Facing Discrimination in Germany: An Asian Experience

Facing Discrimination in Germany: An Asian Experience

Some friends have asked me whether I’ve faced discrimination while living in Germany. To be honest, as an Asian person, I have encountered subtle biases and even direct discrimination. Today, I’ll share my experiences and insights, hoping to empower others who are working hard overseas. 💪

🔍 Moments of “Invisible Discrimination”

1️⃣ Stereotypes in the Workplace

• Are Asian people automatically viewed as technical staff? Leadership abilities are often questioned.
• There’s a noticeable absence of Asian faces in executive positions.
• Your suggestions might be ignored until a German colleague repeats them. 😤

In the workplace, Asians are often labeled: hardworking, quiet, and easy to manage.

2️⃣ The “Invisible” Treatment in Daily Life

• When handling affairs with my German husband, the bank clerks always address him first.
• While checking out at the grocery store, previous customers receive warm farewells, but I just get a cold “goodbye.”

⚠️ More Overt Discrimination Experiences

🚂 A Scare at Munich Train Station

While waiting for a train with my Indian classmate, a drunken man doused us with beer and spat at us! I was both furious and frightened, screaming at him to back off. Thankfully, he didn’t continue harassing us. Since then, I’ve developed an aversion to train stations in the city; I feel safer in rural Germany. 🌾

💼 Two-Faced Colleagues

In my first job, I encountered a kind-hearted uncle, R, who was supportive due to his Chinese wife. However, I also dealt with a colleague, M, who deliberately tried to make things difficult for me. Even after improving my skills, M maintained a cold demeanor and undermined my work. I had no direct proof of his discrimination, so I chose to minimize interactions with him and focus on self-improvement. Fortunately, a year later, he transferred to another position. 🙃

💡 My Survival Tips

• Embrace Directness: I’ve learned that Germans appreciate straightforward communication. If a partnership doesn’t work, it’s common to request a team leader for a change. We should adopt this clear communication style to advocate for ourselves!
• Reject a Fragile Mindset: Although I’ve encountered negativity, there are still countless warm-hearted strangers, colleagues, and neighbors who make my experience fulfilling. Negative individuals won’t define my perspective of Germany.
• Grow through Understanding: Assimilation shouldn’t feel like compromise; it’s about using their rules to safeguard yourself.

✨ Final Thoughts

Discrimination exists, but it shouldn’t define your life. Every Asian individual striving overseas works to break down prejudice— we are not invisible; we are a light that cannot be overlooked! 💫