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!
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.
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.
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
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
I have never seen this kind of racism, maybe that's because I live in Mexico and here the foreigners are always welcome.
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.
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).
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...
我们不是东亚病夫！！！
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...).
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.
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.
i only see the color of money.
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 ^^)
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...
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.
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.
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.
barely any racism here lol, cept for a few mishaps here and there. but overall its ---> ^^ lol
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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
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!
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!
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?
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.
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.
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 ^^;
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
@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
Racism.....I live in South Africa.....need I say more
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!
@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!
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)
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.
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
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!
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...
@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.
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...
@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.
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
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
