Mustafa reflects on discrimination faced by Kurdish immigrants in Norway

Mustafa Sangar, a 22-year-old teaching student from Drammen, reflects on the cultural value of respect for elders, which he believes is an essential part of his upbringing. Although he has lived in Norway his entire life, he does not feel fully accepted, facing discrimination due to his Kurdish heritage. He recounts a negative encounter with a middle-aged man who insisted that “foreigners” should not be allowed to be part of the military, making similar statements about being unwelcome.

Mustafa admits that he often feels discouraged by such views; however, he chooses to remain silent rather than engage in confrontation, as respect for elders has been a lifelong lesson for him. Despite feeling like an outsider, he is determined to help foster an inclusive environment as a future teacher, ensuring all students feel seen and valued.

The article highlights a troubling survey from Statistics Norway revealing that nearly one in four immigrants has experienced racism or discrimination in the past year. Many young immigrants, particularly those from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, report a lack of education on racism in schools, leaving them unsure about how to address their experiences or where to report incidents.

Sophia, a former Russian immigrant, echoes similar sentiments, feeling a shift in attitudes towards Russians since the outbreak of the Ukraine war. Like Mustafa, she faces prejudice but finds solace in the belief that the community itself remains largely welcoming. Other voices, including those of Colombian and Dominican youth, express their own challenges and experiences with integration, emphasizing the need for both understanding and community support to combat prejudice and build connections.