Is It Uncommon For Black People?

[xYinniex]

well even if it is uncommon, who cares. it's a holiday dammit.

[Heru]

I was worried over this issue a little. I'm black (I'm Black Indian and Japanese but I pretty much look black) but I really don't think much about it anymore.

[Tyrien]

Originally Posted by SSJup81

It's not uncommon, though. I'm black myself, and have had some family say things like, "Don't they hate black people over there?" or "Aren't they prejudiced against black people over there?" It's mostly older relatives though. I can see why they would question it. It's worse enough blacks are considered a minority in the US, but in places like Japan, we're minorities amongst minorities, so if anything, it's a fear issue. Despite what some might say, I would still like to go someday. I've had an interest in Japan way too much for far too long (like Asia in general as a traveling destination).

If my older cousin can live in Thailand, which I admire him for, I can live in or visit Japan. Race be damned!

I don't see how your examples/self experience goes to show how it's not being naive.

[MMM]

There have been popular black "talents" on Japanese TV for decades. Will Smith is just as popular in Japan as he is in the US. There is nothing to fear.

[SSJup81]

Originally Posted by Tyrien

I don't see how your examples/self experience goes to show how it's not being naive.

In what way is it naive? I should see what the place is like before making assumptions about there or assume I'm going to be treated differently because I'm black (differently because I'm a foreigner, yeah, not because I'm black).

[MMM]

Originally Posted by Tenchu

They have white people on TV in Thailand as well. That must be why I am stared at like a movie star in rural Thailand!

"like a movie star". That's a good way to think about it. I no longer get stares, or even second glances, in urban Japan, but in the really rural areas there is a little more hoopla.