Mustafa Sangar shares experiences of racism and discrimination in Drammen, Norway

Mustafa Sangar, a 22-year-old student from Drammen, Norway, shared his experiences with racism, saying that even when faced with discrimination, he chooses not to react. He attributes his respect for the elderly to his cultural upbringing as a member of a Kurdish family in Norway, a country where nearly 30% of the population is made up of immigrants.

A survey conducted by Statistics Norway in 2023 revealed that almost one in four immigrants has faced racism or discrimination due to their ethnicity. Mustafa, who has lived in Norway his entire life, feels that he is not considered Norwegian despite being a citizen. He recalls instances of racism, especially during military service, where a fellow soldier expressed that “foreigners” did not belong.

In contrast, many young people, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, prefer to ignore racist comments or pretend they don’t care. They often feel that schools do not adequately address racism and don’t know where to report it.

Sophia Akhremenko, 19, who moved from Russia to Norway, has also experienced changed attitudes towards Russians since the onset of the Ukraine war. Like Mustafa, she believes the best response is to ignore the comments.

Similarly, Yolanda Benjarano from Colombia and students like Anthony Magallanés and Ahmad Ibet share their diverse experiences. While Yolanda found job opportunities lacking at first, she is now thriving in Drammen, advocating for greater openness towards foreign workers. Ahmad and Anthony stress the importance of community and inclusion, with a call for cultural centers to reduce social isolation among youths.

These narratives underscore an ongoing conversation in Drammen about inclusivity, racism, and the immigrant experience in Norway.