Job Discussion Forums

jg

Back in China.

After having taught here from 2003-2006, I went back to the states and continued my teaching there. At home I reflected on my experiences in China and tried, mightily, to come to grips with the negative experiences I had while job searching in China. Sometimes this meant being positive where being practical would have done me better. During my first time here I was able to find work, including once at an international school, but it took some very disspiriting experiences. I'd assumed that the attitudes and racism I encountered might change with time and China's "progress".

I tend to be optimistic. I am certified to teach in the US and have done so for several years. My Chinese is very good, and I am familiar with the culture/history. At home I saw and read about the progress, both social and economic, and thought it might be a good time to return for a bit.

Things haven't changed though, and in fact it seems worse. No less than 8 of the schools/Chinese recruiters I've dealt with have told me flat out that the school won't take me because I don't have white skin and other schools see my credentials and express great interest, but once they see my photo, I never hear from them again. I am not talking about schools in major urban areas, I mean schools in second and third tier cities where they used to be willing to take anyone.

I used to bs myself about the disconnect between the friendly treatment I get from friends, acquaintances, and some locals, or the open-mindedness of certain schools, but really it's quite crushing, and unlike in the past, I can no longer fall back on the old "you need to be thick skinned", "just keep plugging away" sort of chestnuts. If you are dark skinned and want to teach abroad, unless coming to China is of the utmost necessity, I'd say don't support such policies by being flexible and accomodating of them, or looking the other way until your break comes. It's something that stays with you, and will stay with me, unfortunately.

Wish I'd stayed home, not given in to what seemed the "can do" spirit. Of course everyone will feel differently and have somewhat varied experiences, but in this day and age, this sort of thing just disgusts me.

2 cents

Banner41 · Joined: 04 Jan 2011 Posts: 656 Location: Shanghai

SH_Panda · Joined: 31 May 2011 Posts: 455

Here's a tip for the OP.

If you think China is racist, don't ever go looking for work in that country just to the east of China, which must never be named.

It's something else over there... believe me.

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

jg,

Many thanks for posting. Your post is an invaluable one. Keep keepin' on with things, man.

Warm regards,
fat_chris

doogsville · Joined: 17 Nov 2011 Posts: 924 Location: China

The city I'm in Zhuhai, has several African Americans teaching quite happily. PM me if you want a couple of links to current vacancies here.

hilena_westb · Joined: 13 Nov 2012 Posts: 130

As much as nobody likes to hear it; this is not your country. If you cannot accept the culture, then you do not belong here.

Ariadne · Joined: 16 Jul 2004 Posts: 960

hilena... There's a heck of a lot I don't accept about Chinese culture, and I'd be willing to bet that you have not accepted everything either. We all make, or don't make, various adjustments when we work here. We do the same at home. Dave's is the perfect place for the OP to air his unhappiness with the sorry state of racial equality in China.

OP, I know it's a huge issue, one that can take the heart right out of you. I've been lucky enough to work for universities in China that do employ people with a variety of skin colors, but not all do and that will not change anytime soon.

Good luck to you, whatever you decide to do.

.

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

GeminiTiger · Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2013 11:29 am Post subject:

JamesD · Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2013 12:27 pm Post subject:

choudoufu · Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 3325 Location: Mao-berry, PRC

rogerwilco · Joined: 10 Jun 2010 Posts: 1549

basbas · Joined: 21 Oct 2011 Posts: 116

i take every chance I get to ridicule chinese people for their views on race, i suggest everyone else do the same. Never ever underestimate the effect of 'frown power' (the notion that if we never accept racism that eventually through attrition it will diminish). It's hard to always do this, ie voice your displeasure at open racism, but it is termendously important because silence is tantamount to agreeing with it...

Javelin of Radiance · Joined: 01 Jul 2009 Posts: 1187 Location: The West

twilothunder · Joined: 09 Dec 2011 Posts: 442

The racism here is shocking and disgusting.

It is actually only since I came to China that I have had a few genuinely close black friends (I grew up in a very white area of the UK) and I am astonished and appalled on a weekly basis by comments I see/hear directed at them and stories they tell. I don't know how they put up with and there have been times when they have had to tell me to not start something on their behalf.

It is only since I came to China that I realise how prevalent and offensive racism is, and it absolutely should be challenged in all its forms.