‘I believe there are low level hate incidences that happen on a day and daily basis. People out there are suffering in silence.’ This is a quote about Derry City on a Canadian website called ‘Stand up to Hate’.
Indeed, one Chinese family living in Derry is still reeling from the shock of a racially motivated attack on their business. Young people are believed to have bombarded the family with on-going harassment including racist, offensive remarks.
So, is Derry a racist place? Do foreign visitors feel happy living and working here? Many international students living in Derry have taken part in Headliners projects. We asked some of these how they found life in the Maiden City.
Angela said: “I think the biggest problem is finding a job. And I think the Irish people have a problem with alcohol. They drink a lot compared to Spanish people, I think that the Irish people drink too much.”
She added: “Racism exists when people don’t understand the customs of the people, when they think they’re different, that’s the start of the problems.”
Georgia said: “Your background, your culture, all these things make you afraid of the other person, that’s where racism comes from.” 
Abdul agreed: “I think it’s just because of ignorance, people don’t know what the other people can contribute to their society. They don’t make them feel welcome, education needs to be given to the people.”
Co-ordinators of a Friendship Club in the city for foreign students believe fear of difference must be turned into understanding of variety.
In the future, it would be great if everyone in Derry - and around the world - could think like Emilio: “Every human being is the same, the difference is the colours because of the climates, inside is the same red blood.”
About this story:
Written by Eimear (17) and Micheal (17)
