Oh I see. haha! I always experience that because I’m teaching English only by phone. So it’s one of the most challenging part of my job. I hope cities have English names too. ^^

So many place names are similar here…. even Koreans have trouble sometimes 🙂

When I was volunteering in a few third-world countries last year, random people on the street would yell ‘ching ching chong’ at me while smiling and waving, and I would regularly be asked if I knew Jackie Chan or Bruce Lee, because that’s all many of them knew of Asian culture (thanks, American media). true story.

Yeah I do understand that but also it’s often a generational cycle. People are born into a disadvantaged family, so their environment is quite counterproductive, they find it harder to do well at school with limited resources, they are more susceptible to alcohol abuse or bad habits and this hinders their ability to find a job. Then repeat that for their children. I mean, when you’re caught in that situation, I do think that it may be very difficult and take a hell lot of willpower and determination to transcend their socioeconomic and environmental confines.

I love that Australia is a multicultural society and is so diverse, yet it makes it so much more complex socially and inter-personally. I mean, there are days when everyone’s tolerance is minimal and I am not immune to judging others. But yes, I agree, sometimes it’s sad to see the consequences of some of these circumstances – I mean, I hate seeing people drunk and stumbling because of an addiction (not to mention, they are often aggressive and disruptive) but just as much, I hate seeing bad parents who prioritise their own selfish wants over their kids needs.

Ok long rant end.

I totally agree with you. But it is sad when people do give up and fall to crime, drugs and alcohol abuse. Here in Australia, all those living here are so lucky with how education works and the abundance of job opportunities. It saddens me when people dont make the effort and just give up. But i know there are often lots of reasons behind it, it is just sad all the same.

I think that’s inevitable when living in a multicultural society. I mean, you can’t go out and learn about or immerse yourself in every single culture out there, so it’s easier to rely on racial stereotypes. I’m honestly somewhat fine with that. I’d rather that than people who try too hard to be politically correct, and tiptoe around other cultures instead of treating them like people, just with a different set of beliefs (and this is in particular to subcultures as well).

What I disagree with, and hate, is when people impose their own beliefs or practices over others or claim that their race is more superior and downgrade entire nationalities and cultures. It’s ridiculous and incredibly self absorbed. (This sounds a bit aggressive, but is in no way targeting what you said, just an aside really).