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.
I agree with G's opinion. I also think that Koreans need more exposure to foreign culture or multicultural situation. The difference between U.S.A. or Europe and Korea comes from difference of exposure. Population of Korea is almost consisted of one race. Contrarily, U.S.A. has had lots of problems and conversations. I think that's why black people from the areas think that Korea is not enough to say that there is no discrimination. Korea need more time.
답글삭제[Yeon-Kyeong Song] I agree with the interviewee on that another main reason is Koreans' less exposure to diverse foreign cultures. Studying about Muslims, I felt in a similar way. The situation in Korea is a little bit different from those in USA or Europe. It appears to me that lack of exposure to foreign cultures and lack of interests were the main reasons in Korea.
답글삭제