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ask_weasal
Talker
Joined: July 08, 2006
Posts: 98
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 Posted:
Sep 14, 2006 - 10:55 PM |
 
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| Post subject: First Draft Article Racism and Color Discrimination in China |
Race and Color Discrimination in China
Is China Really Ready for the Olympics?
“Why don’t blacks eat chocolate bars? Because they are afraid that they will bite their fingers off”
This is a common joke associated with Chinese opinions about blacks. Racism has been an increasing topic of interest among expat bloggers on the internet; especially among people of darker skin colors and, Asians born in Western countries coming over to Asia to work.
English schools all around China and Korea are notoriously known for their discriminatory remarks regarding hiring practices of people of color. I have been in China for more than three years and am now in Shanghai. As an African-American in China I have experienced first hand the extent of discrimination’s ugly grasp on this nation. The extent is far and the grasp is tight.
“Sorry we don’t hire black or Asian English teachers are the frequent responses to most black and Asian expats migrating to China. Here, as far as teaching is concerned, education means nothing.
In fact this morning I was turned down yet again for another position that I was over-qualified for. I. An American. I. With a bachelor’s degree in American Literature and another in Travel and Tourism. I. With over three years of experience teaching in China. I. With a novel currently being published in America. Still this is not enough because I. Am not white.
‘Hello, is this Randall Fields?’
‘Yes, this is him’
‘I have just reviewed your resume and we are interested in hiring you’
‘Oh? That’s great!’
‘We would like to set up an interview with you. Are you available this afternoon?’
‘I’m sorry, who are you again?’
‘We are ******* school and we would like to have an interview with you this afternoon if possible.’
‘Well, what kind of English teachers are you looking for?’
‘We are looking for native oral English speakers to teach our adult students. Are you interested?’
‘Sure, I am very interested. I am a black American. Is that ok?’
‘Errrrr…you are black?’
‘Yes, I am black American. Is that a problem?’
‘Errrr we don’t hire black people. I’m sorry’
‘Why? I’m American. I am a native English speaker. I have a degree in…’
‘Sorry, we just don’t hire black people. The students want a white English teacher’
‘But……’
“Ok!? Bye’
The above question about my color often saves me time on travel and money. This happens about seventy-five percent of the time. Heaven forbid I say African-American. African is a word not to be uttered if you want a decent amount of respect in China. If I do manage to get a job it is at a much lower pay than what whites would get. Presently I am unemployed trying desperately to search for a fair deal.
In America the counter-argument regarding the race card may ring true. In China this is a different kind of racial discrimination. It’s more of color discrimination. As long as you are not dark or Asian looking you can get the job. My lighter-skinned friends who, are by origin African-American have less problems landing employment; us darker folk become Persona-non-Grata, less than human.
I have found since living in China that there is a difference in being ignorant. I have found that most of the lower class people that I come in contact with really are curious and want to know who I am. After the first meeting color does not seem to matter. It is the average folk and Nuevo rich who sneer or snicker, or hold their precious pocketbooks tight when I enter into the elevator with them. For these people are the truly ignorant; the office worker, the bank clerk, the rich house wife, and most dangerously the teachers who are ignorant, but by their own accord choose to stay that way.
Many whites here in China argue that the Chinese are not used to us, this is why they act the way they do. They would argue that there is no racism or discrimination in China. My argument; Africans have been coming to China since the 70’s Mao era. Just read about the anti-African prοtest in Nanjing in 1988, where Africans were run out of Nanjing for consorting with Chinese women.http://www.amren.com/mtnews/archives/2005/04/nanjing_antiafr.php
Explain the same resentment in Korea where there are huge American bases filled with blacks. No reader, this is not about not knowing, this is about not wanting to know, and there is a big difference.
The stigma resonates like a light house, beckoning the end of day harbor boats back to shore. Are the Chinese ready for the Olympics? I say no, because there are still huge lessons to be learned in cultural sensitivity among China’s most elite group of people. A person should be judged by the content of his character and not by the color of his skin. Skin tone is irrelevant to what is relevant in teaching another human being.
The solution is education. Educate the masses, and not only when it’s convenient; as in basketball images and the many hip-hop clubs that are popular around Shanghai, and the rest of China, and Asia. Educate the people that they should be proud to hire a United States born Chinese or Korean to teach in the many lucrative schools. To deny them this justice is to shoot your self in the foot. Denying them is denying your selves and it is pure selfishness. To those Asians and multi-colored people suffering from job discrimination around Asia, I offer you these comforting words from my favorite artist.
I never asked for nothing I don't demand of myself
Honesty, loyalty, friends and then wealth
Death before dishonor and I tell you what else
I tighten my belt before I beg for help
Foolish pride is what held me together through the years
I wasn't felt which is why I never played myself
I just play the hand I'm dealt, I can't say I've never knelt
before God and asked for better cards at times to no avail
But I never sat back feeling sorry for myself
If you don't give me heaven I'll raise hell Jay-Z Justify My Thug
Amen my brother.
Randall Fields |
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frenchlover1999
Shanghai Royalty
Joined: Sep 18, 2004
Posts: 8730
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Sep 14, 2006 - 11:05 PM |
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The solution is education. Educate the masses, and not only when it’s convenient; as in basketball images and the many hip-hop clubs that are popular around Shanghai, and the rest of China, and Asia. Educate the people that they should be proud to hire a United States born Chinese or Korean to teach in the many lucrative schools. To deny them this justice is to shoot your self in the foot. Denying them is denying your selves and it is pure selfishness. To those Asians and multi-colored people suffering from job discrimination around Asia, I offer you these comforting words from my favorite artist.
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I can understand your frustration. I have posted extensively on the fact that education is a major problem in China, especially mass education, propaganda, is very weak and inefficient. Not what you hear on TV, the red diactatorship brainwashing and controlling people, I know. Having said that, I also think that teaching people not to discriminate against black people should not exactly be on the top of the central government's agenda. Decades of communist education has been wasted on the Chinese people. In fact the average American is more communist than his Chinese counterpart. Thats the real problem. |
_________________
That was no shark. That was my personal submarine. But enough of this polite conversation. What is the purpose of your visit? |
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ask_weasal
Talker
Joined: July 08, 2006
Posts: 98
Status: Offline
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Sep 14, 2006 - 11:09 PM |
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I dont think that should be on the top of the agenda either. But I do believe that culture sensitivity should be there and discrimination against people of color and over sea's Asians is in this category. It's not getting any better. In fact it's getting worse. |
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ask_weasal
Talker
Joined: July 08, 2006
Posts: 98
Status: Offline
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Sep 14, 2006 - 11:09 PM |
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I dont think that should be on the top of the agenda either. But I do believe that culture sensitivity should be there and discrimination against people of color and over sea's Asians is in this category. It's not getting any better. In fact it's getting worse. |
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LaVecchiaSignora
SuperStar
Joined: July 24, 2006
Posts: 1531
Status: Offline
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Sep 14, 2006 - 11:12 PM |
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Don't fool yourself. Overseas Asians get a much better treatment than Black people here in China. You are on your own, good luck. |
_________________
I like walking in the rain because no one knows im crying |
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frenchlover1999
Shanghai Royalty
Joined: Sep 18, 2004
Posts: 8730
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Sep 14, 2006 - 11:17 PM |
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Yes, a total breakdown of socialist values in this country. Orchestrated by various interest groups with support from the United States, through various agencies (mostly unofficial ones such as evangelical groups). The Chinese governement has had a very hard time even identifying this threat - they are now working on it (the normalization of relations with the Vatican, a useful counterpower to the sects, is an example). Maybe your article can help, but not if published in the Western media (on the contrary it would end up helping those people who want to destroy all remains of communism in this country, by providing them with yet another example of how bad the Chinese government really is). F*l*n*g*ng members' skins lampshades, anyone? |
_________________
That was no shark. That was my personal submarine. But enough of this polite conversation. What is the purpose of your visit? |
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teanosugar
Raver
Joined: Oct 27, 2005
Posts: 495
Location: europe
Status: Offline
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Sep 14, 2006 - 11:45 PM |
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i like this article. needs some editing, but you already said that. and i found out last week it's all right to use "it's" in formal writing for Americans.
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In America the counter-argument regarding the race card may ring true. |
what is the counter- argument regarding the race card? |
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CoffeeHawk_0
Board Buddha
Joined: July 14, 2005
Posts: 14444
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Sep 15, 2006 - 07:08 AM |
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My humble opinion, based on only a little first hand information:
People in the US that don't like Black-Americans; this is pure racism/bigotry. People in China that I have met who have commented on race talk about the statistics they have read: the % of Blacks that drop out of high school, Ebonics, crime, and a potential different use of the English language (BTW the locals say the same thing about Australian English), etc. As you stated, you are educated, literate, and experienced, but I'd guess they believe there is some kind of statistical risk and/or they are just uncomfortable with something they know little about. So I agree it is an issue, and I'm not informed enough to know if it should be titled racism, bigotry, or prejudice, but I believe it's a different issue than what one might find in the US. It's not racism because African Blacks who travel here (business people) are thought of differently, but unfortunatley are still subjected to the same day to day 'jokes' about skin color. The school itself may know better but it's likely the students, young or old, however, do not any have worldly experience and would be initially uncomfortable with an American Black. Ironicly, having more Black American teachers would help change all this. In situations where my intent or honesty has been questioned, having a local person stand up for me has always fixed the situation. I wonder if more face to face meetings with potential employers would help rather than phone calls. |
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ask_weasal
Talker
Joined: July 08, 2006
Posts: 98
Status: Offline
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Sep 15, 2006 - 08:45 AM |
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HMMMM.....interesting point Coffee. I have wrestled with this idea for three years. There is no clear-cut answer. I kind of disagree with you about the "Ebonics" thing. That's just an excuse. Because I have had French, German, and even Russian's hired over me. So what would you rather take a chance on German or so called "Ebonics"? |
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LaVecchiaSignora
SuperStar
Joined: July 24, 2006
Posts: 1531
Status: Offline
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Sep 15, 2006 - 08:55 AM |
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Where do you want to publish this? |
_________________
I like walking in the rain because no one knows im crying |
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ask_weasal
Talker
Joined: July 08, 2006
Posts: 98
Status: Offline
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Sep 15, 2006 - 09:05 AM |
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Signora no time for your negative comments and antics. I have notice that you have a facination with me. Following me and other people around to heckle. Get a life man. |
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LaVecchiaSignora
SuperStar
Joined: July 24, 2006
Posts: 1531
Status: Offline
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Sep 15, 2006 - 09:07 AM |
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No time for my question? I asked a serious question. You do want to achieve something with this article, apart from posting it on this forum right? |
_________________
I like walking in the rain because no one knows im crying |
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teanosugar
Raver
Joined: Oct 27, 2005
Posts: 495
Location: europe
Status: Offline
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Sep 15, 2006 - 12:12 PM |
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| “Sorry we don’t hire black or Asian English teachers are the frequent responses to most black and Asian expats migrating to China. |
i think perhaps you could clarify that this affects english teaching jobs and not all jobs.
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Many whites here in China argue that the Chinese are not used to us, this is why they act the way they do. They would argue that there is no racism or discrimination in China. |
i am not sure whether most white people i know would make that argument... 
it is interesting that we all use different terminology. where i come from, "blacks" and "whites" would be considered mildy offensive, whilst "people of color" or "multi-colored people" are not used whatsoever.
still don't understand what the counter-argument regarding the race card is...sorry. |
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DonCorleone
Squeeker
Joined: Sep 14, 2006
Posts: 12
Status: Offline
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Sep 15, 2006 - 01:06 PM |
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Have you found this to be a teaching related issue or in all job applications? I interpret as am English teaching thing.
Good for you Randall. I think the article could do with some editing, but you should try to get it published to raise awareness. Even better, have it translated and then published. That would be really good. |
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Never let anyone outside the family know what you're thinking. |
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Henry_Chinaski
Board Lord
Joined: Aug 16, 2003
Posts: 5025
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Sep 15, 2006 - 03:39 PM |
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So Weasal, do you think anything will change with your letter?
Do you think that suddenly everyone will offer you a job because you are the poor discriminated black man?
Do you want to make it through pity?
By publishing this letter you are doing more harm than good I think. You are creating more racism then destroying it.
You cant appeal to logic when it comes to something so emotional as racism.
You need to, just like Lu Xun did with Ah Q, create a little farce that delivers your points in a very subtle manner.
Remember:
1-you dont have the critical mass here to create momentum to your cause
2-Chinese are extremely proud of their development and the superiority feeling that comes with it
A frontal attack to something so deep is pure suicide. A fart in an empty church, nobody cares buddy.
You need to mimick, mock, ridicularize their own backwardness, but not their "logic" or their feeling of superiority you see?
Most Chinese want to be considered modern, but their backwardness, racism in this case, prevents them to. You need to make them feel uneasy by not embracing the black race, and that takes a lot of clever marketing to do. NBA and hip hop are just the start.
An article? Not a media powerful enough in my opinion. It takes more than that.
I do amire you though, I just think you will not achieve much delivering the message the way you plan to. |
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CoffeeHawk_0
Board Buddha
Joined: July 14, 2005
Posts: 14444
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Sep 16, 2006 - 08:58 AM |
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Well said HC. One thing that everyone should agree on that has studied this culture, anything regarding race, prejudice, anger, and resolution of the aforementioned topics, is different here than in the west. Hip-hop vs. Hillbillies, the KKK vs. the Black Panthers, that is USA style: cowboy style, fight fire with fire. That does not work here. Here, you need to be wise and subtle. Displays of anger are merely a sign of an unbalanced mind; a sign that someone is not thinking logically and therefore their goals and ideas won't be respected. Zhende.
The 'logic' HC speaks of is a big driving force. My theory the logical prejudice of the east is probably easier to overcome, or at least understand, than the emotional based prejudice of the west. Once it's understood, the solution then should be understood too. That's not to say it can be implemented quickly, but it might be 'easier' than what has happened in the west. |
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frenchlover1999
Shanghai Royalty
Joined: Sep 18, 2004
Posts: 8730
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Sep 16, 2006 - 10:54 AM |
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You are saying the Chinese tend to think logically and "Westerners" emotionally? Isnt it the opposite? |
_________________
That was no shark. That was my personal submarine. But enough of this polite conversation. What is the purpose of your visit? |
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currychook
Rocker
Joined: Dec 21, 2005
Posts: 602
Location: Hong Kou, Shanghai
Status: Offline
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Sep 17, 2006 - 11:33 AM |
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Askweasel,
totally understand your frustrations with these institutions of so-called 'higher learning', which is unfortunately the norm in the education field in China. I think that these institutions just exist to cash in on the surge in educational spending by families wanting to get ahead materially. Oh well, take heart that all that karma is going to bite them in the backside when they realise the price they pay spiritually.
Suggestion: you may want to post this in the Dave's ESLCafe, or raise it with one of the teacher's orgs like IATEFL. It is quite difficult at the moment to seek recourse with schools here when the field is at such an immature stage, but hopefully it will get better as more qualifying bodies establish here.
P.S. Might i add that the cultural insensitivity will get worse before it gets better. |
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frenchlover1999
Shanghai Royalty
Joined: Sep 18, 2004
Posts: 8730
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Sep 17, 2006 - 06:37 PM |
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Oh well, take heart that all that karma is going to bite them in the backside when they realise the price they pay spiritually.
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If you believe that crap, then you also believe that black people got their skin colored as a punishment from sins committed in previous lives? Other than that, your post does make sense. |
_________________
That was no shark. That was my personal submarine. But enough of this polite conversation. What is the purpose of your visit? |
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Andreas
Board Royalty
Joined: Feb 27, 2004
Posts: 6408
Location: 31 N 121 E
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Sep 17, 2006 - 06:44 PM |
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| frenchlover1999 wrote: |
| You are saying the Chinese tend to think logically and "Westerners" emotionally? Isnt it the opposite? |
As a matter of fact it IS the opposite |
_________________
If it has tits, tires, or a transom, there's gonna be issues! |
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ask_weasal
Talker
Joined: July 08, 2006
Posts: 98
Status: Offline
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Sep 18, 2006 - 08:38 AM |
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Well I'll probaly be writing for city weekend soon. This was one of my articles that I presented to them. Of course it needs soom editing. This was a very first draft so a few mistakes. I think the "counter-argument" thing was a mistake. I just meant to say argument |
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ask_weasal
Talker
Joined: July 08, 2006
Posts: 98
Status: Offline
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Sep 18, 2006 - 08:39 AM |
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ask_weasal
Talker
Joined: July 08, 2006
Posts: 98
Status: Offline
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Sep 18, 2006 - 08:56 AM |
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And Chinaski I just want to make people aware that this is a problem in Chinese society. So what do you expect us discriminated Asians and people of color to do? Wait on the sidelines and hope one day we will be respected as much as you guys are. How do you think problems are solved? Through addressing the issue. This is what I am doing. Writing is a passion and something that I am good at. So this is how I am going to get my voice heard. Fortuantely some of us have to use our minds to get our voices heard. I don't have the right skin color. This is not a complaint but an issue that needs to be addressed and dealt with through education. Its not people like me who perpetuate the idea of racism. If you doubt that this way will not change anything....just look at W.E.B. Du Bois or Fredrick Douglass who used writing to change the way a society thought about them. Live in my shoes one day and then perhaps you could be able to understand more. I'm not trying to start a civil rights movement here. This is happening to westernized Asians as well. I am asking people to look in the mirrior. |
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ask_weasal
Talker
Joined: July 08, 2006
Posts: 98
Status: Offline
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Sep 18, 2006 - 09:01 AM |
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When your color starts effecting how you eat then you will understand |
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Pablo_Picasso
Board Royalty
Joined: May 05, 2006
Posts: 6715
Location: Spain you bloody idiots.
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Sep 18, 2006 - 09:48 AM |
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The Chinese are disgusting racists along with many other Asian people. I met a Chinese guy who asked me to introduce him to other caucasians that he could hire at his school. By caucasians fcuk really knows what that means, but he really didn't want black people or any other person that wasn't white.
I think weasel is right to address it. The Chinese want to be accepted as a developed country and as such will have to develop their own issues about people.
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| Displays of anger are merely a sign of an unbalanced mind; a sign that someone is not thinking logically and therefore their goals and ideas won't be respected. Zhende. |
And this really only works if it's people that are not Chinese. The Chinese fly off the handle within a second and you know it. I think many western people are far more rational than the Chinese.
Oh shiit, did I say something bad about China?? |
_________________
Well some people try to pick up girls And get called assholes This never happened to Pablo Picasso |
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