Job Discussion Forums

blackguy-n-Asia · Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Posts: 201

Living in Toronto, Canada.

I've always had Chinese friends and girlfriends. Not a drop of trouble or racism in any real way. The I read this site and hear that China and Taiwan are racist against black people? Very troubling.

I have friends in Shenzhen that I'm going to visit in June. I've taken a TESL course and have a cert. I'm also a Uni grad so I want to teach PT while I'm there. He says I'll take all the girls at the disco's, but I read differently here.

When I go to China, am I going to find mobs in every city telling me to go home (1988), or be denied seating in restaurants? Called racist names on the street? Pointed at and spat upon? Denied jobs because 'I scare children?' Called dirty and have kids wash their hands after they touch me by mistake?

This is what I read, put yourself in my shoes.....should I go with a UN division as an escort? What is the real China? I'd like to hear from you all.

whitjohn · Joined: 27 Feb 2003 Posts: 124

Laurent speaks of that which he does not know. He isn't here. Racist? Yes, but they will not spit on you.

khmerhit · Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 11:53 pm Post subject:

I remember the 88 riots--reading about them, that is.

Very odd that it should happen that one time. Were they organized? Must have been, for some obscure domestic political end.

Personally, I get the feeling the Chinese are racist over here in toronto, but no doubt Ive got the wrong end of the stick.. However, they sure do stick together. I might as well be in china, sometimes.

anthyp · Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 1320 Location: Chicago, IL USA

Hey,

I'm a Latin American living here. I look more "Latin" than "American," by the way. I haven't found it to be a real problem. Most people are curious and ask where my parents are from, and love it when I describe the rice there. I haven't once felt uncomfortable or like I was in trouble because of it. I live and work in a pretty small city, too, where you figure people would be more closed - minded.

extoere · Joined: 23 Feb 2004 Posts: 543

Black Guy: China has a couple thousand years' headstart on racism or "tribalism" on the rest of the world. Racist? Of course. It's my personal observation that no society is free of human ills, racism included. I and most members of my own multi-racial, multi-ethnic family have been the objects of racism and discrimination in many ways, some small, some of significant proportions, over the years in various places. I am an Old White Guy. I've never walked a mile in your shoes. But I will offer --- and let me emphasize that word 'offer' --- the same advice I've given my own three sons. Don't let the fear of racism interfere with your life. You're in control. Live your life. Those inclined to discriminate against you for the color of your skin shouldn't matter to you. Wear a smile. It's your strength, your suit of armor. Of course there are people in China who will fear you or dislike you or feel some degree of ambivalence toward you. But always remember: You are a ... MAN. I urge you not to be put off by the POSSIBILITY of racism or discrimination. Live your life and find your own POSSIBILITIES! If you want to live and work in China, by all means, go to China. Don't be dissuaded from life!

The best advice on this site is offered by Just-A-Guy, who says:
' .... And Don't Forget To Smile!'

Godspeed, Black Guy! Win them over!
extoere

lagerlout2006 · Joined: 17 Sep 2003 Posts: 985

Where did you read that Chinese have issues with blacks? I don;t recall reading anything like that here. In fact there was a thread suggesting this might be one of the best places to work in Asia .....Some Asians dont like ANYBODY but that;s another matter.

nolefan · Joined: 14 Jan 2004 Posts: 1458 Location: on the run

the official story for 88 was that Chinese Uni students took to the streets to protest the fact that "black" students were dating Chinese girls...

hahahaha · Joined: 25 Apr 2004 Posts: 79 Location: China

I am a black woman teaching in China. Racism is present in every country even in "FREE" America. In some countries it is so abvious and in others it is not. Don't let that stand on your way like someone advised
I have worked in China for three years. Loved by many and hated by an insignificant few.
The Chinese will ask you all these questions about blacks ........they do that out of curiousity and nothing else. Another black guy in my province just got married to a Chinese girl.........very pretty girl too. The men were sooooooooo angry about it but just couldn't do anything.
Chinese men can be real racists when you start/dating/loving/ touching thier women/girls......but that will be against all skin colours and not necessarily blacks.
Your salary offers might be a little lower than the white skin and blonde hair ESL teachers too. But you can get around that once they get to know and understand you.
Welcome to China.........whatever awaits you here is worth the adventure. Smile

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Basically, I consider Chinese rather clumsy in their social etiquette, insensitive, country bumpbkins, and as a non-Chinese you get to feel a lot of their uncouthness, whether you be white or black. However, blacks and dark-skinned people clearly have to bear the brunt of ostracism. This is even true for Chinese of a darker complexion themselves.

On the other hand, you are not likely to experience any physical violence. It's just lack of politeness and sophistication.
Employment-wise, you may also be discriminated against in favour of white foreigners. Put up with it, you have little chance.

I noticed in Guangzhou that the cops stop blacks for ID checks; this has never happened to me, but I saw it with my own eyes outside the GARDEN HOTEL.
There might be a reason: China has of late become a haven for a lot of itinerant Nigerians preying on host societies - you know all those scams they have earned a certain reputation for; in fact, Hong Kong closed its doors to them 6 years earlier because of this (as Commonwealth citizens they didn't need a visa for HK...), so they came over the border, and some try to teach, while others do "business".
Still, I have no bad feelings. In fact, I have run into white opposition to hiring black TEFLers.

hesterprynne · Joined: 16 Sep 2003 Posts: 386

Shenzhen is not some backwater that has never seen a foreigner before. It is frequented by foreigners of all types. (Shenzhen is distinguished in its description in Lonely Planet as competing with nearby Zhuhai, where I live, as the city in China with the most hookers.) As for the job situation, should you wish to find work, you will be able to. You may not be quite as marketable as someone who has blond hair and blue eyes, but your qualifications will help. If you learn Chinese, you will hear people every day comment on your appearance as you walk down the street. They do not know the 'n' word. They would say "heideren"- black person. Just as they would say the word for fat when I walk by, or the word for foreigner as we all walk by. I would say that you will be safe physically, and able to find female companionship, and to earn the respect of your students. At least this is what I think. If a black teacher living in this region has a different experience, please correct me.

garbotara · Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Posts: 529 Location: China

Shenzhen has a very high crime rate when it comes to robbery.Plus, it just done not have enough cultural things to do.They just have tacky stuff like Windows of the World. I think in some ways it is backwater.

Guest · Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 8:40 am Post subject:

Until I came here to China, I thought the Chinese people were racist against black people - as they seem to be in Vietnam, but I was wrong.

There are only three foreign teachers here at my School and two of them are young and black. One from the U.S.A. and the other from Kenya.

I think some Schools may still be but my School is certainly great in most ways.

Kurochan · Joined: 01 Mar 2003 Posts: 944 Location: China

Hi --

People may freak out when they see you, because they're just not used to seeing black people in real life (especially if they've just come from the countryside). I guess we'd all stare too if all of a sudden we saw a blue person, or someone with antennae or something. It would be that weird to them. You'll probably get a lot of staring, and maybe a few people will act scared, but it's not like anyone will attack you or anything.

As for finding jobs, I don't know. It depends on the school. I know some schools only want white people, while other schools don't care. It would be nice if you could network with other black people before you go, and get some school names from them. That way, the person you talk to could mention you to the school before you contact them, which would be a mark in your favor.

Wolf · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 1245 Location: Middle Earth

Dalian Veteran · Posted: Tue Apr 27, 2004 5:59 pm Post subject: