tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post7257753011937346883..comments2024-03-26T03:31:06.199-04:00Comments on Ask a Korean!: Being Black in the KimchilandT.K. (Ask a Korean!)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07663422474464557214noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-31253455466484329982013-01-31T13:46:30.098-05:002013-01-31T13:46:30.098-05:00Just be prepared to feel like you are second class...Just be prepared to feel like you are second class and different.<br />welcome, not being racist, now you know how black or 3rd world people fell.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-60347498969173257192012-06-05T22:25:20.331-04:002012-06-05T22:25:20.331-04:00I would love to know about your experiences over i...I would love to know about your experiences over in Korea. I have been thinking about going and seeing as much as I can for my 30th birthday. Although, I am not too good with the language. When I first wanted to go all I saw when I reserched was these awful posts about Koreans hating blacks. I was afraid at first to go. Even some of the kpop idols that I love were said to be racists. I am trying to get a better undersnding and get over my fear and reading your post has settled how i felt. So please if you do write a blog let me know i would love to read about how it is over there, especially for an African American. Thank you for postinf this.Toihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11596043916197562987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-7539675735178889372010-10-10T12:37:15.357-04:002010-10-10T12:37:15.357-04:00This is in response to the post made by the Korean...This is in response to the post made by the Korean regarding the assertion that no violence and harassment will not come to a black person in Korea if they enter into the so dubbed 3 areas that threaten Koreans' position in Korean Society.<br />I agree with the majority of your post. However, as a warning to any black foreigners (especially black males that like to date Korean girls in public), one of my friends who is black recently told me a story about how he was at a club with a Korean girl he met there that same night and they were leaving the club to go to a different place together. Then a group of at least three Korean guys (that the girl had been talking to earlier that night at the same club) seemingly starting abusively degrading the girl. My friend who speaks no Korean tried to intervene and defend her (this story is according to him not from a witness). Then the guys basically got into a physical altercation with my friend who was alone at the time. He got pushed, kicked, and punched a few times. Nothing too serious like one might imagine from the injuries of a gang beat down in the U.S. He had a few brushes and hurt pride; nothing more. However, that threat, while very minor and remote, does exist in Korea especially if alcohol and Korean women are involved. My friend is a very mild mannered and friendly black dude of Trinidadian descent that grew up Vancouver, Canada. So, the Korean while I love your postings and site, that one assertion about no violence or harassment for blacks in Korea is being called into question right now. I am on the ground here in Korea seeing and hearing what is happening in society. Just have to put that out there as a possibility. By and large though in my 16 months experience here, there have not been a lot of direct in your face harassment and/or violence.The Aloof Observerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15163753137944172460noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-46047964747073294622010-03-05T17:30:34.706-05:002010-03-05T17:30:34.706-05:00I'm glad to see that a lot of the tension abou...I'm glad to see that a lot of the tension about racism in Korea has died down in this blog. <br /><br />I'm a Black guy going to Korea for the 3rd time in my life (for 3 yrs this time) and I plan on creating a page which will document my ventures in Korea as a Black guy. I do speak the language fluently (thanks to countless hours of study at DLIFLC Monterey, CA) and plan on covering as much of the peninsula as I possibly can. I will have a vehicle with me this time around and I can hardly wait to get started this summer. <br /><br />I've only experienced an instance or two of racism toward me and it was not extreme at all (mostly out of ignorance and misunderstanding of the Korean national's part). Aside from that, all the people I've met in Seoul seemed to be very impressed with my skills, which opened numerous doors that were once closed. I was able to get into most clubs, get a membership at a nice gym in Shinchon, etc. <br /><br />I remembered talking to a Korean when I was there in 2004 and this short conversation changed everything for me. I asked him, "Why are Koreans so afraid of dealing with me?" He said, "It's not you or your color they're afraid of, but your language." He proceeded to explain his statement into detail; from there, I told myself that the only way to combat what I was experiencing then was to help them feel comfortable (which to me entailed learning the language). So I left, went to school and spent 8 hrs. a day 7 days a week learning Korean all the way up to 400-level courses, and 2 yrs. later, I returned to Korea as a fluent speaker. <br /><br />I know how it feels when you really want to get to know someone but that language barrier is in the way hindering you from really knowing a person. I would start my conversations in Korean; they would think it's cute that I learned <i><b>SOME</b></i> Korean, so as always, they'd gauge me to see just how much I know. Let's just say after a few convos on current economical & social situations and how I felt about things such as reunification and Korean men & women changing roles in society, they (the Koreans I spoke with) would open up like a book to me. I even started getting bizarre curiosity questions about race issues...it didn't bother me; it only told me that they are comfortable with talking to me.<br /><br />I also worked for a friend, who is like an older brother to me, who is Korean at an early age who taught me very well about the Korean work ethic, so no issues there. I cannot wait to get there and show all other Black people who are interested in Korea and its people's way of life, that there is nothing to fear.Marchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08617381130730431769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-79390192259085802052009-02-28T22:32:00.000-05:002009-02-28T22:32:00.000-05:00Wow, weeks later and people are still loosing both...Wow, weeks later and people are still loosing both their minds and manners.<BR/><BR/>"Just an anecdotal story here, and not necessarily true everywhere in this country: My hagwon won't hire blacks." - We KNOW this already. What's interesting is that the people who work there, yourself and the head teacher, seem to be letting it pass and not saying that it's wrong. If you are, you didn't mention that in your example. Considering the number of blacks I know teaching here on the hagwon level and the years I've been here on the university level, there are places that will hire blacks. <BR/><BR/>Also, Birdman, I'm black and I don't mind the term "black" or "blacks" in reference to me. To each his own, but there is much more a person needs to do in reference to race to get me all riled up.Reginahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09024832959937205245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-66862012682659000632009-02-15T17:55:00.000-05:002009-02-15T17:55:00.000-05:00Birdman,There is no such intension. Racism is vile...Birdman,<BR/><BR/>There is no such intension. Racism is vile in any shape or form. But there is a difference between explanation and justification. The Korean only does the former. If you want change, saying "Stop being stupid" is the least effective way of doing that.The Koreanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04328000772620833495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-6300156455768533562009-02-15T07:53:00.000-05:002009-02-15T07:53:00.000-05:00The funny thing is, it seems as if "The Korean"is ...The funny thing is, it seems as if "The Korean"is defending the social stigmas that Korean people place on other races, does it not? <BR/><BR/>Anyway, it all boils down to this-Korean people who are racist (which a majority of them are) are plain hippocritical and stupid. Consider that white folks have made the most fun of people of asian decent's language, manner of dress, and all other aspects of asian culture.... I mean they consider Asian people "Exotic..." Hold on... being born different makes you exotic eh? Well that makes you more or less a friggin' animal in a zoo, because isn't an african elephant considered exotic??? But no, we have Asian people glorifying white people: How many times have I seen Japanese or Koreans with Brown/Blonde hair and eye surgery? How stupid is this? My thing is this- Asians need to be educated if they believe white folks to be superior to blacks, hispanics, etc because we are all the same except for small things. Oh and for the record: to a white man, you aren't anything but a chingy-chong with YELLOW skin and no matter how much you try to lighten your skin, dye your hair, or "fix" your beautiful eyes, you'll still be inferior in their eyes. <BR/><BR/><BR/>P.S. Can you posters stop calling us "blacks" and say Black people or African Americans? Thank you.I Am Th3Birdmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16199760768110734071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-13836278601162414482009-01-10T05:25:00.000-05:002009-01-10T05:25:00.000-05:00Just an anecdotal story here, and not necessarily ...Just an anecdotal story here, and not necessarily true everywhere in this country: My hagwon won't hire blacks. In fact they won't hire Asians who have been raised abroad.The American head teacher at my school has even been called into the assistant director's office and asked a judgment call as to whether a person was or was not black, since that must have been a deciding factor. <BR/><BR/>If you don't have a face that they think is "American/Canadian" enough, they won't hire you. Which of course is a northern European look in all reality. Also, they don't want any of your Australian, British, South African, New Zealander, or Irish accents either. Obviously Americans and Canadians are superior.... well, at least the ones of Northern European decent.์กฐ์๋https://www.blogger.com/profile/18436544214416169575noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-79237337035932128912009-01-10T01:32:00.000-05:002009-01-10T01:32:00.000-05:00Maybe we should take this discussion elsewhere bec...Maybe we should take this discussion elsewhere because it seems the Korean loves to delete comments.Muckefuckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12094271177136251734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-44609172684851440282009-01-10T01:28:00.000-05:002009-01-10T01:28:00.000-05:00JW--compare apples to apples. Recent graduates fro...JW--compare apples to apples. Recent graduates from overseas DO NOT make the same amount of money or more as recent Korean English teacher graduates do. Give me some statistics comparing Korean and non-Korean salaries of teachers in Korea that don't come out of your ass, like always.Muckefuckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12094271177136251734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-38740040266183141402009-01-10T01:18:00.000-05:002009-01-10T01:18:00.000-05:00This post is nonsense. I worked in Korea for 4 yea...This post is nonsense. I worked in Korea for 4 years. During the hiring phase at a foreign highschool, I helped my Korean co-teacher choose some applicants from a resume pool. One of those applicants was black. (Applicants apply with pictures in Korea, a common practice.) The black man had an excellent resume. My co-teacher removed his resume from the pile without looking at it. Why I asked? Because he is black, and the high school students can't handle it. Second, I knew a black teacher who was asked to leave by his school after one year. Many ajumas complained to the school board that they didn't like a black man in their hamlet. He couldn't resign, but a white guy got the job next year. So racism is alive and well in Korea.Muckefuckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12094271177136251734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-36852569286707379922009-01-07T08:37:00.000-05:002009-01-07T08:37:00.000-05:00I don't have any doucmentation but I can say this ...I don't have any doucmentation but I can say this from experience. <BR/><BR/>I believe Korea to be one of the safest places to live in all the earth. As a woman I feel safe walking around at midnite or later and have no thoughts I will be assaulted or harrassed like I would walking the city in America. <BR/><BR/>But that being said, we (hubby and I) have had our share of unfortunate happenings. Hubby was the focus of a drunk man's rage in broad daylight and he kicked open our front door. Hubby went to the police to report the incident and who shows up at the police station? THE man apologizing. Hubby let it go. I have been groped about 4 times here in Korea in public places (daylight hours) by Korean men and once some wierdo pulled his car over so he could do 'his business' (and I don't mean go to the bathroom) in front of me. <BR/><BR/>Over a total of 7 years that about sums it up. I still feel safe here- much safer then I would at night in my home country.Lilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16436322794288713383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-59435512710024824222009-01-06T01:27:00.000-05:002009-01-06T01:27:00.000-05:00Speaking as a person of color (the white kind), I ...Speaking as a person of color (the white kind), I can say that there's probably no safer land for you to work and live than in Korea. If you're white, you're likely to face some opposition/racism because you're a foreigner. If you're another color, particularly black, you're facing very increased odds of fitting in. If you have it in your mind that you'll be accepted in Korea because you're white/black/green, you're wrong. You're not of the Han. But if you think that you can't have a meaningful life working/learning in Korea because you're black or some other color (than white) you're wrong. You're going to face more challenges (and more ignorance and suspicion) than your white sisters and brothers would, but that won't prevent you being accepted by Koreans that you want as friends/associates; I believe, perhaps naively as a white man, that your own actions and conduct will have a greater effect on your acceptance in Korean society. Sure, there's inbred racism Korea, but it's not going to get you dragged behind a truck. You might get jeered at, and you'll certainly get the N word - none of these things are right, but if you're more adult and situationally/culturally aware than your harassers are, your time in Korea will be of immense benefit. Face it, not everyone is going to like you anyway, and a number of those people will be extra suspicious just because you're not Korean and not white. <B>If you're able to rise above that, Korea is/will likely be one of the best experiences of your life.</B> It's much like so many things in life - there's a lot that you have control over and it's what you make it (mostly). Still, be prepared for a whole lot of culture shock.CactusMcHarrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12416561746096166917noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-11807745414998461422009-01-05T02:48:00.000-05:002009-01-05T02:48:00.000-05:00Oh WOW! I am shocked and awed by the Kesumo comme...Oh WOW! I am shocked and awed by the Kesumo comments about her friends' experience in Korea. I think your friend erroneously traveled to North Korea, not South!!!! <BR/><BR/>Although I had never insinuated Korea as a perfect society, I don't ever recall Koreans resorting to violence against foreigners. If it did, I would like someone or anyone to provide me with some accurate data by a credible news media -- no blogs. <BR/><BR/>I am having a hard time believing Kesumo's story. During the past summer, I had the opportunity to visit Itaewon, aka "foreign district" in Seoul. And I met many foreigners of which I had the opportunities to engage in conversations about their experiences in Korea. Most of the foreigners said that they were having the time of their lives, and the best thing about Korea was how they felt it was such a SAFE country to travel and live. <BR/><BR/>For those that are somewhat unaware of contemporary Korea, I will delve into three major characteristics of the Korean people. First, Koreans have a lot of pride -- I think the Korean articulated this in a fine fashion a few months ago. Second, Korea tend to compare with one another, meaning that we talk about what are some of the things we have accomplished thus far in out life, either professionally or personally. This stems from South Korea's hyper competitive culture in general -- how many hours do students spend studying just to get into a decent university in Korea. Third, Koreans in general are peaceful people. For example, unlike some countries in the world, South Koreans protest by holding candle light vigils -- VT shooting, US Beef trade, ETC. In Addition, the ultra foreign-friendly treatments stems from that fact that we want them to have lasting memories of our country; that half a decade ago in total ruins stemming from a civil war. Although I am deeply saddened by the Kesumo's friend was attacked in Korea but, if it did, it is definitely a isolated incident.Miguk chonhnumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07695554200912433082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-59351555467485159522009-01-04T00:09:00.000-05:002009-01-04T00:09:00.000-05:00I noticed a couple of links back to me. Thanks Ko...I noticed a couple of links back to me. Thanks Korean ;)<BR/><BR/>I'm not going to even wander into this mosh pit of a fight as I've said what I need to say on racism in Korea. <BR/><BR/>Yes, it's here. <BR/><BR/>No, when it comes to being a minority, it's not a huge deal. It's a huge deal only if you've never been impacted by it.<BR/><BR/>So my fellow people of color, most definitely apply to work here if you think it's something that might work for you.Reginahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09024832959937205245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-5896592217770611772008-12-31T15:28:00.000-05:002008-12-31T15:28:00.000-05:00mimi,the Korean will answer a couple of points.Bei...mimi,<BR/><BR/>the Korean will answer a couple of points.<BR/><BR/><I>Being as such we all don't live in the 'ghetto', the KA's that do business in the black areas out here in the suburbs, are the same: Rude, nasty and suspicious.</I><BR/><BR/>It really does not matter where a given Korean American store is, because all Korean American storekeepers communicate to some degree. They attend the same church, and read the same Korean language newspaper. Because a significant proportion of Korean Americans do own stores in the ghetto and fall victim to disproportionate amount of crimes committed by blacks and Hispanics, such news affects all Korean American storekeepers who hear news of such crimes.<BR/><BR/>Also, it is not clear if you ever lived in Korea from what you wrote. But from what the Korean can glean, it seems like you have a lot of interaction with Korean American rather than Koreans in Korea. Conflating the two is an easy mistake, and the Korean specifically made the point in the post about Koreans vs. Korean Americans to show that the two are different. (And one such difference is how they treat blacks.)The Koreanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04328000772620833495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-39738009127010606642008-12-31T15:15:00.000-05:002008-12-31T15:15:00.000-05:00Lest anyone should say anything about the Korean's...Lest anyone should say anything about the Korean's quality control: please read the first sentence of AAK! Policy on the right sidebar.The Koreanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04328000772620833495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-59834215575473853052008-12-28T20:55:00.000-05:002008-12-28T20:55:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.I am, therefore I think.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03036468014467526897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-83027598780491460642008-12-28T20:46:00.000-05:002008-12-28T20:46:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.I am, therefore I think.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03036468014467526897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-82545166256245950132008-12-28T04:38:00.000-05:002008-12-28T04:38:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.ksojehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04229169889322752019noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-72926591254286499002008-12-27T21:47:00.000-05:002008-12-27T21:47:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.King Baeksuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15106210206814275410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-31215016817211391132008-12-27T21:04:00.000-05:002008-12-27T21:04:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.King Baeksuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15106210206814275410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-40492146898520910042008-12-27T14:28:00.000-05:002008-12-27T14:28:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.I am, therefore I think.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03036468014467526897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-18091010627046151282008-12-27T00:42:00.000-05:002008-12-27T00:42:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.small41https://www.blogger.com/profile/04219876053474725472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36405856.post-42785685260347597412008-12-26T12:16:00.000-05:002008-12-26T12:16:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.JWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01057751527419614924noreply@blogger.com