Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Bladewarrior]

Hey guys. I'm currently writing a book on my first year and a half here in Korea, and I'm writing a chapter on being Canadian in Korea. Id like to here how things are for you other Canadians, but not only what it's like for you as a Canadian, but also as a White Canadian, Black Canadian, Japanese Canadian, etc. Do you feel that you are treated differently? Is it in a good way, or a bad way? I have my experiences of course, but I'll wait a little bit before sharing. So, would you mind helping me out? I'd really appreciate it! Have a great day!

[coffeeman]

I was on my way home from a restaurant in a cab with two American friends. My two friends got out of the car and then the taxi driver continued to my house. On the way he asked me if I was also American. I told him that I was Canadian and he held out his hand to shake and said "I don't really like Americans, but Canadians good."

Instead of feeling happy or proud, I just thought it was a pity that ordinary Americans have to face such discrimination around the world. I don't consider myself to be all that different from Americans. Like most Canadians I am not thrilled about the war in Iraq and I don't think gun ownership is a right. But I am on the same page with Americans on 90% of the time.

I also don't like it when Koreans put down the Japanese as if all Japanese are the same.

[Bronski]

I'm from Vermont, which is the most Canadian state in the U.S. In addition, I've spent a lot of time in the fine Canadian cities of Toronto and Montreal. I would like to apply for honorary Canadian citizenship please.

[Bladewarrior]

Bronski, you made me laugh, thanks! And coffeeman? I agree with you completely. I do think that there are a few differences between us, but I'm with you when you say you agree with 90% of what's being talked about over there. And I've had to educate a few of my students and friends on a couple of occasions on their blatant hatred of the Japanese...sad really.

[Dugsby]

I have an English friend who has declared war on all things Canadian because a new co-worker of his insists on waving the flag everywhere, mentioning Canada in every second sentence, etc.

Apparently she touts Strange Brew as the greatest movie ever, writes in her Canada-flag-emblazoned-notebook with her red-and-white Canadian pencil, both of which she carries in her Canada flag patched Canadian backpack, and wants her co-workers to be aware of mind-blowing culturally relevant information such as, like Korea, Canada has apples too.

Proud to be Canadian I am, flag waving lunatic I am not.

Could you perhaps comment in your book about the etiquette of being a Canadian abroad? Please, eh?

[coffeeman]

I don't know if I made my main point clear, but here it is;
Around the world, Canadians are defined by what we're not - which is American. Ask a Korean or anyone else for that matter about Canada and you'll get the same old worn-out stereotypes, "Canada has great nature. Canadians are very polite..." Few people will come out with the truth, "I don't know very much about Canada.".

Canada suffers from an identity crisis the same way New Zealand does with Australia. I must confess that I know a lot more about Australia than I do about New Zealand. I hope the kiwis in this country can help me correct this problem. Maybe we should make some new sticky threads called Ask a Kiwi, Ask a Canadian, Ask an American...

[coffeeman]

[Bladewarrior]

Well, Coffeeman, why don't you start the thread? I'd be more then happy to add to it! And Dugsby, what would you deem as proper Canadian etiquette, because I most certainly agree with you that your friend's associate has gone over the top; something of which I was guilty of my first year here. I think it's uncalled for.

[Gopher]

[tardisrider]

Of course it's not perfect, but look at this.

[numazawa]

As a Canadian, speaking as a Canadian, I have been living as a Canadian in Korea since I left Canada. Of course I tell people here that I'm Canadian and that I'm from Canada, and also that I'm a Canadian from Canada. And if they ask me what part of Canada I'm from, I say that I'm from this or that part of Canada, but the thing is, I'm from Canada. I remind them that this means I'm Canadian. If I see them again, I test their recollection by coyly asking if they remember "my country" -- and, remarkably, not one of them has failed so far to recall that I'm from Canada, which of course means I'm a Canadian. I congratulate them on their quick minds and express the fervent wish that they might one day have the chance to visit Canada and meet more Canadians who live there (in Canada). Perhaps that's just the Canadian in me. But then, I am from Canada.

[Bronski]

[laogaiguk]

[Bladewarrior]

As hilarious as these comments are becomming, I don't want to lose sight of the information I'm trying to get from you guys. And if you want to speak more frankly, and don't feel that you can do that here, then by all means email me. [email protected]

[Tiberious aka Sparkles]

Canadians are to people of other English-speaking countries what Newfoundlanders are to the rest of Canada.

And you can quote me on that.

Sparkles*_*