Reginald Ellis’ Story
Categories
So, long story short...
Reginald Ellis made the mistake of
believing that my lack of a social life in another country was contributed to the propaganda about my race.
My Advice to You is
to be yourself and never given in to the social and economical standards others try to impose on you.
Here's the whole story
Recently (March 2007), me and a college classmate took the time to visit Japan for our vacation away from work. Asian-American and Asian culture have always been something that I was fascinated with. However, being African-American has created several social, cultural, and relationship barriers for me when either dating or making long-term friends. Before my trip I made the silly mistake of listening to a friend about the mindset of a Japanese women I figured since he had vacationed there so much he knew what he was talking about. I was told that women over there were more interested in the African-American males that match closely in behavior to those seen on MTV, something that is opposite of my character traits. However, like a fool I listened to him and acted in a manner that even I know was wrong, in effect I perpetuate a stereotype that is not entirely true. Because of my actions I was treated just the way I acted and had I not realized this at the beginning of my trip, I am sure it would have been a waste of time. My advise is to remember to represent yourself first then anything else after.
Comments (3)
Well said.
What it comes down to is people are people everywhere right? I get the same sort of awkward glances here in Germany, being American. At first (due to the super foreign policy of a president I didn't vote for), people are a bit cold to Americans, but once you make a couple self-depreciating good-humored jokes in broken German, people realize you're a good person.
Breaking stereotypes is very important too. There's enough loud-mouthed obnoxious Americans traveling the world, that locals are very refreshed to meet a world-minded Yank.
I wonder how they feel about Filipinos over there still. I've heard rumors but haven't met anyone who's been yet.
Dennis,
I am not sure if you are responding to Travis comments about Germany or mines about Japan. For me, I don't want people to think that I am against the culture of Japan. Japan is a very service, honor driven country, they seem to be nice to whomever they meet. You will always run in to those few people who don't like anyone, but I am sure that the rumors you heard are just rumors.