Job Discussion Forums

[CECTPA]

Hi R

I wanted to jump in on this before -- another black woman's perspective. I'm also showing up in December for a second look. PM me if you wish.

When I visited, I had the sensors out for a generally racist vibe such as I experienced as an obvious foreigner in Eastern Europe (not all people were hostile, but the manifestations were not pretty) and I didn't feel it.

I didn't get harassed, but maybe I just wasn't there long enough. I've got a repertoire of 'don't mess with me' evil blackwoman glares (some of which I stole off Grace Jones) and didn't really need to use them, but I guess those are not effective against pervs who grab butts.

Istiklal Caddesi is kinda skeevy, and only becomes more so the later it gets; I agree with the other posters, it's better to walk there with company.

The Turkish guys who wanted to talk to me were respectful, and I had heard the horror stories so that was a pleasant surprise. (Also it helps a LOT if you learn some Turkish) I noticed the African men were quite friendly also; they spoke but nobody bothered me.

I don't know; probably your typical urban defensive posture is advisable, but don't let a few idiots scare you off. And we'll see about what the employment picture is like.

The world is your bus. You paid the same fare, sit wherever you want!

[Mark Loyd]

very Rosa Parks

[Henry_Cowell]

[Mark Loyd]

There is a lot of skeeviness in Turkey.

[Mark Loyd]

[Henry_Cowell]

At least I am not in Turkey.

[Mark Loyd]

Neither am I.

[Henry_Cowell]

Right.

[Mark Loyd]

right

[teacherdude]

[teacherdude]

To summarise,

u can find work here in Ist.

Turks are coming around to the realisation that not all North Amercians are blond and blue eyed.

You will be considered exotic and get a lot of attention.

Don't take the staring personally. Turks stare at anything that is considered different, ie. blacks, East Indians, gays etc.

U should be wary of Istiklal Cadessi late at night and should avoid walking there alone at late hours.

U will most Turks friendly and eager to know u.

Will you be embraced with open arms and get a job? Yes.

Will you meet up with some discrimination because of your colour? Yes.

However, u find the same in the US, Canada and the UK.

If you have the patience for the odd bit of ignorance, u will thoroughly enjoy your time here.

Teacher Dude

[Mark Loyd]

Beware of the PM we all know is coming that will offer you an illegal job.

[teacherdude]

[Mark Loyd]

TD

You are an angry young man.

[NMB]

As a black woman who lived and worked in Istanbul, I agree with Teacherdude's summary.