fine lines

Excellent Girl
June 19, 2013

I've learned Koreans have major problems with Africans, and with women. Over the last five years I've been in a growing relationship with a Korean church committed to being in service to the communities surrounding their world. It is an impressive leap for Koreans to make from their world, and their view of African peoples to develop a practical use of the teachings of Jesus, a Black African man, to coincide with their Christianity as they learn how to be in relationship with the Black youth at our center. I respect that. It is an act of power. 

Me? I've long  had problems with Koreans, and Korean-Americans. Traditionally, I do not do business with them unless it cannot be helped because they exude contempt as much as the Chinese do towards African-Americans. But, a time came I could no longer stomach my attitude, and sought ways to reconcile with a people who lived across a gap I could not cross. When the opportunity to cross that bridge presented itself I jumped into the situation, and understanding grew within me over the simplest of things we share every year we meet: food, play, sharing, and camping. 

Now I am in a position. I have a young Korean-American man whose misunderstandings about Black Americans, and his internal dismal of women from his mind are coming to the forefront of his awareness. He is supervising a small work crew of four, and they are not happy with his projections into their understanding! I don't think the young man is malicious. He is learning new things. I have a lot of respect for his ability and courage to step into unfamiliar terrain, and his teachable spirit, and the willingness, and ability of the young teens to reciprocate. 

These young interns are Black, and being primed for college, or whatever high achievement they need to make of their lives. This work crew is a stepping stone for them. I am mentoring these young people, and as can happen under my watch people can get very comfortable, and feeling safe say inappropriate things. I am responsible for the space I create. I expect people's truth to come out in that space. In this case I am in need of counsel on how to facilitate the misunderstanding between the young young man, and the crew of four.

I am not a light weight when it comes to crossing thresholds of pain. It is part of my Medicine. - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories 7.16.13

Yasmine Richard, FUSE host

Yasmine Richard is the host of TRENDING 10, a video show on FUSE
that focus on the youth culture through music, their music.