First off, sorry for not posting recently. Life's been busy, and I haven't traveled or done anything that incredibly exciting here in Hong Kong. However, I have some things to update ya about.
So, I'm starting to realize what it means to be a minority in another country. It took three months, but I'm starting to notice it more and more. I'm not insulted by it, cuz I'll share some examples with you, but more, well, frustrated.
I've only recently started noticing things the Hong Kong-ese do when I, or a group of white people, come into the picture. I think I noticed it completely when I had a series of things happen to me.
Anyways, in the morning I get on my bus. I started noticing that always seem to have the seats next to me open. I especially noticed it one day when I got on a very crowded bus last week, and no matter how crowded the bus was, no one would sit next to me. I shower people, I shower.
I then went to a press conference. I signed in and sat on a couch, by myself like usual, and the security guard walked up to me.
Guard: "Sir, do you work for The South China Morning Post?" (the main english-based newspaper in town. The Post reporter is sitting across from me, she's a very nice Japanese lady.)
Me: "No, I'm with Bloomberg. She's over there."
Guard: "Sorry sir, I assumed you were with the Post because...."
Me: "Because why?"
Guard: "Nothing sir, have a good day."
The press conference was held by a very important gentleman in the community. He did his speech in English, and then took all his questions in Cantonese. There were six white people there standing around, occasionally asking a nice Hong Kong reporter what he's saying.
He could obviously see us. I'm standing in his fucking face with a tape recorder.
So I headed home, on my bus with my own seat, and went to grab dinner at a local restaurant. I was placed in the back, in a special section that had forks and water instead of chopsticks and tea in front of it.
Can I have any more stereotypes placed upon me?
Oh, a tuna sandwich with Mayo on white bread. Thanks!
Please Mind the Gap, and The Man,
Ken
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2 comments:
Very interesting experiences. Now the thing to do is to take these and figure out how to break through the wall (maybe in the Q & A part, you ask questions in Cantanese...really shot the sh.. out of them...that is how you begin the process of breaking the wall).
Females in the workplace had to show males that they could actually think (but this was only accomplished when the female was able to talk the language of business and be credible).
Life is continual learning and growing. Don't view these experiences as negative, remember for the Chinese, it is very important to be proper and honorable...maybe in the restaurant, you were sat to honor your preferences (how would the host/hostess know you prefer chopsticks and tea unless you tell them).
Great post
Hello Hello Hello.... Well from the caribbean:) Minority huh? Well I feel a bit of it on this ship but I sit around with british folk and canadians. All the british do is complain of the exchange rate from US to pound. I figured out what I want from china. You know me, A very interesting Shirt polo or T is fine. Or something from Tibet, It's freaking high. Did you get my pictures?
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