Being black in korea: How people react to my hair

[@Moola915]

im half black and korean....... im so tempted to open a african american based hair salon in korea cdfuuuuu

[@MunthApollo]

Do it! That would be really cool, plus it would probably educate your area about other hair styles and types. :)

[@pvultureb8341]

Why not just do it

[@SnozBerryQueen]

oooh that would be so exciting!

[@electricbutterfly65]

DO IT!!!!

[@voguelessisters]

omg that would be so amazing!!! x

[@s2lLandals2]

"They said the hair was ugly" "How nice :)" YOU'RE SO PRECIOUS, GIRL.

[@CherryBerry383]

this isn't just in japan when i have braids in my hair I'm in U.S. I have to explain to every caucasian person and their mom how black hair works. and they do it everyday

[@Stephanie-jv5mf]

Really.? I'm white and I don't do that. Lol. (Not trying to sound rude.) I have a lot of black kids in my school and they change their hair every other week and no one ever asks about it. I think it's pretty when people have their hair braided like she has in her video.

[@RedBloopCreature]

Stephanie Crook When I was in high school, I changed my hair all the time: braids for some weeks; curls; twist out; twists; buns; french braids! No one asked to touch it or anything, but even my teachers always noted the difference! Ha ha! But my school was really multicultural so you learn to think about and interact with a lot of cultures. It's not everyone, but a couple people, not always white and sometimes other black people, want to ask questions and touch your hair. I usually let them. How else will they know how it feels? :D They always say "It's so soft!" and I'm like "Yeah, it's not sandpaper..." lol Stay cool Stephanie!

[@Stephanie-jv5mf]

Lol. "It's not sandpaper." But yeah. I honestly like when black women change their hair. My favorite way that they wear their hair is in the braids and it's half up half down. I really think it's cute. It looks better then when you normaly wear it. And I also know black girls who just wear their hair natural. It's really pretty.

[@RedBloopCreature]

Stephanie Crook I wear my hair in a fro now but likely I'll be getting something different soon. I dunno. I dyed it today for the first time so that's exciting! There's lots of ways that people can wear their hair no matter what style, especially with braids! Even straight hair. Fishtails and snake braids anyone? :D What about a waterfall or a cascade? Braid headband? Endless possibilities! Braids are awesome!

[@CherryBerry383]

Stephanie Crook I know all caucasian people don't do it please don't take my 1st comment as a rude racist comment. But when ever I change my hairstyle everyone makes a big deal out it like I did something crazy when in reality it's just a ponytail and I braided my bangs. It gets tiring having to deal with it every monday (until I got out of school at least).

[@MySoKoAdventure]

I think people have come to the conclusion that somehow my co-teacher hates me, which is not the case. Yes she has asked me things I think are odd, but you can't really judge someone on a few stories, that would be a disservice to a person who has really helped me settle and integrate into my school. Yes we've had a few bumps along the way, but my co-teacher isn't some mean tyrant trying to make my life a misery, just wanted to point that out.

[@littlemisshowei]

Sorry for my out of topic question but, did you get your braids done in Korea? and if yes, may I please know where?

[@whatsgoingon07]

I once asked my black girlfriend if i can smell her hair and feel it. i was obsessed because there was this exotic scent that enthralled me. it was a big turn on! there's something very sexy about natural hair of black women. the texture, the look and feel. being of a different race, its a beautiful experience. I let her feel and smell my hair too. LOL

[@007ETA73]

have you tried telling her how uncomfortable this makes you feel? This story sounds so sad. Sounds like being in a racist hick town in the south where everyone is ignorant and says really irresponsible things. I think it could help to have a talk with them about how their comments make you feel (not in a whoa is me kind or way but in an informative way) but at the same time recognizing that they arent used to how Westerners change styles all the time and the different cultures we have around us every day. I find it rude that anyone would think its ok to allow others to say someones hair is ugly. That just seems like common etiquette. They may need an etiquette class in fact. Its just unbelievable.

[@jiiinan]

Echoe Malone Hello. I'm a senior in High school and I'm Korean. I think it's a little different being racist, because people in the Korean society(generally) don't really know or understand other cultures around the world(especially the older population). I think that it's because the Korean society has never been a diverse population, and it's just starting to open up to being globally aware. I do agree that the kids and people were a bit rude, but it doesn't sound like they were trying to make her uncomfortable or be racist or ignorant. Also common etiquette I think is different in every culture. I think it seems more rude and disrespectful coming from a perspective of someone who lives in a more diverse society, because we know better. I actually had a similar experience as MySoKoAdventure in Nicaragua. I spent 7weeks there with a host family. People there had never met someone Asian before. Everyone stared at me everywhere I went. My nickname was "La China" (the Chinese girl) and the first question that my host brother asked me was if I knew kung fu or karate(which I don't know at all). Although I was uncomfortable at first, but I wasn't able to be angry or upset. I knew that they were just curious, because they had never met someone like me. And I know the situations are a bit different but I don't think the kids or the people meant to be malicious and hurt her feelings. And not all Koreans are culturally insensitive(although many are). Sorry for the long response. I just didn't want someone to think that all Koreans are rude and ignorant.

[@milanosrp]

***** Unfortunately, even if one isn't intending to be racist, they still can be. In fact, most racism is bred from ignorance. While I think it's important to distinguish between educated prejudice and ignorant prejudice, it's also important to keep in mind that it's all racism, and it exists globally. Great comment, though. Your story is very interesting.

[@KanezaMac]

black women have beautiful hair thats why everyone is amazed!

[@xFictionAficionadax]

I grew up in a town that's 99% white (not joking)....I saw a black person for the first time when I was 8 years old and had moved to Baltimore, Maryland. She had such beautiful curls. I'm at a university now and we have a large percentage of students who are black but I remember that experience like it was yesterday haha

[@KSS5]

This is so interesting because I'm black from the USA and I've gotten the same reaction & questions from places I've worked in my own country, in office settings with non-black co-workers and studio settings with non-black students K-12. So I look at it as the world in general just doesn't get black hair.

[@iRockYouRock67]

Funny because most population in the world has black hair.

[@KSS5]

iRockYouRock67 when I say Black I don't mean color as in brunette, but Kinky hair of people with Black/African descent. The largest group of people in the world live in Asia so there are more people with straight hair vs kinky curly hair. And in the US Black ppl as a whole only make up about 14 - 16% of the population, so there are more straight haired ppl here too.

[@iRockYouRock67]

Funny thing you mention that because in my country at least have the population have curly hair, and of those curly haired people a third have really, really curly hair and ironically enough, the ones I've seen with crazy curly hair are naturally blond. But like really tight, small curls.

[@KSS5]

iRockYouRock67 That's really interesting, what country if you don't mind me asking. I guess growing up in America you don't see a lot of diversity even though its supposed to be a diverse place. But I have seen people (pics only) from Paupa New Guinea with the really curly blonde hair and dark skin.

[@iRockYouRock67]

Mexico xD I mean all my dad's family has curly hair except for him. But the people I've seen that have really, really curly hair are light haired, maybe not blond, yellow hair but golden? I don't know, there is this one guy in my career that lets it just grow like it wants to and it looks like a tree. I think the curls are like half in inch in diameter.

[@WilkineBrutus]

Wonderful insight. With my long dreadlocks, the mixed reactions are quite profound, too. I've noticed that our students are usually pressured to conform physically (uniforms, hair length, etc), and I've found that most of the Korean teachers barely change their looks as well. A few see it as a sign of rebellion. Perhaps adding that extra, different layer of "foreignness" to your "chocolateness" will inevitably cause the stir. ahah Oh Korea...lol

[@MySoKoAdventure]

haha! thanks for commenting :D

[@XelestialAurora]

+Wilkine Brutus I was wondering about this because I have dreadlocks as well.

[@thecyberninja2708]

+泰輔落合 thats fucked up

[@Lime22xx]

i wear my long, naturally curly 4a/b hair in a wash 'n go every day. a lawyer friend of mine, who happens to be white, asked me how early do i wake up each day to curl my hair. i looked at her like wtf?? i live in dc and folks, generally speaking, just don't get black hair (even the ones with 'black friends').

[@xiKyLaLa]

There is nothing stopping (some) Asians from learning about other cultures. I think when it comes to blacks, I don't know.. SOME (not all), seem to be very immature. Like yes, we have darker skin & no, our hair isn't straight. I think people tend to make excuses for them, saying they're just curious & what not. That may be true, but come on. You should know better than to straight up laugh at someone. -.- I know (some) Asians find it annoying when people constantly ask about their race etc, but hello..? What do you call staring at & touching people? I still enjoy Korean culture, & I want to continue learning the language, buuuut... some Koreans are grown & I think they ought to know better.

[@robloxplayergirl8715]

+xiKyLaLa In asian cultures it's normal to make fun of people or to call them ugly. They do it to themselves, not just foreigners.

[@yuwilmuhammad8564]

Im a single black man here in America and must that you are extremely beautiful. Why are our queens in the oddest of places. We need you

[@gabonpuffs9106]

Because some black men don't want us but you truly are a black king 😌😌😌💜💜💜

[@thejen24]

I have dread locks past my butt. They are thin though, and people think they're either fake (they're not) lol, or braids (they're not). I was in Taiwan on a train, and I felt my hair being lifted and pretty much taken away. When I looked, this woman had my hair cradled in her arms like a baby and was stroking it. Lol... I didn't mind, as I'm certain I was the ONLY black person the people on the train had ever seen in person. I looked at her and she smiled at me. I returned the smile, and the entire train car burst into hysterical Chinese chatter... I had people coming up to me to look at my teeth (my teeth are very straight and white) which is very rare in Asian countries. People were taking pictures with me and touching my hair and pretty much going insane over me lol. Then ONE lady on the train looked at me and said in English "they think you are very beautiful". It was just cultural fascination. I wasn't offended... it actually was cool. Just brush it off. I got stared at everywhere I went in Taiwan, but was treated so wonderfully. It began to rain, and a random man bought me soup and gave me his umbrella! True story. Just change how you react. If everyone you saw for your entire life looked like you, then you saw an Asian person, you'd probably want to touch them too, and would be fascinated. Just know it's all good no matter what.

[@patriciaoge1301]

Love this story, my cousin and I laughed so hard after reading this

[@thejen24]

why? the hair cradling? lol... yea, it was weird.

[@kawaiikittycake4617]

Any tips for growing dreads?

[@thejen24]

twist until you're tired, and then twist some mo. don't use honey, bees wax, or any sticky method, or black soap like ive heard someone say. lol. just palm roll your hair in sections with a product meant for locking hair, such as Jamaican lock and twist. or go see a professional loc starting stylist. good luck

[@Nichchic228]

Very interesting perspective. I hope you don't get discouraged from wearing your natural hair. You are so beautiful!

[@tuesdayjanae3676]

why does it seem that everybody does not like or view black people as being strange or odd like we are a different species than them, I don't get it! what did we do that was so terrible, like even in korea or different places around the world that lighter skin is better and straight hair is better, and I know every person does not think this way. but its like black people can't win anywhere

[@heavensclosets8748]

Tuesday Janae Hey Jane I was just thinking that myself. We are the descendants of the Hebrew Israelite's from Judah it was prophesied in the Bible . Also Yah/God said he put a scab on the heads of the Daughters of Zion . I digress , we are from the family of Shem son of Noah the same family you are from . they can change or color in some but nose tells it all . Thats why statues have missing noses . Shalom my sister Yeshua loves you and Yah please remember that always xx

[@styledbydestany6533]

+Caleb Anderson this was beautiful and so nice to read.

[@heavensclosets8748]

+Rin Ts (りん /린) no it's actually cute. I always ask Yeshua to guide my heart when reading and he presents it as a question. You're still awesome did you know. Oh yeah Yeshua is Jesus in English. Also he's crazy about you ;) !

[@heavensclosets8748]

+The Diary of Destany thank you my beloved sis of Yah !

[@unsuns2058]

I think Rin is right. In my hometown there weren't any black or asian people, so when people saw a black or asian person they tended to look at them or be surprised but not for any racist reason. Then I moved to another city were there were plenty of black and asian people and nobody would look at them or be surprised or anything. And all in the same country!

[@JHL751]

Here in America you do not touch people let alone their hair without asking. CHILDREN IN KOREA NEED TO HAVE MORE CLASSES THAT TEACH THEM ABOUT DIFFERENT CULTURES. THAT IS ANNOYING

[@ZK-ef3hn]

Not necessarily true! I live in California and people come up and touch my hair without asking, children and adults.

[@Daydreamroses]

i heard from one black girl (whose teaches in japan) that she was told before the job that she shouldnt change her hair too frequently because it distracts the children lol.

[@invader_britt]

Haha me too...are you talking about youtuber Saitamaflowers?

[@sakuraseon]

Really Japan seemed pretty receptive to my hair. I had braids at first and then my afro and it was just like wow your hair is cool.

[@invader_britt]

Shaniece Frank I know with Saitama the kids didn't mind her hair they wanted to touch it and such but the adults where she worked saw that it was distracting to her students and she also noticed it was distracting to them. I'm not sure if you teach/taught in Japan but if they allowed you to wear your fro while working then thats pretty cool. Lol I know here in the U.S certain places are still not cool with certain black hairstyles like the military, some private schools and some businesses. Which is ridiculous this day and age we have to have our hair straightened or weave in just for it to look acceptable.

[@sakuraseon]

I did not work I was in university there and yeah you right it is crazy that here in America they won't allow you to war your natural hair some places. I understand in Asia though. I am about to graduate from college and its very likely that my next step is Korea or Japan teaching english so I am check it out. Doing my research.

[@Windsingerful]

Atsuko Smiless The more we stand up and just BE us with no apologies, backstopping, and total self-acceptance, the more THEY (those who are ignorant and unexposed) will learn and get over it... or just have to deal, because after 300-500 years of being dissed over our basic beautiful uniqueness (and not bowing down to others), WE HAVE ARRIVED in our glory and claiming it for all the world (and ESPECIALLY ourselves) to see. Kudos to you, my dear... you are very courageous, patient, and have a great spirit.

[@HayateAzekura]

I LOVE YOUR HAIR, I have always loved how black woman look with your kind of hair. Its soo feminine and beautiful

[@tierrao5532]

When I was in Korea I was transitioning to natural and I was wearing a high bun with a scarf I was at a bakery and asked the cashier a question he looked at my hair and laughed in my face for no reason and then called his co workers to come and laugh at me too lol what a great experience :)

[@darbywright2946]

aww that's not nice :( That's a cute hair style!

[@magyarmak]

Yeah, that's not nice at all! You should totally have given them the evil eye and asked to speak to the person in charge. Sometimes their directness is really just plain rudeness!! >.

[@AGremina]

Not only thats not nice... its also incredibly stupid. I can't think of anything more stupid at the moment.

[@GTYmassive]

i believe people feed off of others humimilation. their is nothing wrong with that hair style.

[@angelaaahh]

>:o how rude!!

[@BryActive]

I know this video is old, but my little sister s studying korea and a lot of them have curly hair! thats why they get lots of perms and straighten it a lot. They teach kids early that curly hair is "ugly"

[@DoeJane1234567]

yooooooooooooooooooooo sisterrrrrrrrrrrrr

[@ebonydances]

i went to Seoul as a teacher and performer last fall. i loved it there. people were so sweet to me, even strangers on the street, SO SWEET. but, i was only there for one week, so i didn't get the breadth of experiences that you did even though i was alone for about 3 days. i loved your video!

[@SJP43]

this is interesting because i received the exact same reaction since moving from USA and working here in UK, from white people. They always comment on my natural hair and say oh my hair changes everyday but it doesn't. just which is quite strange it's the same as them changing from a high bun to wearing it out, yeah the style changes but that's it. I have started point out every time they go from curls,buns, straight,side part and middle part etc. the same way they do to me!

[@memadog]

I love the braids you have right now. You look so gorgeous!

[@malakahmed2941]

shes actually so cute^^

[@MySoKoAdventure]

I've made an update to this video where I talk about reactions to my natural hair, and also a general black in Korea video kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5q3lKGAmsyNqtk

[@victoryiakennedy1782]

how are you able to get new braids in korea?

[@anointiyaebeasley4692]

Victoryia Kennedy I want to know that too and HOW DO YOU TAKE OF YOUR BRAIDS SO GOOD!? Plz answer back

[@mscanela27]

MySoKoAdventure do you braid your own hair ive always wanted to live in another country but afraid of not being able to get my hair done lolz

[@victoryiakennedy1782]

+Kay Oh. Same.

[@XelestialAurora]

+Kay Oh Lol same. Black ppl problems I guess.

[@sillygoose1710]

not hair or korea related, but whenever people find out that I'm a vegan I always get the same annoying question of "what do you eat?" and at first I found it funny, but after several years of getting the same question, sometimes from the same people I just get so frustrated. I know it's not the same thing but I feel it's similar. I love your hair btw, It looks beautiful

[@sillygoose1710]

I've gotten the protein question so many times, I think I blocked it off my memory XD It is quite silly how our society is so brainwashed, but our veg community is growing and every year they come up with more and more vegan alternatives^^ tbh i didn't even know veganism existed before I watched "Earthlings" It was such a confusing time of my life XD Thanks for the rant, it's always awesome finding random vegans :3

[@sillygoose1710]

wow that's wonderful for your mom and aunt! I've tried talking people into veganism as well, but doesn't always work out~ lmao! well they can keep eating their bacon if they want... they'll come back crawling when they get a heart attack (not to sound heartless but y'know..) :P

[@julesv_]

Ehat DO you eat? Ok, ok, I'm joking, sorry xD

[@tarastory2765]

"Shampoo!" LOL That was great! I love your accent, and you are really beautiful!

[@BlakeL623]

I went to South Korea as an exchange student for a month last year. I had braids. One of the Korean guys touched my hair and kept saying "reggae" LOL. I received positive comments from everyone, strangers would come up to me and want to touch my hair and would call me pretty. Sometimes I would literally be surrounded by a group of ahjummas. I think I know what it's like to be a celebrity now, people were always taking photos of me.

[@chariiitza]

I think i can relate to your experience over there. I'm Chinese but born in Dominican Republic, and i lived in a poor neighborhood so i guess i stood out a bit, and people usually touched my hair or caressed my head without asking too. Also, when i wore something different (trying out new styles and stuff) everyone would stare at me weirdly and it was quite annoying.

[@BabyAlchie]

I tried to watch more than a minute of your video before commenting but I just can't help myself, YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL! There, I said it.

[@ndombologique]

Girl you have touched on soooo many points...

[@lilypippili]

this is interesting... chonunmigooksaram said she mostly got positive responses to her hair, and people were just curious about it, but in a good way... i'm kind of suspicious it might have to do with the fact that she's really light-skinned, so it's pretty easy for her to blend in with other koreans

[@jlulu1478]

It's sad to be honest.

[@kamilahdouglas1609]

+lilypippili Also, she wears her hair straight.

[@Cindy99765]

she said that they usually mistake her for Morocco or Arab

[@user-fs4jv1se3m]

+Cindy99765 morocco is an arab country

[@Cindy99765]

+‫نورة محمد‬‎ Morocco is not an Arab country. It is a country in north Africa.

[@SaunyaAmos]

When I was teaching in Japan, I experienced all the situations you mentioned. I also realized that students or even co-teachers don't have the freedom to express themselves creatively via fashion, makeup and hairstyles. But, I'm sure you are an inspiration to some of the students that like "different," creativity and diversity (they may not say it). ...oh, yeah...beware of passive aggressive "hater-ism"...lol

[@kettypoo]

you're so gorgeous!!! don't ever be let down by the silly questions or comments about your hair. you go girl! much love from the netherlands

[@tjtanner9311]

I'm a guy and I have a flat top fade. It's very kinky and coily. It has a lot of texture, if you will. This summer worked as a teacher's assistant for a summer program at my family local church. Mind you that all the kids were black. At first they were curious about my hair, asking me all kinds of questions like "Is that your real hair?" "Your hair looks fake", "Are you wearing a weave or wig?" A weave, really I'm a guy. Then towards the end of the summer, a lot of the kids felt the need to constantly try to embrace (feel/touch) my hair and that would mess it up. I'd be like, I didn't spend 15-20min shaping my hair for you to put a dent in it. Stop touching my hair. They stayed on me the rest of the summer constantly about it. I think our hair is just interesting to kids and teenagers period.

[@everydayPianoPractice]

Consider this: You have a wonderful opportunity to be an ambassador to illustrate to others of your particular culture. If I were you I would prepare a set of questions for locals who might be curious about you. Take the time to educate them on what is proper behavior in your culture. Doing so in their own language will impress them no end and ensure that you gain mutual respect (as it is difficult to talk about someone when they understand you). Having a set of prepared phrases can make your conversations a bit easier (including expressing questions about their behaviors; some of which you dislike). Based on my experience as I've travelled throughout Asia - people are people wherever you go. Some will like you and others will not. I have found more success when I learned Cantonese and Mandarin. Engaging locals in learning nuances of their languages usually bridges the gap and allows one better connections.

[@mariab2452]

You are gorgeous. You're makeup is perfect, your hair is perfect, and your skin is beautiful. Just had to say that.. True beauty(:

[@ki020]

Just living where I live, I'm one of three black people and the only one to wear my hair naturally, I get the same reaction. I've had teachers and other students (my regular school and vocational school) petting my hair and running their fingers through it. It bothers me a lot. When the only asian boy joined my vocational school class he instantly started questioning me about my hair and if I got it permed. He followed me for at least 2 months touching my hair and questioning me. It started driving me crazy so I told him and everyone else in my class not to touch my hair without permission. It's curly and when it dries you can't run your fingers through it because one you might lose a ring or something and two once it's been brushed there's no getting it back to how it was.

[@YourBelovedPandora]

When I studied abroad in Japan, I thought the same at first. But then, I started to realize, if your not exposed to someone on an everyday basis, what better way to learn about a culture than from a living source. By the end of the summer, people were trying to find us boyfriends, and calling us their daughters (and becoming very protective of us too). I saw the openness of a child in their questions and it became flattering that serious questions came along with the personal ones, and I was a person in someone's eyes for the first time, and not a stereotype. No one ever clutched their purse or locked their door when I was passing their car. In fact, I was trying to ride a bike home at the middle or typhoon season, and a couple pulled over and offered me a ride back to my host family. I had never experienced that level 'love you neighbor" before in the US. So just hang in there, you will start to see more good in your experiences. Some things will remain annoying no matter what. But it seems like your doing a good job representing black women as how we should be seen, and not perceived as by the media. :D

[@ClioMako]

I am white with curly hair. I haven't been in Korea, but I have been in Japan and a lot of girls would ask me if I had permed my hair, if they can touch it etc. It got a bit annoying after a while..

[@thatbritchick9695]

I am wowed by how awesome you are. I'm also a Brit, and chocolate-skinned, and I've recently gotten into K-Pop in a big way. Anyway, I have noticed, in my travels across the internet, that some Koreans aren't enamoured of dark skin. This had made me feel a bit shaky about it recently, but I'm realising that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and this video has really helped me, so thank you for making it! :')

[@Meggsie]

There was another girl who was teaching in Korea- everyone seems to like, no love her natural hair, but she eventually relaxed it anyway. But I love the way your hair looks, I think the way you've done it looks very elegant. In my region in America, not speaking for all of us, it's very common to walk up to someone else's dog and pet them without asking. Especially if that dog is coming to see you. But we don't pet random people's hair.

[@007ETA73]

lol about the dog petting. Your right but i also think sometimes people still find it invasive. I always ask...unless the dog came up to me first! hahaha. But i find it sad that the girl you know felt so uncomfortable wearing her hair the way it is that she would subject her hair to such harsh chemicals to assimilate. I too cringe when I decide to wear my hair curly and down. i have more defined curls even but Its like people just wont understand your hair...esp if you always where it straight. I tend to get complements though but its sometimes nerve wrecking. I wish i didnt feel like that. Almost feels like your being bullied every day for something you wore. I love my hair though! is really cute curly lol feel bad for what she has to experience in Korea!

[@Meggsie]

I don't think this particular girl who straightened her hair hated her curls, but she changed it anyway. But maybe it's more than I know. Personally I like it when curly-headed girls let their hair go- it's very attractive. I don't see how anyone could feel intimidated to wear it. But then again, I usually keep to myself. Last year I took CPR lessons and most of the people were teenagers, and they immediately began to segregate themselves. A black teen told me that he liked to start fights by approaching a group of other black teenagers, then lie by saying some white kid said something racist then let them throw the first punch and attack that kid out of the blue. He might of been lying, but I don't know why he would want anyone to think he'd do something like that. The whole situation shocked me. I guess I got to keep reminding myself that people still think certain ways. It's just sad, really.

[@007ETA73]

Um...I've been around black people my entire life (as you can imagine) and I've NEVER EVER EVER heard something like that. I think that that child just has some serious disciplinary problems and is a bully. Please rest assured that that is not common. On the other token, in DC (only place I've witnessed something like this) I have noticed that the underprivileged black kids find it amusing to bully or speak disrespectfully to whites esp white women They also robbed or jumped the wealthy black college kids in the area : ( I went to Howard University). Its really sad because I think they are trying to prove to themselves that they are "stronger" then whites or "taking the power back"...but their really just ill behaved kids that like to pick on people they deem "weaker" then them. its pretty disgusting to see them act out but I've never seen black adults do something like this. I think kids these days just have a lack of respect for everyone anyway.... Racism/bulling is so tiring, makes me sad. like its never going to end. Booooo! lol

[@Meggsie]

That's why I was shocked. The longest best friend I had as a little kid was half black, so I know it's not everyone. I guess I just assumed that racism had disappeared while I grew up, and now that I'm an adult and see it- it's really a bitter pill to swallow. :c You know, I have noticed a trend in bullies and rebellious teens. In all of the examples I've seen, none of these households have a good father figure. I don't know if it's because it's the one single parent or if kids need fathers in particular(I haven't seen many examples of single father households to compare), but even watching the show "World's Strictest Parents," almost all of the rebellious kids have no father figure and they tend suck in any attention from their "strict" father they can get. I wonder if we had some sort of honorary father program, where we helped the teens find a good male role model, if it would make any difference in terms of teenage pregnancies and bullying at all. Any improvement would be good about now.

[@2dasimmons]

Americans have devolved since home training is no longer taught as it used to be. These days children aren't TAUGHT to keep their hands to themselves, even adults often don't respect boundaries. These basics used to be taught @ home AND school just like boys were taught to be respectful of girls and cussing wasn't allowed. It's sad that since the 1960s-'90s this "common courtesy" was no longer taught and now we're suffering the consequences. We need basic manners/courtesy to co-exist.

[@mizzdiva36]

i'm black and in america i still get the same reaction. I don't perm my hair just a wash and set (which they don't believe they think its a perm) with a bob and i've had people asking me are you indian or running their fingers through my hair and comparing me to michelle obama. I've had people telling me i'm pakistanian or muslim (which is not even a freaking race!) or people telling me i cant be completely black( which my great grandmother on my dad side was german and on my great grandfather is chinese on my mom side). and when i say i have a mix heritage i'm lying but when i don't say i do i'm still lying! i hate being questioned on what i relate myself to as a person. i still consider myself black. it just gets frustrating i don't run my hands through anyone's hair no matter their race its annoying!

[@cristinasousa5027]

mizzdiva36 If I were you I wouldn't let no one touch my hair! If you touched an asian/white woman's hair would she like it? I doubt it!

[@naynayze9165]

YOUR BRAIDS ARE BEAUTIFUL. THAT CO TEACHER SOUNDS ENVIOUS. STAY STRONG AND KEEP THAT BEAUTIFUL SMILE AND PERSONALITY.

[@Chanelboateng]

The way I miss you Ann!!

[@faayminpark4390]

babe don't be discouraged, love yourself for who you are and sooner or later you'll find those that will love you for who you are. The thing is with people we can never please everyone so don't stress, i think your awesome! keep doing you girl

[@heathercj8862]

I have a korean friend in florida that i was playing makeup with her,,,she wanted me to put dark brown makeup on her face like my complexion,,when i was done ,,,she amazingly look just like a typical Black African woman,,I never how much her nose,lips,cheeks and round face looks just like mines....when i gave her the mirror to look at herself when i was done she cried and stated that she never knew her features are just like black women.....so i decided to do my research on Koreans ancestors and found that Koreans,chinese,japanese and the whole part of Oriental people descend from Black African ancestors from south africa...I shared it with my Korean girlfriend and she was surprise that we share the same roots and we are not much different, Research shows they descend from Olmecs and San Bushmen of south african blacks..This Just shows that Koreans race are actually black people that migrated from africa to asia. The climate cause there complexion and pigmentation to lighten over thousands of years......We are not much different as Koreans posed themselves as superior or treat black people badly...

[@yuilchoi2799]

Every races are all from africa it is a basic knowledge god...

[@yuilchoi2799]

*****​​​​​​​​​ Let me apolopize to you,I am really sorry about those kind of things and please forgive those rude people.My english isn't as fluent as english speakers please excuse me.I have experienced a bad racism from some black people when i was in america as a exchange student so i know how it feels like and i didn't hate them.Every races are equal as we are all same human being.Rude people and racist people are exist in every country even in america too so please do not generalize for all korean.Honestly,jealousy can not be ignorance and there is excatly nothing can be jealous of black people and there is lots of people who like black people(I basically like all races).I really want you to calm down my lady.What i'm going to write in korean is the detailed answer to your question.You can use translator if you want. 현재 한국,일본,중국에서 발생하고 있는 인종차별에 대해 저도 심히 유감입니다.하지만 모든 사람들이 다 그러는건 아닙니다.정말 죄송합니다.인종차별의 근본원인은 아마도 현대와 과거의 동양인과 백인과의 패권다툼에서 시작되었다고 보면 될듯합니다.동북아시아의 국가들은 예로부터 유럽과 몇세기넘게 패권다툼을 해왔습니다 역사를 배우셨다면 아시겟죠,중세기에 들면서 백인이 동양,아랍과의 패권다툼에서 우위를 차지하고 사실상 백인들의 전성기가 찾아왔죠.그리고 현대에 들어서 한국,중국,일본의 경제,군사,국제지위등이 다시 상승하면서 현재 세계의 패권은 유럽국가들과 미국 그리고 동양의 한국,일본,중국,인도가 차지하게 되었습니다.이러면서 자연적으로 인종에 대한 차별이 생겨난 것이지요.하지만 요즘은 많이 달라졌습니다.원래 인종차별이 심하던 한국과 일본도 요새는 인종차별이 줄어들고 다같이 조화를 이루고 있습니다.부디 그쪽도 오해를 푸셨으면 좋겠습니다.

[@yuilchoi2799]

***** Your kindness is great enough to be loved by everyone my lady:)God bless you and i believe every human is blessd by God.Thank you for being so generous

[@pia_mater]

White people have african roots too...

[@VieraXXII]

I had the same experience in Spain, a little less rude... than straight out laughter. However it still really hurt me lol. I had the same reaction as you, trying to tell myself I'm an adult and I should'nt take it personal, since these people don't see the diverse multi cultural world that I do, but it's still upsetting/hurtful. For me it comes back to what ppl are thinking when they see it, not "beautiful african style" or "a neat protective style (for OUR hair, which only we have in the world)" but reggae or when ppl say you look like a rapper/hiphop artist... or worse (saying someone's kinky curly hair looks like slave hair) I have to think of what the media portrays us as and why, and it upsets me even more.

[@VieraXXII]

***** Gotcha, I think lol. Yeah some men are fascinated by it. Women too though.

[@CapTrainT]

You seem really sweet and you're very pretty but you not filling your full lip in with lipstick is driving me insane.

[@MySoKoAdventure]

Thank you. But my lips are filled in correctly, the area around my lips just happens to be a lot lighter, putting lipstick there would mean putting it around my mouth and overdrawing my lips. Even without lipstick it's noticeable. Nothing I can do about it.

[@LolaSunshine3535]

Don't worry about how she fills her lips! She's smart and beautiful unlike yourselves you NASTY WITCHES!!!!! Go troll someone else's channel.

[@stelliums]

MissEvaSimone how the fuck is that trolling

[@hyperbunnygirl101]

CapTrainT its only because it's one shade with ombre it wouldn't show at all. But regardless that color is great :)

[@tasha1985]

MySoKoAdventure you can try lip liner

[@hannah-wp7ww]

I actually am in LOVE with your hair right now! Its no nice

[@mollyf1998]

but your braids look beautiful! it's such a pretty look they really suit you, children can be so insensitive and cruel

[@ironicbeauty101]

I have a cousin who taught in Japan and she actually had locks and her experience was almost identical to yours. I wish you well and please keep us updated on your journey Love♡

[@addbackwards]

It's so odd because korean culture really seems to like or enjoy certain aspects of african culture like hip hop so you would think that they would have some sort of understanding or at least knowing of african hairstyles...but never the less please remember you are beautiful and keep your CONFIDENCE up :D! Much love from the states!

[@r0tdra0]

I love the honesty. Your confidence is admirable.

[@domgayle7436]

You are super strong to go through that on a daily basis. I'm glad that you can educate the ones that are truly open and willing to learn new things about different cultures. #SayItLoud ##BlackLivesMatter

[@lizlizlive]

LMAO im cracking up, but those 101 questions and reactions will be so irritating after a while. Well you rocking them braids girl :D

[@ShortsongIsGiggles]

Your hair and makeup is PERFECT!!! I love your accent, by the way.

[@mikumouse]

OMG! this is the first time I've ever commented ever in the history of my time on KZbin, but I just had to...THIS is my experience in China and after 10 months is f*cking pissing me off-and I work in an adults training centre in a supposedly modern, multicultural city of Shenzhen (multicultural here just means many different type of Chinese cultures and a few smatterings of Westerners). The 'how do you wash?' question is THE most annoying, and here it's hot, humid and sweaty so I gotta wash my braids lots (which I find ironic cos of some of the old wives tales my students have told me about not washing your hair when you're on you're period, or for a month when you've had a baby * shrug *) . I think I'm one more comment from punching the next grown up who says "wow you change your hairstyle again" when I just decided to tie it up in a bun. It's so exasperating and has definitely stopped me doing what I'd normally do. I wore my natural hair as an afro once...BIG mistake, never again. People on the street would shout, yes SHOUT at their friends (thinking I can't understand) and they'd stop and turn around and stare, point, nudge each other etc. My students (adults) couldn't seem to understand that's how it naturally come outta my head; it's like they've never turned on an American TV show or seen a movie before (I say American cos that's what they're obsessed with more so than British TV). Bloody hell, we can say that they're not used to it, but honestly I must be completely ignorant of why they're so ignorant cos I really don't get the fascination, it's just bloody hair. * sigh * * phew * so glad to get that off my chest to someone who understand! ^_^

[@supercoolcute1]

The way You are doing your hair now is quite beautiful , and so is your accent !

[@MySoKoAdventure]

Here's a video I did on the more positive experiences I had in Korea kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYvNdYqarNmCqdU

[@Mopsiime]

where did you get your braids down whilst you were in korea?

[@Masilladoll]

that was rude of your friend asking what they thought of your hair knowing or having a idea how they would respond. like tf .

[@LusoSparz]

red lipstick always looks best on black girls (dark skinned and light skinned) the color suits them all so beautifully

[@May52525]

Omgosh.... I am so glad I found your channel. I am black girl about to go to China to teach for two years. While our cultures are kind of different because you are British and I am American and you are in Korea and I will be in China our situations are similar! Black girls living in Asian culture. I am so excited but after watching some of your videos I am a little more relaxed. Also the story about your braids and the 6th graders made me laugh so hard. Just goes to show 11 year old's are soooooo silly in any culture! I can't stand 6th grade here in America! They drive me crazy! Anyways thanks again!

[@NomomChoi]

Your hair is so gorgeous!

[@BoomieparkTOPGoOsp3l]

you're so pretty :)

[@latriceengland1320]

I'm teaching in Korea as well, and the reasons why I'm more reluctant to try different styles is because of exactly what you have stated. It gets to be a BIG deal in EVERY classroom I visit with my hair!! I'm natural myself, and want to play around with box braids and such, but I don't because of how distracting it can be. Maybe I can warn them in advanced haha.

[@YasminShiraz]

I'm always searching for new ways to fix my hair. Much appreciation for producing your videos. Peace, Yasmin

[@MySoKoAdventure]

I've really leant that you have to pick and choose your battles here, if you rub people up the wrong way, you could just be making life more difficult for yourself. I've casually started dropping in conversation that I don't like my hair being centre of attention, so they're slowly understanding.

[@christinea.a.a]

As an African your hair right now is awesome and cool. It looks really really neat.

[@LilyaScarlet]

I'm not korean but my parents are vietnamese. And I have to say that it's really disturbing how racist the older generations (including my parents) are. They trash talk anything that is out of their norm. They teach the children that 'different' is bad and I dislike that. :/ At least, it kinda gets better because we're more exposed and connected to people around the world but still... Can't do anything against it.

[@adoseofmandi]

My family is Nigerian and this is so relatable

[@yvettegrande853]

My mom is always trash talking about black and white people, and any race for that matter. (I'm a Somali which means I'm black.) my mom tells me to stay away from black guys because they're "gangster-like"

[@FaithsStardust]

Yvette Grande I've heard that one before. Very sad.

[@FaithsStardust]

Yvette Grande It's probably worse when it's about your own kind...? Idk This happens to my friend who's family is Trinidadian. Her mum doesn't want her to date any man of any race but then it's like 'Who do you date then?' Aha

[@Hello-ff3ch]

You seem very calm about your experience. That's great that you get that they aren't used to it and are curious and at times rude about it. Because getting angry would only harm you : )

[@pyupyushig]

i'm asian and srly asians can be so ignorant sometimes... T_T U're totally pretty and i'll definitely try getting braids like yours next years once my hair grows out it's damn pretty

[@sakuraXhinataMix2]

you could get it sooner, you can go get a weave that matches your hair color and find someone who knows how to install and braid hair, any black salon does.

[@JayBCray]

I bursted out laughing when you said "shampoo"!

[@nenebees86]

I can definitely agree with this! When I taught in Korea last year the kids would do all the things you mentioned. I had the really young kids ( 6- 11), and they thought it was crazy. I never got the questions about washing my hair, but the kinds touched my hair every single day. I had one little girl who looked for me every morning just to touch my hair because she thought it was so soft. hahah kids .. you have to take their comments with a grain of salt and move on. I noticed wearing my hair out natural kept the kids distracted and class would just be about my hair... I love it!

[@sherinloveschocolate]

but..your hair is so nice! how could they not like it? like seriously, nice braids. They're awesome

[@Karaisoke]

Your hair is GORGEOUS. Oh my god. (Love the video!)

[@BoomShocaLoca]

Sounds like you do a great job in these situations. I thought it was challenging here in the states but clearly I was wrong. I would not due well in that environment. I admire your strength, resilience, & patience. Wishing you all the best & hoping it gets easier.

[@GuariadelBosque]

The hagwon where I worked has had black teachers since before the 1990s, so students are fairly used to us. After the first two months, they were totally used to the fact that I changed my hairstyle every few days. I mostly wore it in twists, afros, twist-outs and braid-outs. I hope things get better for you.

[@TheRandomChinwe]

Wow too funny. Funny thing is that I'm mixed (Nigerian and Mexican) here in America and kids at school used to freakout every time I would change my hair. Example, if I went from straighten hair back to my curly shrunken hair, Every time I am asked whether I cut my hair. Goodness those kids must be tiring

[@CarefreeMaya]

People thought I was Mexican so I went natural. And my name is Maya so that didn't help ._.

[@OhmAimA]

I think you look gorgeous , your hair is soooo beautiful and you are an amazing girl .

[@sementaymarut6447]

This happens to me a lot and I live in America. I'm Ethiopian(in Africa) and we have naturally long VERY curly hair. And people like to bury their hands in it (WITHOUT PERMISSION) and see how far their hands go in. I mean it's hard enough to tame it! I get tons of comments and questions like: 'It's not possible for black people to have long natural hair so that must be weave' or 'Are you mixed?' So yeah, I get the struggle, and I want to visit and maybe even live in Korea for a while so I'm kinda nervous. But it makes me feel happy that Korea is being exposed to racial differences in real life and not on T.V. It would have been way worse in the past.

[@kilahmagic2020]

I can relate to you so much on this topic. I am Black and I go to a predominately white, private school located in America/U.S., specifically in D.C., and people go wild when my hairstyle changes. The first time I straightened my hair people were coming up to me to me to touch it (without my permission, of course), even students whom I've never even talked to. They asked was it permanently straight (which is very interesting because those comments are never made to a student who is white that has curly hair and decides to straighten it), is it a weave, and one student touched it and said, "Wow! It even feels like my hair," and proceeded to compare the texture of my hair to hers. I'm not offended nor does it make me uncomfortable. I find it quite amusing, actually, but it's interesting and slightly scary for them to be this ignorant for so long, or for there to be such a shock value about this subject. It's terrible that most of them are so naive and aren't exposed to any diversity or other cultures, especially when a lot of them are very wealthy and have the opportunity to do so.

[@bambifawn7363]

Your hair is gorgeous love ~*~

[@lovelife4ever88]

Oh my god! You look so beautiful, i love your hair and your make up too , so clean and bright

[@fayetaylor1998]

JUST WANTED TO SAY TO STAY STRONG SISTER! WE ARE ALL IN THIS FIGHT TOGETHER! WE GOT YOUR BACK...JUST COME AND GET YOUR SUPPORT HERE WHEN EVER YOU NEED IT!:)

[@ReasonableRadio]

no matter how much people hate on it i can't get over how cool this hairstyle is. You've put it in such a cool shape it looks like something from the distant future especially with those earrings.

[@AsnCanuck]

Your braids look beautiful! You have it styled it so nicely.

[@lizbenson7125]

You're so pretty!

[@ekb1f]

It's interesting that the comments you receive in Korea are similar to the comments I know other black girls besides myself receive in the UK. In the beginning I'd be happy to educate people about my hair but as time has gone on, I try to keep it moving like you said.

[@abigailcummings7448]

Nice to know someone is in the same boat as me, although I'm teaching in China. It took so much guts to go from a curly weave to Senegalese twists. I used to get stared at a lot. Ever since I got my twists done the staring doubled. I find strangers routing through them in the metro and while I'm shopping in the supermarket. Used to really annoy me, especialky from a hygiene point of view as people are generally not big hand washers here. However, I've gone beyond the point of caring now and just see it as an opportunity to educate the locals on people's differences. Loved your video.

[@MySoKoAdventure]

funnily enough, out of all the other teachers in my office, she's the one that was most vocal about how she loved my braids. But she's been so funny with me lately, so you're probably right lol. and thank you! :)

[@kamilahdouglas1609]

Sis, I just gave you money somehow because the ad on the side of your video rocked!

[@kittyangel88880]

Youre such a lovely person!! :) I personally love your hair

[@thelovessam]

Your hair looks amazing! I don't know why those kids would laugh it looks beautiful. I have pin straight hair and sometimes i wish i could get braids done like yours.

[@littleramona7525]

i love your hair girl! and You are incredibly beautiful

[@sophiaadu-gyamfi36]

i find this video so funny! i like your reaction to their reaction. obviously they are ignorant, and like everybody else, we find some new things weird until we are used to them. hyave fun there in Korea keep changing your style! how many styles can they rock in their hair.

[@peridotpearl9308]

I absolutely love your channel and I look forward to more vlogs from you! Just watched all of your MSKA vids and am heading over to check out your beauty vlogs! Love your personality and you are beautiful and relatable. Please update us on your adventures in Korea soon!

[@ChrisAndCoco]

Currently in Hong Kong. So far so good hopefully it remains like this after I change up my hair. X

[@zing55]

The world is not aware of the uniqueness and diversity of a black person's hair. With the uprising of the natural hair movement it will change. Kinky Coily, Curly Afro textured hair is beautiful and should be embraced.

[@boujoichic]

I would refuse to talk about my hair to them since they keep asking the same questions. When I changed my hair and they asked a question I would just look at them like they had sprouted a second head and I had no idea what they were going on about. I would probably have a fit if they touched my hair I am natural and have been for about 4 years My hair is about shoulder length curly and waist length straight ( shrinkage ) and people give me big reactions when I straighten it. I make sure to discourage people from touching my hair without permission I do not allow it. I refuse to be petted like an animal. Im sure those kids respect each others personal space enough to not touch their peers without permission.

[@DJBremen]

I got this a lot when I went to Tibet and Bhutan actually. I really was the first black person most had ever seen in person. They were very inquisitive, a lot stared endlessly, many were offensive by American standards (where Im from) but I was in their culture so I just answered their questions about not being a rapper/from hollywood/playing sports because its the only exposure theyd had so I couldnt blame them. Love your hair by the way.

[@chill1908]

First, thank you for sharing so transparently :). It's interesting because I am a teacher in a K-8th grade school in the United States, my school has a large Latino population, a culture that, mind you, is very diverse in terms of skin color, hair textures, etc. as is African-American culture. My school is also in the inner city so the students are a product of an urban setting. Yet, being natural and thus having the luxury to change my hair quite often, I get similar reactions as to those you described from your students and colleagues in Korea! I think that speaks to the nature of how people all over react to what they don't understand, it is irritating at times, and a little disheartening must be honest, but I try to make every question, comment or look a teachable moment lol.