although i see the need for generalization in this discussion, i don't think you can expect it to result in a correct representation of europe.. the same can probably be said about "americans", but the thing with europe is that it consists of a wiiiiide range of different cultures, nations, ethnic groups and ideas. from east to west, north to south.

there just isn't one common perception of e.g. immigrants throughout europe, every country has their own politicians and their own range of opinions, and one country doesn't give a damn about what another country is doing (except in the context of EU, with spanish president aznar trying to fight immigration).

so when someone talks about racism in germany, france or italy - it doesn't represent *europe* in any way, only the country mentioned. thought i should put that into the discussion, my bad is somebody has mentioned it before..