Job Discussion Forums

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

Oxford Seminars have popped up a few times in the newbie and general section, and the general opinion is that their courses are sub-standard, and their services and descriptions of the course are also a bit dubious.

Definately one to avoid I think.

On the race issue ... I lived next door to an American black woman in Hainan. Her Chinese was outstanding, and she was able to understand what people in the streets and markets would say about her when she was out and about or shopping. She did report she was subject to a lot of name calling, comparisons, and prejudice that would be rarely, if ever, encountered in the West.

Whilst we may all see, know and work with people in China who are not blonde haired and blue eyed, it is naive to suggest that racism doesnt exist here, and that opportunities are the same for all native speakers regardless of race. Although this employer mentioned the hair was a problem, it wouldnt be a shock to me if this was just an excuse trotted out rather than mentioning skin colour as the real problem. If the OP had his hair cut, then perhaps accent would become a problem etc etc

Chris_Crossley

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

Yeah, its a face issue. And probably one we have all been subjected to in one form or other, regardless of race. In my experience, its quite rare for the real issue or problem to be pointed out and tackled in a clear fashion. In such instances of tackling and solving problems, there is normally a certain amount of to-ing and fro-ing, and perhaps negotiation, before one even gets to the genuine root of the issue.

GypsyKingAdventures · Joined: 08 Feb 2009 Posts: 25 Location: Tampa, Florida

Honestly, after being here a year and seeing how racist and phobic the Chinese are to anyone who is different even in the most mundane of ways, I'm surprised you even got offered the job in the first place.
I can tell you from experience, I'm 6'0, white, and bald, that you are in for a lot of having to swallow your pride and a high frustration level at the attitudes of your students towards you, at least until they get to know you.
If the school saw you in a photo upfront and they hired you, then personally I would use the argument, "you saw me when you hired me and I had this hair, I'm not cutting it, sorry"...but if for any reason you are a surprise to them physically, you have to weigh how important it is for you to keep this job. Because if you don't cut it they most likely will not hire you and even if they acquiesce now, they will be more demanding of you in every way later, it's just the way they are, in my humble opinion...
Good luck, grow some tough skin fast, expect a lot of laughs and questions, and try to enjoy yourself when possible.

Cheers!

joey2001 · Joined: 26 Oct 2006 Posts: 697

tudodude · Joined: 08 Mar 2007 Posts: 82

it ain't racism as you are trying to make it. The race card won't work out here. Stop trying to bring your western value system here, you will only lose.
Cut your hair and accept that they like things the Chinese way.
I would suggest that there are other countries where you would feel more liked. Wrong place for a brother.

GypsyKingAdventures · Joined: 08 Feb 2009 Posts: 25 Location: Tampa, Florida

Hey..great post and sorry you had such a lousy experience with your Director, etc. and I'm really surprised you had problems with Oxford Seminars...I researched them before I took their class in Tampa, Florida almost exactly a year ago, loved their class, their documentation is good, their website is professional and I still chat with my instructor - overall an excellent experience with Oxford.

However, I didn't use them as a placement service so can't speak of direct experience with that service they provide. Where did you take their course and did you and your Vietnamese 'almost' colleague take the same course?

Thanks!

A'Moo · Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 4:01 pm Post subject:

Naomi_USA · Joined: 04 Oct 2009 Posts: 6

A'Moo, You really sound like a Hater. You are probably unattractive and have always been at the mercy of being picked on. Can someone be Black and also be beautiful? It's not usually a problem when other races think of themselves as being beautiful, but a Black Man cannot??? Look at yourself internally, You must have had an experience that has made you so jealous of other races specifically Black. There are many black people including myself that have worked very hard in life for success and succeeded, who are beautiful and responsible. I think everyone would agree that it is okay to think highly of yourself. I would assume that you would want to think the same of yourself.

And for playing the race card, I believe this post was warranted and educational. It has nothing to do with playing any cards, but stating facts. Maybe we have more racist on eslcafe than we do in China.

A'Moo · Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 4:57 pm Post subject:

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

Lobster · Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2009 5:20 pm Post subject:

Well, it just seems a little immodest to refer to yourself in flattering terms, no matter your race. However that's not so important. Entitlement issues? I'm not going to go there.

Here's what you don't seem to be able to understand:

1. You're black; you'll scare the children!
2. You have long hair; you'll scare the children!
3. You have tattoos; you'll scare the children!
4. You're so tall; you'll scare the children!
5. You've got red hair; you'll scare the children!
6. You have piercings; you'll scare the children!

Interpretation: You are too different and I don't know how to handle it and it makes me feel insecure. How can I change you to make you fit into the parameters of what I can deal with, or how can I avoid dealing with you altogether because you scare me?

One should be prepared for all sorts of ignorance and prejudice in life, and not just here. There are things about people that they can't change, like their hair or skin color, and then there are personal fashion choices that they may not wish to change. No matter, there is little understanding of western cultural diversity or sub-cultural belonging here. You may think you're cute, special and a strong individualist. They may think you're a freak. Can you live with it?

RED