I've read recently that South Korea has been deemed the most racist country in the world. The horror! Whether true or not a recent report from one of the UN's gravy train riders (the splendidly named Mutuma Ruteere - 'you can rut here, Mutuma') has identified severe problems. From his report and many others it seems the explanation lies in Koreans' ignorance of the wider world, and by implications the benefits of diversity. And I suppose we could forgive them that, given that they've done quite well on their own so far. For instance in 1957 they had the same per capita income as that of pre 'independence' Ghana whereas now it's more than twenty times higher.
![]()
"In one way or another, racism affects almost every foreigner in Korea. But being black here is different. Whether African-American, African or not even black but mistaken for it, experiences in Korea are tainted by the perception that blacks are lower than other races: Blacks are violent, unintelligent and poor. Black Americans are not really American, and are inappropriate teachers for Korean children. The local media continues to be flooded with racist sentiments, advertisements and perceptions. It’s painful and it’s widespread."
"Black people report difficulty getting taxis, even when Koreans and whites get them on the same street. Some say cab drivers go so far as to make illegal U-turns into traffic to avoid picking up black passengers. Some Koreans will refuse to get into elevators with black people, and will often change subway cars to avoid being near black passengers".
On the other hand “there were meanings associated with the color white – peace, being a peaceful people, purity,”
Oh dear.
And the cause of this wrong-headed view of the po' blacks? It seems "American movies and music influenced Koreans to see blacks as dirty, poor, violent slum-dwellers. The U.S. way of looking at black people came to Korea so Korean people looked at black people just like Americans did.”
Right. So I have a great idea. Why doesn't the Western media create movies and TV shows with blacks in lead roles, as professors, doctors and scientists...and who are brave, intelligent and resourceful? Why not include an occasional black person in an advertisement, and in a positive role? Why not affirmative action blacks into high positions, positions way beyond their abilities, even to the level of US President? Why not encourage White women to see black males as ideal mating material?
I know these are crazy ideas. We all know they represents an inversion of reality. But wouldn't it be worth it were they to correct Korea's racism problem? And now here's another suggestion. According to this Korean journalist 'our racism is based on sheer ignorance'. You see - and he's right - only a tiny number of Koreans (here are some) have had direct experience of living with blacks and their (cough) 'culture'. So why not organise Cultural Exchange Programs whereby groups of Koreans spend a few months soaking in the authentic Black Experience in say.....Haiti, East St. Louis, Camden, Liberia or Somalia.
It'd certainly cure them of their ignorance, that's for sure.
"In one way or another, racism affects almost every foreigner in Korea. But being black here is different. Whether African-American, African or not even black but mistaken for it, experiences in Korea are tainted by the perception that blacks are lower than other races: Blacks are violent, unintelligent and poor. Black Americans are not really American, and are inappropriate teachers for Korean children. The local media continues to be flooded with racist sentiments, advertisements and perceptions. It’s painful and it’s widespread."
"Black people report difficulty getting taxis, even when Koreans and whites get them on the same street. Some say cab drivers go so far as to make illegal U-turns into traffic to avoid picking up black passengers. Some Koreans will refuse to get into elevators with black people, and will often change subway cars to avoid being near black passengers".
On the other hand “there were meanings associated with the color white – peace, being a peaceful people, purity,”
Oh dear.
And the cause of this wrong-headed view of the po' blacks? It seems "American movies and music influenced Koreans to see blacks as dirty, poor, violent slum-dwellers. The U.S. way of looking at black people came to Korea so Korean people looked at black people just like Americans did.”
Right. So I have a great idea. Why doesn't the Western media create movies and TV shows with blacks in lead roles, as professors, doctors and scientists...and who are brave, intelligent and resourceful? Why not include an occasional black person in an advertisement, and in a positive role? Why not affirmative action blacks into high positions, positions way beyond their abilities, even to the level of US President? Why not encourage White women to see black males as ideal mating material?
I know these are crazy ideas. We all know they represents an inversion of reality. But wouldn't it be worth it were they to correct Korea's racism problem? And now here's another suggestion. According to this Korean journalist 'our racism is based on sheer ignorance'. You see - and he's right - only a tiny number of Koreans (here are some) have had direct experience of living with blacks and their (cough) 'culture'. So why not organise Cultural Exchange Programs whereby groups of Koreans spend a few months soaking in the authentic Black Experience in say.....Haiti, East St. Louis, Camden, Liberia or Somalia.
It'd certainly cure them of their ignorance, that's for sure.