Dee Moore,
Shreveport, LA.
Hajimemashite!
That is the stigma I am always facing in my community. I am a 25 year old African American educator who has plans to teach overseas in Japan. I am also studying Japanese so that I can develop some kind of fluency. Since I was young, I was always interested in Eastern culture, particularly in the Japanese community. I made up my mind that I wanted to spend time in Japan and teach Japanese children. I want to know the feeling as an educator to teach outside of my norm and Western culture.
When telling people my intended plans, there is often backlash. Responses like “Asian people don’t like black people,” “They will kidnap you,” and “Why not teach in Africa where they really need black teachers.”
I feel as though that I am individual who has right to teach where ever I am pleased and going to Japan is something I really wanted to do. It is about time to end this stigma of stereotypes and fear. If one continues to fear, then nothing can be accomplished.
I don’t know when I am going to Japan, but trust me, I WILL GO AND WILL TEACH! Because teaching is something I am good at, and I will be the best educator any Japanese student would love to have.
Sayounara!
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