Job Discussion Forums

Selise · Joined: 24 Jul 2007 Posts: 3

Hi. I'm a sort of a newbie here. I've been doing research to teach abroad specifically in South Korea, Taiwan, or Japan. I want to know from people currently living or who have lived recently in Taiwan how bad the racism is there. I'm black, and I've seen a few posts where racism is mentioned, but it seems like that attitude is 1 of 2 things. 1) The racism is not that bad unless you're black. or 2)there's racism everywhere you just deal with it. I'm always skeptical of the latter opinion, simply because I know it's easier to say that when you haven't personally had the experience or been part of someone else's experience. I've been in similar situations before and I don't want to go into a foreign country unprepared for it under false pretenses, so any info you can give me from personal experience would be great.

imani360 · Joined: 05 Apr 2005 Posts: 7

hey there.

there's definitely racism in all of the countries that you mentioned, and, unfortunately, the farker one's skin, the more vitriolic the hate. that said, south korea is undoubtedly the most racist country in east asia. there are pretty consistent attacks against all foreigners there, so it's not just the dirty stare-type racism that one ususally encounters.

taiwan is, in my experience, the least racist of east asian countries. it's rather progressive, and it's one of the few places where people of color can find employment. that said, it's not always easy finding a job without a white face...

jotham · Joined: 05 Jul 2007 Posts: 77

I've had little experience in Japan myself, but I've heard from someone living there that Japanese youth tend to admire or idolize black culture, styles, and perhaps people. This is only hearsay, so maybe check to see if others can back this up.
Maybe this site could be useful:
http://www.blacktokyo.com/

Selise · Joined: 24 Jul 2007 Posts: 3

Thanks for the link. I've also heard that about Japan, which could be a little uncomfortable itself, but I guess it beats having people hurl insults and possibly other things at you.

door3344 · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 18

I wouldn't say Japanese "idolize" black "culture". I'm sure you'll find the average Japanese harbours the same degree of hostility towards blacks as other Asians. They just might not express it as openly as their neighbours.