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Korean Job Discussion Forums "The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
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karmarooster
Joined: 11 Jun 2008
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Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 3:21 am Post subject: |
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props |
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Carla
Joined: 21 Nov 2008
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Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 3:27 am Post subject: |
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| abigolblackman wrote: |
@eIn07912
I don't know if you read my post or not but I'm going to guess no. I'm not attacking you, I just want to drop some knowledge.
I said that whites are probably surprised to be the ones to be discriminated against instead of dishing it out (I don't think all white people dish it out, at least not on purpose.) I don't know why but you may assume that if white people can be discriminated against, then blacks must get the same if not worse treatment. I can't speak for all blacks in Korea, but for those me and those that I know, this is not true.
Yeah I had one incident recently, after 10 months in Korea, in which a drunken ajjoshi told me and my black friend to stop talking so loud on the train. Another ajjoshi in a pink suit joined the drunken one. Immediately 3 young college guys stood up and told the men to sit down and get off the train at the next stop. Conflict quickly averted. Most drunken ajjoshis offer me the alcohol they are currently consuming to get more drunk.
Not everything is roses and butterfly kisses. I think Koreans are xenophobic [not racist] to foreigners in general. Like I said before, it's sad, true, and for now convenient that blacks are used to this kind of treatment. I'm not saying we can't be surprised, but most incidents shouldn't be anything new. For white people though, these incidents may very well be a new experience with which they don't know how to deal with {mentally, shocked that it's happening to them and to finally know what it feels like)
Also, as far the hunnies go, I walk around with my female Korean "friends" everywhere. Literally, name any part of Seoul and I've been there with a Korean female friend holding hands, hugging, and skin-shipping. While I don't think you were doing this on purpose, don't try to confine us to a specific area.
I'm not saying those horror stories aren't true but I have not heard of any horror stories against blacks here from my black friends or their friends. You also stated that you have only heard of horror stories in which incidents happened to white people, but nothing against blacks right?
I think you intentions were good, as are most peoples on this board, but don't talk about something you don't know about. It may seem like a simple equation, [whites get discriminated against = blacks must get it worse] but there are some derivatives you are missing and can't and will never know about.
abigolblackman |
I may be missing something, but ou speak alot about what white people and Koreans think, but you don't think we can say anything about things black people experience. What's the difference?
With the exception of saying he wouldn't suggest walking around outside of Itaewon with a Korean girlfriend, everything he said was personal expiences of hiself and his friend. He recounted an experience with his director, he said which schools he personally has knowledge of hiring blacks and which he has no knowledge, and expriences white people have gone through.
I would hate to think what would happen if we turn a blind eye to things that do not specifically affect us. In America, what would have happened if only black people wanted equal rights and white people did nothing? We have to come together.
One thing you should think about. Look at things a different way. There have been some black people mistreated in Korea, not all. Those black people are not around anymore. Why would they be? So, they go home. The black people who have not had any problems of course are more likely to stay. Who is more likely to have knowledge of the troubles black people go through in Korea? Blacks who have not had any issues, or whites who have seen blacks rejected or mistreated by their schools. I'm not saying eIn07912 has personally seen this, but neither did he. He only gave testimony as to what he has personally witnessed and his "thoughts." |
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abigolblackman
Joined: 06 Jun 2009
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Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 5:25 am Post subject: |
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@Carla & karmarooster
karmarooster first:
Dude, I really feel like you weren't paying attention.
I'm a REAL black man. I have REAL black friends. For the men, all of us date REAL Korean women all the time. Although I do not want to perpetuate another negative stereotype about black men, I have multiple REAL Korean lady friends who are cool with me dating around. I meet girls [new and old] daily, and no, it was not hard to meet them at all.
I will put this out there. For most brothas I know, it is hard, damn near impossible to meet girls in Gangnam/Apgujeong [I have done it though, talk about a miracle]. I think I'm ballin', but I ain't ballin' like that (using Daddy's money.) Itaewon is once a week if that and only on Thursday nights. Hongdae is groovy. Beyond that, there are some other spots and we are all pretty active in our respectful communities. For example, I'm a Bboy/House dancer and go to events/competitions weekly. Can you imagine how much exposure this 6'4" black man gets on the dance floor?
In short, no, it is not hard for REAL black guys to meet REAL Korean females, so stop imagining. [ㅎㅎㅎ I feel like someone is gonna mention something about how they look or their social status, so all I gotta say is I wouldn't take every girl home to Mom, but I wouldn't be afraid to show every girl to Dad.]
Carla second:
I said I did not represent all blacks that live in Korea. In the same vein those blacks who have had bad experiences do not represent all of us either, especially me. Maybe you were not trying to say it, but your post sounds like those blacks that had a negative experience and left justify the claim that Koreans are more racists [xenophobic] towards blacks than they are towards whites; despite many of us still being here and having a great time. I am sure there have been plenty of white people who have had negative experiences and left ASAP. Does that mean Koreans naturally discriminate against whites and all whites will have a bad experience here so they shouldn't even try to come, despite the sheer numbers who stay here?
My main point, I am a REAL black man and I am in Korea and I am having a great time. I know many other REAL black people that are in Korea who are having a great time.
What I offer you is a first hand account of what it is like to live as a black man in Korea. I have no idea what it is like to be a white person, gyopo, or Korean in Korea. In turn they have no idea what it is like to be black person in Korea. One hagwon owner or mom saying they don't like black people? I don't care. Unless one person can prove to me that every Korean they come into contact with openly does not like black people, there is simply nothing to be said on the issue [all those people better not watch one Denzel Washington or Will Smith movie and if they are in college, they better not go to any night clubsㅎㅎㅎ just kidding...actually no I'm not].
I'm not saying nobody but blacks can speak about the issue of whether Koreans are racist [xenophobic] towards blacks, but I will say that you don't know anywhere as much as you think you do.
This may or may not come as a surprise, but I have had co-teachers and friends complain about whites and gyopos. They don't want to meet them let alone work with them. I hear this, nod my head, and get on with my business. Ok, here is one Korean who doesn't like whites or gyopos, I'm pretty sure in 5 seconds I can find someone else who does. I don't call my white friend and tell him the get the heII outta Korea because 1 (or 2, 3, 4, or even 5) people said they don't like people with his skin color.
I don't know where you were going with your equal right argument, but...all of us are foreigners in this country. Unless we become citizens one way or another, I think our rights are right where they should be.
If when you say "we have to come together" you mean whites and blacks [or people of the world], I don't disagree with that. But if you mean it, you (or whoever says it) needs to stop telling black people what Korea will be like ["bad because you are black","you won't get a job","you can't meet girls", "don't come over"] when you don't even know. That doesn't sound like an open invitation to co-exist to me.
abigolblackman |
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redaxe
Joined: 01 Dec 2008
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Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 5:42 am Post subject: |
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| karmarooster wrote: |
any black guys in korea find it difficult to find a korean girlfriend? i would imagine that would be the case.
i've shown pictures of many people who are considered very attractive in america to different korean girls to gauge their reactions. they usually doesn't find them attractive.... pharrell, ti, michael crabtree.... nope not handsome. however they have also said the same thing about christian bale, johny depp, and justin timberlake, so maybe they're just clueless. |
I think you have to let them find you. Not too many Korean girls are interested in black guys, but some really do, and those ones will come to you. |
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Carla
Joined: 21 Nov 2008
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Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 5:44 am Post subject: |
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| abigolblackman wrote: |
Carla second:
I said I did not represent all blacks that live in Korea. In the same vein those blacks who have had bad experiences do not represent all of us either, especially me. Maybe you were not trying to say it, but your post sounds like those blacks that had a negative experience and left justify the claim that Koreans are more racists [xenophobic] towards blacks than they are towards whites; despite many of us still being here and having a great time. I am sure there have been plenty of white people who have had negative experiences and left ASAP. Does that mean Koreans naturally discriminate against whites and all whites will have a bad experience here so they shouldn't even try to come, despite the sheer numbers who stay here? |
I didn't say any such thing. I am saying that if all you REAL black people posting here had a good time, you do not represent everyone. The OP should not be told there is no racism here. He should be told both sides of the story. Yes, some people don't like white, some people don't like blacks. But telling someone that all the REAL black people you know have never had a problem is not the whole truth. There are different experience, and the color of my skin does not make things I have seen and heard any less valid that the color of your skin.
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My main point, I am a REAL black man and I am in Korea and I am having a great time. I know many other REAL black people that are in Korea who are having a great time.
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First of all, noone said you were a FAKE black man. We get it, you're black.
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| What I offer you is a first hand account of what it is like to live as a black man in Korea. I have no idea what it is like to be a white person, gyopo, or Korean in Korea. In turn they have no idea what it is like to be black person in Korea. One hagwon owner or mom saying they don't like black people? I don't care. Unless one person can prove to me that every Korean they come into contact with openly does not like black people, there is simply nothing to be said on the issue [all those people better not watch one Denzel Washington or Will Smith movie and if they are in college, they better not go to any night clubsㅎㅎㅎ just kidding...actually no I'm not]. |
You say you don't know what it's like to be white, but in your last post you kept telling us REAL white people what white people feel/think. Just because not every hagwon owner will turn you away for being black, does not mean it doesn't happen and "there is simply nothing to be said on the issue." By that logic, there is no racism anywhere in the world.
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| I'm not saying nobody but blacks can speak about the issue of whether Koreans are racist [xenophobic] towards blacks, but I will say that you don't know anywhere as much as you think you do. |
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| I think you intentions were good, as are most peoples on this board, but don't talk about something you don't know about. |
Actually, you did.
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| This may or may not come as a surprise, but I have had co-teachers and friends complain about whites and gyopos. They don't want to meet them let alone work with them. I hear this, nod my head, and get on with my business. Ok, here is one Korean who doesn't like whites or gyopos, I'm pretty sure in 5 seconds I can find someone else who does. I don't call my white friend and tell him the get the heII outta Korea because 1 (or 2, 3, 4, or even 5) people said they don't like people with his skin color. |
I never said that blacks shouldn't come here. Actually, I told the OP to not give up and just give it some time.
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| I don't know where you were going with your equal right argument, but...all of us are foreigners in this country. Unless we become citizens one way or another, I think our rights are right where they should be. |
I wasn't talking about equal rights in Korea, I was using America as an example of how dangerous it could be if we only care about ourselves. It is only when everyone works together can things work right.
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If when you say "we have to come together" you mean whites and blacks [or people of the world], I don't disagree with that. But if you mean it, you (or whoever says it) needs to stop telling black people what Korea will be like ["bad because you are black","you won't get a job","you can't meet girls", "don't come over"] when you don't even know. That doesn't sound like an open invitation to co-exist to me.
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How does relating personal experiences mean I don't want to co-exist with anyone? Are you saying that we should hide the bad parts of life? And what does ME knowing YOU have to do with me telling another black person something? |
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koldijk
Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Location: ULSAN
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Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 6:24 am Post subject: |
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I have really bad teeth and the children sometimes deal with it... Sometimes they say "he looks angry" ...
Koreans are very superficial...
Many Koreans do dig black folk... But it's also naive curiosity...
Korea is extremely homogeneous... and therefore naive about "race"
I tell them that I'm a Dutch Canadian (born and raised in Canada, lived in Canada for 30 years) and 99% of Koreans are convinced that I'm not a "real" Canadian....
Don't let it get you down... Try again or try another country.... |
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darkalel23
Joined: 30 Sep 2009
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Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 11:05 am Post subject: YBM ECC |
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| Have you tried YBM ECC, they are recruiting me and I'm a black male. There seems to be alot of mixed reviews on them but compared to alot of other jobs I've had they can't be that bad. I'm more on the light skinned though... |
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Ukon
Joined: 29 Jan 2008
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Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 5:39 pm Post subject: |
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Go public schools...
and for the record, I'm black and they love me here......I get free stuff all the time from folks.... |
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jdog2050

Joined: 17 Dec 2006
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Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 6:23 pm Post subject: |
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| PeterDragon wrote: |
Apply directly to the SMOE, GEPIK, and EPIK offices (yes do all 3) without using a recruiter. SMOE, GEPIK and EPIK are fairly color blind. Recruiters WISH they could be colorblind, but many public schools turn to recruiters in an attempt to avoid or circumvent SMOE/GEPIK/EPIK's policies of non-discrimination. They have the attitude that since they're paying several hundred dollars for their teacher, they have the right to pick and choose, even when their main criteria is discriminatory--- they'll reject teachers on the basis of age, race, gender,even weight or looks.
But if you apply through a government agency and are accepted, some school will HAVE to take you. And once you arrive, the school will probably come to like you as long as your good at your job. For all of their bigotry, you can earn the respect and trust of most Koreans in time. Most of them will still stay bigoted toward others of "your kind", but they'll exempt you. That's still kind of annoying, but in this country, sometimes it's the best you'll get if your any race other than Korean.
None of my kind words for Koreans above apply to Hagwon bosses though. They're just the scum of the earth, treating all they meet with thinly disguised contempt. |
Yeah; sad truth is that Hagwon-owners are just, in-general, non-humans. They are some of the worst people I've ever met in my life.
On public schools, yeah, some principals and vice principals are almost as bad as hagwon owners. They probably would be except there isn't really any money involved.
Here's the upside though; if someone feels the need to go through ALL THAT TROUBLE just to hire a white person, they'd have treated you like crap anyway. The fact is, the parents don't tend to care (maybe there'll be one whiner). The kids definitely don't care. It's usually the principal of the school being an out and out racist or MAKING ASSUMPTIONS that the parents are racist. Basically, they're cowards and again, you probably wouldn't want to work for a person who'd cheat children out of a good education just to "look better".
I'm black and this is a sore spot for me, living in Korea. That said, I've gone with SMOE, I've had corporate jobs, etc. I still do my thing despite the setbacks.
P.s.
The white person that those jobs hire will be treated like a monkey, I guarantee you. |
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kabrams

Joined: 15 Mar 2008 Location: your Dad's house
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Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 7:22 pm Post subject: |
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One thing you should think about. Look at things a different way. There have been some black people mistreated in Korea, not all. Those black people are not around anymore. Why would they be? So, they go home. The black people who have not had any problems of course are more likely to stay. Who is more likely to have knowledge of the troubles black people go through in Korea? Blacks who have not had any issues, or whites who have seen blacks rejected or mistreated by their schools. I'm not saying eIn07912 has personally seen this, but neither did he. He only gave testimony as to what he has personally witnessed and his "thoughts." |
This...does not make sense.
White people are mistreated here all the time, and yet they stay. Why would black people be any different?
I think black people are more likely to stay even if they face discrimination, because they often times face discrimination anyway, especially if they are from certain parts of N. America/UK. |
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Ukon
Joined: 29 Jan 2008
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Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 10:48 pm Post subject: |
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| eIn07912 wrote: |
i have known some of the "christian hagwons" or "christian schools" to hire black people. im not too fond of religion, but at least theyre holding up to the "judge not, yet ye be judged". so, if ur religious and dont mind mixing 2 thousand year old propaganda in with ur english lessons, u might consider one of those.
personally, ive never heard of any non-whites teachign in public or private schools. ive only seen or heard of them at very liberal or open minded hagwons.
but i would want to warn u of something. u could very well find a great school that isnt blinded by outright racism, and they could pay u well, and things could be wonderful. but, u will face racism outside of work. i mean, white esl teachers here get ripped on in the media and we've all heard horror stories of white guys and girls getting blasted by drunk adjoshis in the street and stuff. so, just to warn u, it will happen man. i know the crap ive heard and i cant even imagine the horrible stuff someone might say to u. especially if u were to ever get a korean girlfriend... man, id suggest never leaving itaewon with her. |
Utter BS...this post is so untrue it makes my head spin. And yes, there are black and people of other races who are PS teachers...I'am one.
I get zero racist treatment here nor any when I'm out with a girl....I do get lots of free stuff favours, people asking me questions and joking around with me.
I had a theory white people actually got it worse because Koreans automatically assume:
English teacher
Soldier
So far, I rarely get either of those...Koreans just assume I'm a student or something else.
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I think you have to let them find you. Not too many Korean girls are interested in black guys, but some really do, and those ones will come to you. |
Korea is more about having game in my experience....play it wrong and your not going home with anyone...
And no they will not find you unless you hang out in helios 24/7.... |
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zipper
Joined: 22 Jul 2009 Location: Ruben Carter was falsely accused
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Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 11:42 pm Post subject: |
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| Ukon wrote: |
I had a theory white people actually got it worse because Koreans automatically assume:
English teacher
Soldier
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I think that there is some truth to your theory. Being an English teacher, I have never felt an elevated status in this society. Most Koreans I encounter stereotype me as an English teacher, because of my skin color. Thankfully, no Korean has ever asked me if I were a soldier, though.
Regarding interracial marriage; I have seen quite a few interracial couples in the area I live. I am not just talking about Korean men wedded to foreign women. There are a lot of Korean women married to Indian, Thailand and Indonesian men. I have never seen overt racism in Korea, but I can�t say the same for xenophobia. |
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Konglishman

Joined: 14 Sep 2007 Location: Nanjing
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Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 12:07 am Post subject: |
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| abigolblackman wrote: |
| but there are some derivatives you are missing and can't and will never know about. |
But what about the integration? Also, you need to find out what the integration constants are if its indefinite integration.
On a more serious note, as another poster mentioned, I think most of the racism in Korea is hidden as opposed to out in the open. |
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fermentation
Joined: 22 Jun 2009
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Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 12:14 am Post subject: |
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| DWAEJIMORIGUKBAP wrote: |
One was a female and when I went to her hakwan to have an interview myself, the director told me in confidence that he hated her and although he wasn't a racist and liked 'English Gentlemen' like myself (lol) he hated being around her and wanted to do bad things to her because she was black. He said that verbatim.
Another was a guy who was from NZ. His school didn't like his name which was of Egyptian origin. Nothing terribly bad happened to him but they did make him change his name to "Christopher' at school because it sounded more like an 'English country' name...
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For some reason many who say racism things don't think they are. I know a Korean person who makes jokes about black people every chance she gets and when I call her out on it, she claims its not racism because she's speaking the truth. Of course she gets defensive and angry if I make similar comments about Koreans.
I had a similar situation like the NZ guy at my old job. We had an American of Spanish descent (born and raised in the US) but because of her name my boss kept questioning her "American-ness." Boss was constantly asking me is she really spoke with an American accent, is her English good enough, if she's really white, etc. Same thing happened when we got an American girl with a "white" sounding name but had darker skin color. |
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byrddogs

Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Location: Shanghai
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Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 12:31 am Post subject: |
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| Ukon wrote: |
....I do get lots of free stuff favours, people asking me questions and joking around with me.
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outstanding.... do you mind sharing just what you get as favors and freebies so much? |
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