Comment from Barbara in Germany

Hi Ben,
talking about prejudices: What about the good old English prejudice regarding the militarist, racist Germans (”Alemania, donde hay un monton de racismo”)? Yes, there exists racism in Germany (as does in any other country I’ve been to) and there are areas especially in eastern Germany, where it’s alarmingly increasing. But the racists are a minority and their activities are constantly accompanied by anti racist manifestations of thousands of people. Above that the problem is continously discussed in the media and the racists are – apart from the yellow press sharply criticised. Not to speak of hundreds of official institutions and delegates for immigrant concerns. Check it out yourself one day most of the Germans are pretty nice people
Best wishes from Germany! Barbara

Comment from Ben

Hi Barbara, I’m sorry if I offended you with that comment in the podcast. I know the English are some of the biggest racists there are – I am getting into a lot of trouble recently for not contrasting all my comments with my country of origin it seems! I know the Germans are very nice people, I have been there and met them!

Comment from Edith

El artí­culo sobre la boda de Farruquito fue muy interesante. No sabí­a que la ‘prueba del pañuelo’ todaví­a existe…

Comment from Rachel (US)

I was actually instructed to listen to the podcast as part of my AP Spanish homework. I was expecting something dull and monotonous. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. As in concerns to the podcast itself, the number of gypsies really astonished me! I’ve never been outside of the U.S. except Mexico and Cuba, so I’ve never confronted any gypsies. Prejudice isn’t limited to the gypsies or to Spain, in fact, far from it. It can be found in any country and toward any type of person, it’s one of those duh things. Anyway, the point of my comment is to let you know I really enjoyed the podcast. =]

Comment from ben

Thanks Rachel, I’m really glad you enjoyed your homework!

Comment from James (US)

Acabo de descrubrir su sitio y me gusta mucho. Ben, dijiste que los padres que no quieren que sus hijos vayan a clase con los gitanos son racistas y estoy de acuerdo contigo. ¿Pero a ti te gustaria que tus hijos fueran a una escuela llena de gitanos? ¿Te gustaria vivir en un barrio gitano? Yo no. Si soy racista por lo que he escrito, está bien. Quiero vivir en un barrio tranquilo y seguro. Y no voy a encontrar mucha tranquilidad y seguridad en un lugar lleno de gitanos.

Comment from ben

Bueno, James, a lo mejor tienes razon – hasta que viva la experiencia de primera mano no puedo decir como me afectaria. Ahora mismo no tenemos hijos, pero un dia espero enfrentar estas decisiones tan dificiles en cuanto a su educacion etc.

Comment from ricardo

I would like to know is farruquito wife is cuban born?

Comment from john

i think that comment about the english is a bit of a generalisation. i’m not denying the existince of racist englishmen but most of use are actually quite sensible. so lets avoid trying to offend people please

Comment from anonymous

No conozco con exactamente qué está pasando con el racismo de España y los gitanos, pero generalmente en este tiempo, a menos en los estados unidos, creo que el racismo es algo que es más del pesamiento y hay más racismo a las personas que se dice son las racistas.

Lo siento para mi gramática, soló hace más o menos dos años que he comenzado estudiar español…. pero a menos puedo comprender estes podcasts. Es mi tipo favorito de tarea.