Korea doesn't see race the way you do
“They’re kind of shocked when I tell them I’m not American. Then they’re really disappointed that I’m not French either, because they love French people,” a young woman explained to the room. “When I tell them I’m from Africa — I don’t say Gabon because that just makes things more confusing — they don’t know how to react. It’s like they have no frame of reference. Why am I not poor, for example.…
Korea does not perceive race in the same manner as other countries do, according to a young woman who shared her experiences in the country. When she informs people that she is not American, they are often surprised. Many Koreans then express disappointment that she is not French, as they have a fondness for that nationality. Upon revealing that she is from Africa, the reactions become even more perplexing.
Rather than immediately understanding, Koreans struggle to find a frame of reference for someone from Africa in Korea. They question why the young woman is not poor and how she can be living in Korea.
The young woman empathized with the Korean perspective, recognizing that many of them have a unique mindset towards foreign individuals. Professor Zeljana Zmire aptly coined this phenomenon as "nouveau riche nationalism." This term encapsulates the idea that a person's country of origin often holds more significance than their physical appearance when determining how they are viewed in Korean society.
Throughout her time in Korea, the young woman has encountered numerous instances where people assumed she was American, shouted "An American is coming" from the streets, and made similar comments at nearby tables in busy establishments. These experiences were particularly noticeable when she identified herself as African.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Korea doesn't see race the way you do koreatimes.co.kr
