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Asian features seal my fate (part two)

18th March 2011

Dear “job ads are not racist” (Postbox 15th March 2011)
While I appreciate your letter, your example of being discriminated at Hooters for not being a sexy young female is not equitable with my discrimination here. That is the restaurant industry in America and this is education. There is a very big difference between the two. Things are the way they are, but it doesn’t make them OK. You cannot justify the discrimination here by saying it happens everywhere and it is not a big deal. While there is nothing that cannot be changed about the way hiring is done here, it is still wrong.

What I find even more disheartening is comments made like these in the letter from “job ads are not racist” - “If you don’t like it, then go to another company or country where things are just.” I have had people say that to me at job interviews. People who say this to immigrants are cold and callous. It is ironic this statement was said to my father when he was first adjusting to his life in America and now to me as I try and work in Thailand. It is an amazing world isn’t it?
But no matter what situations I encounter here, I still and will always love Thailand.

Multi racial American

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About Ajarn.com

Ajarn.com was started as a small hobby website in 1999 by Ian McNamara. It was a simple way for one Bangkok teacher to share his Thailand experiences and pass on advice. The website developed a loyal and enthusiastic following. In 2004, Ian handed over the reins to Phil Williams and 'Bangkok Phil' has run the ajarn website ever since.

Ajarn.com has grown enormously and is now the most popular TEFL site in Thailand - possibly even South East Asia. Although best-known for its vibrant jobs page, Ajarn has a wealth of articles, blogs, features and help and advice. But one principle has always remained at Ajarn's core - to tell things like they are and to do it with a sense of humor. Thailand can be Heaven or Hell for an English teacher. It's always been Ajarn.com's duty to present both sides of the equation. Thanks for stopping by.