Interview #2

Interview #2 Summary

Background information

 The interviewee, G, is an African-American, who has been in Korea since 2007. His job is an English teacher and he says that a black person is definitely a minority in his workplace.

Stereotypes

 G agrees that Koreans have stereotypes of black people, especially negative ones and he has experienced some stereotypes and discrimination here in Korea. According to him, one of the most common discriminations against black people happens during job recruiting, such as being refused to work just because of race even though he/she is more qualified or qualified enough compared to other white applicants.

 However, G addresses that Koreans' stereotypes and discrimination against black people are not so strong compared to U.S. since people don't attack or aren’t hate them just because someone is darker-skinned. He says it seems more similar to ignorance than hatred.

 Our interviewee mentions the media is one of the main factors which produce stereotypes in Korea because it shows very little fraction of black culture but paints it as a whole picture. By doing so, the media reinforces stereotypes about black people. For example, it is somewhat true that the media creates people’s positive reactions to black culture by influencing people in their preference for hip-hop music these days. However G says hip-hop music videos from the media often contain distorted information about black culture, which has lots of possibility of producing stereotype or prejudice.

 Another main reason is Koreans' less exposure to diverse foreign cultures. G feels that Koreans often define something as wrong or weird if it is different from them or the majority of society. Korean society is less multicultural compared to countries like U.S., Canada and so on, so people are ignorant to diverse cultures or foreigners, which results in creating many stereotypes of black people and culture.

 In order to improve current situation, G argues there should be more active discussion about black culture itself and stereotypes about black people in Korea. Also he wants people to perceive other person with respect and try to get to know black culture.

Black subculture

 G says there is a group called 'Brothas & Sistas in South Korea'(BSSK) which black people living in Korea gather and interact with each other. Members of this group basically talk about every issue happening in Korea and share a lot of helpful information. The group holds various events such as book club meeting and singing session, and help black people settle down well in the society.