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WHAT YOU SAY

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maxdacat,

Totally agree about Chinatown in London: actually, I think Chinese food in Britain is in general just not very good. But that's probably because they don't have the really hot stuff that I like (i.e., Szechuan cuisine).

European anti-Asian sentiment,

I studied (and worked) in the UK for 7 years, so I did "live" there for a solid period, even if not for a very long period of time. To me, at least in Oxford, I felt that there was a greater level of acceptance of other ethnic cultures. I liked being able to find a Chinese New Year cards at general card shops, several Chinese groceries in one town, and a wide selection of ethnic foods at the "mainstream" supermarkets. And yes, I liked the fact that there were several Japanese department stores in London--something you could not expect to find in the U.S. (or at least in the midwest).

As for my own personal experiences, maybe I was very fortunate, but I encountered fewer "bad" everyday occurrences compared to some of the white Americans I knew:

1. one of them got spat at on several occasions while just walking down the street. (No, she's not ugly.)
2. another got exceptionally poor service at a dept. store: got sent from counter to counter to counter.
3. one got stones thrown at her while she was on her bike.
4. one had people walking into her.

On the other hand, I've had men--even boys in their early teens--holding doors open for me from a good distance away and yielding seats to me on public transport: contrast this to some people over here who think they can push in front of me because I'm "only" Asian and don't count.

This is not say, however, that I haven't met cold and distant stuck-up types--but I have encountered the same types of people on this side of the Atlantic too. You know: the kinds who are all warm and smiley to other whites then suddenly freeze up when they see an ethnic minority. You get the impression that if the Brits are generally cold and reserved, they are cold and reserved to everyone else so you don't feel like you are being singled out for poor treatment.

Of course, all this might have been different had I resided up north or even in a slightly less cosmopolitan place.

In general, tho', I think there is a stronger element of hypocrisy in the U.S., which is supposed to be a melting pot and a country of "equal opportunity"--something the European countries have never claimed to be. Here, there are many Americans who have no problems accepting German-, Irish-, Italian-, Norwegian-, and Polish-Americans and indeed refer to them as just "Americans", but cannot "reconcile" the idea of "Asian-American."

P.S. You mention that many Dutch individuals of non-Asian ancestry resent the Dutch Asians because they are perceived as too successful and wealthy. Guess what, this happens in the US too.

Asian Dominatrix Wednesday, May 15, 2002 at 08:08:14 (PDT)

European Anti Asian,

I did hear something from friends and on the news about the tensions between the Chinese and the Turkish. These 2 groups dislike one another very much in Holland. Didn't some Turkish dude murder several Chinese immigrants coming to Holland? It was pretty gruesome. Yep, it's true that the Chinese are everywhere and their population are thriving in many parts of the world. This might pose a problem to others.
Traveler Wednesday, May 15, 2002 at 07:05:56 (PDT)

Funny I've been over in Europe for three months mainly France, Italy and Switzerland and never felt any racism, just nervous stares and smiles. I guess they found it strange seeing a Corean American guy 6' 2", 195 pounds speaking English. I felt very comfortable, I loved it there, especially the women, so easy to talk to.
Maybe some of you people are just seeking out racists.
Asians ( Coreans, Chinese, Japanese,) in general are well accepted but I think there are alot of resentment toward Arabs and blacks for sure. And tell you the truth I can see why. Well, I can't wait to go back.
I have no desire to go to UK though, it just doesn't appeal to me.
Cheap tickets Tuesday, May 14, 2002 at 20:01:31 (PDT)

To "European Anti Asian Sentiment is on the Rise"

There's indeed racism here in Europe. Towards Asians, but as well towards other nationalities, mostly Arabs. Here in the old continent, racism is indeed more subtle as you say.
And I don't see why you are saying that "Europeans can exhibit more racist feelings than Americans". What are your arguments based on?

Reading your comment I've got the impression that Asians here in Europe are being persecuted. That's not true at all.

I've lived in the Netherlands (for 1 year), 4 months in London and 7 years here in Paris (and I still live here in Paris)... and I've never ever encountered any of the bad experience you had in A'dam. Being at school in Amsterdam I've never been in a fight either. There are different areas and neighbourhoods in the Netherlands. And depending on the neighbourhood, you've got a different population and a different perception of race.

As for France, don't assume too much about Asians being scapegoated. They are a very close group. Asians here in Paris, are considered as being very discreet and hard working. And historically Vietnam was an old French colony. So most of the Asians are pretty well accepted.

The political upheaval from the current elections, is mainly caused by the fact that the French feel insecure at home, especially because of all the crime and vandalism perpetrated by a minority of Arabs (North Africans) from the suburbs. "Security" has been the main subject of the past elections and thanks to the press exagerating the problem... it's been only easy for the extremist party to rise.
Asian World Citizen Tuesday, May 14, 2002 at 17:12:29 (PDT)

Having lived in both England and Holland from personal experience i have come across racism more in the UK and there i constantly get asked if i was japanese or chinese(like others didn't exist).
Lani Tuesday, May 14, 2002 at 16:21:21 (PDT)

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