Mar 29, 2007 6:05 AM
Hey Sis,
First, I must say that I am crazy excited you started the group, "Brothas and Sistas in Seoul." I was thinking of starting something similar, but I'm not really that social, so I don't know how well it would have worked out. At any rate, I'm glad you had the vision.
I've been in Seoul for a month now, and it's been an experience to say the least, especially being the only black person amongst 16 white (mostly male) foreigners. Similar to your experience on Dave's ESL Cafe, a couple of teachers expressed their "concern" for me, predicting that I wouldn't last because of the racism in Korea. Patronizing, huh? They act like I've never encountered racism before. I guess I should be gracious for being rescued. But, I'm starting to figure out that this "concern" isn't really about me at afterall; rather, it's about helping white people assuage their guilt as oppressors of the world. The white teachers I talk to love to prove that Koreans are racist, but they have nothing to say about institutionalized racism or the concept of white privilege. It's all about deflecting attention from the bigger-hence global issue-which is white supremacy. I have just decided to change the subject every time a racially sensitive topic comes up.
Anyway, I must stop here, because I could go on and on. I just wanted to tell you that I look forward to participating in your group.
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