Korean Job Discussion Forums

[PeterDragon]

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[Gibberish]

I'd say it leans more towards the "ignorant" than the "racist", or at most, "unknowingly racist".

Honestly it just seems like the clinic probably never did a procedure on a westerner before and have no [Mod Edit] idea whether it's different or not, thus the wishy-washyness.

I bet you 20 bucks that they'd give you an "incomplete" procedure just because they are scared or feel flustered when doing it, and that's why they gave you forewarning.

But still, good for you for not accepting a crappy medical procedure. And who cares if she doesn't save face? Screw her, you never have to see her again, so who cares? Your wife, however, will (hopefully) learn in time what the fuss was about.

Now you know how it feel to be black in America.

[PeterDragon]

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[nautilus]

For significant medical procedures I'd recommend going home anyway. I'd get dentistry in Korea and other minor stuff, but I'm not sure I'd trust Korean practitioners with anything more risky, serious or expensive.

[ChilgokBlackHole]

[Janny]

Good idea NOT getting the surgery, although one would wish there was some way you could let that "doctor" know WHY you didn't render her services....maybe have a small chance of getting her to think about it? About how talking about "mistakes" and "complications" does not place much confidence into the patient in pre-op discussions....? "...only designed for Korean eyes"??!?!! It's incredible.

I heard one time that a Korean pediatrician told a pregnant foreigner that she had a different gestational period than Korean women. And last time I went to the doctor's with a flu, I watched him enter my symptoms into WebMD online.

[Omkara]

Now, I back tho OP. It may seem like he's taking it out of proportions. But having been here a while now and having married into the culture, the whole false notion of Koreans being a separate race is fundamental to their understanding of the world. They often look to genetic differences--albeit not scientifically--to explain differences.

I don't know how often my wife, though she is sweert and open-minded, will casually mention some difference between Koreans and Westerners assuming that it is a fact, not an urban myth.

She has learned that I rapidly question such statements, and has become a bit more reflective.

I think, OP, that getting back home will help her to gain perspective. Have patience and realize that the locals have been swimming in their own language without internal sub-groups to pose critical counterpoints within the language.

We have many cultures within English, and that makes us very aware of making rash judgments about other 'races.' (It's not a biologically sound category.)

[PeterDragon]

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[nautilus]

[conrad2]

[Kurtz]

Can't imagine there are too many out of work eye surgeons on Dave's so the specifics of what the quack said can't be refuted by anyone unless you saw a "Made in Germany" on the machine she was going to use which would nullify her comments regarding for Korean eyes only.

I think she was a little nervous doing such a procedure on a foreigner and wanted to cover herself. I don't think she was being racist, just a little ignorant perhaps.

I'm familiar with your work Pete, and it sounds like your life is hell. Hope moving back home will cure the pain.

[wylies99]

OP, just take your business elsewhere. That's hitting them in the bank account.

BTW, why get any surgery, other than emergency surgery, right now? You said you're leaving in a month. If you have any complications you'd have to stay in Korea. Get the surgery after you get settled.

[hellofaniceguy]

[saram_]

[tc20]

I've noticed the doctors here don't have the best bedside manner, but they know what they are doing.

Doctors here often tell you a worse case senario as a way to mitigate circumstances if things do go wrong. Big paying malpractice suits are extremely rare. I think it's their way of protecting themselves form reprocussions from disgruntled ignorant patients. Most educated people would seek a second opinion and do their own research on the matter before going through with surgery. And I'm sure you'd feel twice as bad since it's elective surgery.