Job Discussion Forums

[wayoutwest]

I am a new poster and have a question. I am half mexican/half white, and I definitely am a shade of brown. (my family uses brownie as a term of endearment) I have lived in a few different ethnic communities and traveled quite alot and inevietably, people assume I am a mix of whatever darker nationality is prevalent and white, or part of their culture (it happens at least once every two weeks, no matter where I am). Anyway, english is native lang. (neither of my parents speak spanish) and the only accent I have is Californian/American.

I've seen racial issues adressed for black folks, but not too much about hispanics. Any place I absolutely should not go? How about countires where I will be at a disadvantage or stuggle more to find a job?

Any info is really apprecited.

WoW

[tedkarma]

I have a Hispanic friend who is teaching in Korea - no one there would have the slightest suspicion (not that it should matter). He's not a dark brown - but he ain't pasty white either.

While Koreans would be very quick to discriminate - their ability to see differences between us foreigners is often not so good. Some Koreans will tell you we all look the same. You may find this true in many other countries too.

My wife, btw, has some strong Hispanic heritage - more of a mediterranean olive skin tone - dark brown hair, dark brown eyes - Latin temper . . . She looks Indian to me (the country). I've had a couple stupid people tell me only once or twice that she "doesn't look American" (in Thailand and in Korea) - but she has never had difficulty landing a good job.

Don't even let it become an issue - laugh at anyone who asks - and you'll do just fine.

I wouldn't worry about it.

[Moore]

I�d avoid Spain if I were you: despite having stripped South America of resources for hundreds of years, the Spanish still seem rather retiscent about welcoming its inhabitants who only wish to come here to do an honest day�s work: you�d soon get sick of having to show police your papers every five minutes. Sad, but I�d follow the other posters advice and head to Asia.

[Mchristophermsw]

I am Italian and Spanish, last name Santaigo. But most people think I am white. What was interesting to me when I was in the Caribbean, Trinidad was that I was "White". If your not Chinese, East Indian or African--your white. It did not matter that I had deep Spaniard Roots ( Spian was the first of many colonizers of that Country).

I guess each country has its own "idea" of race and all quite interesting.
A side note. Iam the only Hispanic in my Graduate program in TESOL.

Anyhow, I think you will do great in 99.9 pecent of the places you go.

Also, on another side note what I thought was Ironic was that I watching CNN the other night and they had a special on the KKK in the South and how they are targeting Hispanics now.....Its amazing, go abroad and your welcomed, stay home ( in certian parts of the US) and you might end up dead...Sad.