"Men In Blackness" in South Korea: (On Finding Home)

/ wilkinebrutus
/ wbrutus22
/ wilkinebrutus
Haitian-American detailing his experience in South Korea.
Men In "Blackness" in Korea: Will Smith & Life (인생.)
From now on, call me a "Chocolate-American" lol
"It is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one's self through the eyes of others, of measuring one's soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity." W.E.B Dubois (on double consciousness)
I was beyond reluctant to answer those questions of black identity in South Korea. I'd have that question constantly posed by my Black, White, and Korean friends. In fact, most expats living in South Korea share a lot of the same experiences-we're essentially people mangled in the homogeneous sphere-where being a foreigner, regardless of ethnic background, will garner a lot of attention.
In the case for people of color, the response is the same yet extremely different. Many would argue that we're even more "foreign" than White individuals and an elevated sense of mystery surrounds us [darker-skinned people] even more.
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[@guccilittlepiggy]

I related to a lot of this, not as a person of African ancestry living in Korea, but as a person of full Korean ancestry living in the U.S. I was born and raised here in California, and I speak with a very typical southern CA accent, but I am acutely aware of how I'm perceived by many others. The subtle microaggressions of everyday life can really wear me down at times. "Where are you from?" "Where are your parents from?" "Is English your primary language?" - those may all seem like harmless questions, but the cumulatively effect of hearing them over and over again from strangers and casual acquaintances (who have no reason to ask me other than the fact that I'm Asian) result in feeling like "the other". I grew up learning that racism had been basically "abolished" in the civil rights movement led by MLK Jr., but then again, I was educated in a predominantly white school in a white community. My white peers rarely had to deal with discrimination or had to contemplate race in a very real, tangible way. Race was just an abstract notion for them. Now I understand that Koreans in Korean don't think about race the same way that Korean Americans in the U.S. do. When you're part of the majority, you rarely have to reflect on your privilege. My Korean friends in Korea tell me that "racism isn't an issue" or that they're not racist and that race never crosses their minds. They echo the words of my white school peers.

[@WilkineBrutus]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I've shared that duality with my Korean-American friends in Korea. They also feel culturally alienated when they're around local Koreans. Our America is one which promotes its "glorious" ideals but rarely tries to make it a fixture in our everyday life...so these annoying things will continue. At the same time, despite the microaggressions against my dark skin, I've matured enough to understand that I too have privilege. It may not be as systematic as white privilege but, nonetheless, it's privilege. Male privilege, national privilege, and socio-economic privilege: That American passport is extremely strong, and because of it, I don't get nearly as much hate as compared to Africans or South-East Asians here in Korea or wherever I travel. I also don't face the challenges that migrants go through in Korea or any other developed/developing countries. For that, I constantly check myself. I've always tried to recognize and acknowledge the struggles of others..it's the only way to understand the human condition, a constant disorder---this perpetual fear, misunderstanding, and deliberate aim at securing power and resources.

[@quentinmerritt]

i'm in love with your vocabulary. you make English so eloquent.

[@DiamondRuby98]

I had to pause this video and think for a minute, rest my head for a minute. *Pulls out dictionary* "Let's do this." *Unpauses video* *Head explodes*

[@G144JU]

I appreciate how you use complex words man.. You make me as a black man proud! I wish other black men would understand the power of books and education and what it can do for you..

[@로제로제-l4p]

I'm not a representative of korea but what i wanna say is that we, young generation of korea dont care much about what skin color people have or where they come from. I BELIEVE this tendency's getting better n better. But i cant deny the fact that america nationality has powerful influence over korean. There're many reasons: Historical, ecomic, military things.. Anyway, If some bad experiences in korea have left you scarred in any way, i'd apologize civilly for their ignorance instead. CHECKED your video. I can feel youre a warm-hearted person. Plz let me know if you have any problem during your time in korea. 응원할게요!^^

[@arom554]

Wow you speak like a poet! How do you train yourself to be that articulate? Just amazing!

[@kitsunescout]

I envy the way you speak! Also, your name is so awesome!!

[@IamZanderChen]

(with out watch the rest on the video) i like the Xmen reverence lol , fun-fact: did you know X men was based of the civil rights movements, Prof X being king and Magito being Malcolm X

[@tamaraakinbo1112]

Great video! Reminds me of my time in China. I was in Yanji, a bordertown between China and North Korea. I had locs back then, and the people looked at me like I had a third eye. I loved being the center of attention, for awhile. After a time, I just wanted to be me, and not this person that represented "the darkness" as you say, in a land where NONE of us were. I love my blackness, but I didn't want it to be the exotic black creature every day. But, I got over it and let them touch my hair and ask me if I were related to President Obama. I figured, if this is the only "darkness" that they will come into contact with, I'd better make it a positive experience for them.

[@WilkineBrutus]

haha...so true, I agree with everything you wrote. It's definitely this tug of war with your emotion, and you can't quite balance everything out. The only way to handle it is through compromise and positivity. I'm glad you went through it though, it certainly makes a great story, right? lol

[@tamaraakinbo1112]

Definitely, and I have the pictures and video to prove it. :)

[@vinchino]

DAMNNN,,,,your english is so eloquent, I definitely enjoyed it

[@9210mini]

I've seen some of your videos and what I've seen so far have been insightful and entertaining... The looks you got in the movie theater captured how I felt as an Asian-"American" in class whenever the topic of anything Asian came up and all the kids would look at me for my reaction.

[@nyraconstant]

Wilkine your awareness and intelligence really shines through, so much so that this is the first time I have ever commented on a KZbin video. Before moving to the UAE 3 years I considered teaching in Korea; however the process took too long. There are a lot of parallels to your experiences with mine here in the UAE. For one, the hair is definitely a main attraction. I have naturally textured colored hair. Angel Davis inspired with a bit of Kelis at times. I definitely stand out and am looked at intensely. I feel though I am doing a public service announcement when I walk the streets or malls. For many I am the first encounter of anybody that looks like me, dresses like and dare I say it walks like me. African-Americans have their own energy that is very distinct. Now even though I live in a place that is very international, I still find there is a discriminating yet inquisitive eye placed upon me. I concur with you about continuing to shift paradigms instead of living in the abyss of victimization. I too look for ways within my daily connections, interactions and work to pull together the commonalities of among people. I find that in pursuit of that I had to become more politically aware, especially living in the Middle East. It has been a good thing though. How about you?

[@topbgbts]

The way you speak...... so poetic, wise, and engaging .

[@mallubwoy]

Strength to you brother. May find happiness in all your travels :)

[@JusViben]

I had to pause the video several times to look up words. Always appreciated!

[@tieshag5477]

Thank you this video was well thought out and expressed.

[@Chuschannel]

Your words blew my mind.

[@Juan_rivera]

dude I love the way you talk. It would be such a pleasure to converse with you. Keep moving forward!

[@ElPayoNegro]

I'm a Black male currently looking into teaching English in SK. This is very informative. I think I came across a blog of yours too, earlier today. Also very informative. I like your perspective man, I think we'd make good friends.

[@JuaniqueVerde]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I thoroughly enjoyed this and appreciate your reflection and intellect. You have gained a new subbie!

[@SimonKelk]

A very eloquent, intelligent and revealing insight into how it feels to be black in a country such as South Korea. A looking glass into the mindset of a confident and intelligent man who is dealing with racism in a very open minded way and enjoying his time learning about culture. Racism is about ignorance and this guy is helping shift that ignorance into a positive experience for those he meets. Thank god for Will Smith! We need more black leading men in movies.

[@mataafa]

The way you explain things in your video and handle comments from a wider perspective - amazing. You're an inspiration :) keep up the good work

[@kjlcm1989]

Awesome video, Very insightful..I just stumbled upon this after watching an NB2 video!

[@OdellHobson]

Respect brotha. I enjoy your perspective and I like the diction in which you speak. You appear to be a very worthy representative.. Thank you so much.

[@WilkineBrutus]

Thank you. It's a horrible feeling but it's always good to know that everyone, in this particular situation, can relate. Stay in touch. Onelove!

[@caralynwilliams3286]

Such an intelligent guy!! I had to subscribe :)

[@dangunwangum]

Sir, you are an enlightened person. Thank you for having a big heart!

[@Diffy1991]

Thank you. I have been bombarded by many negative views, opinions, ideas, etc. for a while now. Though none of them dealing with what this video was about, I still find people being strong, positive, and insightful very motivating. So, thank you.

[@tacos394]

I think I'm in love with the way you speak O_O

[@_Maya_Andrea]

"My world suddenly moved at a funeral pace. It was dead air." Wonderful, truly wonderful line!

[@nissouhaitian1578]

I love love the fact that you articulate well, speak clearly and pronounce every single letters

[@kuroneko1042]

I am Haitian as well!! My life's goal is to teach English in Asia. Whether I go to China or South Korea. I am so happy to see you doing well :)

[@chaeyoungsbestie414]

I think teaching English in countries that really need English in order to survive is a better way to use ur potential as an English teacher. Like countries that you cannot escape poverty without being fluent in English. In both China and South Korea, there isn't a huge demand to know the language because people can get on just fine not knowing the language, but in Somalia per say, being successful without knowing English is incredibly hard.

[@rimun5235]

As an African, I've got to say, I do not once pick up any media outside my own that depicts Africa. Even the most intelligent of newspapers titles "poor Africa" slowly decaying, riddled with poverty and helplessness." Yet, what I see when I go home to Kenya that is, is not that. When I strongly assert the strength, the complexity and the literacy it all falls to deaf ears. I've honestly accepted that in Africa, you either have to lose yourself in it and experience it yourself. It's not a place to be shared. It's a place that requires that tangibility. I'm not even spiritual but home is a strangely sacred place.

[@reashahall6997]

I hope you keep communicating with more African-American's. I feel as one speaking and aspiring to travel there some day I highly disbelieve that continent is as primitive as such. I've met to many from there with superior intellect than the people who claim it to be.

[@Autobus99]

You're a very bright man, and have a great outlook on life in Asia and in general.

[@user-yh8jr8tk9z]

LOL Will Smith arayo? Will Smith arayo!! So cute! Really enjoyed listening to you speak in this video! :-)

[@acacius001]

Damn you speak so good. Huge respect. I tight away subscribed to your chanel just because of the way you speak. I hope you are doing oke in S Korea

[@mfigzz]

Excellent video and outlook on the situation. You're exceptionally eloquent and conveyed your ideas perfectly. I also experienced 'unwarranted paranoia' while living in Japan, and felt the unrealistic pressure and responsibility to represent the people of Hispanic descent. You have a great personality and your smile is infectious. Thanks!

[@chrys0319]

Kudos to the extension of your Korean vocabulary. I agree that living in Korea as a "black" person, more-so in the south, can be trying at times, especially when we take it upon ourselves to be the positive example for an entire race. However, as you stated, that gives us the opportunity to do what we came here to do...teach! I feel the questions, comments and stares come from a different place, mentally, here than in the states.

[@Aja-Christian]

Thanks Wilkine-oppa, I'll do that. I'm slowly trying to go through all of your videos for more of your "pearl drops of wisdom". lol I'm a senior in college now and I plan on applying to some teaching abroad programs within the next year or so, so don't be suprised if I come to you for advice, suggestions, and all that noise. My friends and family have given me their blessings, so now all I have to do is make it happen. Video blogs like yours help me stay open minded and optimistic. Kamsamnida!

[@yabo776q]

You are the most intelligent man I have ever come across You actually feed my inner energy. Are you on Face book? If not you need to be to give your message to people. I am breathless without any sexual innuendo. I am stunned!

[@xxxTH3summerS3Txxx]

your language is exquisite and the amount of self evaluation in this is superb. sir you've gained a very happy subscriber! favorite line "I'd rather die shifting paradigms than find soulless and victimization."

[@Genet585669]

I could listen to you talk for hours. Your vocabulary is perfect wow. You are one amazing man.

[@bryansullivan2142]

I leave for Daegu August 9th and have been wondering about this for a while. Very beautiful advise as to what perspective to keep.

[@JamConcerned]

Excellent expression of the situation and also the best way to handle the situation as one being to another. Also great advice to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. I hope in this century we truly look within and represent ourselves the human race, and give up preconceived notions about each other. Love your gracious, and eloquent spirit. It's how you react to things that define who you are. I hope you continue to share.

[@CarefreeMaya]

HAHA you speak very nice, you sound very poetic, I almost forgot you were giving input on your time as a black man in korea! Lovely video, I shall subscribe :D

[@lawrencejones9880]

You are awesome brother! !

[@samkim8607]

i would like to share this one on my facebook. no i must.. to show mu Korean friends to be enlightened... thank you for the video. you are so wise man

[@ericburbach632]

this is one seriously lovely and desirable man, I salute you sir ( in two ways )

[@cumensu]

"I'd rather die shifting paradigms than find solace in victimization"- Brutus

[@Ashaahmed12]

you seriously speak poetry or what? lol

[@HikaruRose]

I am so glad I stumbled upon this video. This has made my morning. I love listening to you speak about your experience in South Korea. It's a breath of fresh :) You're very inspiring to listen to and will definitely subscribe!

[@poisonXvenom]

As a korean, I can totally visualize the description of yourself in the theater... I once too felt that feeling of disparate alienation when I immigrated to the states. I didnt know a single word in english then.. Mad props to you my man. Fighting~

[@jessimsocool]

Thanks for sharing! I just got an offer and will be hopefully be in korea in November

[@sweetkaiser]

this is a great video. I'm so glad there are people like you on youtube (and in Korea!). Although I have to say I can't believe you're reading, what, 6 books at once? My maximum is 3, and even then I tend to lose my focus. I just read them in succession, it tends to work better. My major props to you, sir! Beloved is an especially good one, as is On the Road.

[@joshuaoh912]

this shit was so hilarious. i find it amazing why anybody would want to live and work in korea, just knowing firsthand how far korean people will allow themselves to think about other races. i don't know maybe I'm wrong. but yeah i find it really cool that you took the time out of your life to learn the language especially when I'm on the brink of forgetting how to speak it on my own. this video is old but if your still out there doing your thing just know your making an impact with every interaction and everything is not for nothing. racism is everywhere from a low to a high degree. being of asian descent isn't easy either. lol especially when you grew up in the los angeles public education system haha fuck it i don't regret it. its prolly exactly what i needed

[@NinoNlkkl]

Although your last name represents a korean I dont think you know anything about korea. Why work and live in korea you say? You prolly never left your country "los angeles" to see the outer world. Fish in a tank? I think this may be referring to you. Dang ya twinkie. :)

[@WilkineBrutus]

Absolutely...great comment. We need MORE discussions about this very topic. I think I'll have to do a video about it, too.

[@gelila.so.prophetic]

I lived in Incheon South Korea and when i returned to the US (NYC),,,many of my friends would ask me the same questions! Honestly i have to say i had a better time living in South Korea then the USA…I noticed that I actually had a more common demeanor with my vibes while living in Korea becz Im more stressed when living in the US. I adapted more to the Korean culture!!! Can’t wait to return to my very small and comfortable loft there and my weekend shopping in Seoul (Itaweon)

[@Bo0kiE19]

Wilk. Miss you so much !! love you and i think you are just awesome . I aspire to have traits of your personality. You are so open minded and wish to know the people of this earth. You're great-never change. hope to see you soon !!

[@Ninah32]

I don't know if you understand french but it's more easy for me to express how I fell about you: Tu es vraiment un gars exceptionnel. Tes vidéos sont vraiment intéressantes. J'aime comment tu penses.

[@lisaham8501]

I am a black female, in the military and I lived in South Korea for 5 years. Their racism is the same as everywhere else. Some love you some hate you. It is what it is but, I loved all the time I spent there.

[@scarywolfie1212]

this is a beautiful video! it is a beautiful piece of creativity in general.

[@WilkineBrutus]

An agency to work with or go through? I don't quite understand the question. It depends what country you want to work in. You may have to do a simple search for the requirements of the specific country. I didn't go through an agency from the US. Of course, there are EFL recruiting services, but like I said,...research the requirements for whatever country you're seeking to work in.

[@SimplyDafDaf21]

so glad. all of these korean dramas have helped me understand all the korean words and phrases you've spoken (YES!). shout out to you being not only a black man in korea but a haitian man in korea (yes, i must represent lol!). :)

[@fol2choco]

i love your voice

[@WilkineBrutus]

Some people are afraid to offend or lose face. It makes having them quite difficult. I recent commenter thought I was just projecting my feelings which reflected my insecurities in that is NOT always the case. Although, there is some truth in certain situations. Being respectful to an person story should be the main goal...because we all have one. So, if an Asian person is experiencing hate, they should tell their story. Vice versa!

[@Aja-Christian]

Oppa!!~~ As of right now, after watching this video. . .you seriously rock my world! A lot of insight, open-mindedness, you're very articulate and have a beautiful voice, and your Korean is awesome lol I'm an African-American girl myself who is hoping to possibly teach English in either SK or Japan. I think a lot of people of our race get scared by negative rumors they hear about how Asian view black people. I appreciate you making this video and giving me some encouragement. Annyeong!!

[@annahao2536]

I understand the awkwardness of such an ad playing when you are the only "black person" or " foreigner" in the room lol.. THANK GOD hahah for the other ads

[@KemaTheCreative]

I love the way you speak

[@breynolds3870]

I appreciate your perspective and insight. I have been browsing youtube to gather black folks experiences in SoKo because I am currently in the process of applying to teach in SoKo. I am very excited but have to realize my experience as a black woman could be different. I thank you for sharing as a black male. I think anywhere you go experience for males and females can be very different. And very good selection of books. Beloved is an awesome awesome read..haunting at times.

[@OfficialMaliCious1]

You are very intelligent, enlightening, and inspiring. From this one video (which I couldn't bring myself to pause for a moment) I sought out your channel and subscribe. Thank you for this video, really! Keep doing what you do and enjoy SK!

[@AmberRenee2k11]

This is so insightful. Such a thought provoking introspective of double consciousness. I struggle with this everyday being someone who travels to homogenous countries (such as Korea). Who sings classical music, whose a poet, whose educated. Yet I do love laugh and I am aware and that was such a beautiful quote as well as " Id rather die shifting paradigms then find soulless in victimization" ( something like that lol) . This is great! :-)

[@egant2k3]

I think that super cool as hell I get to show you to my kids as an example of how far brothers are going in the world. I too am from South Florida (Miami), thank you for being one of the great examples for me to show my kids.

[@MegaPurple50]

loved the humor in this video

[@naby2767]

Beautiful Video, this gives me confidence about moving to Korea!

[@vickimurley3707]

Nice video. Your way of talking seemed almost poetic to me. Do please love yourself as an individual.

[@easylistenin9]

You are so poetic!

[@sharnellehenry9363]

I love you. Just kidding ....sorta :) But honestly, your eloquence is captivating. Are you still in korea?

[@WilkineBrutus]

haha...love you for supporting. Nope, not in Korea anymore. I have A LOT of friends there, so I'll definitely visit soon.

[@ZPebble21]

God, i wish more blacks.. no.. more people (regardless of nationality) spoke like you do! I'm nigerian, so imagine how much of a more ... direct connection i have to the scene you were talking about. I'm also currently learning Korean, and although i know racial insecurities shouldn't deter me, it definitely still gnaws at my subconscious. Then i imagine if i were in that situation if i would be as strong as you. This was definitely insightful, thank you. Something for me to ponder upon.

[@WilkineBrutus]

Thank you so much for the love and support. Yes, that pressure is daunting, right? lol Sometimes you find the balance; other times, you get rocked back into a whirlwind.

[@guccilittlepiggy]

This was brilliant. It's unfair that you have to shoulder the burden of "representing" all people of African ancestry, but if anyone HAD to do it, you're a prime candidate.

[@paulanderson7762]

Well said brother. Well said.

[@o.m.7728]

Great video!!! SUBSCRIBED!!!!

[@Farrrdoos]

The whole time you were showing us what books you were reading all I was thinking was "i need to buy a kindle"

[@WilkineBrutus]

haha...get one. I love it.

[@jaguirre2]

Hey Wilkein, Thank you for your reflection it was heartfelt. I too live away from home. I was born and raised in Los Angeles California but I have been living in Mississippi for the last four years. You are right, home is where the heart is. I enjoyed following your journey. I wish I would have kept a video log of my experiences teaching in the Delta. There is a lot to be said about the rich history of the south. I too give people the benefit of the doubt. Peace

[@hamptonmyles6230]

Thank you for sharing Mr. Brutus.

[@AndyGurl5566]

Love this! Your points of view are so interesting! Keep it up

[@clumZyXaLi]

I think I just simultaneously fell in love! You just got a new sub

[@cultivatingwellness4028]

Read 'Beloved', in fact while living in France books kept me company and I almost have the entire collections of Morrison & Maya Angelou. Invisible Man(which is really a Perfect Literature) and must be patiently read.

[@enriquemadibavalle7497]

EPIC!! Subscribed!!

[@mari105able]

Thank you so much for this. I absolutely loved this video. I especially loved ur perspective and take on ur situation. :) subscribed.

[@kcxmp]

Do you have a tumblr? I feel like a lot of people in the black kpop/black community would benefit from your experiences in South Korea

[@mzi7]

brada loved this vid, you tell it like it is, and thank you for being that OTHER, am sure the people at ur work are being educated in many dimensions and avenues, wished i looked u up when i as there. keep making vids!

[@26max]

A Haitian in korea! Yeah!

[@Parrish234]

Thanks Man!! This helps my friend in making a decsion to come here!

[@railene5196]

You're very smart with those HUGE words._. Lol thank you for explaining how you feel with you're surrounding and how people tend to treat you...its sad that after so many years people can't look over things like the difference in skin color. On just a side note to this discussion, you're a teacher in Korea, right? Can you further explain how that is, with your student, do they treat you equally?

[@trgirl101]

Oh my god! You speak Korean so well! I'm mixed, and I want to live in South Korea some day too! But I'm scared by the time I get old enough to go, I still won't know the language...😪😪

[@WakingTheDemon04]

Every time I watch one of these videos my heart starts beating like I'm being shot at! I guess this is the natural response to hearing so much negative info, I come to suspect it and fear it!

[@fackya2267]

You are awesome!

[@WilkineBrutus]

Are you confused about the word "unwarranted?" Sometimes, a foreigner in Korea can be "over paranoid" during a given situation, which makes it unwarranted.

[@kingstonology]

this vid contains so many of the reasons I love your channel....one love Will Kine...lol