Korean Job Discussion Forums

Butterfly · Joined: 02 Mar 2003 Location: Kuwait

I just think that post wasn't put very well.

Of course Dave isn't racist, he's an EFL specialist and businessman, so I don't think it was very polite to the man who provides this forum for us to express ourselves through.

The topic however, does merit discussion and I would like to rephrase the question,

"Is Dave aware of some occasional apparently racist practices in the recruiting of some of his clients in Korea, and could we suggest that language such as "Whites only need apply" be removed from their positions vacant advertising posts?"

The same point can be raised rather tactfully and politely. Dave is of course not racist, but some of his clients are. He is a businessman, how can he deal with this?

kiwiboy_nz_99 · Joined: 05 Jul 2003 Location: ...Enlightenment...

If the racist language is taken out of the advertisements, can't they pretty easily just carry on with their racist hiring practices. They'll just ask you in email or on the phone what race you are and if you're not white you won't get the job. Taking the language out of the advertisements won't stop it.

Butterfly · Joined: 02 Mar 2003 Location: Kuwait

Harpeau · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Location: Coquitlam, BC

William Beckerson · Guest

Well, hate to be the stinker here... but I think anyone who benefits or takes advanage of an industry that is based on racist hiring policies should pack their bags out of guilt and leave Korea tomorrow!

SO.... I guess I'll be seeing every single last one of you at Incheon Airport tomorrow? We can make it a spur of the moment ESL Cafe bash.

WELL?

No?

Then shut up about the problem of racism in Korea, because as long as you're still drawing a paycheck here, you're as guilty as they are.

You bunch of damned uppity Uncle Toms.

kiwiboy_nz_99 · Joined: 05 Jul 2003 Location: ...Enlightenment...

Tiberious aka Sparkles · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: I'm one cool cat!

William Beckerson · Guest

Kiwi: I'm saying we're as guilty as the Koreans when it comes to supporting a racist industry. If someone was serious about wanting to change it, they shouldn't be part of the system.

We who make money from it, are part of the problem.

This topic comes up frequently. And despite our best impulses, (And I'm not saying wanting to see a positive change in this regard is bad) change will only come once the Koreans themselves decide to change it.

The only other option is to impose our rule upon their society until it looks the way we want it to.

Coffeecup · Joined: 30 Jun 2003

I encourage ALL Korean employers to make WHATEVER avertisements and/or requirements for future employees they wish to. And I encourage Dave Sperling to place ANY kind of advertisement that he receives in as long as the advertisement is not a hoax or scam.

---> If a Korean employer wants to hire with RACE as a factor, I so "go ahead and do it." This happens frequently in universities where mostly or only Kyopo (2nd gen Korean Americans) are hired. I say go ahead and do it. And apparently some of you guys need to get REAL, and real quick.

crito03 · Joined: 30 Jun 2003 Location: Seoul

Beckerson, I usually agree (silently) with most of the stuff you post on here. However, it seems that what you are proposing is almost defeatist. The idea that we are just as guilty as the koreans for benefitting from this system seems a bit simplistic. I think that by being here and informing and educating Koreans we are taking small but significant steps.

To simply say that we should leave would be the same as admitting defeat which I am not really keen on doing. I am lucky in the sense that I am a light skinned brother so I have the oppurtunity to get a job here. While I am here I am going to tell everyone I meet my background (Trinidadian) and educate them about it. The idea is that through increased knowledge many myths can be dispelled. Much of Korea's racism is based on ignorance and a lack of education.

As for your belief that Koreans will only change when they decide to, I can only say that "white" America did not accept blacks by choice. Rather, they were faced with a unhappy population (black) that would not sit by idly anymore while they were being exploited and oppressed. The increased globilization of the world will inevitably force Korea to realize some sad truths about itself. Hopefully one of them will involve their neanderthal approach to race. However constant presure must be applied in every form. That pressure can range from something as simple as making it more difficult for recruiters to weed out "undesireables" to global rebukes (through the ILO) about its obviously racist hiring policies.