Tokyo Real Estate
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97)
Fri 2007/10/19 23:56
So why on earth do they need to state that foreigners are welcome?
I know many gaijin (the Japanese word for "foreigner") who can tell a tale or two about the fun and games they have had looking for an apartment.
When I first arrived in Japan looking for a place to stay, I would be shown around to a few places during a day. After I made a decision on a place, the estate agent would then call the landlord (in front of me) and ask whether they would let a gaijin stay in the apartment. I was rejected a few times just because I was a gaijin. The feeling is absolutely depressing.
After a few years of moving around, I took on the new tactic of making the estate agent call the landlord *before* we set out to look at the apartment. This was good as we didn't have to waste our time but hearing him talk on the phone saying "no gaijin? ah, I understand..." was still depressing.
This was one of the reasons why I decided to buy a house. You can read more in that article on how gaijin and pets are treated the same with "no gaijin or pets" printed on the apartment floor plans and how you need to pay (depending on the rent) fees like 1,540,000 yen up front before you move in.
Apart from this apartment seeking experience which I don't have to go through anymore, I personally don't experience any other forms of racism in Japan - much better than what I expereinced back in London.
Whats racism like in your region?
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Im surprised they classed you as a bona-fide Gaijin. I mean, although youre from the UK, but you can speak the lingo fluently, and have a good credit history with a good job - whats the problem?? I would hate to be in that situation, and if i pursue my aim of living in Japan in the future, i may well have to be! Racism around our area is kinda medium. Its not an everyday thing, but it happens now and again. Never happened to me or anyone i know though. Also, i heard that Ikebukuro is the most gaijin friendly place in tokyo besides roppongi? Is this true? If so, im gonna get hassled by loads of pimps when im waking to and from the hotel there! ARGH!
(ID #60221) Posted on 2007/10/20 00:01
In our case here in Malaysia! All other races beside the Malays here has to paid more to get a house! Our government set a rule that Malays can buy house at cheaper price and with less down payment......So wat u call this situation? The government even allow them to paid lower interest rate and also help them bare the loan if they are unable to paid it. Other races will have to stay under the bridge if u are unable to paid the bank loan! Luckily Malaysia does not have 4 season or else you will get news that how many ppl die under the winter.
(ID #60222) Posted on 2007/10/20 00:10
That's actually true in my Country T_T I hate that the government set this kind of rules just for the sake of their own kind.
(ID #424131) Posted on 2008/12/24 17:47
Yes, that's true! A sad case... TT
(ID #620307) Posted on 2009/05/25 18:24
Professional Student
There's very little racism around here. It's really only be prominent in the big cities like Miami and Jacksonville. Even then, if there were an issue like you're experiencing, the ACLU and Govt. would get involved.
(ID #60223) Posted on 2007/10/20 00:38
anime/cosplay events organizer
gaijin or foreigners are pretty much free to get a house or get an apartment here and there's not much racial racism here...i think
(ID #60224) Posted on 2007/10/20 00:48
mahou kishi
the problem is that you just need 1 or 2 gaijins that make troubles, and all the gaijins will be labeled as trouble makers, and as I had seen some gaijins loves to break the rules, like some videos I had seen
(ID #60229) Posted on 2007/10/20 01:10
I have never seen this kind of racism, maybe that's because I live in Mexico and here the foreigners are always welcome.
(ID #60230) Posted on 2007/10/20 01:15
VF-25 Pilot. Universariate Scholar.
well, in malaysia there is not much racism towards gaijin as they usually have alot of dough with them (tourism is a big industry, we actually encourage gaijin to stay in malaysia). HOWEVER, we have a serious problem with racist politicians trying to stir up problems among the many races in Malaysia.
(ID #60232) Posted on 2007/10/20 01:31
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
One of the major problems in Japan... though there are some reasonable excuses for that racism. I mean, it really is bad to judge a person like that, but it is also true that lots of crimes and problems on Japan are because of foreigners. I hear lots of crimes involving brazilians who went to Japan to work... and this always makes me ashamed for my country. I heard that at the beginning on the opening process for brazilian immigrants, lots of people who already commited crimes here on Brazil, "escapes" do Japan, commit crimes there, and then escapes japanese police by comming back to Brazil. Nonetheless, there's no excuse for generalization like that. If you have a family, a job, and a stable life on Japan, then it's just plain racism. Racism in Brazil isn't inexistent, but it's not as bad as in most countries. Brazil is filled with immigrants from all over the world, so people learn to live with different people from the beginning. But assholes exists everywhere. And every now and then, I hear some racist jokes, or something like that even here (I'm japanese decendant).
(ID #60233) Posted on 2007/10/20 01:33
I'm pretty sure there are racist landlords around, but they can't deny a person the right to rent due to race...unless they want to get slapped with a lawsuit...
(ID #60236) Posted on 2007/10/20 01:58
我们不是东亚病夫！！！
(ID #60237) Posted on 2007/10/20 02:07
It´s not like that good for me... I wonder how much time i picked a fight just coz my family is japanese. Last week, some ppl just passed by me while i was playing PumpItUp (DDR likes) and talked to each something like this "Look that japanese! Only japaneses can play this kind of game, because they are weird and stupid people, they live for machines" ... and that was a light one. The worst is ppl talkin on your back how they hate japanese juz coz they say that we 'japanese' came to Brazil to steal their place and money in this country... and sort of. I'm don't care anymore when I hear "Go back to Japan" in the middle of streets. Well, I was born here in Brazil, and I live my entire life here... I got many good and bad memories about my 'skin'... but I wonder if I go to Japan will be different (like you said, they'll say gaijin gaijin gaijin...).
(ID #60241) Posted on 2007/10/20 02:25
Here in Canada, it isn't that bad. People do respect other people even if they are different from skin colour, language, and religion. Unfortunately, it's recommend not to bring out politics (religious politics) when talking to other people because it might get uncomfortable for some people and might steer some tension. You can say that Canada is a country that respect who you are.....just don't cause any problem with other people.
(ID #60242) Posted on 2007/10/20 02:27
Thats what sucks about moving to Japan, gaijin generally are refused renting, especially if the landlord or community has a general stereotype resulting in rejection. It's pretty mixed where I live but can't say theres no racism.
(ID #60243) Posted on 2007/10/20 02:38
Animator/ graphic designer
i only see the color of money.
(ID #60245) Posted on 2007/10/20 02:40
Wow, paiki, I very rarely see this kind of treatment to brazilian nikkeijin around here. Then again, i'm of greek and portuguese descent, and recognize that could explain a lot, since I'm not "inside". Anyway, most of my friends and current acquaintances are of japanese descent, and I work at Liberdade (a known japanese neighbourhood), so maybe that should expose me to witnessing some of this behaviour. Are you from Sao Paulo too? Obviously I don't ignore the usual japanese "jokes" around, and even my japanese friends tell one or two of those sometimes, but nothing like the rabid treatment you described. Your post interests me because it states something I'm not aware of. People of japanese descent have a very large role in the brazilian society, being teachers, medics, engineers, artists, politicians and others. 2008 will mark 100 years of japanese immigration, and lots of people are talking about next year's commemoration of what became the biggest japanese community outside Japan. Ehrm, sorry if I exceeded myself ^^". On a broader topic about racism, I think brazilians are about average. The country has too big of a "racial mix" for people to get really prejudiced because of race, belief and origins. When I read news about religious and racial wars on other countries I'm surprised by how brazilian people look more free and tolerant than other societies in some aspects. (sorry for my weird enlish ^^)
(ID #60249) Posted on 2007/10/20 03:04
Cutetwirler in Nagoya, Japan
Nagoya is pretty gaijin-tastic so it's quite good... but I still have a few issues (like people not sitting next to me on a train). I come from Suffolk in England and that's pretty much 100% white. Although someone couldn't say no to a person renting a house on their race, I'd say that there's more racism in Suffolk than in Nagoya...
(ID #60250) Posted on 2007/10/20 03:08
Hangmen13 in Sabah, Malaysia, but now studying in KL (still the same country) (Registered on 2007/04/21 22:31)
Aimless Traveler
I know that the issue of racial rights and bias towards the Malays are quite a hot topic, yet that doesn't prevent people of different races from doing their best to co-exist. However, the real unity killer here are our politicians who often gave out rough unapologetic remarks that could strain relationships between different races. Such situation are more prevalent in West Malaysia though. I feel pretty fine in East Malaysia, perhaps due to the humble nature of people around here.
(ID #60253) Posted on 2007/10/20 03:16
the state of racism here is not that prevalent. Foreigners are welcomed with open arms, very much so that the Filipinos would almost prefer to be form somewhere else, than Filipino.
(ID #60255) Posted on 2007/10/20 03:21
I'm bored about Malaysian politics and since some people have already mentioned about the racism here, I don't want to elaborate further. A wise man once said, "Those who feel offended by racism are racists themselves." But regarding Japan, i wonder why is there such a stigma about gaijin. I was aware of a certain political party who wanted Japan clean of gaijin, but luckily they lost the elections. Even in the "brothels" you can see signs "No Gaijin Allowed". Hmmm.
(ID #60261) Posted on 2007/10/20 04:04
Student
barely any racism here lol, cept for a few mishaps here and there. but overall its ---> ^^ lol
(ID #60262) Posted on 2007/10/20 04:06
In the US, that's considered discrimination. I see very little problems with foreigners here. The only time I see problems is when someone gets mad at their english.
(ID #60264) Posted on 2007/10/20 04:08
Yeah nunks, I'm from Sao Paulo too =) Well, it's fortunate of your part. Maybe just some asians and black ppl are always hitted by some racial discrimination. I think the racial problem isnt that often than other countries also... but we have a much bigger problem here in Brazil. I dunno how to write it, so i think it's economical discrimination.
(ID #60266) Posted on 2007/10/20 04:16
I feel that in China & Japan and probably other places in Asia, foreigners are not much liked, except for tourism (if they don't immediately go for stereotypes). I'm not even sure about studies and work. It's sad to see that even if you're Asian and speak Japanese fluently, you can be rejected like the plague for arbitrary reasons like origin (you can't change your genes, right?). john blade, I guess you forgot that there can be some animosity (even if well-hidden) between francophones and anglophones.
(ID #60267) Posted on 2007/10/20 04:17
South Africa... need I say more? ;P Racism is still bad here, It's probably improving a bit, but even I admit I'm a bit racist sometimes, hehe.
(ID #60270) Posted on 2007/10/20 04:30
soon-to-be 2nd year Civil Engineering student
Racism exists here in Malaysia, but it's against the law to discuss about it openly. We got used to it now, but still traces of racism still exists. Foreigners are very welcomed here as shown by the visit Malaysia year 2007 campaign.
(ID #60272) Posted on 2007/10/20 04:43
If you're a racist in Singapore, you're pretty much a criminal. Here we firmly believe in meritocracy and religious harmony, cos we're a nation of four main different races (just like Switzerland). I'd source up a newspaper article for you regarding racism in Singapore but I'm too busy at the moment. ^_^;; This is a cause of concern for me, though. Looks like I'm gonna have to move in with my relatives if I ever decide to live in Japan...
(ID #60274) Posted on 2007/10/20 04:55
i live in one of the bigger cities in Canada, though i'm sure racism do exist in more rural parts, it's virtually nonexistent where i live and attend university
(ID #60276) Posted on 2007/10/20 05:21
lizardman
I live 12 minutes from Ikebukuro. One thing that sometimes happens to me is that I get stared at in trains by old people, not only stared but scrutinized. Mostly old oyaji. I don't mean such curious looks or similar. These guys stare at me as if I'm the rubbish in person! And even if I stare back many of them still don't look away (but old ladies usually do). In such situations I love to provoke and do things that could get such people to jump up and try to stick a knife into my back. It's obvious that these people are right wingers! God! i hate right wingers, no matter where!
(ID #60278) Posted on 2007/10/20 06:01
lizardman
Forgot to mention that I now usually wear a dark sunglasses which most time prevent people staring at me. It's like a shield. People can't stare at you if you wear shades because it makes them unsure about how you feel about their staring!
(ID #60279) Posted on 2007/10/20 06:04
milkham (Registered on 2007/03/06 17:08)
I've heard about it being hard for foreigners to find housing in Japan before, but Danny, aren't you an asian guy? Can't you pass for a native?
(ID #60285) Posted on 2007/10/20 07:09
College Kid
Americans like to say racism is all done with, however closet racism's still very prevalent. ie Lets interview Bob while we tell Tyesha that the position has been filled. Allot of people have been turned down for jobs based on how ethnic their name sounds, mexican, black etc. Also cops are awful in the states, especially if you are black or latino. Not to mention racism in films where minorities typically played parts of comic relief, crooks, or just a list of stereotypes. Hollywood has tried to tip toe around its racism by casting black people as angels, or in the case of Bruce Almighty, god. What this says is that blacks are to be viewed outside of the real world subtly. I accomplishes this establishing them as something supernatural and completely circumventing dealing with race. While you cannot be out fired for being black or mexican people can still find other ways of snubbing you. And while shows and movies may not know they are racist they have the tendency to cast minorities as crooks because it is more "realistic" it could very well be ignorance... Also, there is the issue of homosexuality. In the states it is quiet common for the ignorant to refer to something "stupid" as "gay" or to put down someone by calling them a "faggot" or "fag" Like minorities, homosexuals fill similarly stereotypical roles in hollywood movies and tv shows by aiding the white male heterosexual hero. However, America has come a long way in it's racism and I am confident that this will get better.
(ID #60286) Posted on 2007/10/20 07:45
College Kid
Also, the current Democratic Front Runners for President are a white woman, Hillary Clinton and a black man, Barack Obama. This raises the question of wether or not America is ready for a black man as president or a women as president.
(ID #60288) Posted on 2007/10/20 07:50
College Kid
I would like it to be noted that I am making generalizations, sorry I did not make that clear. Also, sorry for the triple post ^^;
(ID #60290) Posted on 2007/10/20 07:55
IT, Programmer, Otaku, ...
We have quite a lot of muslim people here, and the people here don't tend to like them very much, and there are many more nationalities here as well. That's what I like about Japan, it's very homogeneous, not many foreigners. But it's funny that I in fact am a gaijin there, even though I don't want to stand out ;p
(ID #60292) Posted on 2007/10/20 08:01
IT, Programmer, Otaku, ...
@lizardman Didn't get that feeling in Japan though, only been 3 weeks in total there. I was even talked to by some older guy was learning English and asked me to explain some words to him ;p But if you live there, you'd probably get see more different people ;p
(ID #60293) Posted on 2007/10/20 08:05
Racism.....I live in South Africa.....need I say more
(ID #60295) Posted on 2007/10/20 08:43
Snake Eyes, speaking of South Africa, remember Lethal Weapons 2? "but, but, but... you're black! ROFL!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA" I laughed every time I watched that scene. I'm hoping I can personally experience this landlord Vs. gaijin racist $hit next year... if I am accepted at a certain school... if I can't find a place, can I crash at yours? LOL. Seriously though, my wife and I, plus 2 dogs... it's gonna be close to impossible finding a place! Ooooh what am I doing? I'm not even sure if I get to go yet! Wish me luck!
(ID #60303) Posted on 2007/10/20 09:15
lizardman
@Hatix, indeed if you only visit Japan for a couple of weeks you don't get to see much of the negative things that go on in a country. I live here now since almost 4 years and for the many sides that I like Japan there are as many sides that I hate it for. Racism is one thing here that is deeply rooted. If you're non-Japanese you're either admired or hated. Few Japanese can balance this!
(ID #60304) Posted on 2007/10/20 09:29
Sterilization Technician@ Prince Of Wales Hospital
Most Of The Racism in Australia is against those of middle eastern backgrounds , Funny how the country says its Multi-cultured yet the majority are all asian(as in South East and East asian)
(ID #60310) Posted on 2007/10/20 10:17
五〇一軍团 TK8316 Singapore Garrison Public Relations Officer
it's a multi-racial society in singapore with the majority being chinese followed by malays, indians and caucasians. english is the common language here. the government welcomes foreigners since birth rate is on the decline.
(ID #60315) Posted on 2007/10/20 10:57
filmaker
wherever u go...as long as people are judged, criticised, and or singled out based on their race you have racism albeit even a form of passive racism...sad but true...i cant think of a single country ive travelled to that i have not experienced racism in one form or another. Even if someone favours u based on your race, thats also racism
(ID #60320) Posted on 2007/10/20 11:21
Service desk support
Japan is one of the most racist countries in the world, but since a lot of it is passive, ppl don't pick up on it much, unless they stay for extended periods of time. I would love to work in Japan, but I really don't think I would want to live there!
(ID #60323) Posted on 2007/10/20 11:43
jasimp
my brother is working in japan, and unfortunately he has to move his kids back to Sydney for school (primary) due to racism..it's a shame to hear that racism penetrate to these innocent japan school kids...
(ID #60329) Posted on 2007/10/20 12:22
@Tom in サウス フロリダ I agree w/your comment, but unfortunately, that does not apply to all minorities. While great strides have been made in ensuring rights for African-Americans, a majority of the society thinks it can get away with racist comments towards other minorities. For instance, a famous radio station made racist comments about the tsunami and the news/media barely got the story out. Another instance was when Rosie O'Donnel made racist comments (mock Chinese accent) on TV and refused to apologize, until sponsors started pulling their advertising. Barely anyone would try these kinds of stunts towards African-Americans, (save for a few crazy people like "Kramer" from Seinfeld), but you never see anyone think twice before trying this with other minorities. Unfortunately, racism is present in almost every country, it seems.
(ID #60333) Posted on 2007/10/20 13:00
Firebird in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Well, i think racism cause a lot mayhem for anyone, and i mean ANYONE. when you think racism didn't happen in third world countries, then you're wrong. it gets worse in a small scale, but with a very powerful powers. and a different way. Here in my country, racism provoked by Religion fanatics. well, most of them are targeting whites, such as embassy and political buildings, not an individual figures as they doesn't seems to be very skilled at assassination or fighting. (none actually) what makes me sick is that actually, most of this people were sometimes makes their act of terror looks like as if it was some kind of pilgrims/holy act to defend their believes, and for far worst, they tried to affect the non-intellectual peoples & non-educational commons. most of the educated peoples were a minors, and they can do nothing, since we're pushed by "radicals" to shut up or dead terms. it's been quite like a while since 1997, after one big dictators falls from his chair. Government? bunch of graduated bully's. Police? corrupted. Scholars? quiet. well, this is reminds me why i became otaku. not to remind me of what they airing at television... anyway, sorry if i making such annoying post, I'm afraid...
(ID #60338) Posted on 2007/10/20 14:07
@Mars & kenshiro: That is why I can't stand American so-called humor and comedy. Sometimes they are so poor on good ideas for jokes they go for stereotypes and cruel mockery. Just look at all those dumb movies they create and launch to the public every year! I sadly don't think their mode of doing things (make fun of people to put some relativism in tensions) ever work. On the contrary, for me it only create sparks for intolerance. @milkham: I am not sure it would ever work. There are parts of you you can't change (maybe body frame, facial features, etc.) and others that are really embedded in you (the speaking accent for example generally betrays you in terms of origin when you talk). On top of that, I don't think I would be proud to pretend to be Japanese if I am not, even for some guy and a house. But it's only me. Those comments are personal, but they are very dear to me. Of course I may be wrong, but I am open to any sort of feedback.
(ID #60341) Posted on 2007/10/20 14:47
Racism where I live usually only comes from the chavs or older people. And it is nearly non existenet now. I am muslim so a few years ago i would get dodgy looks from people in the street but everyone in school didn't see the problem with me being muslim. They never stereotyped me and assumed i would randomly blow up like a lunatic. The racist people generally tend to be the ignorant people who stereotype everyone with what the media says or idiot lower class chavs who think we have come to steal their jobs. Yeah, as if i ever wanted to be a cleaner. :P
(ID #60346) Posted on 2007/10/20 15:15
Games addicted
Unfortuatly here in Itlay it has strong presence. Especially in the north of the country. The Italy suffer from a strong immigration, most illegal so Italians are becoming increasingly intolerant.
(ID #60350) Posted on 2007/10/20 15:37
Well, is very sad to tell, but actually in Spain are real problem with inmigration. Many people come for South America,Rumania, Morocco and Africa, and most of them are simply kind person who wants a job. the problem is that actually is hard find a good job in Spain, we have real problems with this. The REAL problem is when inmigrants aren`t kind people who don`t come to find a job, or can`t find one...
(ID #60355) Posted on 2007/10/20 16:03
Maybe you don't experience that much racism because you're of Asian decent in the first place. I remember Japan being a very racist country. From little things like, not being allowed to participate in coupon day at the food store to those vans with the loud speakers on top yelling for the gaijin to get out of the country. You should ask a round eye if he thinks Japan is a racist country.
(ID #60360) Posted on 2007/10/20 17:02
At least for renting, in the US, we have Equal housing opportunity law. By law, people cannot discriminate anyone for renting or buy a house.
(ID #60364) Posted on 2007/10/20 17:34
Ryori no tetsujin: agreed. I havent found any discrimination here, although I have to say I have never lived in an apartment. I moved out at a young age and bought a house. So, I think the only thing we discriminate against here are the meth labs and crack heads.
(ID #60367) Posted on 2007/10/20 18:51
A couple of things I have noticed though. When a friend and I went to Tijuana in Mexico, they had two prices. One price if you spoke English, and another if you spoke Spanish. They were always so suprised when two "gringos" (like gaijin but in Spanish) spoke spanish to them. I also met a friend of a friend who has a Japanese mother, who was astounded that I spoke Japanese and greeted her respectfully. She actually said "but.. but you are a blonde man". Im not sure if she was insulting my intelligence, or just amazed by my hair color choice. Lol. I think stereotypes exist for a reason, and I think that we all make assumptions about people from time to time. When I went to buy a $22,000 motorcycle out here, I wore ragged jeans and a t-shirt. No one paid attention to me, so I went somewhere else and bought the bike from the first person that helped me. Im guilty of making assumptions too, but I think we could all do better at this. Look at Danny! Hes a Star Wars geek (respectfully) that is making an amazing website and making my day that much more interesting! Go Choo!
(ID #60369) Posted on 2007/10/20 19:02
I live in toronto, and all the racists I know are Chinese. So, yeah, it's pretty weird...
(ID #60373) Posted on 2007/10/20 19:55
Kimurasenseii
Here in France, racism is present, but mainly in the small town. Big City seems to be really racism-free though I'm white and I probably can't notice all the fact. But in small cities many people are racist, and/or they said themself to be racist, but behave normally!!! In fact the only times you can see clear racist comment from themself, is when the TVnews show a nonwhite people in any case of crime, steal,etc... Make me think of 1984. Exception is nightclub where many sandals appeared about "private party" being private only for Arab guys. Expecially owner employing arab guy with the order of not letting enter arab guys... Sorry about my rotten english.
(ID #60386) Posted on 2007/10/20 23:54
High School Student, College student, Part-time Ninja
We humans are low and primitive like that. When will we learn to treat each other equally?
(ID #60404) Posted on 2007/10/21 05:13
Professional Student
@ kenshiro Yes, this is very true. However, I was referring mainly to the small suburban area where I live. African-Americans/Blacks (some people get offended when you call them one or the other so I'll just list them as one entity ^^;) are pretty well taken care of due to slavery. Because people are so focused on that specific group, other minorities, such as Asians and Muslims, can get "swept under the rug" so to speak. Right now, the big thing is to cater towards those of Central American descent (Mexicans, Guatemalans, etc.), especially with the rise of illegal immigrants in the US. Part of what you mentioned with those specific incidents is also influenced by politics, unfortunately. Racism will always exist, but I think the US does damn well at combating it compared to other countries.
(ID #60416) Posted on 2007/10/21 06:01
Tom, I agree that the US does a good job. Considering we arent slaughtering each other whole-sale because of our ancestry. IvanHoeho, I know what you mean. Even in Mississauga we had this happen (in Burlington too!) Asians are a very small minority out here, mostly Koreans, and they are stereotyped as owning nail shops (which, a lot of them do.. not helping the stereotype at all).
(ID #60423) Posted on 2007/10/21 06:33
Zanhram in Mexico
Well the mexican people is kinda racist towards people of indegenous decent but I think this situation has changed in this years thankfully But Overral mexico is a mult ethnical sountry, in the last years many immigrants from Korea, China and from sourh america have esablished here and well sometimes we tend to joke about them but they are free to buy a house, find a job, study and to have acces to any place in the country. Mexico is overall friendly toward foreigners. My english sucks xD
(ID #60460) Posted on 2007/10/21 18:46
D_Blade, yea they is some tension between the english and the french (mostly in Quebec) and yea, I did read the history about it and why you don't like the english people (not saying u hate them...just annoyed at them). To me, Canada isn't bad in this situation. Yea, small town area might have this problem but from where I live, it isn't a major problem. I think it's where u live in Canada.
(ID #60475) Posted on 2007/10/22 01:51
i don't believe that there is anywhere that is not racist. unless its a town of like 6 people
(ID #60492) Posted on 2007/10/22 04:42
john blade, allow me to reformulate myself. Yes, Quebec has still to deal with old issues that arose during the colonial era. I don't feel concerned by this, myself, since I'm not originally from these parts; politics are not my thing either. Thus I have nothing against anglophones. I did want to study here in Canada, in the UK or the USA, which are all English-speaking countries. You can imagine the rest. To tell you the truth, I have learned a lot about the Asian mentality (ethnocentrism and honor, but also money and fame being the main points), especially in my family and I surely don't want to repeat the same patterns (all unfounded stereotypes they have of other cultures and behaviors, etc.). I even tend to be more critical of people from my ethnic group than any other because they can be so annoying and bashful about being the best there are, without looking themselves in the mirror and admitting their weaknesses and faults when they arise.
(ID #60502) Posted on 2007/10/22 05:19
But of course I respect them (or rather remain quiet to not create an uproar... which is the worst in terms of behavior). Yes, respect, honor and hierarchy, sometimes responsible for the complete obliteration of the freedom of expression. *Sigh* Sorry for being off-topic, somehow.
(ID #60503) Posted on 2007/10/22 05:22
Yeah...I've heard/read of many cases where there is quite a bit of racism in Japan.
(ID #60508) Posted on 2007/10/22 08:11
Benjamin Takeyo in Indonesia
Speaking of Racism, Indonesia's probably on the top of the most-racist country in the world. The way they treat Chinese here is ridiculous, well, it's not that bad now, after the economy of Indonesia was crippled by 1997-1998 Asian Economic Crisis, thanks to the fact that the majority of Chinese-Indonesians' economy remain above-average, while most indigenous populations' economy got trashed.
(ID #66023) Posted on 2007/12/05 05:46
Part trooper, part -timer, 100% loser...
Don't think racism is that bad here... Some jokes here and there but no harm done...
(ID #70652) Posted on 2008/01/25 08:46
CEO MIrai Inc
QA Comment.
(ID #423964) Posted on 2008/12/24 13:39
Holy bump, batman.
(ID #424041) Posted on 2008/12/24 15:20
Racism is a lot less here than in Japan. That's for sure. :/
(ID #423977) Posted on 2008/12/24 13:53
Not much racism, only jokes, though i do often see when a (...) person gets offended over the tiniest things that doesn't even concern him/her. Guess the scars from the country's past are still being carried over to the new generations. Can't blame them though, still everyone experiences racism at least once. I remember mine was "Chinese people eat dogs + cats" though i'm not even chinese, well most non asian decent would call anyone whose asian chinese.
(ID #423984) Posted on 2008/12/24 13:59
In my area, most of the time its the uneducated people that are racist. When you hear of a robbery on TV people say, "oh I bet it was a black guy". Or if you go to a restaurant people say things like, "This restaurant is Italian but I bet the chef is Mexican". The most racism I've personally run into has come from white people. I'm hispanic from Puerto Rico. I've been called things like spec, wet back, dirty mexican. People should really wake up with that. Whats up with Japan and the foreigner issue? Being called Gaijin is a pain. I mean I know its not a racist comment but generalizing people because they are not from your country is pretty weak. For pay back I call my japanese friends that live here Gaijins all day long! hahahaha.
(ID #424001) Posted on 2008/12/24 14:15
Oh yes, the typical no gaijin. One of the worst things in Japan, and sadly many times they reserve the worst that nobody will want for the gaijin. I remember I told them once that I had a japanese wife, this caused some good apartments to show up, but as soon as they realized I wasn't married the apartments went away with a simple excuse that they where not available anymore.
(ID #424046) Posted on 2008/12/24 15:42
Haven't encountered racism searching for living space. I believe we have lawyers to thank for that.
(ID #424050) Posted on 2008/12/24 15:48
Since the "gaijin welcome" part is only in Japanese, I think it might be there to subtly inform/warn Japanese people that they may be sharing space with foreigners? I can be SOMEWHAT understanding of the treatment towards foreigners because it is somewhat similar where I come from. No one will be denied an appartment because of their race, but landlords here are more wary of certain groups of people. It doesn't REALLY have to do with race, more with your appearance, clothes, language and in general the impression you give. If the landlord gets the feeling you are a deadbeat who will damage the place, pay late or not at all, or leave suddenly without giving appropriate notice, they may require you to provide references and show your pay stubs to prove you make enought to pay for the place. I think the big difference in appartment renting between Japan and America is that here you don't go to the real estate agent. You find appartments through adds in the newspaper or online and contact the landlord directly to set up a meeting to view the appartment. The problem with this is that many landlords are really ignorant and uneducated about the laws regarding leasing, as well as many of the appartment renters (myself included).
(ID #424074) Posted on 2008/12/24 16:26
Domon Kasshu fanboy/ Starving Artist
There's racism in my neighbourhood to an extreme lately... I've nearly been run over tons of times by the east indian people in my neighbourhood, and had them swearing at me and other non-east indian people on the bus and on the street. Last week, when I was going to the crosswalk, a guy let an old east indian man cross the street and then as I walked about a half second after, he jolted forwards and gave me a dirty look, then the finger...Strange thing is, it's only in my neighbourhood that I see this >.>
(ID #424092) Posted on 2008/12/24 16:47
Domon Kasshu fanboy/ Starving Artist
Scratch that rasicm thing. It's an idiot problem, not a rasicm problem =_=
(ID #424093) Posted on 2008/12/24 16:48
Its sad, that when you look up into Polish history, until 20th century, Poland was a very tolerant country. We live in a place when east meets west after all (the other side of that is we always got caught in endless wars because of that) so historical Poland was a place of many religions and ethnics. Some of this changed after I WW and all went to drain after II WW, cause post-war expulsion of minorities, significantly reduced the country's ethnic diversity. Years of communist rule made things even worse and racism and prejudice became common. After 1989 when we became democratic country things started to change a little bit but people here still are not as tolerant as their ancestors... That being said I think that most of racism and prejudice comes from lack of knowledge, when you learn new languages, learn about other countries history and culture and travel outside your own country, you are more open to foreigners than someone who lives his entire life locked up in his home town/village. That is why I think the vast majority of landlords in Japan are just afraid of gaijins cause they think that they wouldn't understand them. They don't like to look like a fools in front of other people especially foreigners. We are afraid of things that we don't know but it's our fault that we don't even try to understand.
(ID #424122) Posted on 2008/12/24 17:25
24/7 Otaku / 100% Haruhiist
Racism in Richmond (where I live) is quite low. It's a little higher elsewhere in Greater Vancouver, but compared to other cities, it's not bad. I think the racism here are restricted to certain parts of Vancouver (i.e., the shady neighborhoods). At least for me, I never ran into any racist attacks or anything, although I do read it in the news sometimes.
(ID #424143) Posted on 2008/12/24 18:11
And... one thing I wanted to ask long time ago Danny... Imagine that you are gaijin, but you have the japanese nationality, will you be treated still in the same way? Or will be treated as one japanese more? Because when you have the nationality you are legally considered as japanese right?
(ID #424168) Posted on 2008/12/24 19:03
Student, part-time Haruhi wannabe (that bit about godhood etc)
People here get along well with each other, actually. Any problems relating to racism is due to the political landscape here... too race-based. This is a really simple analysis, do a google search on it and you'll probably be swamped with results. As for foreigners, that's another matter... I can see that people tend to treat Westerners nicer, but look down on Africans. Businessmen, of course, make use of everybody:p
(ID #424311) Posted on 2008/12/24 21:23
I'm sure this was mentioned above, but seeing as how there are now hundreds of comments per article, i don't have the time to read them all. If someone attempted to do that in America without hiding the fact, they would be sued. It is illegal to discriminate against a person when it comes to renting, selling, hiring, etc. It should be this way in every nation in the world. For Japan to allow it's people to do that shows that they are still lagging behind in accepting everyone for what they are. And they seem to try to keep parts of the cities clean of foreigners. What an archaic mindset to have. That kind of stuff happens in the America, but you can't outright say its because there foreign, you have to at least lie about it, and that seems better than to have someone straight up tell me no because i'm foreign. The more i consider this the more angry I am getting. Are there no laws in Japan that call for equality?!! The real amusing thing is the resisting despite the fact that Japan has no open border policy. Here in the states we have no choice or screening. There is literally no criteria that needs met, people just come in, but that is not enough, they have to come illegally to. What would Japan do if thy had to deal with the kind of numbers of foreigners we have here. If they have problems renting to people who all have money or bachelors degree's minimum, than they'd really love the worthless illegal immigrants that sneak into my country every minute of the day. I get a sense that there is small (hopefully) portion of the Japanese population that feels it is superior to the rest of humanity. Maybe this stems from remnants of war generation or deeper rooted...really folks grow up, we're all the same
(ID #424339) Posted on 2008/12/24 21:57
AdvDip Network Security - CCNA - Ironport - Security+
Racism in Australia? it's more like "What is racism?" well sure there is racism here, but people are more likely to take it as a joke i have neighbours from south africa on my right, greeks on my left, lebanese accross the road it's pretty crazy here
(ID #424355) Posted on 2008/12/24 22:24
it can be quite fun if everyone can live in harmony. it is like u guys can learn about each other beliefs and customs and celebrate imo :)
(ID #424417) Posted on 2008/12/25 00:40
I think the racism here is medium but... then again I'm not so sure. It could be crawling with nasty racists!
(ID #424383) Posted on 2008/12/24 23:16
seems like some areas are still pretty much bias against foreigners. over here, we do have some but never mentioned out in the public since publicizing racism will just land u in jail (even blogging about it)
(ID #424415) Posted on 2008/12/25 00:38
I'm Korean and I have lived in Singapore for 10 years and now I'm living in Malaysia for about 5 years now, and I can tell you that in Singapore it is almost racism-free country. But in Malaysia...as users have already mentioned above, racism is still being practiced by the government. Malays get advantages and privileges over other races here. It's a sad sight. People here are quite nice to the foreigners but don't be fooled. Some of them are nice to you because they see you as a rich foreigner who they can scam money from. Especially the Taxi drivers.
(ID #424429) Posted on 2008/12/25 00:57
I'm originally from South Africa, I left the last year Nelson Mandela was president, and moved to London when I was 14, then again to California when I was 17. That said, I look white, but I'm a mix (white,ashkenazi,black,malaysian). I have to say that the most racist experiences I had were when I lived in South Africa, however, the most intolerant experiences I had was when I lived in the UK. Not what you were expecting? I was surprised too. There is a difference between racism and intolerance that can be easily overlooked, and I think it needs to be pointed out. Racism = judgment of people based on race (as in I.Q, worth, potential trouble maker, potential lawfulness, ability, capability) Intolerance= Discrimination of people based on really stupid reasons, instead of their actual character as a person. (as in race, gender, gender preference, religion, attire, etc,etc) Racism and intolerance are not exactly the same thing, but they go hand in hand as judgments based on race are often used to justify intolerances, and vis-a-vera. Segregation is commonly used to separate people who are different all over the world. Although I experienced more racism in S.A I don't think one country is more racist than another, even Japan. We all make judgments based on race. (think Avenue Q) It's true that South Africa is almost the complete opposite of Japan. For one thing it is one of the most violent countries outside of a war-zone. However, it is also one of the most genetic and culturally diverse countries in the world. Japan can be said to be the least. The amount of people who are racist around the world are the same, it's just more noticeable in a county more diverse, and sparse on resources. Wiki facts: Japan: 127 Million people, 1 official Language, 17 dialects. Average Yearly income $35,000. South Africa: 47 million people, 11 official Languages, 10 unofficial Languages, 300 dialects of those languages. Average Yearly income $6,000.
(ID #424459) Posted on 2008/12/25 01:36
here in the philippines, the racism hmm, is low filipino sees foreigner as rich :P and almost huge businesses are run by foreigner, dammit! o im half so i can tell
(ID #424536) Posted on 2008/12/25 03:48
here in canada, there is no such thing as racism
(ID #424571) Posted on 2008/12/25 05:09
Explorer of the finer things in life
Kinda shocked how open discrimination like that can be so accepted in japan. We have our fair share of racism in peoples view of foreigners here , but open discrimination like that is not accepted at all. Isn't there any laws in japan against that?
(ID #424638) Posted on 2008/12/25 08:24
If you look at it from one way, it's "WE ARE CULTURED and the rest are BARBARIANS". Also, it's a common view that Japanese see others but themselves as uncultured(at least, in World War 2). Wiki's not exactly impartial so take with a pinch of salt: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaijin
(ID #424652) Posted on 2008/12/25 08:57
Unfortunately, it's still here...thought not as open as it once was.
(ID #424706) Posted on 2008/12/25 10:47
Future civil engineer but desperate to be an animator
Some how Malaysian government only make good use of other races in Malaysia and other then that, they are just merely a foreigner.
(ID #424767) Posted on 2008/12/25 12:10
When I went to Tokyo I was baned to eat in a restaurant in Shibuya. They weithres just said "gaijin wa dame" while she mades an X sign with his hands. The most incredible is that it was in shibuya, probably one of the places where you can find more foreigners in Tokyo. It was a few sad but our friend told us thay they never have had problems like this in restaurants.
(ID #425451) Posted on 2008/12/26 04:44
As someone said before, it's true, Japan is just not varied enough so being a foreigner can be funny ^^
(ID #498205) Posted on 2009/02/22 12:20
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