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Where are you really from ? An Expat Perspective On Racism
This entry was posted in American Culture, Cross cultural, culture, culture shock, Executive Coaching, expat, expatriates, Global Executives, Global leaders, global mobility, globalization, intercultral, intercultural executive coach, intercultural training, Living in Russia and tagged communication, Cross-cultural communication, cultures, expat, Expatriate, Expatriate Life, Expatriation, Global Executives, Global Leadership, Globalization, intercultural, racism, Russia, United States. Bookmark the permalink.
Interesting observations, Anne! I can relate to a certain discomfort of being constantly asked where I am from. It does depend on the context though. I remember that when I was working in the restaurant industry in the US, I was frequently asked about my origin by customers. Most of the time these questions felt disingenuous (as if people don’t really care where you are from but rather feel compelled to ask because they hear a foreign accent), let alone the not so uncommon passive-aggressive comments about Russia, my native country. I also think that certain questions are not really appropriate in the context of small talk, e.g., “why did you move?” After all, people leave their home countries for different, sometimes tragic reasons and might not be comfortable sharing it with curious strangers. That said, I encountered more tactful and deeper questions while in college and now working in an office setting.
Hello Anna, I can really feel what you mean about passive aggressive comments about Russia. Since the Sotchi Olympic games I have seen so many unfair comments on social networks and western media about Russians in general. For me it is absurd to judge ordinary citizen based on what the politicians who rule a country do.
Anne – good points. As a long term expat too I am always interested to find out where people are from It’s a good ice breaker . But some time ago I did encounter hostility when I asked quite innocently the origins of an unusual surname. I think certain groups are very aware of prejudice stated and indirect against their communities.
I also encountered aggression in Italy in 1982 when the British invaded the Falklands. Italy and Argentina were allies. I think that happens with changes in political circumstances.
Thanks Dorothy for sharing.
When you live abroad it is almost impossible to avoid being stereotyped. Sometimes people discriminate you because of your nationality or skin color and unfortunately it starts from early childhood. Research in child behavior and psychology have shown that kids spontaneously play with friends that look the same as they are.
Now that I live in Russia people back “home” or living in another country assume that I agree with everything that is said in the West about Russian politics in general and in Ukraine in particular. I usually keep my opinion about politics for myself but I am still labelled as being “brainwashed” by the Russian propaganda and maybe that I made a terrible choice to live in Moscow.