I plan to go over to Japan and teach English when I finish college. I've read about the people, studied and practiced the language, absorbed as much of the culture as I could, but I am a little worried over the sort of things I've been reading about treatment of foreigners. I am Black, and I've heard from people about how some people will expect you to be over there, which makes me worry that I will get stuck in the "black gangsta gaijin monster" stereotype... (I heard that people won't even answer the door if they see a black man behind it!)
My question is, is it hard to find people that will see me as another human being, and not what they see from American television and movies in Japan? I plan to live in the urban areas by the way....
2007-03-27 12:20:07 · 6 answers · asked by Asheila 2 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Japan
♡Don't worry about it Asheila!
Each person who comes to Japan has a unique experience.
Come here to Japan with an open mind and heart. Be yourself and smile, people will soon see you for the person that you really are.
Many foreigners who come to Japan are 'stared' at quite a bit at first, I was my first year here, it's just simple curiosity and the fact that you're different. People will get used to seeing you around and see you for what you are and accept you as that.
～☆Just be yourself, it's what I did and have been very happily (*^o^*) living here for the past 10 years now. (I'm American) Try to enjoy your time here in Japan without worrying about 'stereotypes' (and the such) and you'll be pleasantly surprised by people's kindness. Yes, people will see you as a human being, of course!
Good luck!♡
*¸¸.·*´¯` ♡ *It's good that you try to study the language a bit and culture. I've found that Japanese people always praised that effort from me.
2007-03-28 00:24:11 · answer #1 · answered by C 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
To answer your question, No. It is not hard to find people that will see you as a human being. Stereotypically people will say it is hard, but in my experience, Japanese are some of the most, if not THE most open-hearted people in the world. They accept without judging. Now, that being said, there are always the "rotten Apple" types that make the negative stereotype and that is unfortunate, but not unexpected.
If you do your best and be true to who you are while at the same time be open-minded yourself about the differences in culture and lifestyles, You will have a great time and a great experience.
2007-03-27 21:40:22 · answer #2 · answered by Looking for the truth... 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That can't be help. You just have to show them what you've got. Just be yourself. As they say, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. If you are not a "black gangsta gaijin monster" then don't act as one.
Eventually, people will see you as just another human being.
2007-03-27 19:07:27 · answer #3 · answered by Matsuda 2 · 4⤊ 1⤋
There will be stereotypes for sure. They will like you and want to be friends with you just because you are black/American.
2007-03-28 18:26:03 · answer #4 · answered by RetroBunny69 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it will be hard. You're lucky to be hired at all.
2007-03-28 06:25:42 · answer #5 · answered by Vinegar Taster 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
you can't really avoid stereotyping but don't let it put you down...just do your job...show them you've got enough nerve...well jap students are really the worst of all...well not all of them, we have a polite society on the bright side...good luck to you.
2007-03-27 18:53:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋