| I have read this interesting discussion. I am african, and have been living in China for seven years now. I came to the conclusion that, although Chinese people are racists, you can't really blame them for that, because THEY DON'T KNOW they are. For them it is quite normal to place an ad stating that only white people would be considered. China has been closed for a long time, they haven't experienced some things that other countries went through. Also, another problem is, it seems religion has been replaced by money now here, so the market dictates everything. If parents will pay more to have whites teach their kids, the school managers won't do anything to change their minds, it is not their job after all, they will look for white teachers. That's quite simple and straightforward.
Teaching is just the visible part of the huge iceberg. But as long as we are in China, we have to deal with it. Otherwise find another place to go. I am sure that with some good will and a small dose of smartness, one can find its way in China regardless of his color or background. I have a created a forum, www.afroshanghai.com, where africans all over China meet, and we also interact with Chinese friends, I believe through communication, as it is on this very website, we can help bridge the differences. Who knows, in ten or twenty years time, things would not be the same as it is today. Peace to all of you. Patrick |
Discrimination Against Foreigners in Shanghai?