How racist is Switzerland? Like in the rest of the world, a degree of racism does exist in the otherwise neutral country of Switzerland. Some people--both Swiss and non-Swiss--don't even want to confront this reality. Read on and uncover myth from reality.

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How racist is Switzerland? Like in the rest of the world, a degree of racism does exist in the otherwise neutral country of Switzerland. Some people--both Swiss and non-Swiss--don't even want to confront this reality. Read on and uncover myth from reality.

The Swiss take the kind of pride in their public transportation system that the French do in their food and the Italians in their leather, and it is not without reason. Many foreigners here can tell you in detail about the "first time" they set foot on a Swiss tram. As a New Yorker accustomed to a dally battle with the odour, delays and craziness of the Manhattan subway, my "first time" was probably especially memorable.

The experience was dean and germ-free. It helped maintain peace of mind. The morning trip to work involves no fear for anyone's physical safety, no frantic face-offs with the person next to you to determine who will be the last person stuffed into the car, and (usually) no red-eyed lunatic sitting across you and staring unblinkingly at your neck. Peop...

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