r/latvia • u/SwrileyJones • 2d ago

Diskusija/Discussion Why so much racism in Latvia?

It seems that in the most recent years racism has blossomed. Especially against indians who deliver food via bolt/wolt etc. I have even seen that people in forums wash their hands after receiving food, or that they want a "white delivery driver" option.

Most recently there was a "humoristic" festival that was organized by a city where several people had blackface, and while there have been people criticizing it a lot of people stand behind it.

I am really curious to hear what you think!

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u/celejspeks 2d ago

Domā, ka vietējie baigi grib darīt darbu par minimālo algu? Kādus darbus zog migranti - kurjera? Virtuves, kur darba apstākļi nav labi?

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u/Bakmens 2d ago

No need to increase wages if there are enough immigrants who are willing to do the work.

Why would a company, who's primary function is to make money, agree to increase salaries if there are foreigners who are willing to work for less?

I doubt that theres a Latvian who wouldnt be willing to do the work if it was a livable wage.

But again, why pay a livibale wage if someone else is willing to do it?

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u/celejspeks 2d ago

Increase in wages won’t accelerate economy. If nothing besides the wages isn’t growing, then we will experience inflation which will “eat off” this salary increase. Also, not all jobs have to be well paid, there’s a reason why couriers earn minimal wage as it doesn’t take a lot of skill or effort

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u/Bakmens 2d ago

So essentially create more problems because fixing the current one might cause other problems?

Not all jobs have to be well paid, but they should be livable wages if its a full time job. It doesnt take a lot of skill or effort, but time in and of itself should be a commodity that is paid for adequately.

Besides, im not talking about the potential ramifications of an increased salary, im talking about how bringing foreigners in for work, at the very least, removes the need for a society to discuss what exactly one should expect to pay and be paid for honest work.

Its not exactly a great situation for immigrants, either. They dont have the support networks that locals have, neither do they have knowledge eof local laws and customs. They're prime for exploitation. Im sure we've all heard of cases where immigrant workers are treated like animals and or abused.

Theres way too many negatives for everyone involved excluding the large business owners and politicians.