"Are There Any Black People in Scotland?"
Short answer: Well, I don't know yet--I don't head across the pond for a few more days.
Long answer: Yes...but very few. As part of a pre-departure study abroad preparation program, I did a little research to see just how much chocolate I may find way up North in the UK, focusing most on the demographics of both the University of Stirling’s demographics as well as Scotland’s demographics to predict how I would be received abroad. To my knowledge, I am the only person of color in the International Summer School program. The University of Stirling’s website did not provide very much information on their diversity or the breakdown of the students and staff other than stating that there are over 120 nationalities represented on campus, and that 20% of students come from overseas. Though I found no concrete numbers, there is a substantial enough population of Black folks because the university does have something like a Black student union as well as other student organizations dedicated to helping Black students celebrate their culture and find a sense of community.
On the Scottish Government website, I found that Caribbeans or Blacks and Africans combined make up approximately less than 1% of the population (based on information from 2011) and that those who identified as White make up about 96% of the population. These demographics are not so different from what I witnessed in Argentina (the population of Buenos Aires is about 2% Black while 89% is White), so I don’t expect to be totally overwhelmed by a lack of melanin; though this does not necessarily predict how the locals will view and treat me. From what I've heard, Scottish locals are rather friendly--and even if I find this isn't the case, a sour attitude from some folks that I don't know and who don't know me will NOT put a damper on my experience--my rather expensive experience (God bless whoever invented financial aid...).
I say all of this not because I am afraid of what I will find, or even because I'm upset by the lack of chocolate--in all honesty, I'm answering a question that has come up several times when interacting with friends and family. It's still something I've wondered myself and have chosen to keep track of since my experience of being Black in Argentina was so amusing, and my skin tone did have an impact on how I was perceived and treated. Luckily, all reactions to my Blackness were 100% positive--there was one guy who snapped at me for being an American who didn't know how to cross the street, but in my defense, he was driving pretty recklessly--and this positive reception has set the tone for how I anticipate my treatment in Scotland to be.
But still...stay tuned! Black And Abroad will have it's next episode next week either Sunday or Tuesday--maybe I'll even include some video? Who knows! Until then, I'll be working like a lunatic to clean house and enjoy my last few moments on American soil until the end of the summer!
What have your experiences as a minority in another country been like? Share them below in the comments!
All the best,
Reina M
