced the occasional hassle of having to show ID. It should not be the case in reality that you have to look over your shoulder constantly and never ride public transport etc - just exercise the same common sense you would in any other city. It sounds like you would have the advantage of being with a local, so it is not as if you'll be looking lost and vulnerable on your own!

Of course, nobody is forcing you to go if you feel uncomfortable, but it sounds like you have built up a really negative, scary image which in reality is very much the exception rather than the rule in my personal experience and that of people I know.

Really? is that why many Russians come during the summer to work in the U.S every year?

Ive done alot of my reading from the moscow times and you can also check out several videos on youtube. I dont think I'm panicking too much here, I'm just concerned for my safety. I'm american and black, so thats already two strikes against me to some russians. I'm sure its possible I can go over there without any problems. I'll be with my russian friend(girl) everywhere I go.

Having never been to Moscow or Russia, I can say that you'll probably be safer there than in any major US city and that you should go.

US consulates in Russia issue about 160K visas in a year. It's about twice as low as number of visas issued in Russia by any major European country (France, Spain or Italy.)

All these numbers pale in comparison to the total population of Russia: about 140 million people, or even Moscow: about 10-12 million people.
So what's your point here? If you are so concerned about your safety, just stay in the States, nobody forces you to travel.

I think that you're panicking. Black folks are a definite minority. In 5 days I saw a total of 4 black people - one hotel worker, one hotel guest and an american dude who I assumed was millitary and one other guy who was on my flight. However, we saw tons of asians and many people who looked like they were of mixed racial and ethnic backgrounds.

I am black american and I just returned from Moscow. What bcmatt said is right on the mark....I wasn't stopped once the two days I was there. Did I get quite a few stares, sure...but I did my best to blend in with the people by learning a little russian (So I could ask questions) and trying not to look "so" out of place.

The metro system is easy to navigate once you get the hang of it and I used it with no problems going from Red Square to Sokolniki (Holiday Inn) and back and forth to the airport (using areoexpress). I personally believe you'll be fine if you use some common sense like you would in any other city. I didn't leave Red Square until around 10:40pm and got back to my hotel at just after 11:00pm. All-n-all, I didn't feel completely safe in Moscow BUT I didn't feel completely unsafe either...you'll be fine, don't let the exaggerated reports scare you away from such a beautiful and fascinating city^

I would and plan to go again....

PM me if you have more questions/comments etc...:)

Well I'm now here in Russia. My experience has been quite wonderful so far. Yesterday, I went out with some of my friends Russian friends(8 people or so) to celebrate "Labor Day" I think. Went back into the woods and grilled up some pork and chicken. Though, at first the idea seemed kind of sketchy to be, but turned out to be a good experience. Haha they wouldnt let me say no to vodka. After about 6 shots I was done but they still wanted to keep going...lol

Aside from the topic......The roads here are the worst ever. It was almost impossible for me to take a nap on a 45min ride :mad:

Glad to hear you decided to go instead of staying home thinking how bad this could have been, maybe now you can share your experiences with other people and let them know that it's not anymore dangerous then it is in states.

Thanks so much for giving us the rest of the story. And I'm also glad you decided to actually do the trip. Hope it continues wonderfully, and you let us know details.

Romelle

OP is unnecessarily freaking out. The main issue in Moscow, as in most European cities is being in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people walking toward you carrying the wrong implements.

OP should go to Moscow with an open mind. Carrying the type of preconceived notions too many americans already have about what life is like in the rest of the world will assure he remains ignorant (of life outside the u.s.)

Edited to add...
Glad to see OP decided to experience Russia. Let us know your final impressions.