Korean Job Discussion Forums

Carla · Joined: 21 Nov 2008

I have a lot of leeway in my classes (and way more classes a month than lessons in the book) so I use my free time to talk about different aspects of the world. Sometimes I talk about cultures, sometimes I talk about environments, and sometimes I talk about races.

I never mention racism or anything like that. I explain the differences, and how those differences came to be. I explain that white people are from Europe where there isn't as much sunlight, so we have paler skin, and asians and blacks are from areas with much more sunlight, and the darker skin protects them from skin cancer. (This part makes them feel better about having darker skin, especially since some of my students are quite dark.)

I explain the eye color. Light colored eyes see better in the dimmer light, but has more trouble than dark eyes when dealing with brighter sunlight. (Also developed from the amount of sunlight where we developed.

I go through the differences of each race, and even some differences in nationalities, such as why white Americans are different from white Europeans.

Needless to say, my students are all young, when you can actually talk to them. I don't say anything negative one way of the other, just they are different. As for the adults.... well, have you ever tried to convince someone that everything they believe in is wrong? It's a hard road to take if you take it.

On the lighter side, this is really funny.

http://www.aolnews.com/world/article/neo-nazi-couple-find-out-theyre-jewish/19648414?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk3%7C173172

Man, I hate stupid people, but sometimes, stupid is just funny.

Caffeinated · Joined: 11 Feb 2010

Vagabundo · Joined: 26 Aug 2010

I'm a little surprised OP because though many Korean kids are racist, they generally like and even try to imitate American rappers, who of course are 99% black.

and they also like guys like NeYo and even Sisqo.

My kids would've started imitating Ludacris' rap and movements/rap style.

then of course, if one of their classmates is darker skinned, they'll laugh and call him "Africa".

Doesn't make much logical sense but it is what it is.

Carla · Joined: 21 Nov 2008

bobbybigfoot · Joined: 05 May 2007 Location: Seoul

A better approach Op is to preach without preaching. Rather than say, "YOU ARE WRONG!", just tell him how this is not your experience with black people. Maybe go on to tell a touching story.

Here's something I might have said:

"I used to work with a tall, black and disgustingly handsome Jamaican. He dressed like dynamite, was polite, kind, intelligent, about 6'3", chock-full of muscle. We spoke of racism and I told him I didn't think there was that much racism for black people in Ottawa. He told me not so much in Ottawa, but just cross the border and it's a different story. He's been stopped three times by the police because he's a black guy driving a Mercedes. Must be stolen they think. The police always let him go but he has to justify why he is in Quebec. "Because I'm Canadian and I have a right to be here."

You and I have never had to experience this kind of profiling.

Anyhow, talk to you later."

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

That's how the kids here in Korea are. Actually it's quite a compliment. Keep in mind that the Korean word for "interesting" and "funny" is the same.

Once you're here for a while and learn a bit of the culture, you'll want to tweak your lessons accordingly.

kimdeal54 · Joined: 28 Feb 2008

Kaypea · Joined: 09 Oct 2008

toonchoon · Joined: 06 Feb 2009 Location: Gangnam

i can't believe you did that. good job pro - you just made +1 (or more) enemies at work, as all Koreans talk.

seriously... you're in Korea and not the lil happy go lucky village back "home".

afsjesse · Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Location: Kickin' it in 'Kato town.

Haven't posted in a while, but for what it's worth:

You're not going to change anything while in Korea. Best to just keep things going and at most state that you respectfully disagree.

Wishmaster · Joined: 06 Feb 2003

Yeah, just let it go. The racist attitudes are deeply, and I mean deeply, ingrained here. You won't change it. Many have tried. The only ones who can change it are the Koreans and that ain't gonna happen for a long, long, long time, if ever. Just state your view on things and collect the paycheck.