Korea Is Racist Against English Teachers

[Tarkaan]

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/s...acism?page=0,1

SEOUL, South Korea — It all started with a Halloween party at a bar in 2004. Most everyone was wearing a risque costume; the women were showing a lot of skin. Many foreign English teachers attended. When the photographs made their way to the internet, the English teachers were blamed. Critics objected to the revealing costumes, worn by both foreigners and locals, saying they undermined Korean women.
At around the same time, news reports were circulating in Korea about foreign English teachers getting involved in drugs and sexual crimes, stirring up concern among parents and the public.
An upswing in animosity toward foreign English teachers ensued, during which the group, "Citizens of Right Education" was formed. Citizens of Right Education has taken it upon itself to rid the country of foreign, unqualified English teachers. The group now has more than 17,000 members.

They mean Anti-English Spectrum. The article also has some typical ATEK whining about that death threat that I firmly believe is bogus.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

The article is kind of all over the place, but the more opportunities AES and those who think like them have to make Korea look bad in the eyes of the world, the better.

[Chris]

English teachers are a race?

You know, I am a little drunk right now, but I just had a thought. This anti english spectrum guy has more than succeeded in pretty much single handily made English teachers look bad. Look how much bad press he has given English teachers. Now I am going to ask a simple question, besides bitching and moaning on a message board, what have any of you done to create good press about English teachers? Sure, throw your smart ass comments at me, but think about it....

[machiavelli]

Originally Posted by Chris

English teachers are a race?

You know, I am a little drunk right now, but I just had a thought. This anti english spectrum guy has more than succeeded in pretty much single handily made English teachers look bad. Look how much bad press he has given English teachers. Now I am going to ask a simple question, besides bitching and moaning on a message board, what have any of you done to create good press about English teachers? Sure, throw your smart ass comments at me, but think about it....

I think English teachers are OTUNS. Other Than Uri Nara Saram. I know many English teachers who tried helping at an orphanage on Saturdays, only to be told not to do it by immigration. I delivered toys to an orphanage last Friday. There was a photograph auction to help the Taean oil spill victims. Some OTUNS do a lot for Korea. Unfortunately they don't get enough recognition for doing so.

[Tarkaan]

Originally Posted by Chris

English teachers are a race?

You know, I am a little drunk right now, but I just had a thought. This anti english spectrum guy has more than succeeded in pretty much single handily made English teachers look bad. Look how much bad press he has given English teachers. Now I am going to ask a simple question, besides bitching and moaning on a message board, what have any of you done to create good press about English teachers? Sure, throw your smart ass comments at me, but think about it....

I've got no axe to grind. I don't care if they love me as long as they pay me and do what they're told.

[babotaengi]

Originally Posted by Chris

English teachers are a race?

You know, I am a little drunk right now, but I just had a thought. This anti english spectrum guy has more than succeeded in pretty much single handily made English teachers look bad. Look how much bad press he has given English teachers. Now I am going to ask a simple question, besides bitching and moaning on a message board, what have any of you done to create good press about English teachers? Sure, throw your smart ass comments at me, but think about it....

It's like the wise old question, "Didn't you say these people are fools and idiots? So why do you wish for the respect of fools and idiots?"

Any person who can't see through the self-admiring posturings of a man like Mr. Yie will have to kiss my ass before I bother to try and impress them.

[Tarkaan]

Originally Posted by babotaengi

It's like the wise old question, "Didn't you say these people are fools and idiots? So why do you wish for the respect of fools and idiots?"

Any person who can't see through the self-admiring posturings of a man like Mr. Yie will have to kiss my ass before I bother to try and impress them.

Our Friend broken gave me some advice earlier in another thread.

Originally Posted by Tarkaan

Inherently contradictory. I've said it before and I'll say it again. If a two year old saying / doing it wouldn't cause me to fly off the handle, neither should a Korean. That doesn't mean I'm going to go among two year olds.

Originally Posted by brökën

I dont 'fly off the handle'...they just dont understand me when I speak Korean.
And unfortunately, the cabs here, are driven by Koreans ( whether you refer to them as 2 yr olds or not, and wish to ignore them)... it still won't get you home.

I've learned a thing or two since then, but these words are still wise.

[babotaengi]

Originally Posted by Tarkaan

Our Friend broken gave me some advice earlier in another thread.



I've learned a thing or two since then, but these words are still wise.

Yeah, but Chris isn't talking about taxi drivers who won't/can't listen to what we are saying when we want a ride home. He's talking about some guy trying to convince the nation that foreign English teachers here are all sex-mad drug addicts out to rape their children and pets. If they're gonna listen to a guy drooling shit like that, good luck to 'em and may everything they hear please them so.

Meanwhile, I'll try a little harder to make it clearer to the taxi driver where I want to go, or perhaps I should print out a map for him before I depart if my Korean language skills are really so poor. If that doesn't work, obviously the driver can kiss my ass, and I'll find another.

[Smee]

Man, people really write some shitty articles. You really can't talk about "Citizens of Right Education"---actually, they call themselves "Citizens of Right English Education" now---without pointing out they're more commonly known as Anti-English Spectrum. And why is it everyone except Ben Wagner and Gusts of Popular Feeling is so averse to pointing out what the group boasts of doing? YBS is right, this article is all over the place. Not only that, it doesn't really bring up the most important parts of the group, and doesn't even talk to anybody except the ATEK VP (never heard of him).

These articles in the foreign press are almost as poorly written as ATEK press releases.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by babotaengi

Yeah, but Chris isn't talking about taxi drivers who won't/can't listen to what we are saying when we want a ride home. He's talking about some guy trying to convince the nation that foreign English teachers here are all sex-mad drug addicts out to rape their children and pets. If they're gonna listen to a guy drooling shit like that, good luck to 'em and may everything they hear please them so.

Meanwhile, I'll try a little harder to make it clearer to the taxi driver where I want to go, or perhaps I should print out a map for him before I depart if my Korean language skills are really so poor. If that doesn't work, obviously the driver can kiss my ass, and I'll find another.

But the guy is succeeding. He has the media on his side and he markets better than any of you guys. Sure he is loon, but he is kicking the shit out of you guys. The one group (ATEK) that is trying to do something, most of you guys trash it. For Christ sakes, he got into the LA Times. I am sure some twit just gave him 50 million Won to keep up his crusade.

This is all about appearance and has nothing to do with facts.

[babotaengi]

Originally Posted by Chris

But the guy is succeeding. He has the media on his side and he markets better than any of you guys. Sure he is loon, but he is kicking the shit out of you guys. The one group (ATEK) that is trying to do something, most of you guys trash it. For Christ sakes, he got into the LA Times. I am sure some twit just gave him 50 million Won to keep up his crusade.

This is all about appearance and has nothing to do with facts.

Yeah, but you missed my point. I'll paint it more clearly: I don't care what Koreans think. My wife cares what Koreans think. That makes me think she's an idiot. I don't want to think I'm an idiot. Okay, yes, I know I'm an idiot, but surely not on every conceivable level of idiocy. I've happily skipped this level since arrival, and I'll continue to do so. The unwashed Korean masses think I'm a pedophile? That's nice. So why the fuck are they still sending their children to me to study? Absolute Idiots.

[kermo]

Originally Posted by Chris

Now I am going to ask a simple question, besides bitching and moaning on a message board, what have any of you done to create good press about English teachers? Sure, throw your smart ass comments at me, but think about it....

Most of us have done at least one of the following:
-made Korean friends, thus innoculating them from the stereotype
-taught a class faithfully and uncontroversially, earning the trust of students, co-teachers and parents.
-volunteered for a good cause
-turned an pedophile over to Interpol ;)

When I was picking up trash on a mountainside with the Korean Mountain Preservation League, dozens of climbers marched by and asked if we were collecting herbs or searching for snakes (??). They were flabbergasted when they found out we were just cleaning up-- they said "But this is a Korean mountain!" They asked where we were from, and we replied "We're just people."

[bitterbatter]

Originally Posted by Smee

You really can't talk about "Citizens of Right Education"---actually, they call themselves "Citizens of Right English Education" now---without pointing out they're more commonly known as Anti-English Spectrum.

They should change their name to "Citizens of Right English Education PIGHTING!" because then their acronym would be "CREEP!" It makes them sound much more James Bond Bad-Guy and intimidating. I'm much more scared now, just thinking about it.
They could pop Yie's face onto this dude here, and write 'CREEP! I choose you.' and paste it up all around the town.

[Tarkaan]

Originally Posted by Smee

These articles in the foreign press are almost as poorly written as ATEK press releases.

Do you believe that the ATEK president death threat was bogus?

[Chris]

Originally Posted by babotaengi

Yeah, but you missed my point. I'll paint it more clearly: I don't care what Koreans think. My wife cares what Koreans think. That makes me think she's an idiot. I don't want to think I'm an idiot. Okay, yes, I know I'm an idiot, but surely not on every conceivable level of idiocy. I've happily skipped this level since arrival, and I'll continue to do so. The unwashed Korean masses think I'm a pedophile? That's nice. So why the fuck are they still sending their children to me to study? Absolute Idiots.

Do you think that this guy is in some way affecting your pay check? . You are a fool if you do not think so. If you were not married, it would have made it harder and more costly to get an E-2 visa. Do not think that this guy or his ideals had nothing to do with it.

Kermo: The only Korean friend I would have is the one that pays me 40K an hour. When I first got here I fell into the trap of being used-- like most people do. And yes Kermo, those things that you have done are nice and should be recognized. But, my point is, you reached a few Koreans and reversed the stereotype, goja AES boy has reached the masses with his approach and now even the Korean American community in LA.

Originally Posted by Tarkaan

Do you believe that the ATEK president death threat was bogus?

You guys should not care if it was true or false. Just roll with it and use it as you can.

[kermo]

Originally Posted by chris

Now I am going to ask a simple question, besides bitching and moaning on a message board, what have any of you done to create good press about English teachers?
...
But, my point is, you reached a few Koreans and reversed the stereotype, goja AES boy has reached the masses with his approach and now even the Korean American community in LA.

You asked what any of us has done. Most of us have done something, but it's an uphill battle. This guy is finding it easy to get support and attention because he's playing into some very powerful fears. It's easier to frighten people than to inform them, especially when the people in question are already xenophobic, nationalistic, "pure-blooded" and myopic. It's not just us vs. him. It's us vs. him + an irresponsible press + insecure men + overinvolved mothers + history of being pillaged + uri nara, etc,.

[babotaengi]

Originally Posted by Chris

Do you think that this guy is in some way affecting your pay check? . You are a fool if you do not think so. If you were not married, it would have made it harder and more costly to get an E-2 visa. Do not think that this guy or his ideals had nothing to do with it.

As an F-visa holder, no, I don't think he has affected my pay (my pay rate hasn't changed since the day I first realized I could work freelance here, despite apparently worsening economic conditions.

Early last year, one hagwon told me that I had to get an AIDS/drug test. I asked, "Who says so? Immigration?" They said, "No. The MoE." I said, "How convenient. I gave them an AIDS/drug test the year before when I took a job at a public school (and quite frankly, I was more afraid of getting AIDS from the unhygienic blood withdrawal methods of the hospital I visited than all the dirty whores I rode bareback in my youth combined); I won't be needing another one of those," I said. "They can just check my records." Of course the half-assed Korean administrators at the MoE wanted my blood again anyway, so I told the hagwon I don't need their job, at which point they decided they didn't have to follow the MoE's regulations to the letter.

Obviously it's tougher for someone on an E-2 visa, but I suspect it's still much the same as before, financially speaking (assuming you can get in the country now).

That being said, even when ATEK, who so many F-visa English teachers decried as a sham, first started threatening to cost us (F-visa teachers) a quid, I thought, "So what? It's only fair - why should I make more/easier money then every other chump just because I was fool enough to marry a local?" I feel the same way now. If Koreans were to give every foreigner the same labor rights they afford me, I would say, "As you should." I didn't do anything to deserve such favorable treatment. I can't stand assholes who act like E-2 visa holders are breaking immutable laws when they teach privates illegally (Captain Corea). Those asshole F-visa holders are obviously just trying to look out for themselves, but they use ridiculous Korean education laws as a cover for their venality.

Similarly, if the Koreans were to decide to take away the labor rights of all foreigners on account of the belief that we all have AIDS and want to spread it to their children, I would say, "Well I guess you deserve to return to the stone age you wish for." Either way, I couldn't give a shit. My point being, I don't feel the need to control what idiots think. If they are gonna decide that Jews in Germany should die, and I happen to be a Jew in Germany, I'm gonna say, "Let's get the hell out of Dodge." Not, "Hey, I want your people to understand us. We are not bad people!"

Originally Posted by kermo

You asked what any of us has done. Most of us have done something, but it's an uphill battle. This guy is finding it easy to get support and attention because he's playing into some very powerful fears. It's easier to frighten people than to inform them, especially when the people in question are already xenophobic, nationalistic, "pure-blooded" and myopic. It's not just us vs. him. It's us vs. him + an irresponsible press + insecure men + overinvolved mothers + history of being pillaged + uri nara, etc,.

See, she's the reason I couldn't give a fuck. Some people try. But I learnt from Homer Simpson: "Trying is the first step towards failure." This is especially true when it comes to trying to deal with Koreans.

[cruisemonkey]

Originally Posted by kermo

Most of us have done at least one of the following:


...turned an pedophile over to Interpol ;)"

Most? I feel inadequate - as though I haven't done my duty yet.

Originally Posted by babotaengi

I couldn't give a fuck. Some people try. But I learnt from Homer Simpson: "Trying is the first step towards failure." This is especially true when it comes to trying to deal with Koreans.

You don't really believe this ... if you did, your marriage would not exist. One doesn't try to deal with Ks, one informs Ks of how thing will be.

[K.W.Otto]

I'm pretty sure a significant section of the Korean population don't know who this Yie fella is and when he has come to their attention are a little embarrassed by the negative publicity he is attracting towards Korea. My Mrs belongs to this group and this latest controversy has at least proven to her that this group exists and has been affective in changing E2 regulations. Before checking out the AES website she seemed to think it was a figment of my imagination, when she could be bothered showing interest in such things at all.

[babotaengi]

Originally Posted by K.W.Otto

I'm pretty sure a significant section of the Korean population don't know who this Yie fella is and when he has come to their attention are a little embarrassed by the negative publicity he is attracting towards Korea. My Mrs belongs to this group and this latest controversy has at least proven to her that this group exists and has been affective in changing E2 regulations. Before checking out the AES website she seemed to think it was a figment of my imagination, when she could be bothered showing interest in such things at all.

You got the little woman on the job, have ya? Good onya. I usually get my dad to fight my battles for me.