blacks in Russia
 

So my trip to Russia is in 2weeks, in which I'll be staying with a friend. My friend claims that racism in Moscow isnt bad and theres nothing I should worry about. But I've ran across several reports where it states otherwise. So my question is, how are blacks treated in Moscow?

With a common sense approach you'll be safe. While black people are definitely a minority here, I don't think you'll see aggression.

Just act like you would in any large city and be street aware. I wouldn't be surprised if you got some stares, because blacks are still rare in Russia, although the stares will probably come not from Muscovites but from visitors to Moscow.

Keep your passport on you at all times. I've heard accounts of cops harassing blacks from African countries studying here. I think an American passport will be enough of a deterrent for cops to not give you problems.

Also, avoid skinheads.... cops don't deal with them either.

I think you will be safe if you use your streetsmarts. Let us know how it goes.

I think you will be fine. I actually saw a few on the streets and in my hotel.

Ya I'll try to avoid them but doesnt mean they'll avoid me. I know May 1 is a holiday there and my friend wants to go out so I'll be tough trying to watch everything. I'll try to blend in lol....... I've read of stories where cops harass africans in such for documents, but the first thing imma do is register myself.

haha cool. Good news for me!

You can find a lot of these African students in underpasses giving leaflets out.

Keep clear of skinhead types who frequently also happen to be neo-Nazis.

Is there an area specifically I should stay away from?

This is good advice. If you do not bring your passport, at least bring a copy of the main page and a copy of your visa. I've seen police harassing select groups of people who were "not Russian" at metro stops on numerous occasions. While I believe it is now not legal for them to ask you for your documents, that does not mean they will not attempt to do so.

Ya I'm gonna copy my passport / visa because i really dont want to lose that in moscow.

Be careful, carry your passport, and avoid the police. This advice does not only apply to those from racial/ethnic minorities, but it is sadly more important as one is more visually distinctive from the majority. This is particularly the case if you are in Moscow around the May holidays, when there will a significantly increased security presence. I would be surprised if there were overt harassment, but even as an American I would expect that, given the chance, your documents will receive significantly greater scrutiny for any potential problems. Contrary to the usual advice to tourists, if you look more American I would expect fewer problems.

Everyone who looks Asian, African or coming from the Caucasus or Stans will get extra attention from the authorities. And sometimes from yobs.

Maybe a little definition on "look American"? My immediate stereotype image is big clumpy athletic shoes?

I know when I'm in Europe I work at "looking native", by watching the shoes I wear (better black leather ones usually) and keeping my camera put away. No polyester. Better slacks rather than jeans, nice scarf, etc.

I agree with the suggestion, but I'm not sure what a Russian would expect an American to look like?

Romelle

yobs?

Shorts when temperature is 40 Fahrenheit.