Hello from So Japan via So Cal

[Kuroyama]

Hello everyone.

So lets get the race thing out in the open. Im Black. I was born and raised in SoCal, but dont identify myself as African American. Im a Black guy. Read into that what you will. As time goes on my posts may or may not give more insight.

Why the name?

Japanese is my second language. By that I dont mean that I enjoy Japanese anime and can say "konnichiwa". I mean that its possible that I began my college studies of Japanese before some members here were born. Ive been using this "handle", which fairly aptly describes me, for years. It should be easy enough to find this persona through websearches. For consistencies sake, I stick with it. In case you were wondering, I dont have, or need a Japanese name here in Japan.

So why is a Black guy posting on Yellowworld?

OK, yeah, I enjoy some parts of some Asian cultures. I dont identify myself as Asian, but having Asians in family as well as friends as long as I have, I think I have some insight into the experience. I think the Black (North American) experience and the Asian (North American) experience are not as distant as some might think. They are not the same, but they are close enough that both sides IMO would benefit from closer ties.

So, I hope to make some friends, and build some bridges. Maybe we can learn a few things from each other.

[kimpossible]

Hi. Welcome. Hell of a presidential race this year? Sorry, I'm just so excited Bush is on his way out. All I read is stock info and candidate news these days.

[popculturepooka]

Hello everyone.

So lets get the race thing out in the open. Im Black. I was born and raised in SoCal, but dont identify myself as African American. Im a Black guy. Read into that what you will. As time goes on my posts may or may not give more insight.

Why the name?

Japanese is my second language. By that I dont mean that I enjoy Japanese anime and can say "konnichiwa". I mean that its possible that I began my college studies of Japanese before some members here were born. Ive been using this "handle", which fairly aptly describes me, for years. It should be easy enough to find this persona through websearches. For consistencies sake, I stick with it. In case you were wondering, I dont have, or need a Japanese name here in Japan.

So why is a Black guy posting on Yellowworld?

OK, yeah, I enjoy some parts of some Asian cultures. I dont identify myself as Asian, but having Asians in family as well as friends as long as I have, I think I have some insight into the experience. I think the Black (North American) experience and the Asian (North American) experience are not as distant as some might think. They are not the same, but they are close enough that both sides IMO would benefit from closer ties.

So, I hope to make some friends, and build some bridges. Maybe we can learn a few things from each other.

What up Kuro!? How's that Japan life treatin' ya?! I look foward to some of your insights...

(This is bLaZn btw)

[Kuroyama]

Not really following the Presidential race. Id be happy with Obama or Clinton (preferably both). But honestly, after the last 8 years, does anyone really predict the Republicans will retake the White House? Maybe now is the time to buy lottery tickets eh?

As far as being Black in Japan... its got its issues. Most are the same issues I face back home in the US... with the difference being that here the dominant culture didnt grow up (for the most part) with Blacks in their life. So as a result, when they are COMPLETELY unfamiliar with us, there IS an explanation. Lack of contact likely furthered by a language barrier. Most of the older friends Ive made here (from 30-70) have claimed openly that they were glad I spoke the language, because without that, there is no way they would have befriended me.

Some people get knee jerky about that, but its just logical. If we cant communicate, its not likely were going to learn that we might have similar values, or interests even though we both spent our lives on other sides of the planet... While yeah, there is a jerky contingent here, for the most part, most foreigners here who have a really bad time dont speak the language, understand the culture on any level, and usually throw out that privileged attitude "You cant treat ME that way!! Im a ..... (insert overprivileged nationality/race here)."

Though there are some entrenched types here that choose to perpetuate obvious hurtfulness.

I used to appear on TV here. I was "discovered" singing enka in a local karaoke bar. (just think polar opposite of hip-hop). Eventually I was assigned a new director that wanted me to shuck and jive. When I refused he axed me and replaced me with a Japanese guy in blackface (literally black shoe polish!) red lipstick, afro wig, and he does his dance. Hes still on TV every week or so.

Anyway... Ive found that "Give respect, get respect." works for most people here.

BlaZn It took me awhile... I kept saying the name like it meant something, but couldnt figure it out.

You still post at the other place? I keep hearing from kikiandlala, but havent found a usable link to get me to the new site. Still, Id stopped posting there a while ago anyway. Would like to see if the climates changed...

[Sunflare]

Yo, sup !! Glad to hear you are surviving in Japan like that. Props. Looking foward to hearing your outlook on matters in future discussions. I'm all ears.

[KenTsui]

hi do you like bobby?

[Kuroyama]

KT

I enjoy Bobby and his comedy immensely!! Almost as much as Asians and Asian Americans enjoyed the "Long Duk Dong" character from 16 Candles (was it 16 Candles?). Whatever. Yeah. Bobby goes a long way toward building bridges of respect and cooperation between Black peoples and Japanese...!

They should give that guy a seat in the UN!

(Or this whole post could be full of crap...)

[Sunflare]

^ Anyway I can get this on DVD or something? With subtitles if this is in Japanese?

[Kuroyama]

CC are you kidding me? Bobby Ologun? look it up on YouTube if youre looking to turn your stomach. Dont need to waste money on filth.

[Sunflare]

^Thanks for the lead, I'm going to check it out for some good laughs and positive vibes.

[Kuroyama]

If youre looking for positive images of Black people...you wont find them looking up Bobby Ologun. I hope you saw Spike Lees "Bamboozled". If so, youll be somewhat prepared for the Uncle Tomming, Shuffle Stepping, Jiving, Mushmouthing youre about to dive into.

[Sunflare]

^Forget it then. I'm not going to waste my time with it. No wonder you are calling the stuff filth, I did'nt catch that.

[Adaon]

Greets.