① "To be British is to be a bit dull."
② "...as, lets admit it, British food is crap. That's why our streets are lined up with international take-away stores."
③ "When I wear my Sari to University, teachers not of British identity say things like "You look nice" or "Thats a pretty Sari". British teachers tend to say odd things like "Are you fasting?", "Is today a special day, or is it a special Sari?", "Have you just got married?", "Are you going to the temple tonight?". I find this very racist and hurtful."
All the above where said by 2 different lecturers during lectures at my University today. I'm not passionately patriotic, but I find these comments extremely racist, extremely hurtful and wrong. What are the lecturers trying to portray?
① To be British is to be dull, is it? Does that mean all British people are boring with no personality? Or are you saying that being British in a multicultural society such as London is to be dull. How many conversations have I had in London where people ask me where I am from, I reply England.... Great conversation killer, try it. If I was from another country, would that really make me a more interesting person?! If someone says "Black youths living in London are out of control" this would be considered racist and there would be a big debate. Isn't what my lecturer said today the same thing?
② "...Lets admit it?" I'm sorry but the statement you made was your opinion. Yes, British food isnt as delicious as other international cuisines, but I didnt like the lecturer's 'Anti-British' attitude throughout the lecture. Why do I have to agree to your opinion and 'admit' that British food is crap? I disagree. British food isnt the best, but that isnt why we have international cuisine on our doorsteps. The reason is due to Britain's multiculturalness.
③ ...is that REALLY true?! Don't you think you are stereotyping British people saying that we are racist, or we dont/cant understand other cultures? Wake up, its the 21st century. If I saw anyone in a Sari, I wouldn't ask them "Are you going to the temple tonight" and I cant imagine anyone who would!! Are you suggesting British people are racist? Does that mean I am racist? Why did you have to mention race? Why couldnt you say "some people say odd things such as..." I don't believe what you say.
University. Lecturers. Arent they supposed to be open-minded, intellectual individuals of whom you can aspire to and trust?
In Japan I experienced racism. It was nowhere near as hurtful as the racism I experience constantly in London. Just because I'm a British girl living in London, doesnt mean I dont experience racism.
Like the job I didnt get due to the fact the employer was looking for a more ethnic person to make his company look/seem more multicultural and friendly.
Like the after-school maths class I couldnt attend at secondary school because I was not black.
Like the shops I go into and everyone suddenly stops and stares, then says something in their own language, followed by a small chuckle.
I cant fight back. I cant say to the teacher I disagree. I'm outnumbered. At secondary school, at college, at University...I've always been the only fully British student. I dont want to fight back. I know they wont understand. As maybe you reading dont too.
After reading this post, maybe you think I am racist. I'm not.
I dont give a damn who you are or where you are from. Its what you personality is like that counts. If I get on with you, I get on with you. If I dont, I dont. I take the view that we are all people. We all have feelings.
2 件のコメント:
I disagree with the comments made by your lecturers, and I sort of agree with your opinions.
#1 This comment is very stereotypical, isn't it like saying "all apples are red"?
#2 Another stereotypical comment. It all depends on your background, what you are used to eating at home, and of course what your own preferences in taste are. For example, I'm used to eating Chinese food at home, but I love traditional British food. This comment is like saying (sorry hitting on the apple again) "British apples are crap thats why supermarkets import other fruits from abroad".
#3 ... I think those teachers are being too understanding, maybe they are unaware that their comments are bordering onto racism. A simple "that's nice" is enough to get your compliment across.
...but what the heck, your lecturers say that sort of stuff?!You must have had some bad luck to have those sort of lecturers, cos none of mine were like that. I may have had a few eccentric ones, but all of them were very supportive and considerate. Its the same with secondary school, I was the only Chinese student in the whole year most were white or black, but my teachers were great, and with the exception of a few immature kids saying 'ching chang chong' and making Bruce Lee noises, I had little to none racist insults directed at me.
Other places i.e. shops? I must be pretty dense, cos I don't notice anything. A moral I've learnt through life experience: "try not to be too self-conscious", it's not good for the nerves, and it's a waste of brain space.
Sorry for blagging on, anything you disagree with, you can shout at me when you see me, until then take care :) Jings. x
Hey, thanks for your comment :) I was having a bad day on Friday... I guess I was just shocked that they said it, upset that everyone seemed to agree and angry that I couldnt stick up for myself...
My University lecturers are all very odd people... But I guess it might be the kind of course I am on... (Arty..) Graphic Design is all a matter of taste. Everyone has different tastes, and although the teachers try to be neutral, you can see the students who have the same taste as them doing better and getting more attention. A few other students have noticed it and started to design things they know the teacher will like. I guess that is good, as in the real world, you'll have to design things for other people, but who is to say all your clients are going to have the teachers taste? My style is quite unradical and commercial, they dont like that.
There's one lecturer who is totally neutral though. I try to go to her if I need any help.
As long as my grade is 60+, I dont care.
...Go find your certs!! :)
コメントを投稿