what can you say to a black male

Sent: Tuesday, May 8, 2007 3:16:24 AM
Subject: Hello teacher of English

I just received a contract to teach in downtown Seoul and I noticed your rofile. What are your experiences as a black woman and what can you say to a black male about the perceptions of Koreans towards blacks/Africans.I read so many negative things about teaching in Korea I want to hear thegood stuff. Sincerely, XXX

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Sent: Tuesday, May 8, 2007 3:00:31 PM
Subject: Re: Hello teacher of English

hi XXX! ignore all the negative. i love it here. the kids are so smart and the people are friendly... for sure i have had some problems here and there, but nothing has been any worse than what i experienced back home.

i came to realize that all the negative i heard before i came was from the mouths of white males. of course they're having a hard time, for the first time in their lives, they're not a part of the priviledged majority and they have trouble adjusting. its my opinion that most conscious people of color would fare much better here, we do not let being black (other people's problems/discrimination/ignorace/racism) stop us from doing anything.

i guess i can honestly say that i dont know what to say to a black MAN wanting to teach/live here. certainly there could be obstacles for you to deal with that i wouldnt, and vice versa. but again, although your color and gender are things to keep in mind, they should not be the determining factor, come and see for yourself.

i met another brother online who teaches in china, and he said he'd never come to korea b/c of the shitty way they treat us back in the states. in fact he tried to talk me OUT of korea and going to japan instead. im glad i didnt listen. tho he is my brother and i appreciate his concern, i had to stop and think... this guy has never even been to korea. different people, different reactions, etc etc. ok, so... i still vote for you coming to korea! :)

when will you come? what school will you be working for? do email me with any questions, i'll try my best to help.

i started a group for black folks in seoul, the url is http://groups.myspace.com/seoulbrothasandsistas do consider joining :)