Racism against Asian Americans in Houston (Portland: best cities, neighborhoods, schools)

[sevenofsix]

Well if you're asian get use to it. Just ignore them

[tstone]

Originally Posted by phedre

I recently moved here, and I've lived all over--Boston, Portland, Los Angeles, Chicago, and I have to say--I have never experienced racism against Asians as bad as I have here. What is going on? I'll get it from the African-American woman at the grocery store, the white elderly security guard at work, the young latino at the post office--what is the problem? I'm not rude or impolite, nor do I look for racism, but it's hard to miss when you're the only one paying more for your services or the last one waiting in line when everyone else has been served first. Is Houston just a backwards dump passing itself off as a modern metropolitan city? I think I made a big mistake moving here.

I think the questions that first need to be answered are:

- What part of town are you located in?
- What service did you pay more for?
- How do you carry yourself? Are you confident yet friendly? Do you sulk like a social retard and let people walk all over you? Are you the stereotypical 'arrogant Asian' who is obviously much, much smarter than everyone else?
- Do you resemble William Hung in any way, shape or form?

If you give us a little more insight, maybe you'll get a meaningful answer.

[Slappy san]

Yeah...ignore racism because it's all in your head along with your bad attitude. Geez....

[houstoner]

Hmm, only three posts, eh? Dftt, y'all.

[jimboburnsy]

Originally Posted by phedre

I recently moved here, and I've lived all over--Boston, Portland, Los Angeles, Chicago, and I have to say--I have never experienced racism against Asians as bad as I have here. What is going on? I'll get it from the African-American woman at the grocery store, the white elderly security guard at work, the young latino at the post office--what is the problem? I'm not rude or impolite, nor do I look for racism, but it's hard to miss when you're the only one paying more for your services or the last one waiting in line when everyone else has been served first. Is Houston just a backwards dump passing itself off as a modern metropolitan city? I think I made a big mistake moving here.

That is disconcerting. While anyone would associate cashiers, security guards and postal workers with Houston's educated, professional, open-minded element, keep in mind that this is a huge city and the sheer volume of people dictates that you will encounter some a-holes. It may not have anything to do with your background.

[honee68]

I'm an Asian and I've been living here for more than 10 years. As far as discrimination I could barely remember experiencing any specifically towards me. And after traveling to other cities, I always feel lucky to come back to this city where Southern hospitality is still around and strong. And honestly, if you are not too sensitive about this whole racism thing, you won't feel that much racism around you.

[Hayato]

I do not think it's racism. It's like going to a powerful country like China and a non-chinese asian tourist might have a bad service from a chinese front desk clerk. To them, the tourist might look like they should be working for them and not the other way around You can get this experience anywhere you go just by being an asian with a tan Sometimes people question what they do for a living or the state of their lives that they might show a bad side to those who seem to be doing better. I don't know if there is an -ism for that.

[usc619]

Remember, this is still the south!

[sunny57]

Originally Posted by houstoner

Hmm, only three posts, eh? Dftt, y'all.

Bingo....Sunny

[NouvelleVague]

To the people who're saying to the original poster that it's her fault and she probably is unfriendly and lacks confidence and that the treatment she's getting has nothing to do with her race: Can you seriously have such deep lack of compassion and/or be that clueless? Nobody likes to admit/accept that we live in a racist society. It goes against the "positive thinking" that most of us live by. Saying anything negative is perceived as something that needs to be punished. Unfortunately, reality often is negative. Just because you yourself have not experienced racism doesn't mean it doesn't exist. That's like a rich person saying poverty doesn't exist because she/he lives a privileged life.

An Asian person should not have to work so hard to overcome other people's racism by being extra nice or friendly. Those with racist tendencies need to learn to correct their behavior and treat ALL people with respect.

Why is racism against Asians considered okay in our society? If the original poster had been black, and mentioned being treated badly in an all-white neighborhood, she/he would've received sympathy. The fact that an Asian reacts against racism directed at her and in response receives only sarcasm, hostility, anger, and hatred only proves the original poster's point.

I find this especially disheartening from those who either say they're Asian or who know other Asians. Let's face it: Asians are treated with shocking contempt in our society. Many people say Asians do not suffer from racism because many go to good schools or have professional lives as doctors and engineers. But do you know why they aspire so desperately to go to good schools? Because their parents have experienced such deep, intense racism in their lives, that they inculcate to their children that education can be their only salvation.

Racism: it's only in your head! Shut up about it!

Sexism: Why're you bringing it up! It doesn't exist! We live in a perfect world.

Homophobia: No such thing! If they treat you badly, it's because you asked for it!

Folks, if you can't be sympathetic or supportive, at least don't be a jerk.