When I check the stats for this blog, I see that people from many countries view this blog.  And when I check which blogs are the most popular, it’s clear that the blog on if Korean people hate Black people is the most popular blog of all.  Literally, readers on 6 continents are interested in this subject.  So the next question seems to be simple.  Do Black people hate Korean people?  To answer this question, it’s important to see why some would feel this way.   For reference, Black people in this blog will refer to African Americans.  Although there are a number of Africans who live in Korea, I have not spoken to any, so I’m not able to speak on their feelings.

Perception

The perception is that Black people from the United States hate Koreans.  The media shows Black people mocking Asians in general, but will focus on Koreans being disrespected.  It could be in the form of mocking how Korean people talk, complaining about how Korean food and Korean people smell or other disparaging remarks made towards Asian people in general.  A number of times, Korean people aren’t even recognized for being who they are.  Many times, Korean people are called Japanese or Chinese.  Because this is what has been shown to a number of people, it is felt that Black people hate Korean people.

Reality

The truth is that Black people do not hate Korean people.  In many areas, Black people and Korean people actually get along once they get to know each other.  In fact, many times there are a number of things that both have in common.  The reason?  People are people. But some people are more open about their feelings than others.   Before, you would see a number of Black men in relationships with Korean women.  But now, there are a growing number of Black women marrying Korean men.  Many Black people love Korean food, listen to KPOP and enjoy Korean Dramas.  Every Black person I’ve ever talked to that went to Korea loved it and wants to go back.  A number of Black people that I know want to move to Korea.  And a major factor in some Koreans being open to marrying a Black person is due to the number of stories of Korean people being accepted by Black families who don’t try to change them into something there not.

What’s the Point?

The point of this blog, and the blog entry that I linked to in the beginning of this post is to show that perception is not always reality.  Once I went to Korea for myself, I found that the negative things I had been told was not true.  And once people met me, they found out that the negative things that they had been told about Black people were not true.  Media can be controlled for the right dollar amount.  People can have agendas and hidden selfish reasons for wanting to make you believe something that is false.  But the truth is never controlled and cannot be bought.  Once people know the truth, hatred tends to go away.

Does this means that there is no prejudice by either group towards the other?  No. Prejudice still exist on both sides, but not to the degree that some have been lead to believe.  Both cultures are warm, loving and welcoming towards others.  By giving someone a chance, you may find a friend forever, or the love of a lifetime.  You’ll find that the things that makes someone different, sometimes makes them even more beautiful. As long as you don’t allow someone else’s perception to become your reality, you will live a life of love and happiness.