Hi,
I love Korea, but one thing troubles me greatly. I have been led to believe there is no law against racism here. Is this true? This was told to me by someone high up in a Foreign Workers help group, linked with YMCA here. Please correct me if this is wrong, misinformed. If true, I'd like to submit a formal pettition for a law, either to Lee Myung Bak, or the new President via this site, if possible.
Re: Racism Law
You are correct. There are not any laws against prejudice on race, at least not yet...
About a year ago, a Naturalized Korean was not allowed into a sauna because she looked like a foreigner.
Story here:
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2011/10/117_96613.html
However a new law is in the making but who knows if it'll go through...
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2012/05/123_111396.html
The best thing for "foreigners" to do is to be vocal but positive in cases of prejudice.
Re: Racism Law
Korea's motto, "foriengers are dirty. give us your money and go"
I and many others have been subjected to excessive racism and prejudice here. Xenophobia is rampant and will not get any better while these old decrepit men run the country.
Re: Racism Law
Thanks guys, I hope more people will be proactive on this issue. The good Koreans (majority)are made to look bad by the racist element.
Re: Racism Law
There are no laws against or for racism. Should there be?
Foreigners are les than 1% of the population and, you perhaps are only here for less than 1% of your natural born life.
Why should they protect you if you are not Asian?
Affirmative action laws are set up to help those with a large percentage of the minority get into jobs that they wouldn't normally get. Being anti-racist is not the position nor the interest of business.
Whence it is in the interest then the doors open, until then be with the rest of the 1% do your 1 year and go to Thailand.
Re: Racism Law
Why would a person need protection, if racism weren't a factor here. Does the % matter, or time spent?
Re: Racism Law
The United States was blatantly racist implementing public segregation up until a few decades ago...Korea is a homogeneous nation with a pretty short history of foreigner existence in their society. It'll take time. It is getting better, though. In my ten years I've defintely seen improvement...maybe not enough, but it'll take time.
Re: Racism Law