"Men In Blackness" in South Korea: (On Finding Home)
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- Опубліковано 15 жов 2024
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Haitian-American detailing his experience in South Korea.
Men In "Blackness" in Korea: Will Smith & Life (인생.)
From now on, call me a "Chocolate-American" lol
"It is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one's self through the eyes of others, of measuring one's soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity." W.E.B Dubois (on double consciousness)
I was beyond reluctant to answer those questions of black identity in South Korea. I'd have that question constantly posed by my Black, White, and Korean friends. In fact, most expats living in South Korea share a lot of the same experiences-we're essentially people mangled in the homogeneous sphere-where being a foreigner, regardless of ethnic background, will garner a lot of attention.
In the case for people of color, the response is the same yet extremely different. Many would argue that we're even more "foreign" than White individuals and an elevated sense of mystery surrounds us [darker-skinned people] even more.
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I had to pause this video and think for a minute, rest my head for a minute.
*Pulls out dictionary*
"Let's do this."
*Unpauses video*
*Head explodes*
i'm in love with your vocabulary. you make English so eloquent.
I envy the way you speak! Also, your name is so awesome!!
(with out watch the rest on the video)
i like the Xmen reverence lol , fun-fact: did you know X men was based of the civil rights movements, Prof X being king and Magito being Malcolm X
Wow you speak like a poet! How do you train yourself to be that articulate? Just amazing!
I've seen some of your videos and what I've seen so far have been insightful and entertaining... The looks you got in the movie theater captured how I felt as an Asian-"American" in class whenever the topic of anything Asian came up and all the kids would look at me for my reaction.
DAMNNN,,,,your english is so eloquent, I definitely enjoyed it
I'm not a representative of korea but what i wanna say is that we, young generation of korea dont care much about what skin color people have or where they come from. I BELIEVE this tendency's getting better n better. But i cant deny the fact that america nationality has powerful influence over korean. There're many reasons: Historical, ecomic, military things..
Anyway, If some bad experiences in korea have left you scarred in any way, i'd apologize civilly for their ignorance instead. CHECKED your video. I can feel youre a warm-hearted person. Plz let me know if you have any problem during your time in korea. 응원할게요!^^
Great video! Reminds me of my time in China. I was in Yanji, a bordertown between China and North Korea. I had locs back then, and the people looked at me like I had a third eye. I loved being the center of attention, for awhile. After a time, I just wanted to be me, and not this person that represented "the darkness" as you say, in a land where NONE of us were. I love my blackness, but I didn't want it to be the exotic black creature every day. But, I got over it and let them touch my hair and ask me if I were related to President Obama. I figured, if this is the only "darkness" that they will come into contact with, I'd better make it a positive experience for them.
haha...so true, I agree with everything you wrote. It's definitely this tug of war with your emotion, and you can't quite balance everything out. The only way to handle it is through compromise and positivity. I'm glad you went through it though, it certainly makes a great story, right? lol
Definitely, and I have the pictures and video to prove it. :)
I had to pause the video several times to look up words. Always appreciated!
I related to a lot of this, not as a person of African ancestry living in Korea, but as a person of full Korean ancestry living in the U.S. I was born and raised here in California, and I speak with a very typical southern CA accent, but I am acutely aware of how I'm perceived by many others. The subtle microaggressions of everyday life can really wear me down at times. "Where are you from?" "Where are your parents from?" "Is English your primary language?" - those may all seem like harmless questions, but the cumulatively effect of hearing them over and over again from strangers and casual acquaintances (who have no reason to ask me other than the fact that I'm Asian) result in feeling like "the other". I grew up learning that racism had been basically "abolished" in the civil rights movement led by MLK Jr., but then again, I was educated in a predominantly white school in a white community. My white peers rarely had to deal with discrimination or had to contemplate race in a very real, tangible way. Race was just an abstract notion for them. Now I understand that Koreans in Korean don't think about race the same way that Korean Americans in the U.S. do. When you're part of the majority, you rarely have to reflect on your privilege. My Korean friends in Korea tell me that "racism isn't an issue" or that they're not racist and that race never crosses their minds. They echo the words of my white school peers.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I've shared that duality with my Korean-American friends in Korea. They also feel culturally alienated when they're around local Koreans. Our America is one which promotes its "glorious" ideals but rarely tries to make it a fixture in our everyday life...so these annoying things will continue.
At the same time, despite the microaggressions against my dark skin, I've matured enough to understand that I too have privilege. It may not be as systematic as white privilege but, nonetheless, it's privilege.
Male privilege, national privilege, and socio-economic privilege: That American passport is extremely strong, and because of it, I don't get nearly as much hate as compared to Africans or South-East Asians here in Korea or wherever I travel. I also don't face the challenges that migrants go through in Korea or any other developed/developing countries.
For that, I constantly check myself. I've always tried to recognize and acknowledge the struggles of others..it's the only way to understand the human condition, a constant disorder---this perpetual fear, misunderstanding, and deliberate aim at securing power and resources.
Wilkine your awareness and intelligence really shines through, so much so that this is the first time I have ever commented on a UA-cam video. Before moving to the UAE 3 years I considered teaching in Korea; however the process took too long. There are a lot of parallels to your experiences with mine here in the UAE. For one, the hair is definitely a main attraction. I have naturally textured colored hair. Angel Davis inspired with a bit of Kelis at times. I definitely stand out and am looked at intensely. I feel though I am doing a public service announcement when I walk the streets or malls. For many I am the first encounter of anybody that looks like me, dresses like and dare I say it walks like me. African-Americans have their own energy that is very distinct. Now even though I live in a place that is very international, I still find there is a discriminating yet inquisitive eye placed upon me. I concur with you about continuing to shift paradigms instead of living in the abyss of victimization. I too look for ways within my daily connections, interactions and work to pull together the commonalities of among people. I find that in pursuit of that I had to become more politically aware, especially living in the Middle East. It has been a good thing though. How about you?
The way you speak...... so poetic, wise, and engaging .
I appreciate how you use complex words man.. You make me as a black man proud! I wish other black men would understand the power of books and education and what it can do for you..
Strength to you brother. May find happiness in all your travels :)
dude I love the way you talk. It would be such a pleasure to converse with you. Keep moving forward!
Thank you. It's a horrible feeling but it's always good to know that everyone, in this particular situation, can relate. Stay in touch. Onelove!
I love you. Just kidding ....sorta :) But honestly, your eloquence is captivating. Are you still in korea?
haha...love you for supporting. Nope, not in Korea anymore. I have A LOT of friends there, so I'll definitely visit soon.
Respect brotha. I enjoy your perspective and I like the diction in which you speak. You appear to be a very worthy representative.. Thank you so much.
The way you explain things in your video and handle comments from a wider perspective - amazing. You're an inspiration :) keep up the good work
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I thoroughly enjoyed this and appreciate your reflection and intellect. You have gained a new subbie!
Thank you this video was well thought out and expressed.
I love love the fact that you articulate well, speak clearly and pronounce every single letters
Your words blew my mind.
I'm a Black male currently looking into teaching English in SK. This is very informative. I think I came across a blog of yours too, earlier today. Also very informative. I like your perspective man, I think we'd make good friends.
I am Haitian as well!! My life's goal is to teach English in Asia. Whether I go to China or South Korea. I am so happy to see you doing well :)
I think teaching English in countries that really need English in order to survive is a better way to use ur potential as an English teacher. Like countries that you cannot escape poverty without being fluent in English. In both China and South Korea, there isn't a huge demand to know the language because people can get on just fine not knowing the language, but in Somalia per say, being successful without knowing English is incredibly hard.
LOL Will Smith arayo? Will Smith arayo!! So cute!
Really enjoyed listening to you speak in this video! :-)
Thanks Wilkine-oppa, I'll do that. I'm slowly trying to go through all of your videos for more of your "pearl drops of wisdom". lol I'm a senior in college now and I plan on applying to some teaching abroad programs within the next year or so, so don't be suprised if I come to you for advice, suggestions, and all that noise. My friends and family have given me their blessings, so now all I have to do is make it happen. Video blogs like yours help me stay open minded and optimistic. Kamsamnida!
A very eloquent, intelligent and revealing insight into how it feels to be black in a country such as South Korea. A looking glass into the mindset of a confident and intelligent man who is dealing with racism in a very open minded way and enjoying his time learning about culture. Racism is about ignorance and this guy is helping shift that ignorance into a positive experience for those he meets. Thank god for Will Smith! We need more black leading men in movies.
Sir, you are an enlightened person. Thank you for having a big heart!
You are the most intelligent man I have ever come across You actually feed my inner energy. Are you on Face book? If not you need to be to give your message to people.
I am breathless without any sexual innuendo. I am stunned!
this shit was so hilarious. i find it amazing why anybody would want to live and work in korea, just knowing firsthand how far korean people will allow themselves to think about other races. i don't know maybe I'm wrong. but yeah i find it really cool that you took the time out of your life to learn the language especially when I'm on the brink of forgetting how to speak it on my own. this video is old but if your still out there doing your thing just know your making an impact with every interaction and everything is not for nothing. racism is everywhere from a low to a high degree. being of asian descent isn't easy either. lol especially when you grew up in the los angeles public education system haha fuck it i don't regret it. its prolly exactly what i needed
Although your last name represents a korean I dont think you know anything about korea.
Why work and live in korea you say? You prolly never left your country "los angeles" to see the outer world. Fish in a tank? I think this may be referring to you. Dang ya twinkie. :)
Thank you. I have been bombarded by many negative views, opinions, ideas, etc. for a while now. Though none of them dealing with what this video was about, I still find people being strong, positive, and insightful very motivating. So, thank you.
Damn you speak so good. Huge respect. I tight away subscribed to your chanel just because of the way you speak.
I hope you are doing oke in S Korea
Awesome video, Very insightful..I just stumbled upon this after watching an NB2 video!
I am so glad I stumbled upon this video. This has made my morning. I love listening to you speak about your experience in South Korea. It's a breath of fresh :) You're very inspiring to listen to and will definitely subscribe!
I could listen to you talk for hours. Your vocabulary is perfect wow. You are one amazing man.
Such an intelligent guy!! I had to subscribe :)
"My world suddenly moved at a funeral pace. It was dead air."
Wonderful, truly wonderful line!
I leave for Daegu August 9th and have been wondering about this for a while. Very beautiful advise as to what perspective to keep.
As an African, I've got to say, I do not once pick up any media outside my own that depicts Africa. Even the most intelligent of newspapers titles "poor Africa" slowly decaying, riddled with poverty and helplessness." Yet, what I see when I go home to Kenya that is, is not that. When I strongly assert the strength, the complexity and the literacy it all falls to deaf ears. I've honestly accepted that in Africa, you either have to lose yourself in it and experience it yourself. It's not a place to be shared. It's a place that requires that tangibility. I'm not even spiritual but home is a strangely sacred place.
I hope you keep communicating with more African-American's. I feel as one speaking and aspiring to travel there some day I highly disbelieve that continent is as primitive as such. I've met to many from there with superior intellect than the people who claim it to be.
you seriously speak poetry or what? lol
HAHA you speak very nice, you sound very poetic, I almost forgot you were giving input on your time as a black man in korea! Lovely video, I shall subscribe :D
Excellent video and outlook on the situation. You're exceptionally eloquent and conveyed your ideas perfectly. I also experienced 'unwarranted paranoia' while living in Japan, and felt the unrealistic pressure and responsibility to represent the people of Hispanic descent.
You have a great personality and your smile is infectious. Thanks!
You're a very bright man, and have a great outlook on life in Asia and in general.
your language is exquisite and the amount of self evaluation in this is superb. sir you've gained a very happy subscriber!
favorite line "I'd rather die shifting paradigms than find soulless and victimization."
this is a great video. I'm so glad there are people like you on youtube (and in Korea!). Although I have to say I can't believe you're reading, what, 6 books at once? My maximum is 3, and even then I tend to lose my focus. I just read them in succession, it tends to work better. My major props to you, sir! Beloved is an especially good one, as is On the Road.
"I'd rather die shifting paradigms than find solace in victimization"- Brutus
I want to thank everyone for their comments. Always remember to visit/live in countries despite the opinions of others. My four years in Korea was absolutely amazing. Koreans and their culture will always have a special place in my heart. OneLove!
instagram.com/wilkinebrutus
alot of people are just crious.. when i went to wales everyone would stare at me.. none stop. People would stop what they are doing. ignore it, but when you talk to them they are very nice and just curious, but are glad to see you make effort to mix and have fun with them )
Wilkine Brutus
dude stop rambling and get to the point. How is your experience in Korea and how much K-booty do you get?
Ha ha!! or wife ..lol )
dinoripper123 When you see the word "existentialism" in the title and Neil deGrass Tyson in the description you should have realized that even though it's a black guy's vid, it's about intellectualism rather than "getting booty".
Huni Buni
And no one gives a shit about his view on intellectualism. We just want to know how he's treated in Korea as a black man good or bad. Plus how much ass he's getting. He should stick to what black guys do beat and that's talking about women and getting booty. End of story
Excellent expression of the situation and also the best way to handle the situation as one being to another. Also great advice to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. I hope in this century we truly look within and represent ourselves the human race, and give up preconceived notions about each other.
Love your gracious, and eloquent spirit. It's how you react to things that define who you are. I hope you continue to share.
this is one seriously lovely and desirable man, I salute you sir ( in two ways )
Absolutely...great comment. We need MORE discussions about this very topic. I think I'll have to do a video about it, too.
i would like to share this one on my facebook. no i must..
to show mu Korean friends to be enlightened... thank you for the video. you are so wise man
You are very intelligent, enlightening, and inspiring. From this one video (which I couldn't bring myself to pause for a moment) I sought out your channel and subscribe. Thank you for this video, really! Keep doing what you do and enjoy SK!
brada loved this vid, you tell it like it is, and thank you for being that OTHER, am sure the people at ur work are being educated in many dimensions and avenues, wished i looked u up when i as there. keep making vids!
I think I'm in love with the way you speak O_O
Thanks for sharing! I just got an offer and will be hopefully be in korea in November
Wilk. Miss you so much !! love you and i think you are just awesome . I aspire to have traits of your personality. You are so open minded and wish to know the people of this earth. You're great-never change. hope to see you soon !!
As a korean, I can totally visualize the description of yourself in the theater... I once too felt that feeling of disparate alienation when I immigrated to the states. I didnt know a single word in english then.. Mad props to you my man. Fighting~
Do you have a tumblr? I feel like a lot of people in the black kpop/black community would benefit from your experiences in South Korea
I think I just simultaneously fell in love! You just got a new sub
Thanks for the comment. With all due respect, I don't think I used big words. If you're an English teach in Korea, these are words you should know. They convey the story clearly. This video was about a "particular story" not my overall experience in Korea. It should, however, form a basis for what it will be like in Korea or elsewhere...that is, you should create your experience and not let the condition create it for you. For more of my experience, look at my Korean playlist on my page. Onelove
I am a black female, in the military and I lived in South Korea for 5 years. Their racism is the same as everywhere else. Some love you some hate you. It is what it is but, I loved all the time I spent there.
You are awesome brother! !
I think that super cool as hell I get to show you to my kids as an example of how far brothers are going in the world. I too am from South Florida (Miami), thank you for being one of the great examples for me to show my kids.
LMMAAAOOO I'm ghanian that picture made me laugh xDD
The whole time you were showing us what books you were reading all I was thinking was "i need to buy a kindle"
haha...get one. I love it.
Thank you so much for this. I absolutely loved this video.
I especially loved ur perspective and take on ur situation. :)
subscribed.
this vid contains so many of the reasons I love your channel....one love Will Kine...lol
I don't know if you understand french but it's more easy for me to express how I fell about you:
Tu es vraiment un gars exceptionnel. Tes vidéos sont vraiment intéressantes. J'aime comment tu penses.
Thank you so much for the love and support. Yes, that pressure is daunting, right? lol Sometimes you find the balance; other times, you get rocked back into a whirlwind.
this is a beautiful video! it is a beautiful piece of creativity in general.
Kudos to the extension of your Korean vocabulary. I agree that living in Korea as a "black" person, more-so in the south, can be trying at times, especially when we take it upon ourselves to be the positive example for an entire race. However, as you stated, that gives us the opportunity to do what we came here to do...teach! I feel the questions, comments and stares come from a different place, mentally, here than in the states.
An agency to work with or go through? I don't quite understand the question. It depends what country you want to work in. You may have to do a simple search for the requirements of the specific country. I didn't go through an agency from the US. Of course, there are EFL recruiting services, but like I said,...research the requirements for whatever country you're seeking to work in.
Your locs are looking as awesome as ever! ok ok *goes back to watching the vid*
I lived in Incheon South Korea and when i returned to the US (NYC),,,many of my friends would ask me the same questions! Honestly i have to say i had a better time living in South Korea then the USA…I noticed that I actually had a more common demeanor with my vibes while living in Korea becz Im more stressed when living in the US. I adapted more to the Korean culture!!! Can’t wait to return to my very small and comfortable loft there and my weekend shopping in Seoul (Itaweon)
loved the humor in this video
Oppa!!~~
As of right now, after watching this video. . .you seriously rock my world! A lot of insight, open-mindedness, you're very articulate and have a beautiful voice, and your Korean is awesome lol I'm an African-American girl myself who is hoping to possibly teach English in either SK or Japan. I think a lot of people of our race get scared by negative rumors they hear about how Asian view black people. I appreciate you making this video and giving me some encouragement.
Annyeong!!
You're right: ethnocentric people or racists become the subject, not the victim, BUT I think you've misunderstood vital points in the video. I mentioned Will Smith for a very good reason. Also, if you notice...all of my videos illustrate quite the opposite. This is the first video I've created that touched on the topic of existentialism through a racial lens. I don't travel and base my experience through my skin; however, I have every human right to express and share thoughts on the narrative.
so glad. all of these korean dramas have helped me understand all the korean words and phrases you've spoken (YES!). shout out to you being not only a black man in korea but a haitian man in korea (yes, i must represent lol!). :)
You're very smart with those HUGE words._. Lol thank you for explaining how you feel with you're surrounding and how people tend to treat you...its sad that after so many years people can't look over things like the difference in skin color. On just a side note to this discussion, you're a teacher in Korea, right? Can you further explain how that is, with your student, do they treat you equally?
Are you confused about the word "unwarranted?" Sometimes, a foreigner in Korea can be "over paranoid" during a given situation, which makes it unwarranted.
Some people are afraid to offend or lose face. It makes having them quite difficult. I recent commenter thought I was just projecting my feelings which reflected my insecurities in that is NOT always the case. Although, there is some truth in certain situations. Being respectful to an person story should be the main goal...because we all have one. So, if an Asian person is experiencing hate, they should tell their story. Vice versa!
I understand the awkwardness of such an ad playing when you are the only "black person" or " foreigner" in the room lol.. THANK GOD hahah for the other ads
This is so insightful. Such a thought provoking introspective of double consciousness. I struggle with this everyday being someone who travels to homogenous countries (such as Korea). Who sings classical music, whose a poet, whose educated. Yet I do love laugh and I am aware and that was such a beautiful quote as well as " Id rather die shifting paradigms then find soulless in victimization" ( something like that lol) . This is great! :-)
I'll have to visit Korea some day. You seem to have learned a great deal with your time there. Keep it up :)
This was brilliant. It's unfair that you have to shoulder the burden of "representing" all people of African ancestry, but if anyone HAD to do it, you're a prime candidate.
Nice video. Your way of talking seemed almost poetic to me. Do please love yourself as an individual.
*squze my commenting while still watching* I love ur eloquence. Tu est tres intelligent!! I'm so subbing!!
"damm"-the strong black males mind is a beautiful thing-thumbs up
I really enjoyed your video. It was insightful and (for lack of better words) thought provoking. Also I realize I need to start reading books again that wasn't solely based on fantasy and romance. haha I got caught up in the 'Fifty-Shades of Grey' movement. Though in my defense I've read 'Invisible Man' and 'Beloved' already. Anyway again, I really liked your video.
Thank you for all of the comments & support. You can join me below:
facebook.com/wbrutus22
www.instagram/wilkinebrutus
I appreciate your perspective and insight. I have been browsing youtube to gather black folks experiences in SoKo because I am currently in the process of applying to teach in SoKo. I am very excited but have to realize my experience as a black woman could be different. I thank you for sharing as a black male. I think anywhere you go experience for males and females can be very different. And very good selection of books. Beloved is an awesome awesome read..haunting at times.
Every time I watch one of these videos my heart starts beating like I'm being shot at! I guess this is the natural response to hearing so much negative info, I come to suspect it and fear it!
Hey Wilkein,
Thank you for your reflection it was heartfelt. I too live away from home. I was born and raised in Los Angeles California but I have been living in Mississippi for the last four years. You are right, home is where the heart is. I enjoyed following your journey. I wish I would have kept a video log of my experiences teaching in the Delta. There is a lot to be said about the rich history of the south. I too give people the benefit of the doubt. Peace
Thanks Man!! This helps my friend in making a decsion to come here!
Oh my god! You speak Korean so well! I'm mixed, and I want to live in South Korea some day too! But I'm scared by the time I get old enough to go, I still won't know the language...😪😪
Thank you so much for the love. Subscribe in stay in touch. I'll definitely continue adding more videos soon. Continue researching about both countries and make the leap. Take advantage of the opportunity...it'll be a growing experience. Trust me! lol
I love the way you speak
Great video!!! SUBSCRIBED!!!!