The Local
22.Oct.2009 11:03 hrs
A new documentary film by a white journalist posing as a Somali immigrant is meant to highlight rampant racism in Germany, but his undercover method is garnering heavy criticism from black advocacy groups.
"Schwarz auf Weiss: Eine Reise durch Deutschland," or "Black on White: A journey through Germany," premieres on Thursday, and is the product of famous undercover journalist Günter Wallraff's year-long odyssey as a black man.
The film highlights shocking instances of discrimination and near-violent racism that Wallraff details in his book, "Aus der schönen neuen Welt: Expeditionen ins Landesinnere," or "From the Brave New World: Expeditions in the Heartland," which was released on October 14.
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steamy pony
22.Oct.2009 13:49 hrs
Who on earth would really think the guy was really from Somalia? I am sure I would have crossed the road to get away from him and stared too - thinking what kind of a lunatic is that, some crazy white guy blacked up....
His project may have been well intentioned, but why on earth did he not hook up with a genuine black person and produce a collaboration? Black people are perfectly capable of talking about how racism affects their lives - why could he not have helped someone who really knows what they are talking about to be heard? makes him look like a fool.
A cross between Sasha Baron Cohen and Michael Moore he is not.
hkypuck
22.Oct.2009 14:58 hrs
I agree about "the look" - I don't think he would fool too many people. I don't think an descrimination that may have experienced was do to "race" necessarily, but more likely due to the fact that he looks creepy!
As far as getting a "genuine black person" I think maybe it was a goal of his to experience life as a black person and compare the differences. Same could be said if a black person "dressed up" as a caucasian.
Incidentally, he was 'outed' after a session at a local Dresden karaoke bar when he requested Niel Diamond's "Sweet Caroline!" However, this experience resulted in an exponential increase in his popularity with white women.
(easy people! - just a joke!)
michael4096
22.Oct.2009 15:01 hrs
"...why on earth did he not hook up with a genuine black person..."
Because, he didn't get the result he wanted that way? This way he has total control over appearance, mannerisms, demeanor and a host of other things. But, of course, any negative reactions he can always blame on racism and not on a natural reaction to his abnormal countenance.
Beware journalists doing social science.
ron1amr
22.Oct.2009 15:14 hrs
All of Humans originally came from Africa. So we are all the same. If every person looks at another person for what they are then there will be no issues.
Meringer
22.Oct.2009 17:30 hrs
Looks like a crazy guy wearing a bad hat (I assume it really was a bad wig or a poodle). I would be wary of him too if I ran into him on the road in Germany.
nilweiss
22.Oct.2009 17:32 hrs
I don't believe we "all came from Africa" What complete rubbish.
delvek
22.Oct.2009 18:20 hrs
"All of Humans originally came from Africa. So we are all the same."
Perhaps the dumbest thing I have read in a while.
tech71
22.Oct.2009 18:31 hrs
His hair loooks like a Russian Ushanka (Fur hat) only made out of poodle.
HerrDinksbumps
22.Oct.2009 19:45 hrs
That picture is hilarious...
Now we just need a black journalist to whiten up and do the same thing is some South African township or downtown Detroit, and the world will be a happy, balanced place...
LeonG
22.Oct.2009 20:00 hrs
I would stare at him too.
getin-jiggy
22.Oct.2009 22:59 hrs
All of Humans originally came from Africa. So we are all the same. If every person looks at another person for what they are then there will be no issues.
I don't believe we "all came from Africa" What complete rubbish.
"All of Humans originally came from Africa. So we are all the same."
Perhaps the dumbest thing I have read in a while.
Interesting point made by
ron1amr, which is supported by many including British scientists, University of Cambridge, University of Uppsala, Sweden, Charles Darwin etc etc:
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSL1885586220070718
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recent_African_origin_of_modern_humans
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/03/0306_0306_outofafrica.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/1058484.stm
What rubbish, how dumb, how can all of us originate from Africa. we don't like such facts
Johnne
23.Oct.2009 04:37 hrs
First of all I wish to thank Wallraff. I know what he did is not perfect but it´s comendable. I´m a black german and I appreciate what he did. Although he might have looked strange to many but that does not justify the bigot behaviour he experienced during his experiment..the man just simply wanted to know how it feels period! to those of you racist emptyheads who deny the fact that we all came from africa, you are a disgrace to your race. So, illiteracy affects you up to that level?? maybe if some of you were black you would have been forced to study- since your parents ´ll teach you that education is the key not only to success,but to right to freedom and dignity. We all came from africa so some of you that live your lives being racist should start having a re-think,get used to us,join us & start co-operating because we´ll be living together for a very very long time:-) we´ve shown you with Obama & other black politicians in the western countries, with our literacy, job securing skills & we show you domesticaly too..when you look around, you´ll see that the first choice of your wives,girlfriends & daughters are to be with black guys,love them,marry them, & live the black life till they die! guys! they love the way we make sweet love to them:-)they love our very strong & long lasting hard sticks:-) plus listen to black music:-) so guys we´re taking over:-) because we are all one! don´t let the wrongs of our fore fathers continue to seperate us, we all have love to share. One love, one world..don´t be offended my mum is white.
aswinarun
23.Oct.2009 08:14 hrs
All of Humans originally came from Africa. So we are all the same. If every person looks at another person for what they are then there will be no issues.
I don't believe we "all came from Africa" What complete rubbish.
"All of Humans originally came from Africa. So we are all the same."
Perhaps the dumbest thing I have read in a while.
These facts are true, might not be digestable for some..
But also the facts of Mitochondrial DNA proves that too...just had a glimpse in the wikipedia and found this..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitochondrial_DNA
And also important to note down here is we all come from genus Homo...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homo_(genus)
So for those who dont believe this... just read & enjoy :)
in veritate
23.Oct.2009 10:11 hrs
After the ludicrous acceptance by some of Aftonbladet's claims against the Israeli's, and now disbelief that humans came out of Africa, I really think that the Swedish education system needs a mighty big uphaul - especially the teaching of logic and analytical thinking.
What on earth do they teach you over there? Anyone with an opposable thumb and an internet connection can research facts. And if one can read ... there are libraries ... (assumably in Sweden).
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