In fact, "BBC NEWS" you are wrong. How would you like to go down a street in, for exmple, England and all the kids screem at you 'Black Man, Black Man'.
In fact, "BBC NEWS" you are wrong. How would you like to go down a street in, for exmple, England and all the kids screem at you 'Black Man, Black Man'.
OBIBA JK 8 years ago
Jeff, I think you are very right in your assessment of the Ghanaian society. Ethnic differences are so deeply rooted and has promoted nepotism to the highest level of our society. it is an open secret that some tribes in Ghan ... read full comment
Jeff, I think you are very right in your assessment of the Ghanaian society. Ethnic differences are so deeply rooted and has promoted nepotism to the highest level of our society. it is an open secret that some tribes in Ghana look down upon others and this I believe have affected our governance system with a tacit admission by the framers of constitution making it mandatory for ministerial appointment to be based on regional balance. This has led to a situation where we have failed to appoint people based on their competence but rather where they come from. Our voting patterns have since 1992 been mainly along ethnic lines. Jeff, as I said earlier, I can really identify with you as I have faced similar racial alienation before in Eastern Europe, where I found myself to have been the only second black person in a remote community in Albania, some of the people had never seen a black person before and I was seriously embarrassed by the attention and name calling. My apologies.
ghanaman 8 years ago
It is true that hearing resonating calls of "obroni" every morning, in the particular way in which the shouting is conducted, may make the hearer, in this case also the person to whom the calls are addressed, harbor the feeli ... read full comment
It is true that hearing resonating calls of "obroni" every morning, in the particular way in which the shouting is conducted, may make the hearer, in this case also the person to whom the calls are addressed, harbor the feelings expressed by the author. To me, he has a point. Do other "obronis" feel the same way? have they raised similar worries? Why don't we investigate further? We must thrive on the quest for knowledge and truth!
EKOW MENSAH 8 years ago
The writer may have a point in his objection.However, if Jeff as he is to be called or wants to be known, will be sincerely honest to himself and not to anyone, he will know or realise that, the kind of racism that he is refe ... read full comment
The writer may have a point in his objection.However, if Jeff as he is to be called or wants to be known, will be sincerely honest to himself and not to anyone, he will know or realise that, the kind of racism that he is referring to as directed to him by the shout of Obroni Is not the same type of racism that he knows and are shown or experience by the ordinary Black Man in his beloved country and other White European country. God have mercy on the Black Man Even in America worst
Concerned 8 years ago
It is a light hearted article to just point out how being branded makes him feel alone. He clearly will like to be seen as one of us.Not an African which he clearly isn't but a human being
It is a light hearted article to just point out how being branded makes him feel alone. He clearly will like to be seen as one of us.Not an African which he clearly isn't but a human being
Proud Ashanti 8 years ago
I have many white friends who lived in Ghana before and they all complain about Ghanaians calling them Obroni. They feel very uncomfortable to be called that way.
I felt the same way in China and Turkey when everybody wa ... read full comment
I have many white friends who lived in Ghana before and they all complain about Ghanaians calling them Obroni. They feel very uncomfortable to be called that way.
I felt the same way in China and Turkey when everybody was looking at me like a strange object. The kids wanted to take pictures with me because I'm black.
Stuart 7 years ago
I feel stronger about being addressed as obroni; it says that: he is not one of us. Pure racism and very offensive and derogatory and shows a serious lack of respect and is criminal. It is a first abuse on the road to further ... read full comment
I feel stronger about being addressed as obroni; it says that: he is not one of us. Pure racism and very offensive and derogatory and shows a serious lack of respect and is criminal. It is a first abuse on the road to further verbal assualt, physical assault, robbery, armed robbery and murder! Any perpetrator should be reported, arrested,and charged with assault.
Kpengson Ray 8 years ago
I can understand how you feel, I had similar experiences somewhere else in Europe and it was devastating! I agree with you that some form of racism occurs in Ghana and most people are not even aware that it is racism! I think ... read full comment
I can understand how you feel, I had similar experiences somewhere else in Europe and it was devastating! I agree with you that some form of racism occurs in Ghana and most people are not even aware that it is racism! I think that by bravely coming out as you have done will help us try to do something about this!
The example of the behavior you described towards the fulani is recognized here as tribalism which I agree is a form of racism!
Let me put it this way delicately: when it comes to the "white" man or woman (excuse my language I want to make a point) many people think that rather than it being an insulting/racist term "obroni" is a term that is used to refer to the exalted status of the one addressed! A had a visitor who also took offence when he was constantly being referred to as "obroni" and not only by children! When I told these people that my visitor did not like the use of the term on him they were really surprised! And note also that it is not only the "white" man/woman that may be addressed as "obroni", light-skinned Africans are equally sometimes addressed as such! However it can be used as a derogatory term when it is addressed towards a black African who others think tries to be "white" in his/her behavior, exulting him/herself over fellow "blacks"! Don't forget that some blacks bleach their skins to look like "white" men or women! For some people being "white" is superiority which is stupid to say the least!
I am not trying to justify the use of the term "obroni" but trying to put its use in context!
Let me assure you that collectively as a nation we have always condemned tribalism but defeating it is a long way off! I can also say that as we begin to recognize that the term "obroni" has racist connotations I have no doubt that we will do all we can to stop its use! Ghanaians are known for their welcoming and friendly nature and many people will be horrified to know that is how we make our "white" visitors feel when we use the term "obroni" on them!Thank you for your small contribution in the fight to eradicate it!
Let me apologize on behalf of fellow Ghanaians for the racism you have faced in our country, we are not like that! And thank you for coming to our country to help out. The people of Damongo no doubt appreciates your presence and I think that should be all that matters!
This is what I think of the matter! Welcome to Ghana and to Damongo in particular!
Nimrod 8 years ago
Joe, mag ik je iets vragen? Vind je het woord, blank - een beledigen?
Indien niet, dan, waarom voel je aangesproken als iemand je blank noemt?
Joe, mag ik je iets vragen? Vind je het woord, blank - een beledigen?
Indien niet, dan, waarom voel je aangesproken als iemand je blank noemt?
FOYOOSIS 8 years ago
Nimrod, hij vindt/ziet het waarschijnlijk niet als belediging maar als een aanval.
Zeg het eerlijk, hoe zou je je voelen als je constant en bijna overall gevolgd wordt en nog Neger genoemde wordt ondanks dat dat niet jou ... read full comment
Nimrod, hij vindt/ziet het waarschijnlijk niet als belediging maar als een aanval.
Zeg het eerlijk, hoe zou je je voelen als je constant en bijna overall gevolgd wordt en nog Neger genoemde wordt ondanks dat dat niet jou naam is?
Nimrod 8 years ago
FOYOOSIS, alles draait om het motief. Met andere woorden, het is de gedachten achter een daad dat de daad definieert. In het kort, als het motief niet slecht is, dan hoef je geen zorgen te maken.
Verder alles goed m ... read full comment
FOYOOSIS, alles draait om het motief. Met andere woorden, het is de gedachten achter een daad dat de daad definieert. In het kort, als het motief niet slecht is, dan hoef je geen zorgen te maken.
Verder alles goed met je?
FOYOOSIS 8 years ago
Het gaat goed hoor! althans, ik leef nog!
Ik hoop dat alles goed met jou ook gaat.
Het gaat goed hoor! althans, ik leef nog!
Ik hoop dat alles goed met jou ook gaat.
Nimrod 8 years ago
FOYOOSIS, het gaat goed, maar het kan altijd beter. Trouwens, ik was in Ghana een maand of vier geleden. Om eerlijk te zijn, ik was geschrokken door de armoede. Het land is nog steeds mooi, maar wetteloos.
FOYOOSIS, het gaat goed, maar het kan altijd beter. Trouwens, ik was in Ghana een maand of vier geleden. Om eerlijk te zijn, ik was geschrokken door de armoede. Het land is nog steeds mooi, maar wetteloos.
John Daniels 8 years ago
why not write the "franch" of dutch or holandais of flemish with translation.
This is a public forum
why not write the "franch" of dutch or holandais of flemish with translation.
This is a public forum
OBINNA 8 years ago
SHOW OFF
SHOW OFF
Joe 8 years ago
Kepengson Ray, thank you for a good (and wise reply). I am an obruni who is frequently in Ghana and although I was aware of most of what you have said your reply has given me an added understanding. Nervertheless it would be ... read full comment
Kepengson Ray, thank you for a good (and wise reply). I am an obruni who is frequently in Ghana and although I was aware of most of what you have said your reply has given me an added understanding. Nervertheless it would be good if children could be educated by not to shout at passing peole of a different colour!
Pimpenese 8 years ago
The proper education will be for Black children to be educated to realize that the White man is not superior to them! Then they wont go round worshiping these folks by calling them out on the streets.
The proper education will be for Black children to be educated to realize that the White man is not superior to them! Then they wont go round worshiping these folks by calling them out on the streets.
Pimpenese 8 years ago
I'm sure Mr Big Stuff didn't go to Damongo to be equal to anybody there. What with his "profession" ( I never knew medical student was a profession). But the "false sense of inferiority" that his forebear colonialists seared ... read full comment
I'm sure Mr Big Stuff didn't go to Damongo to be equal to anybody there. What with his "profession" ( I never knew medical student was a profession). But the "false sense of inferiority" that his forebear colonialists seared so deeply into the psyche of the colonized is what makes these children holler "Obroni" at him. And for his education, "Obroni" has never been used as a perjorative term; rather it extols the false superiority of the colonizer.
The chicken must be coming home to roost if indeed these children are being racists. I hope they've learned to be suspicious (I don't mean antagonistic)of any foreigner walking in their midst, be he "Obroni" or "Kawire"
OPANINPA 8 years ago
SORRY MATE! THE PREDICESSOR OF YOUR RACE WHO CAME HERE DID NOT EVEN REGARD US AS HUMAN. THA WORD "OBRONI" DERIVES FROM "ABRO" MEANING MALICE AND OBRONI MEANS THE MALICIOUS ONE. THE CHILDREN MAY NOT MEAN THIS WHEN THEY SHOUT I ... read full comment
SORRY MATE! THE PREDICESSOR OF YOUR RACE WHO CAME HERE DID NOT EVEN REGARD US AS HUMAN. THA WORD "OBRONI" DERIVES FROM "ABRO" MEANING MALICE AND OBRONI MEANS THE MALICIOUS ONE. THE CHILDREN MAY NOT MEAN THIS WHEN THEY SHOUT IT. BUT COMPLAINONG IS LIXURIOUS. REPENT FOR THE SINS OF YOUR RACE.
Rachel 8 years ago
Jeff, I'm in the same boat as you, although I'm biracial Ghanaian. Not only i get called 'obroni' by the children but also some family members. It's so freaking annoying & rude. And they also like to always point the fact tha ... read full comment
Jeff, I'm in the same boat as you, although I'm biracial Ghanaian. Not only i get called 'obroni' by the children but also some family members. It's so freaking annoying & rude. And they also like to always point the fact that I'm mix by calling me the derogatory name, 'halfcast'. Ghanaians have a long way to go.
John Daniels 8 years ago
Oh in Kumasi, you will be called
"halv-Cash" or "Broni-Pete" which is worse. Please do not ask for the meaning of the latter.
Oh in Kumasi, you will be called
"halv-Cash" or "Broni-Pete" which is worse. Please do not ask for the meaning of the latter.
Okponglo Guy 8 years ago
Jeff, excellent contribution. You have a name and you must be addressed as such.
Obroni has never been a pejorative term nevertheless, it is so archaic. We are in the 21st century. Educate your friends at Damongo.
Jeff, excellent contribution. You have a name and you must be addressed as such.
Obroni has never been a pejorative term nevertheless, it is so archaic. We are in the 21st century. Educate your friends at Damongo.
Maame 8 years ago
Please don't pollute the German language go back and learn your spellings of words well and also I'm married to a white guy anytime I call him obroni he ask me a simple question are happy when my family also refer to as black ... read full comment
Please don't pollute the German language go back and learn your spellings of words well and also I'm married to a white guy anytime I call him obroni he ask me a simple question are happy when my family also refer to as blackwoman. He thinks AFricans are more racist than Europeans its high we stop making this Guys uncomfortable among us. They see this not funny it's hurts them when there discrimated. Whether obroni or black let's call them by their appropriate names.
Sika 8 years ago
Have you been reading some of the articles from the NPP supremacist here on this forum? Just simple Google an articleww from Okoampa and check on Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast and a few other African nations to r ... read full comment
Have you been reading some of the articles from the NPP supremacist here on this forum? Just simple Google an articleww from Okoampa and check on Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast and a few other African nations to realize how the Negger hates himself.
luoning 8 years ago
I am married to a ghanaian and go regularly to Ghana. I agree it is very annoying to be called Obroni especially when it comes from family members. I feel it is a lack of respect as if I were black they would call me automati ... read full comment
I am married to a ghanaian and go regularly to Ghana. I agree it is very annoying to be called Obroni especially when it comes from family members. I feel it is a lack of respect as if I were black they would call me automatically auntie.
Every time someone calls me Obroni wether on the streets or in the family, my husband tactfully explains to them that it would be more respectful to call me auntie.
I agree it is a question of education. I do not think whites are superior to Africans. We are equal in the eyes of the Almighty God
Queen 8 years ago
I agree while it is annoying most often, they mean no harm. It's more like an inferiority complex than racism. Sad but true.
I agree while it is annoying most often, they mean no harm. It's more like an inferiority complex than racism. Sad but true.
John Daniels 8 years ago
Now you get why we are so mentally enslaved. It is so bad it is not even funny anymore. And worse, everyone does it to such a sickening extent and frequency. Ashantis look down on everyone, dagombas think all tribes are benea ... read full comment
Now you get why we are so mentally enslaved. It is so bad it is not even funny anymore. And worse, everyone does it to such a sickening extent and frequency. Ashantis look down on everyone, dagombas think all tribes are beneath them, the slightly educated think the rest of the "unschooled" are worse than animals. Man you have no idea how bad it is. Learn to use it to your advantage or you will just go mad. You are Obroni so in this part of the world you are God and Jesus and father Christmas all rolled in one. Enjoy your previleges.
OBINNA 8 years ago
FROM ADAM, HUMANS HAVE DIFFERENTIATED EACH OTHER BY HOW WE LOOK AND WHERE WE COME FROM. THIS IS DONE IN ANY AND EVERY PART OF THIS GLOBE WE CALL HOME.IT IS DONE IN YOUR HOMELAND TOO. SO DON'T FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE.
FROM ADAM, HUMANS HAVE DIFFERENTIATED EACH OTHER BY HOW WE LOOK AND WHERE WE COME FROM. THIS IS DONE IN ANY AND EVERY PART OF THIS GLOBE WE CALL HOME.IT IS DONE IN YOUR HOMELAND TOO. SO DON'T FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE.
steph 8 years ago
Right on point brother. Even cats and dogs don't discriminate against each other because of different fur colors.
Right on point brother. Even cats and dogs don't discriminate against each other because of different fur colors.
Nana Oben 8 years ago
Jeff, ask any African American, (BLACK, YELLOW, LIGHT) in Ghana; he/she will tell you he/she has been called "Oburoni" at some time. You see the term "Oburoni" means "from over the horizon" or "foreigner". So it has been used ... read full comment
Jeff, ask any African American, (BLACK, YELLOW, LIGHT) in Ghana; he/she will tell you he/she has been called "Oburoni" at some time. You see the term "Oburoni" means "from over the horizon" or "foreigner". So it has been used for EVERY foreigner. After 30 years in this country, my African American wife still sometimes gets called "Oburoni". A lone and novel Black person in a White community has no control over the White people's curiosity about him, which may be verbalized openly or conversationally, or with hostility. So please do not expect us to change our language just for a few minority.
Nii Adjei 8 years ago
we don't have any institutional discrimination or institutional racism in ghana so stop the rant of we ghanaians being racist with the term obroni.
look at the way we treat you in ghana and compare it to the way you treat us ... read full comment
we don't have any institutional discrimination or institutional racism in ghana so stop the rant of we ghanaians being racist with the term obroni.
look at the way we treat you in ghana and compare it to the way you treat us in the west.
wait till i start treating you the same way you are treating me in your countries then you can start saying that i am a racist.
racist? We? you must be joking. look around you, we treat you so well that majority of us welcome you with more than open arms compared to the western society.
Ama 8 years ago
He is white and there's nothing wrong with the word Obroni.
He is white and there's nothing wrong with the word Obroni.
Miss 8 years ago
So you wouldn't mind when white people follows you around and chant, obibini every time they see you? Seriously?
So you wouldn't mind when white people follows you around and chant, obibini every time they see you? Seriously?
MUBARAK 8 years ago
Please let's try to explain to Jeff than shearing feelings.Jeff is just trying to tell us what she has been facing since she arrived in our mother Ghana.I think if you Start to shear feelings by referring to her with the past ... read full comment
Please let's try to explain to Jeff than shearing feelings.Jeff is just trying to tell us what she has been facing since she arrived in our mother Ghana.I think if you Start to shear feelings by referring to her with the past experience we have when we go overseas than we are telling Jeff that what the children are doing is a retaliation.But I think this is not the rational behind the children calling them obroni.Jeff I would take the pain to explain to you when I come to Damongo.I really know you very well.Sorry if my words really hurt but let's think....Email anyingim@gmail.com.
K Fosu 8 years ago
The word "Obroni" is used in Ghana as a term of endearment rather than derogatory. I have lots of mixed-race Ghanaian born cousins ranging from 85 years to 40 and they have been called Obroni all their lives.That said, we do ... read full comment
The word "Obroni" is used in Ghana as a term of endearment rather than derogatory. I have lots of mixed-race Ghanaian born cousins ranging from 85 years to 40 and they have been called Obroni all their lives.That said, we do have a lot of Ghanaians with Obroni as their surnames.I grew up with Kwasi Obroni and Yaa Obroni and they are as black as black comes.So, Jeff, accept Obroni as an affectionate term.
afua 8 years ago
Dear Jeff,being called obroni in Ghana sometimes is a connotation of a term of endearment. Meaning one is polished, civilized or superior. Sorry for the misconception.
Dear Jeff,being called obroni in Ghana sometimes is a connotation of a term of endearment. Meaning one is polished, civilized or superior. Sorry for the misconception.
Ships that sailed from your counry is 8 years ago
SHUT THE FUCK UP JOE OR WHATEVER U CALL URSELF. YOU PEOPLE CALL BLACK PEOPLE ALL SORTS OF DEROGATORY WORDS. THE DUTCH PEOPLE, YOUR FATHERS WERE THE OWNERS OF ALL THE SLAVE SHIPS WHICH TOOK OUR FATHERS TO WORK TO BUILD THE WEA ... read full comment
SHUT THE FUCK UP JOE OR WHATEVER U CALL URSELF. YOU PEOPLE CALL BLACK PEOPLE ALL SORTS OF DEROGATORY WORDS. THE DUTCH PEOPLE, YOUR FATHERS WERE THE OWNERS OF ALL THE SLAVE SHIPS WHICH TOOK OUR FATHERS TO WORK TO BUILD THE WEALTH THAT YOU FOOLS EVEN ENJOY TILL THIS DAY. YOU RAPED AND KILLED YOUNG SEVEN AND NINE YEAR OLDS, THREW SICK BLACK PEOPLE OVERBOARD TO FEED SHARKS AS YOU TRANSPORTED THEM INTO A LIFETIME AND GENERATIONAL SERVITUDE. YOU EVEN PUT BLACK PEOPLE IN ZOOS IN EUROPE TOGETHER WITH ANIMALS TO ENTERTAIN YOURSELVES. YOU PEOPLE MUST BE THE DEVIL TO BE ABLE TO CONTAIN ALL THESE EVIL IN YOUR HEARTS. Ships that sailed from your counry is what keeps us in slavery till today
Ships that sailed from your counry is 8 years ago
OBRONI I REPEAT OBRONI JEFF. NOT ALL AFRICANS ARE FOOLS TO BELEIVE YOUR HYPOCRISY. SINCE YOU ARE IN GHANA GO TO CAPE COAST AND ELMINA CASTLE AND SEE EVEN THE REMAINS OF THE AC,TIONS YOU PEOPLE ON OUR CONTINENT. WHAT MORAL RI ... read full comment
OBRONI I REPEAT OBRONI JEFF. NOT ALL AFRICANS ARE FOOLS TO BELEIVE YOUR HYPOCRISY. SINCE YOU ARE IN GHANA GO TO CAPE COAST AND ELMINA CASTLE AND SEE EVEN THE REMAINS OF THE AC,TIONS YOU PEOPLE ON OUR CONTINENT. WHAT MORAL RIGHT DO YOU HAVE TO EVEN CHASTISE US???
SEKPE 8 years ago
Am sorry about your situation. I can understand you very very well. Not obroni but am married to one and besides that am more more like a tour guide, I have many white friends, I worked with some and most I take around on to ... read full comment
Am sorry about your situation. I can understand you very very well. Not obroni but am married to one and besides that am more more like a tour guide, I have many white friends, I worked with some and most I take around on tour just for them to see my country. As matter of fact the song I hear in their company is obroni obroni. The real song is "obroni Koko maankyie, maafikyiri gon" in eweland you hear "Yevu Yevu geyibo" these are few of the uncomfortability my friends have to go through. But none of my friends took it personal. You just have to find a nice response and get close to those kids. Besides they don't mean anything evil. You have to understand, blacks in your country faces more personal attacks but they still push through. I have gone through many racial discrimination here in the US but still pushing through. Please deal with it and find a nice way out. Thanks
Matt 8 years ago
Hey Jeff. Maybe don't throw the word racism around so freely. The real racism is the capture of Ghanaian people to send abroad as chattel and the many years of colonialism. Your access to privilege anywhere in the world is un ... read full comment
Hey Jeff. Maybe don't throw the word racism around so freely. The real racism is the capture of Ghanaian people to send abroad as chattel and the many years of colonialism. Your access to privilege anywhere in the world is unmatched and being called a foreigner is a small price to pay. Sounds rough being accurately called a foreigner by inquistive children on your way to work.
K Fosu 8 years ago
A group of young men from England got a glimpse into what it was like to be mini-celebrities during a visit to China.
A video posted online this week shows the group of young black men in what appears to be rural China, attr ... read full comment
A group of young men from England got a glimpse into what it was like to be mini-celebrities during a visit to China.
A video posted online this week shows the group of young black men in what appears to be rural China, attracting a large crowd of curious onlookers who appear to be unused to seeing people from other countries - particularly when they have different-coloured skin.
They pan the camera round at their fascinated audience - who almost appear to have mistaken the group for footballers or pop stars.
Black Brits are surrounded by fascinated onlooking in China.
Dozens of curious onlookers circle around the group, taking pictures on their mobile phones
People appear to be fascinated by the Brits
Dozens of curious onlookers circle around the group, taking pictures on their mobile phones - much to the group's bemusement
The group of British travellers can be seen sitting on steps as dozens of Chinese people circle round them, taking pictures on their mobile phones.
One Chinese man even sits beside the black British man, places his hand on top of his to compare their skin colour, and poses for a photo.
Scores of curious onlookers can be seen taking photos and videos of the group, sitting beside them posing for selfies and simply pausing to stop and gaze at them.
The video has gone viral, amassing nearly six million views in just a couple of days.
One Chinese man can be seen sitting beside the black British man, placing his hand on top of his to compare their skin colour, and posing for a photo
One Chinese man can be seen sitting beside the black British man, placing his hand on top of his to compare their skin colour, and posing for a photo
The young man in the video jokes that he and his friends have attracted such a large crowd, even their fellow Brits are wondering if they are in fact famous
+3
The young man in the video jokes that he and his friends have attracted such a large crowd, even their fellow Brits are wondering if they are in fact famous
As he pans the camera round at his audience, one young man says: 'Look at this, madness!
'So many people trying to take photos of us.'
He jokes that even his fellow Brits are now wondering whether him and his friends are in fact famous.
He adds: 'So many people are trying to take photos of us, and then we get white people considering whether or not we're famous.
'They're like, "Wait, maybe they're famous, maybe we haven't been to England for that long and we just don't who they are?"'
And in a second video posted on Twitter, the young man says: 'Me and my boys just be sitting here chilling, just sitting - and look at the attraction we've got,' before he pans the camera round the audience again.
He points the camera to a woman sitting next to him, and tells the camera: 'I don't know this woman.
'I have never seen this woman before in my life.
'It's a bit mad.'
These two young men go up to the group and appear to ask for a photo - or perhaps an autograph, having mistaken them for celebrities
These two young men go up to the group and appear to ask for a photo - or perhaps an autograph, having mistaken them for celebrities
Members of the crowd even pose for selfies and simply pause to stop and gaze at the group
The video has gone viral, amassing nearly six million views in just a couple of days
Members of the crowd even pose for selfies and simply pause to stop and gaze at the group. The video has gone viral, amassing nearly six million views in just a couple of days. A group of young men from England got a glimpse into what it was like to be mini-celebrities during a visit to China.
A video posted online this week shows the group of young black men in what appears to be rural China, attracting a large crowd of curious onlookers who appear to be unused to seeing people from other countries - particularly when they have different-coloured skin.
They pan the camera round at their fascinated audience - who almost appear to have mistaken the group for footballers or pop stars.
Black brits are surrounded by fascinated onlooking in China
Dozens of curious onlookers circle around the group, taking pictures on their mobile phones
People appear to be fascinated by the Brits
Dozens of curious onlookers circle around the group, taking pictures on their mobile phones - much to the group's bemusement
The group of British travellers can be seen sitting on steps as dozens of Chinese people circle round them, taking pictures on their mobile phones.
One Chinese man even sits beside the black British man, places his hand on top of his to compare their skin colour, and poses for a photo.
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Scores of curious onlookers can be seen taking photos and videos of the group, sitting beside them posing for selfies and simply pausing to stop and gaze at them.
The video has gone viral, amassing nearly six million views in just a couple of days.
One Chinese man can be seen sitting beside the black British man, placing his hand on top of his to compare their skin colour, and posing for a photo.
One Chinese man can be seen sitting beside the black British man, placing his hand on top of his to compare their skin colour, and posing for a photo
The young man in the video jokes that he and his friends have attracted such a large crowd, even their fellow Brits are wondering if they are in fact famous
The young man in the video jokes that he and his friends have attracted such a large crowd, even their fellow Brits are wondering if they are in fact famous
As he pans the camera round at his audience, one young man says: 'Look at this, madness!
'So many people trying to take photos of us.'
He jokes that even his fellow Brits are now wondering whether him and his friends are in fact famous.
He adds: 'So many people are trying to take photos of us, and then we get white people considering whether or not we're famous.
'They're like, "Wait, maybe they're famous, maybe we haven't been to England for that long and we just don't who they are?"'
And in a second video posted on Twitter, the young man says: 'Me and my boys just be sitting here chilling, just sitting - and look at the attraction we've got,' before he pans the camera round the audience again.
He points the camera to a woman sitting next to him, and tells the camera: 'I don't know this woman.
'I have never seen this woman before in my life.
'It's a bit mad.'
These two young men go up to the group and appear to ask for a photo - or perhaps an autograph, having mistaken them for celebrities
+3
These two young men go up to the group and appear to ask for a photo - or perhaps an autograph, having mistaken them for celebrities
Members of the crowd even pose for selfies and simply pause to stop and gaze at the group
The video has gone viral, amassing nearly six million views in just a couple of days
Members of the crowd even pose for selfies and simply pause to stop and gaze at the group. The video has gone viral, amassing nearly six million views in just a couple of days
Stuart 7 years ago
In England you can become wealthy by reporting the attackers and claiming compensation. In Africa the authorities will probably further assault you when reporting.
In England you can become wealthy by reporting the attackers and claiming compensation. In Africa the authorities will probably further assault you when reporting.
Stuart 7 years ago
Can racism be compared? It is all power play and attacks on humanity by humans.
Can racism be compared? It is all power play and attacks on humanity by humans.
You call this racism What idoicy!
In fact, "BBC NEWS" you are wrong. How would you like to go down a street in, for exmple, England and all the kids screem at you 'Black Man, Black Man'.
Jeff, I think you are very right in your assessment of the Ghanaian society. Ethnic differences are so deeply rooted and has promoted nepotism to the highest level of our society. it is an open secret that some tribes in Ghan ...
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It is true that hearing resonating calls of "obroni" every morning, in the particular way in which the shouting is conducted, may make the hearer, in this case also the person to whom the calls are addressed, harbor the feeli ...
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The writer may have a point in his objection.However, if Jeff as he is to be called or wants to be known, will be sincerely honest to himself and not to anyone, he will know or realise that, the kind of racism that he is refe ...
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It is a light hearted article to just point out how being branded makes him feel alone. He clearly will like to be seen as one of us.Not an African which he clearly isn't but a human being
I have many white friends who lived in Ghana before and they all complain about Ghanaians calling them Obroni. They feel very uncomfortable to be called that way.
I felt the same way in China and Turkey when everybody wa ...
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I feel stronger about being addressed as obroni; it says that: he is not one of us. Pure racism and very offensive and derogatory and shows a serious lack of respect and is criminal. It is a first abuse on the road to further ...
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I can understand how you feel, I had similar experiences somewhere else in Europe and it was devastating! I agree with you that some form of racism occurs in Ghana and most people are not even aware that it is racism! I think ...
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Joe, mag ik je iets vragen? Vind je het woord, blank - een beledigen?
Indien niet, dan, waarom voel je aangesproken als iemand je blank noemt?
Nimrod, hij vindt/ziet het waarschijnlijk niet als belediging maar als een aanval.
Zeg het eerlijk, hoe zou je je voelen als je constant en bijna overall gevolgd wordt en nog Neger genoemde wordt ondanks dat dat niet jou ...
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FOYOOSIS, alles draait om het motief. Met andere woorden, het is de gedachten achter een daad dat de daad definieert. In het kort, als het motief niet slecht is, dan hoef je geen zorgen te maken.
Verder alles goed m ...
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Het gaat goed hoor! althans, ik leef nog!
Ik hoop dat alles goed met jou ook gaat.
FOYOOSIS, het gaat goed, maar het kan altijd beter. Trouwens, ik was in Ghana een maand of vier geleden. Om eerlijk te zijn, ik was geschrokken door de armoede. Het land is nog steeds mooi, maar wetteloos.
why not write the "franch" of dutch or holandais of flemish with translation.
This is a public forum
SHOW OFF
Kepengson Ray, thank you for a good (and wise reply). I am an obruni who is frequently in Ghana and although I was aware of most of what you have said your reply has given me an added understanding. Nervertheless it would be ...
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The proper education will be for Black children to be educated to realize that the White man is not superior to them! Then they wont go round worshiping these folks by calling them out on the streets.
I'm sure Mr Big Stuff didn't go to Damongo to be equal to anybody there. What with his "profession" ( I never knew medical student was a profession). But the "false sense of inferiority" that his forebear colonialists seared ...
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SORRY MATE! THE PREDICESSOR OF YOUR RACE WHO CAME HERE DID NOT EVEN REGARD US AS HUMAN. THA WORD "OBRONI" DERIVES FROM "ABRO" MEANING MALICE AND OBRONI MEANS THE MALICIOUS ONE. THE CHILDREN MAY NOT MEAN THIS WHEN THEY SHOUT I ...
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Jeff, I'm in the same boat as you, although I'm biracial Ghanaian. Not only i get called 'obroni' by the children but also some family members. It's so freaking annoying & rude. And they also like to always point the fact tha ...
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Oh in Kumasi, you will be called
"halv-Cash" or "Broni-Pete" which is worse. Please do not ask for the meaning of the latter.
Jeff, excellent contribution. You have a name and you must be addressed as such.
Obroni has never been a pejorative term nevertheless, it is so archaic. We are in the 21st century. Educate your friends at Damongo.
Please don't pollute the German language go back and learn your spellings of words well and also I'm married to a white guy anytime I call him obroni he ask me a simple question are happy when my family also refer to as black ...
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Have you been reading some of the articles from the NPP supremacist here on this forum? Just simple Google an articleww from Okoampa and check on Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast and a few other African nations to r ...
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I am married to a ghanaian and go regularly to Ghana. I agree it is very annoying to be called Obroni especially when it comes from family members. I feel it is a lack of respect as if I were black they would call me automati ...
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I agree while it is annoying most often, they mean no harm. It's more like an inferiority complex than racism. Sad but true.
Now you get why we are so mentally enslaved. It is so bad it is not even funny anymore. And worse, everyone does it to such a sickening extent and frequency. Ashantis look down on everyone, dagombas think all tribes are benea ...
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FROM ADAM, HUMANS HAVE DIFFERENTIATED EACH OTHER BY HOW WE LOOK AND WHERE WE COME FROM. THIS IS DONE IN ANY AND EVERY PART OF THIS GLOBE WE CALL HOME.IT IS DONE IN YOUR HOMELAND TOO. SO DON'T FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE.
Right on point brother. Even cats and dogs don't discriminate against each other because of different fur colors.
Jeff, ask any African American, (BLACK, YELLOW, LIGHT) in Ghana; he/she will tell you he/she has been called "Oburoni" at some time. You see the term "Oburoni" means "from over the horizon" or "foreigner". So it has been used ...
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we don't have any institutional discrimination or institutional racism in ghana so stop the rant of we ghanaians being racist with the term obroni.
look at the way we treat you in ghana and compare it to the way you treat us ...
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He is white and there's nothing wrong with the word Obroni.
So you wouldn't mind when white people follows you around and chant, obibini every time they see you? Seriously?
Please let's try to explain to Jeff than shearing feelings.Jeff is just trying to tell us what she has been facing since she arrived in our mother Ghana.I think if you Start to shear feelings by referring to her with the past ...
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The word "Obroni" is used in Ghana as a term of endearment rather than derogatory. I have lots of mixed-race Ghanaian born cousins ranging from 85 years to 40 and they have been called Obroni all their lives.That said, we do ...
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Dear Jeff,being called obroni in Ghana sometimes is a connotation of a term of endearment. Meaning one is polished, civilized or superior. Sorry for the misconception.
SHUT THE FUCK UP JOE OR WHATEVER U CALL URSELF. YOU PEOPLE CALL BLACK PEOPLE ALL SORTS OF DEROGATORY WORDS. THE DUTCH PEOPLE, YOUR FATHERS WERE THE OWNERS OF ALL THE SLAVE SHIPS WHICH TOOK OUR FATHERS TO WORK TO BUILD THE WEA ...
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OBRONI I REPEAT OBRONI JEFF. NOT ALL AFRICANS ARE FOOLS TO BELEIVE YOUR HYPOCRISY. SINCE YOU ARE IN GHANA GO TO CAPE COAST AND ELMINA CASTLE AND SEE EVEN THE REMAINS OF THE AC,TIONS YOU PEOPLE ON OUR CONTINENT. WHAT MORAL RI ...
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Am sorry about your situation. I can understand you very very well. Not obroni but am married to one and besides that am more more like a tour guide, I have many white friends, I worked with some and most I take around on to ...
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Hey Jeff. Maybe don't throw the word racism around so freely. The real racism is the capture of Ghanaian people to send abroad as chattel and the many years of colonialism. Your access to privilege anywhere in the world is un ...
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A group of young men from England got a glimpse into what it was like to be mini-celebrities during a visit to China.
A video posted online this week shows the group of young black men in what appears to be rural China, attr ...
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In England you can become wealthy by reporting the attackers and claiming compensation. In Africa the authorities will probably further assault you when reporting.
Can racism be compared? It is all power play and attacks on humanity by humans.