HELP PLEASE!! is china a bad idea??

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Mr. W

well, you are not Chinese so, you will feel uncofortable, people point, stare, I even have had people come up to me and pull the hair on my arms in amazement and I am not a hairy guy at all, I have a friend teaching out in western China, they were talking about skin color and her class, 7th grade, ALL, said that no black person could be smarter than them and so, she started naming off famous, intelligent black people and they had nothing to say in response, I think if you stick to Shanghai, Hong Kong, Beijing and some of the other big cities you will not have any problems, but to be white or black in China is to stand out, there is no hiding or blending in, it will take some time to get used to it

Bruce Almighty

I've been in China for only four months. My observations thus far are that blacks are rather few and far between here, as are white people, imo. Of course, this situation may be different in the biggest two cities (Beijing and Shanghai).
Racist? That's a subjective thing. I would have to say that you should have a thick skin regardless because you will certainly be stared at a lot, especially in the smaller cities. I also regard China as the most hardcore of the Asian countries I've been, i.e., population, traffic, pollution, dodgy employers, etc.

Babby Roadkill

It's a terrible idea if you have a thin skin and get affected by subtle racism

Scooby Doo

I worked in Shanghai and never saw/heard anything that resembled racism, I think you should go, you'll have a great time.

Luli

No, i wouldn't worry at all.

I don't see why chinese would dislike blacks and not dislike whites, and i have never had the indication of either...

If someone in authority had said it, or someone who had been to china also had said it, then i could understand - but your family has no way of knowing, do they?

It sounds to me like they are trying to ruin this opportunity for you for some reason - they are being very selfish.

Go and enjoy it!

Texas Cowboy

There are racists everywhere. But, there are good people too. Don't miss out on this opportunity. Chinese are blunt. I am a big white guy and certainly stick out in their crowds. But, if you take some of the looks good naturedly you will find some of the nicest, most gracious people anywhere in China. Everyone who goes wants to go back. Best wishes.

Primus Pilus

Hmm, I've seen a presentation that says that China doesn't like Indians... But generally there shouldn't be a problem. I used live in China, and I have had an African(Burundian) french teacher and generally he's getting along well. China is generally trying to do business in Africa so they can't have any rascism or they're screwed.

referee

From what I've heard the Chinese are nice people in general, I think you have to find out for yourself. Good Luck.

Christine C

It all depends which city you plan to go in china. The bigger cities like Beijing, Shanghai or GuangChow are your best bet. They are use to seeing foreigners, so they probably won't give you a second glance. Although it is true what your family mentioned. Chinese people are prettty racist, even against asians like Vietnamese and Japanese. If your not going to the big China cities, then try to exchange your placement to Hong Kong or Japan or Korea.

Kristie

im chinese myself. the whole situation is kind of complicated, most chinese people are proud people -they think they re pretty awesome. its kind of complicated in a way that they are aware that they dont have as much as the foreigners, therefore in a way they want to "revolt" emotionally. But overall most people feel neutral about foreigners, if youre going to a big city then its not that big of a deal since they have seen people who are black, i dont think small town chinese people will make a big deal out of it either since most people from the country side are more innocent. honestly, i don't think you ll get treated worse than how it is in the US. I think you should go, it would be a good experience, your students would appreciate you. good luck!

bluecow

Chill out man....the Chinese couldn't give a Fook wot colour you are. They mind their own business and Racism is literally non existent..

they've got better things to do than that...go enjoy yourself and hope you have a real good time!

Caddie S

I am Chinese myself. Think about when u teach english in China ,your students would adore..appreciate you as Tiger wood,...Michael Jordan and many others...nice

And i most agree Chinese are nice people in general, In the big city ppl use to seeing foreigners, so they probably won't give you a second glance.but in the small town ppl would say welcome to you warmly

so u can't miss the precious experience .best wishese

bamboo

You should take it as a challenge and also takes the opportunity to network with them instead of concentrating on getting the uncomfortable feeling which is the last thing you want...
Your family's concern is uncalled for..
Go!.. I encourage you to look forward to this assignment and I know you will enjoy it..

kongwei

Chinese are nice, they will welcome you to come.

MOCC

Choos ... I hope you don't miss out on this opportunity. My husband, sister-in-law and I went two years ago to Shanghai and Beijing and we had a great time. We were there for about two weeks. We did get stared at a lot, but most people were helpful or curious. When we went to see the Forbidden City, I was having a conversation with my husband and looked up to find that we had been surrounded by 10 little old ladies! They were talking and pointing at us and giggling. I could tell by the way they were dressed that they were probably from a more rural area, and visiting the site just like we were. We were more of a novelty than the site!

There were other times when we were walking down the street and people would spot us, smile and walk right towards saying, "Hello!" with a nod of the head. They knew no more English than that, but enjoyed the chance to use it!

If you can laugh it off, you can have a great time in China. Every country has its bad elements, but if you give it a chance, it is a great opportunity for you. Good luck, and God bless.

P.S. And like the other answerer said sometime before me, we want to go back! We'd like to live there for a few years, in fact!

hktravel

Its not an issue of rasicm, its because Chinese don't see a lot of blacks espectially in the rural areas where any foreigner would attract lots of attention. You will have to get used to being stared at. This does not mean they have any ill feelings just curious.

Westwood

I've never heard anything about the Chinese not liking blacks, or any other race or colour for that matter, I thought that Chinese people liked everone. This may sound a bit stupid but why don't you go to your local Chinese takeaway and ask them if generally the Chinese don't like black people, the Chinese guy in my office likes black people so I personally don't think this is true. I think you should go and enjoy yourself.

Mark D

I have many black friends and co workers here! People might look at you with curiosity but not with any bad intent! If you are cool, you are welcome!!! I am an American living here for 4 yrs!

Rowena

Most Chinese like black people and have absolutely no problems with them, I know because I'm Chinese :).

glyn k

YES ! You will be subjected to higher levels of racism than you can imagine. I'm White and it happened to me constantly. For Black people its 10 times worse. Other posters here will tell you lies about the situation there because they dont want to give China a bad reputation.
For those that don't believe me take a look at the forums of Job Boards that exist to advertise work for English Teachers and you will see numerous complaints about the way Black people are discriminated against.
THERE IS NO EQUAL RIGHTS ( In terms of Race ) LEGISLATION IN CHINA.
Here is the " pecking order " of " Race "as the Chinese see it:-
Chinese
White
Asian
Black
Japanese
Take a long hard look at all the information that you can find on this subject ( search Chinese Racism on the internet ) before you make your decision and if you would like to know the TRUTH about what life as a Foreign Teacher in China is really like please feel free to email me.
I wish you well with whatever decision you come to.

My Grain

To be honest with you I've travelled Asia alot and find they are very racist towards black people which I think is a real cheek.I'd thought they'd have more of an incite to racism!
Also remember that if you plan to make money out of it too that China has some law about taking certain amounts money out of the country or sending it abroad!

cla

You just can't take it easily. Blacks are rarely found in China but it doesn't mean Chinese are racists. They adore Pele, Collin Powell, Kofi Annan, and many others. It's just a matter of culture differentiation. Chinese people has strong culture and tradition. They could be upset if you against their culture/tradition, but they will welcome you warmly if they find you respect them and their customs. It's about adaptation to where you live.

penguin

I really hate to be the one to tell you this... but, yes, China is extremely racist, and being black will cause a lot of trouble.

I am white, a bit chunky, and I am constantly stared at, pointed at, approached in public, and people say things that are less than polite about me. Several friends (who are black) have said that people have screamed and crossed the street to get away from them, and colleagues have even said that the black skin is so horrifying that they couldn't bear the thought of ever touching it - even to shake hands.

That said, I think that it really depends on where you are, and your own personality - Are you going to let the opinion of a few narrow minded people ruin what could otherwise be a great experience?

If you go to a major city where people are generally more educated and more modern you will have fewer problems. If you work in an area where there are many foreign students you probably won't even be looked at twice. But any non-Chinese will suffer racism in China.

Any time you go to a foreign country and want to experience a foreign culture you have to realise that you are going because it is DIFFERENT and there are times when you will be pushed beyond your own comfort limits. However, you should never be in a position where you feel your personal safety is at risk. Whatever skin colour a foreigner in China has, it definitely needs to be thick.

If you decide to go for the experience, stick to a big city in an area with lots of foreign students. Be prepared to answer a lot of questions about the NBA. Consider yourself a kind of embassador, teaching people that black people are people too. Thats what I do when I have to deal with ignorent people who say horrible things. Once people get used to you, they may be able to see past the skin colour. Chinese people, as individuals, are for the most part, very kind.

wimbach

Short and simple.ur family were right !

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