You Can Have A Good Life in Korea. But ... (Black in Korea) | MFiles

[@TheBlackExJp]

Thanks for watching guys! Remember to subscribe to be notified of new videos. You can also follow us on Instagram here: bit.ly/2KABKDo and LIKE our Facebook page here: bit.ly/2JPwxFQ .

[@ellove370]

I've Subscribed to this absolutely wonderful and very informative channel ❤ ❤

[@TheBlackExJp]

@@ellove370 🙏🏿 Thanks for the kind words. Appreciate it.

[@adetolaayodele3425]

Mamalazarus is brilliant. BEJ is flawlessly the best Black diaspora channel online.

[@diannainkorea]

Beautiful! She spoke the truth. All of it. Her words are so elegantly spoken that I can relate to almost everything. There's definitely a lot of wisdom in this video.

[@SirenRising]

The thing I want black people to understand is that we cannot avoid racism/colorism or anti-blackness because it exists in every corner of the world including black majority countries. We should not allow that to stop us from doing what we want to do and being who we strive to be. I also think that the point she makes at 7:25 is especially important. We get treated like we’re “scary” or “less than” everywhere we go but some countries are less physically violent. You won’t be shot in Korea 🌝. I applaud any black person who dares to travel the globe and learn new cultures/languages and have new experiences. It’s inspiring to say the least. This woman is goals. Building her BEST life wherever she goes and teaching along the way. xx

[@missljw1]

@Rochelle Smith You summed this interview up beautifully. 🤗

[@jeangermain3621]

Bravo sister! It's biblical and nothing we can do to avoid it. Deuteronomy 28:65 And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the Lord shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, & sorrow of mind. This is why we are going everywhere to be accepted, but UI am sorry! God made us like that because our Ancestors{Israelites} broke their covenant with the Lord God of Israel.Deuteronomy 28:37And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a by-word, among all nations whither the Lord shall lead thee. They will call us all kinds of names as well.

[@nsudatta-roy8154]

I took offence to this interviewee citing that she doesn't fear being shot. I'm black, and I'm not worried about being shot in America. I have lived in or visited more than 10 countries. Not having a fear of being shot in "modern" countries comes down to access and proximity. The UK is a very good example of how gun crime is limited only via access, but proximity still drives other crime via other means. People are afraid of what they dont know. As much as "they" dont like black people, of any ethnic group, they wouldn't have any problem making you "disappear," especially if there are little to no legal protections for heavily melanated people. To the extent that the interviewee doesnt have a fear of being shot is more about the conditioning of Koreans, and that society not seeing her as a threat, yet.

[@BoringDad1272]

I have traveled around the world! I experienced racism but since a can be a bully, it was as if an annoyance paid by an annoyance! You annoy me! I annoy you! Then I move on and never look back!

[@Usapatriette]

“You won’t be shot in Korea...” So, what exactly is she saying?... that you are more likely to be shot in the U.S.? Would that be by a white person or by another black person? Hmm She describes herself as “dark skinned.” Really? Dark skinned in comparison to a Korean’s skin hue? Okay. Ranzo is considered dark skinned by most, but the woman in this video is hardly dark skinned. “It doesn’t cost anything to be kind or gracious...” I absolutely agree with her on this point, which applies to all people of decency and good will, even people who are living in a foreign country/culture. Non-black people around the world are not necessarily racists, harboring ill will toward people with black skin. Curiosity and fear of blacks is more than just skin color, but also has to do with behavior, values, culture, politics and ideology. Korean interactions with blacks have been few and far between which in part explains their curiosity about blacks. We are one race, the human race, as Viktor Frankyl the Holocaust survivor stated, divided by the decent and the indecent. No race is more noble than another, as racism can emanate from any race. We should judge not by the color of one’s skin, but by the content of character, decency, accomplishments and contributions. I hope Mel Watkins is incorporating these ideas in her diversity classes, if she isn’t already doing so in order to help make the world a better place than she found it. It starts with the man or woman in the mirror.

[@joshlikings7437]

She's gorgeous.. Her embracing her African cultural wear, that's gold

[@PassportBrosBusinessClass]

Black People seem to have a great potential wherever they go when racism against them isn’t a factor.

[@KoriandrOfTheStars]

Aaaaaand boom goes the dynamite!

[@Abyssosdarkos]

Yeah funny that isnt it? And as black to grace said we even excel where there is racism. Alot work has been put to slow us down yet we remain...

[@lordblazer]

@@Abyssosdarkos people in general tend to do well when there isn't racism. those of us that do well in racist environments are called outliers.. the few that didn't get filtered out in a racist place that doesn't want you. in places where that racism doesn't exist, no matter the ethnicity you will excel unless you're just lazy.. I am stating this because this is what happened to ASian Americans the so called model minority. They got success because white folks decided to be less racists cuz you know they gotta hate black people HARDER!!!.. and boom here we are in this irrational bullshit as a people. thinking it's amazing and bragging rights to say you're successful in a racists environment. I would say your potential is significantly being held back and that you perceive success is really just FORCED mediocrity. Meaning those folks "flourishing" in racist environments could do so much better, live so much better if they escape those environments.

[@prudym7305]

@Percival Hans how does the UN know this??? Seems like a fear tactic to keep racism alive, there are a lot of Asians already and they do travel abroad yet no one bats an eye lid but if black people do so suddenly youve "had enough" i think thats a ridiculous thing to say

[@trzagor2769]

She nailed that!! Indeed emotional safety is mostly overlooked by many!!

[@KAIZORIANEMPIRE]

only women and beta males care about these concepts. A man must be okay within himself so even if the environment doesn't benefit him he will be always okay

[@poosnip]

She certainly did. I love her clarity of communication and nuanced appraisal of the subject matter. Just brilliant

[@lovelydae7455]

yeah. i hate people sugar coat this.

[@XxsonicfanxX60]

She dropped some dope thoughts and quotes throughout the interview so effortlessly. She's extremely intelligent!

[@ajroseyy9991]

"Korea's not an emotionally safe place at all." FACTS. She said what I've been feeling almost my entire time here

[@msdri98]

do you mind elaborating? 😭

[@ajroseyy9991]

@@msdri98 Korea is not an emotionally safe place for a Black woman. I can only speak to that experience because that is mine. When dark skin is criticized within the Korean community (let alone outside of it), when I'm stared at every day, when people touch my hair or my skin, when people make fun of my hair, I begin to question myself. I either adapt or refuse to. Because not every Korean does the things I described above and because I've met some really nice Koreans, I am constantly stuck between wanting to adapt and feeling frustrated because I can't. Because of Korea's rich cultural history and their nationalism, it is very hard for someone like me to be here long-term without feeling threatened in some way, specifically emotionally, mentally, and culturally. In the future, Korea may have space to cultivate and nurture the well-being of Black foreigners but I think until the anti-black sentiment embedded in their society is reckoned with, there will be no space provided on a wide level. That being said, none of this stops you from making a life Korea. You will just have certain struggles to deal with that can really affect you internally. Moving to Korea has definitely been the best decision I've made so far in life, but not because it has been the best experience but because of how much I've grown! With Korea not being emotionally safe for me, I had to buck up and learn some confidence. Korea exposed my low-self esteem and now I'm building it up. I don't regret the move at all. But the same things that made me want to change myself may be the things that break someone else, so it really depends on the kind of mindset you have coming to Korea and/or the mindset you develop while you're here.

[@msdri98]

@@ajroseyy9991 Oh wow, I'm so sorry you had those experiences. It really sucks that black people have to go through this just for existing. I'm glad you SOMEHOW managed to find the strength to build yourself up. That's power! Thanks for the run down and I'll definitely put it into consideration. Wish you the best!

[@ajroseyy9991]

@@msdri98 I wish you the best too 🙂

[@coleslow5519]

Black people commit highest anti-asian crimes. Also FACTS.

[@tessw9744]

I like her mentality. People really need to begin to realize the difference between ignorance and racism. Racism is a choice, ignorance is just an absence of knowledge. Koreans may say and do some things out of ignorance simply because they don't *know* . And some know and still choose to says and do some things because they have made the choice that they are better than you. But everything that offends us isn't about racism, we shouldn't take it that way across the board. She's a very intellectually and emotionally intelligent woman.

[@justtasha9217]

The Law it’s important to confront and educate in a confident firm, but non aggressive way. That way we’re not feeding into the stereotype that we’re violent and scary (which is what most people already think) People fear what they don’t know and understand and the whole world perceives Blacks as dangerous sadly. So that’s why WE as Blacks have to change that. We have to TEACH them. Today is the day to do that!

[@blacksheep213]

@@lordblazer That's the same way I feel about Hispanics and the deportation surge. Fuck em. I don't really empathize with other races like that anymore.

[@sonjarharvey6518]

@Travel 4k We don't look scary- it's just that 'they think' we look scary because they are so enamored of fair skin and light colored eyes as you said. Never own what people think about you.

[@rosettal9797]

@Travel 4k I think the media has a lot to do with how black people are seen over the world. With gangsta rap, hip hop and black violence it doesn't help how the world sees us as black people. I was overseas in the 90's and they had Martin and other black ghetto shows on the hotel tv. I as a black person was embarrassed watching it. This is not how we want the world to see us.

[@maxk5831]

@Travel 4k Who makes the call for who's scary. I don't think blacks look scary for just being themselves. And why do you consider whites "the most dangerous and scary race?" You're probably not black. Do you see your appearance as scary??

[@MaeSteRWaR]

I live in Japan and the her words about emotional safety really hit the nail directly on the head.

[@blacksheep213]

The words pierced your little black brain.

[@guilboy]

She expresses ideas so clearly, very interesting to listen to.

[@ariefraiser140]

I would hope a professor could do that.

[@guilboy]

I hear you but outside of the context of teaching, it is not necessarily obvious and many of the people interviewed are teachers..... So yeah it struck me particularly with her.

[@neidybitz00]

Prof. Mel Watkins....this was such a rich interview. Thankyou and well said.

[@victorlionelnazaire685]

A cultured lady ! She will be fine wherever she lives ! I would buy a book written by her on dating korean men for a Black woman.

[@rosettal9797]

I like her outlook on life as being a black woman. I think it has been ingrained is us as black people to think that everyone hates and mistrust us as a people. I had surgery a few years ago in an american hospital and complained that I waited several hours before getting a room. I complained that it was because I was black that I did not get a room. A white lady next to me said she had been there for almost 24 hours and still had not been assigned a room. I felt bad for complaining as I saw the woman was in serious pain. This showed me that we can't always base everything on race. We have to get over this mentality that the world hates us because we are black.

[@trident065]

I agree with you on many levels. But there are so many examples of where things happen to black people BECAUSE they are black based on anecdotal and empirical evidence that there is always that chance. It is the constant ambiguity that's so problematic. People who live in a society where their race or ethnicity are the norm or the privileged can just say, "This hospital is terrible. I won't go there again." But a black person thinks, "This is a great hospital, but the person behind the desk may be a white supremacist or have unconscious bias. And every other hospital I go to, good or bad, may confront me with the same problem. If I complain, I will be accused of using the race card."

[@laus7987]

This is understandable when a person has experienced a lot of racial discrimination because they would immediately think that a situation like this was racially motivated. I’m glad that this experience wasn’t one of those things and that you realised that too. I’ve found that having that revelation can be freeing which gives more space for development & focusing on goals etc whereas having the other mindset can mentally limit a person and make them feel powerless. As she said in the video, “We own our Blackness”. At the end of the day our mindset are the most important tool.

[@Imforeverlemarz]

This is the first time I've ever sat through one of your interviews until the end. Usually i stop in the middle. She have energy and she took me on a mental trip to Korea. This is a true experience.

[@215RANDOM]

"At least in Korea no ones going to shoot me." I hear you sis..

[@glovanajnbaptiste2272]

Very articulate and confident woman . Great interview 👍

[@ayleena5148]

She's full of energy. Waw.

[@leahrobinson7050]

This is one of my favorite interviews. She's so honest, well spoken, and energetic. I'm so glad she spoke of the mental and emotional safety that most of us forget to ask about.

[@madstarr2]

That teacher spirit in Mel really shines through, her responses were clear and spoken with a sense of truth!

[@elac1256]

Love the story about the cab driver! Shows the power of 'education', implicit and explicit.

[@sandybrandystar]

I could never live in a country that allows people to walk up and spit on me! All cultures should have some type of human respect & decency towards humanity!

[@jiminswriter4209]

Korea does not allow that behavior. I don’t know of any country that does yet it does happen.

[@lukesguywalker]

wow, this was so insightful. i feel like this is more informative than all of the fifty eleven videos on being black in korea you see on youtube lol

[@mikybacooper8436]

Mel-Melly-Mel-Mel 😍 you know how much I love you! So happy to see you shining and sharing your wisdom with the peoples of the world. 😘

[@mamalazarus]

Thank you Miss Mikyba! I got to do this because of you and I'm glad it turned out so well. 😁

[@thelastdragan]

I have to meet this lady when I’m in Seoul, she’s so wise and understanding much love ✊🏾😍

[@mynomadescape5630]

What a wonderful interview! I've been to Korea twice when I was enlisted in the Air force. Mel is a fascinating woman who shed light on a lot. Very thought provoking. I'll be visiting Korea again soon, this time as a retired civilian.

[@LifestyleUltra23]

We loved South Korea (Seoul and Busan). Agree... Busan is beautiful and has wonderful beaches. Amazing night-time, street food scene in Seoul. Customer service is both S.Korea and Japan, the best we've experienced so far despite the fact that tipping is not required and actually shunned upon. Technology and cleanliness 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@deepchoco9]

I love her take on living in Korea. Also, such a joy to watch and listen to her with all that energy and zest for life.

[@rochellemckinney3220]

Awe I wish she had given us a short sample of her singing voice. Wonderful interview 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👍🏽

[@shanastokesrealestate9750]

Great interview Mel! You were well spoken and very informative. I learned a lot from this interview! Keep sharing your experiences.

[@edwardnt2585]

Love this interview. The interviewee is so full of energy and lively! Loved the things she had to say.

[@mishael8900]

This was such a great interview, she is an amazing person!!!!

[@sammieg611]

She is really beautiful...and embraces her African heritage. Very conservative, smart, and articulate well

[@grmmth3]

I agree with her on not listening to what white people tell a black person about traveling abroad, cause that white person will never know what traveling as a Black person is like!

[@elizabeththomas9485]

This young lady is very wise beyond her 37 years and I believe she could live anywhere in this world because her mind set is very positive and she is not living in a storybook fantasy. She is right we define our blackness.

[@walidee934]

You’re beautiful 😍 and confident as well

[@lovelydae7455]

I met her before. She is awesome.

[@mosca3289]

Another great interviewee. The more I learn, the more I want to hear personal stories rather than grand theories.

[@lethabo713]

she's very pretty and she looks likes she's only 25

[@trident065]

Wow. Amazing interview! She is so on point about everything! I wish I had a professor like her in college.

[@1erosser]

Love her attitude!!! This interview is my mindset to others who tell me YOU can't go there and build in South Korea it's a fatal mistake...We were born to adapt and conquer in every environment we enter...South Korea is no different. Her strength, confidence, and positive energy is what I needed today!!! Confirms come in unexpected ways and conversations...or should I interviews. B.E.J ALWAYS ON TIME 😘

[@shaylafitzgerald3373]

Those earrings brought me here 💜🐘

[@stylefoodwithlaila4914]

Great video, great interview. This woman is inspirational and well spoken. I love how she still celebrate and embrace her African roots, (earrings and dress) all while embracing and celebrating Korean culture.

[@Kingstevedaboss]

I really like this woman's energy

[@sashamassey8385]

I love what I'm learning. It's still very discouraging that colonial influence&ignorance spread hate so far against black people. It's worth to keep growing &improving

[@maxk5831]

@Travel 4k What does it have to do with? You whites spread so much hate against blacks in your bid to selfishly gulp up all the resources of the earth, spurred on by your greed breeding capitalism

[@Bayo106]

Mel has great energy and knows how to engage an audience

[@mamalazarus]

@Open Ranks Why I gotta be a bitch tho? 😉

[@shellyharris2008]

@@mamalazarus I was wondering the same thing even before I saw your response.

[@nnedi5971]

"I am doing the best I do with what I got now" I love that. Def gonna start saying that.

[@franchinyama241]

Mel was very well-spoken. She should be a writer she has an arsenal of tools for communication. She described her experience very well..

[@damianmarlon8334]

She has a high level of social awareness. Her spectrum is very broad and equally as matured is character. Very articulate and I am highly impressed by how she represents herself.

[@cycyj847]

Breath of fresh air Mel!

[@BriVanessa]

i love this interview

[@daddams100]

A very interesting woman...she is so informative. Thanks again Ranzo...a lovely many faceted woman.

[@luciphorghost6169]

Love her very positive and info is flying 🎥

[@belljones2063]

You are so smart and speak so intelligently I love listening to this young lady!

[@freedomm]

My favourite interview so far.

[@iSee109]

Mel stays droppin' FACTS.

[@bklyngirl913]

Great interview. So insightful. The one thing I took away from Mel is cultural exchange is so important. I'm feel very proud that she is a representation of black Americans and black people in general in Korea. She seems very engaging. However I will say I'm not sure if the US is emotional safe for black people. Yes, unlike Korea we are many and therefore have a support system. Yet not all places are an emotional safe place for many.

[@SunkissFlower]

Brilliant, accomplished woman. Hopefully, she finds a worthy partner to share her jouney with.

[@MaeSteRWaR]

God I never comment twice,but I wish I had someone like her here .Lol She seems like an amazing person to hang with.

[@TheUltimateLady]

She is amazing!!! 🤗

[@dpgcook8]

This another thought-provoking video. Gives great insight...big thumbs up!!!!

[@KathyakaNina]

Really enjoy hearing Mel’s story! That amazing that she has a band she’s a part of with people from different ethnicities that sounds so fascinating! God bless her gift to teach to her students & her side gigs!

[@netizensarrest4241]

so enjoyed her interview. I would have loved her to expand on her point at 26:55 about kpop especially

[@damonclark5742]

She seems quite animated and energetic but also very intelligent and insightful with her responses to the questions. She's also very attractive too.

[@travelingman9763]

I'm retired military 3 tours in S,Korea 2x in Germany and many U.S states! Also retired Teacher(early out and on S.S) Im in Thailand and what she states about the emotional aspect is true here but it doesn't matter to me! Stupid is stupid no matter where you are at! My side hustle was Jazz/Blues musician.

[@kjellnoekker4026]

Wonderful interview!

[@lukefoster6122]

Very informally mind blowing information.👍

[@StCloud-ns7vt]

"K-pop is derivative and anti-black at the same time" !! Mel rules!

[@songlee0026]

No no! Korean pop was influenced by black music. It was also influenced by the United Kingdom and Northern Europe. Koreans like black culture but some of them don't like black people. They are just racists who hate foreigners.(black, white, asian,latino..)

[@jubiterr]

thats a WORD

[@thisuserisfoxxy]

Song Lee it’s amazing how they can hate their own race just cause they’re from another side of Asia

[@thisuserisfoxxy]

Percival Hans Koreans don’t have good relationships with eastern Asians because they’re darker that’s what I meant

[@auntielu4394]

BTS is the exception. They are very aware of black culture and respect it. If you are interested in k-pop definitely check them out, their songs cover several genres and always have a message. 💜

[@ivyd5485]

I loved her vibe - very dope sister dropping a lot of gold nuggets especially about personal agency. Wish I could be one of her students.

[@tinadiggs7456]

This lady is very beautiful and informative!!!

[@MelanatedKnight26]

What gets me sometimes is that as technologically advance Korea and Japan is, that they don't even research black people. I know some of us in the state don't bother, but looking at this channel i can see we do more research of their culture then they do ours as side from hip hop. I really don't give them a pass for the ignorance, the same way i don't give my brothers and sisters with me in the states, the same way with anybody, we have too much knowledge and technology for people to be ignorant.

[@mysterious2007damn]

"...as technologically advance Korea and Japan is..." Japan is advanced but not technologically. They are actually behind most developed countries in that area. In addition, Korea has RECENTLY become a developed country. In the 1960s Korea was a poverty strickened country that was economically doing little better, if not worse ,than Sub Saharan African countries. I can even remember when Korea was a third world country and i'm not old. You need to read up on President Park Chung-Hee and his role in Korea's development. Korea has culturally and economically come a very long way in a very short time and they are still in some ways fighting to develop. This recent growth is why they still hold on to old traditions of regionalism, family and social class , which unfortunatly have negative impacts on foreigners especially black ones. President Park Chung-Hee tried and couldn't even get rid of regionalism. Korea during his presidency was pretty unstable and that wasn't even a long time ago. Anyways, Park pretty much became a dictator and had hits put on him by his own people and by the North Koreans. His wife was killed in 1974 and his ass got assassinated in 1979. With all that said , Korea is still trying to "secure the bag" do you really think researching about "black people" is a priority to them? I will say that I have noticed a lot of Koreans intereacting with North Americans of all ethnicities on social media so the younger generation will be more aware of black people. KZbin is popular in Korea and you can find several Korean KZbinrs doing videos on social issues regarding race so things will get better. Japan is another story. The Japanese don't interact with North Americans on social media like the Koreans do. In addition, the Japanese aren't even taught about their colonial past and how they subjugated Korea and the Chinese. Do you really think people that don't know their own history will take the time to learn about black people?

[@MelanatedKnight26]

@@mysterious2007damn I'm not saying they have to, but you would at least think they know of "us"

[@mysterious2007damn]

@@MelanatedKnight26 They know of Hip Hop and sports. Outside of that there isn't enough black representation for them to even concern themselves with black people. Black people are a minority in Europe and North America and most political, corporate and academic figure heads are not black. Even in black countries like Jamacia the most powerful and rich people are not black even though some are technically mixed race. If black people really want recognition they need to level up by following Asian development examples like Singapore, Korea and China. Japan is the only Asian country that has managed to remain a first world country for centuries. Singapore and Korea are newly developed and China is still in the process of becoming a developed nation. They were at one point impoverished and on the same economic levels of African and black run countries in the Caribbean now they have surpassed those countries. To be blunt they just don't have anything in common and there is nothing coming out of those countries to gain the average Asian person's attention.

[@pinstripesuitandheels]

But why would they research foreigners? It's natural when you move to another country that you adapt to their culture but why should the country be adapting to your culture? When you are there long enough you'll leave an impression and your culture will naturally rub off, at least on the people you deal with on a day-to-day basis. Do you research Indian culture? Afghani culture? Mongolian culture? Morrocan culture? Senegalese culture? You probably don't and neither do I, because we don't come into contact with them enough. Besides, cultural interrelation flows from contact, not research.

[@myjoyquest]

One of the most refreshing interviews I've heard in a long time. Can we bottle her essence and wear it like perfume?😅

[@michaelmaddox2536]

You were right the first time: It cost you nothing to be kind...

[@anthonykennedy7093]

She’s beautiful! ❤️❤️❤️

[@professlch6347]

She is so smart and interesting and ALIVE. Also, having traveled to Korea? I know she is also spot ON. She's crunchy granola, but? Like a lot of women who are DIY, she definitely likes beautiful, glamorous things. How do I know? The exquisite Busan is her happy place, lol.

[@joylynne8]

Mel really sings great!

[@djdoc70]

JLJ where do I see that ?

[@temisanpopo8036]

Beautiful, kind, and open.

[@lancecorporal7605]

10:59 the labor laws in Korea are very protective of the worker (definitely more than in the USA) and are blind to nationality. so, if you are fired while still under contract, your case may not be judged under race anti-discrimination laws but they will be judged under the labor laws. In Korea, an employer cannot, just because he/she feels like doing it, fire you without any just cause.

[@optimisticsoul2338]

Interesting interview, interesting points raised. Nice one Ranzo 🙂

[@mrquestion8398]

ASK THEM ABOUT THE THOUSANDS OF BLACK WOMEN AND MEN IN OUR MILITARY OVER THERE GIVING THEM FREEDOM FROM NORTH KOREA!!! I WOULD BE GOING OFF .

[@yvettechinsee63]

Love her.

[@cedarmcdaniels1538]

Love this lady and interview

[@Crunchynote]

Wow... she looks AMAZING for her age! I totally never would have guessed. Loved this interview.

[@jubiterr]

they misgender you ?? THE DAMN REACH WOW THEY DOING TOO MUCH

[@kalaharigold4290]

She is so Intelligent and well spoken!

[@RubyHayes775]

I don't care what nobody says, all that negativity is chipping away and your mental and emotional wellbeing. It's a slow death! I agree with Fire Dayz...Go and live in Africa! You won't experience most of the negative things you talk about. You're too beautiful to be going through that. Life is too short! Go and live in Africa!

[@RubyHayes775]

@fried okra absolutely, I've been to several African countries and planning to retire there like many Americans are doing.

[@maxk5831]

@@RubyHayes775 Fried okra is trying to confuse people. Ignore

[@demarcusshipman6537]

Ruby Hayes It’s always been my understanding that African don’t accept Black Americans either! Even in America I moved to a black neighborhood & it was worse than living in a white neighborhood. They were jealous that I was in my 20’s and bought a house & were always suggesting I sold drugs. Also, the land used to be in their family & they were angry that it wasn’t still in their family🤷🏾‍♂️

[@RubyHayes775]

@@demarcusshipman6537 Thank for you Reply Brother. To me, the words, "It's always been my understanding" means that it's not your true experience. That ALL Africans don't accept Black Americans is a false narrative that's been perpetuated. Please Brother visit some countries in Africa and find out for yourself.

[@fancii]

I love the fact that even as she is SO intelligible and cerebral, she used the word "thinky" XD soOo cuUute!

[@josiejewel766]

Awesome great knowelege

[@margaridamacgregor1471]

I do thing she is 100% spot on, in the dating issue...yes, men going to Korea are going there to date korean women...this is true everywhere...and in general probably Korean men will have a bad idea of an american woman (that idea would have come a lot from porn and other american media) so you are in a situation where if you want to date probably you would have to lower all your standards to inexistence ...unless you are lucky...another thing is that white skin is a beauty standard... I am from Portugal, and I have been to korea, but I have what the english call "Olive skin" so I am not really like "white" european...so I would not be ideal in Korea...but this standard is as bad as the one where you have to have tanned skin, I mean, I find it really awful when people are put down because they have fair skin and they are spraying themselves with orange paint...for everything there is another side of the coin.

[@kiswahilikitukuzwe2547]

I am in love with her. She seems to be a very honest and sweet person.

[@TheKamakuraGardener]

Whooo! Well said! Young one! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🥰

[@tochjo772]

She is very pretty

[@misfitpira3870]

**At least in Korea no one's going to shoot me** SMH

[@GizmoMaltese]

She's a very impressive intellectual who expresses herself really well. She should run for office in the U.S.

[@jeanettelawrence4957]

Good morning

[@napturaladvice7646]

The Internet exists so the excuses for discrimination are like water off a duck’s back. 🤷🏾‍♀️ And education is such a big deal so what in the world?🤦🏾‍♀️ Learning world history should matter!

[@marshalltbf109]

I really wanna leave in korea or japan but im afraid being stared at or whatever cuz yeah im afro american, and I don't like to draw attention.

[@Kreymore]

The big cities of South Korea and Japan are pretty normalized as far as tourism goes, though they may have their subconscious stereotypes about black people. However, you will get stares if you visit China especially if you're over 6 feet tall.

[@jobethrico]

Nice one Renzo !

[@snakerb]

Kreymore after visiting Japan, China, and living in Korea, I agree with you 100%

[@stephaniecole3013]

I would like to say you would get used to it but it's an everyday thing

[@maxk5831]

@@nirbija in what ways are they the most different?

[@alainmichigan9916]

She was a bit tensed at first and somehow, she got comfortable and shared her experience in a very nice interesting way ... last most the women portrayed in you show ... They don't seem to feel uncomfortable to show their emotions ...

[@louislark4506]

A phenomenal interview. Mel is immensely socially and cultually cognizant with in depth intellectual contemplation. I like how Mel have maintained her African identity with hee African wrap and ear rings. I like how Mel have stretch and flourish broading her cultural horizons through international travel and immersing herself into the Korean cultural with singing and interacting with a myriad of Koreans. I would have love to hear her sing. I bet she is a superb engaging Professor.

[@justinphillip403]

I love this this interview. It is so funny that people are surprised by us being global citizens. LOL