Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Kimchi Cha Cha]

I'm at the unfortunate point in language acquistion where I can understand a lot of what is said around me but usually can't eloquently retort remarks made about me for fear of sounding like a jabbering fool. So, usually I just ignore insulting or derogatory remarks made by adults.

Though, I increasingly believe that this is actually a disservice to non-Koreans in general if people who understand bad remarks made in front of them do not take a stand against it as it seems many Koreans will continue to make such remarks unabated unless confronted and given a short dose of reality that what they're saying is rude and uncalled for.

A case in point was last night I was a bar which usually during the week caters to mainly Korean clientele but on the weekend often becomes a foreigner bar. I was chatting to the barmaid, who's a nice girl and who I've known for a couple of years. In comes a couple of younger Korean guys who firstly speak quite rudely to the barmaid, who they seem to know, and then make a derogatory remark about my appearance. She tells them off saying I know Korean and understand what they're saying, to which the main culprit bows his head, looks apologetically towards me and remains sullen for the rest of the time he's there.

What I can't understand though is why does it make a difference that I understand for them to change their behavior?

Numerous times when I've been with Koreans who've found out I know some Korean, the first thing they say is 'oh, I better watch what I say around you then'. That always leaves me thinking why can't you just keep ill remarks to yourself regardless of whether the person knows Korean or not.

I'm not really looking for answers, this is just something that frustrates me and I needed to vent.

[billybrobby]

Are you fat?

[SuperFly]

Sigh. I've been thinking about this for a long time myself. I don't know if they will ever change their behavior. I don't think it's possible.

[Alyallen]

[Kimchi Cha Cha]

[Alyallen]

[Kimchi Cha Cha]

Yeah, I find the good people down here are really good, it's just there's a whole lot of ignorant fools in the way a lot of the time. I like it here but I think this will be my last year here, and if I come back to Korea it will be to somewhere slightly more urbane.

[Bibbitybop]

I usually don't care what they think about me. I know they don't know much or respect much out of their country and wouldn't be able to function or understand a lot outside of their country.

[Qinella]

[Alyallen]