Mustafa leads conversation on racism and acceptance in multicultural Drammen, Norway

Mustafa, a student from Drammen studying to be a teacher, has pledged not to respond to racism he encounters. He attributes the importance of respecting elders to his cultural upbringing. Mustafa is from one of Norway’s most multicultural cities, where around 30% of the population has immigrant backgrounds.

According to a 2023 quality of life study by Statistics Norway, nearly one in four immigrants have experienced racism or discrimination due to their ethnicity. In discussions around racism and acceptance, Mustafa reflects on his experiences, having grown up in Norway with Kurdish parents. Despite living in the country his entire life, he has never felt treated as a “native.”

During his adolescence and military service, he faced significant racism, including comments from colleagues about foreigners not belonging in the military. He chooses to walk away rather than engage in disputes, upholding the cultural belief that respect is due to elders. Mustafa acknowledges feeling bothered by such comments but claims to have grown accustomed to them.

Furthermore, Sofia, a 19-year-old whose family emigrated from Russia to Norway, recounts experiencing heightened negative comments since the onset of the war in Ukraine. Sofia feels that, although people are generally kind, attitudes towards Russians have soured, leading her to navigate these interactions with discretion.

Similarly, Yolanda, who moved from Colombia eleven years ago, found the Norwegian workplace culture shocking and initially felt alienated. However, she has developed meaningful connections in Drammen and advocates for greater acceptance of foreign workers.

Through these personal stories, a broader conversation emerges about the ongoing challenges of racism and the importance of understanding and inclusion among diverse communities in Norway. Young people express a need for better resources to combat racism and suggest more supportive spaces to foster social connections.