Racism on the road???

[Emil]

I'm a young American adventurer (of sorts), amateur photographer, writer, environmentalists, thrill-seeker. I'm a male. I'm also Black. Question for you guys (and ladies); what are your thoughts on motorcycle touring with regard to color/class/etc on your various adventures?

I am always looked at funny (in the States at least) because I think I'm probably one of a handful of "nicely-tanned" kayakers, hikers, climbers, bikers, you name it and I've tried it. My parents and "significant other" are extremely afraid that in my travels something will happen to me solely because of race. That's true here in the American south, but I'm not sure about elsewhere.

I am most interested in travelling in Central and South America, the Caribbean, and perhaps Africa (ah, the Motherland). I'd like to know if any of you- most of which I would assume to be of European descent-have encountered other Black riders. How would I be treated in say, downtown San Jose or the outskirts of some Brazilian jungle town?

Am I asking for real trouble or is this a minor worry besides robbery, snakes, engine failure, etc? Whatever may occur, I want to document it and I'm wondering if such stories would offer a different slant on this sport we love so much.

BTW, I ride a Serow XT225 (don't laugh) but a DR650 is in the works very soon.

Thanks.

Emil King http://www.geocities.com/originalbluepeanut/

[benwright]

Emil,
I can't give any advice about other countries. But I see it this way: If you're out on a bike and your out having a go, the colour of your skin don't mean shit to me. If you make it to Oz, give me a call I'll ride with you.
Cheers Ben.

[Grant Johnson]

Hi Emil,

Among motorcyclists I suspect you'll find very little racism, at least _I_ don't think you will - you ride, you're one of us. That's all that matters to most motorcyclists. Green blue or black doesn't matter.

As far as racism in Central and South America generally, I don't think it's a problem as a rule. There are plenty of blacks in many areas, e.g. Belize, and no overt racism that I have perceived or heard about. Much of Central and South America borders on the Caribbean, which has a large black population, so you won't stand out.

The US South is NOT the rest of the world.

Africa is a very special case and totally dependent on which area you are in. The north is Arab, and you may have some trouble there. The middle and south is black and mostly they will be confused by you, and quite aware that you are not local. And reactions will be mixed.

With care, a friendly approach and a big smile I think you will be fine.

Virtually everywhere (except Colombia) Americans are greeted warmly, so once you open your mouth and it's obvious you are American, you will be in a different category, even in South Africa.

I look forward to hearing all about your travels.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

[This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 21 January 2001).]

[john-l]

Hello, I grew up in Tanzania, a very peacefull country in most respects and a couple of my friends were black americans. In some respects they had an advantage over me in that they blended inn much more easily and also that they were seen as brothers much more so than I was, however they also lacked the natural protection that I, as an obvious, foreigner had. e.g. when we had run-inns with the police they experienced much rougher treatment than I did because they were thought to be local and the locals are scared of the police with due reason. However, like the man above me said, once they realize you are not local the situation will be different.
I don't think it is a reason to not go, and I don't think the situation is like the one in southern usa, but I think it is something you should be aware of.

Best of luck

John

[David and Cheryl Laing]

Hi Emil. Never mind the black bit. Try being a 53 year old grey hair old lady, from Australia, riding a Honda Shadow around Asia on my way to Europe. That is what brings the stares and comments.

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[Emil]

Thanks for your comments. I didn't necessarily percieve this issue to be a LARGE problem, but just wanted some feedback from folks that have actually done it.

Hoping to get a start on trip preparations and figuring out exactly where I'd like to go (*read* which would be most interesting to me AND someone reading a report from said trip). Hope to see some of you on the road....

Emil http://www.geocities.com/originalbluepeanut/

[bmwarabia]

Just a note to Grant. Colombians are not unfriendly towards americans. I have lived here for a year and a half and have never felt the least bit of disdain for Americans. It is true that some, not all, perhaps not even most, Colombians are not happy with our policies here.

The only place that I have been made to feel unwelcome, as an american, was in Palmyra Syria. And that was a single individual, the majority of the others were happy to see us.

I have found in all my travels, most people are willing to accept you for what you are. Most people understand that people are not the same as governments.

I think you (Grant) do a disservice to the majority of the Colombian people when you make a generaliziation like that.

My recommendation to all, is to just get out there and hit the road, but observe some amount of reasonable caution. (Yes there are guerilla here in Colombia and yes you do want to avoid them, but the real people are nice and friendly)

Harvey

[Grant Johnson]

Harvey, Having been very nearly attacked in Colombia by a native Colombian almost frothing at the mouth and screaming anti-American slogans etc, I could be oversensitive. Especially as I am not American, but was mistaken for one, and almost paid for it rather unpleasantly. I WAS rescued and protected by other Colombians at the time, (some of whom didn't know I wasn't American, and it didn't matter to them) and for that I am grateful.

I don't think I do a disservice to Colombians by stating that there are problems there - the problems are there, and are very real, and they are fully aware of it themselves, as I have discussed with some Colombians more than once in the past. I sympathise with them, and wish I could do something about it.

As a general rule I agree with everything that you say, AND that most Colombians are positive to Americans, but not all are.

Your experience in Colombia will vary depending on where you go and who you meet. People in the small villages were terrific. Bogota was fair. My experience was mostly very positive, but not always as good as in other Latin American countries I have been in. There was often a reserve, a "who are you - I don't trust you" feeling. And I'm not surprised given the situation there.

Working and living there, meeting Colombians via others, may well be very good. Maybe where you are is better than where I was.

Most travellers are avoiding Colombia because of the general situation regarding safety, and it's certainly not just Americans at risk. Witness Ricardo Roccos experience (in the e-zine a month or two ago). Even Colombians feel unsafe in many areas, and don't go out at night, don't go into many areas at all etc.

My comment was primarily as a reminder to people that Colombia isn't particularly safe at this time. I perhaps could have phrased it better.

I do NOT want to get into a political discussion, this is not the forum for it, so I would appreciate it if we could leave it there.
Thanks,
------------------
Grant Johnson

Share the Dream!
at: www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

[Andy D.]

Emil,

I'm with Ben on this one mate. If you make it to Oz, drop me a line I'd be happy to ride with you anytime, anywhere. As the late, great wino Willy said, "I'm not here to push any of my shit onto you, if you ride on two wheels, you're my brother",

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Stay Upright,

Andy D.

[mmaarten]

Hai Emil,

Actualy I am more intrested in the colour of your bike.
And, mr Grand, we do discriminate. Wasn't it you who sad: As long as you are riding a bike, you are one of us. (sorry ;-)

Take care
Maarten

[Julio]

Guys

I can see that this string is just going to anatgonise certain members, so can we now close it down as I think most of E' s reservations have been answerwed.

Thanks

Julio

[John Bennett]

Emil, it is morally wrong for you to characterize and stereotype an entire group of people like you did in your first post.

I live in the "south". You won't be "looked funny at" here any more than you would anywhere else.

Please don't fall victim to the ignorant stereotypes fed to you by the popular media.

John Bennett
Kawa KLR 650
Zuk Bandit 1200

[PanEuropean]

Hi Emil:

I have worked in Africa for many years - all over the continent, Angola, Mozambique, Liberia, Algeria, Kenya, etc. - and I don't think race is as much of a concern to people there as it is in North America (where I grew up).

Even in the Maghreb (North African) countries such as Libya, Algeria, etc. there is a wide variety of races, from sub-Saharan African to European. No-one really pays much attention to race.

People will take notice of you because you are a visitor, from another country, have a different religion, or don't speak the language, but they won't take much notice of you because of your race.

[Emil]

To PanEuro and everyone else, I recently had first-hand experience of your advice and comments. I went to the Dominican Republic over New Year's. I rented a bike (small DT125, great little stroker for such a purpose) and rode all through the countryside.

Being as most everyone in DR is either Black or Mulatto-but dark enough so that in most parts of the world still means "black"- and I was stared at constantly. It wasn't the color, it was the dress and accent, b/c they knew I was American. It all worked well though, and I think it would be similar in other parts of the world (more or less so). My fears have been alayed and I'm planning a trip to Africa in 2004 or so.

[PanEuropean]

Glad to hear that your trip went well. Be aware though, if you are planning to go to Africa for the first time, that there are huge variations in hospitality and safety levels throughout the continent. Exactly like North America.

For a first time trip, you might enjoy it more if you picked two or three countries (not necessarily contiguous) to explore in detail, rather than trying to make a path across the continent. I recommend that your first country be English speaking if you are unilingual.

Ghana and/or Botswana, for example, are delightful places to poke around on your own. Kenya and South Africa are wonderful to visit as part of a tour group, but you would not last 24 hours in either one of them if you were there on your own.

[This message has been edited by PanEuropean (edited 11 January 2002).]