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Uproar as social services portray immigrants as "angry monkeys"
Published June 18, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Domestic. Pictures of monkeys with veils and children illustrated as primates have been used in social services meetings with immigrant families in Gothenburg. After massive criticism for racism, the controversial material is now to be "reworked".

– How can an organization that is supposed to work against discrimination do this? It is structural racism, says Sara, who works in social services, to SVT Nyheter Väst.

The material, called "Angry Monkeys", has been used in the social services' meetings with immigrant families in northeast Gothenburg. Last year, it was nominated for the City of Gothenburg's internal award "Innovator of the Year".

However, the images, in which monkeys illustrate different emotions, have sparked strong reactions and accusations of racist undertones.

Daniel Bernmar (V), vice chairman of the municipal board, says he finds it difficult to understand how the material could have been produced without the management having reacted earlier,

– It cannot be difficult for many people familiar with the history of racism to understand that monkeys, moreover, placed in contexts where others are not monkeys, constitute a classic racist image of envy, he tells SVT.

The Northeast Social Welfare Committee took a lightning decision on Tuesday to conduct a review to see if more material of a similar nature is being used. At the same time, the municipal board demands that those responsible within the administration explain how the situation could have arisen and what reactions have been received both internally and externally.

– This makes it clear with all the desired clarity that we need to act more forcefully and need to have a plan against racism in place, says Bernmar.

Now it's time to "ensure that the city is governed according to human rights and against racism," according to him.

– That is why we have developed a plan against racism.

The material has now been withdrawn and will be reworked according to social services.

Muslim associations have also reacted strongly to the material.

– It is with dismay that we take note of the imagery that portrays young people and families in difficulty as monkeys. It is a completely senseless imagery, where, for example, a girl in a hijab is portrayed, not only as a monkey, but also surrounded by people – which further reinforces the dehumanization of Muslims, says Abdullah Almasri, coordinator of the Muslim cooperation group, to SVT.
https://www.friatider.se/kalab....alik-nar-socialtjans