"Did you get a break from Litla-Hraun?" Racism and prejudice against people from Lithuania in the beginning of the 21st century

Abstract

The beginning of the 21st century in Iceland‘s labour market underwent significant changes, where employment opportunities were plentiful. Lithuania became a part of the EU in 2004, increasing the possibilities of Lithuanians to work in different European countries. The article focuses on their experience of Lithuanians living in Iceland. The article analyses racism against Lithuanians in Iceland and what it says about racism in general in the global north. The discussion position prejudice against Lithuanians in the context of prejudice that Lithuanians have encountered in other countries, where they have also experienced racism. The article emphasizes that racism is not only the consequence of lack of knowledge or echo of the past, but are facilitated by instuitional regulations and emphasis.