Foreigners.... The Modern day Geisha!

For those who have not seen the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha".....A Geisha: One of a class of professional women in Japan trained from girlhood in conversation, dancing, and singing in order to entertain professional or social gatherings of men. (www.freedictionary.com). However, a Geisha is strictly Japanese. In China, the equivalent would not be called a Geisha. The character used to describe these types of women would be the same symbol for prostitutes. Though, in Ancient Asia, most did not deliver any sexual services. These courtesans were artist. They danced, painted, played music, and sang. They were used as representations for love, beauty, and honor. There are many differences culturally between the Geishas in Japan, and their predecessors of China. A Geisha, in the Ancient term, no longer exists in China. Japanese Geishas are not allowed in China. It is now looked at as strictly prostitution here; and relies most on the underground market for survival. Yet, to fulfill that essences that a courtesan would bring to their social environments, they now look to their foreigners. 


Before, I go any further, there is no sexually connotation that is meant by this blog. That is not to say that it does not happen, but that it does not make or reflect my point. Outside of the usual work or school that brought most of us to China, it is very easy to find side jobs "showing face" for the locals. Some businesses will welcome all foreigners just to show up because it makes them look better to the other locals. Having an establishment that is good enough for foreigners means that you can attract more high class, sophisticated locals. It allows you to charge more for your products or your services. Meanwhile, giving things to the foreigner for free to show their appreciation; and to also mark their status. There are plenty of business that will pay you to sit in there establishment, or to make an appearance. However, these types of gigs are easier to come by if you are of Caucasian descent. Business men will pay white women about $125.00 an hour to stand and pretend to play the violin as they conduct their business. Clubs and restaurants will pay foreigners to lip sing, or even just to show up and partake in their affairs. Being a foreigner usually means instant VIP. Forever flowing drinks and fruit; and all they ask is that every once in awhile you dance to their music or be friendly to the surrounding locals. 


Earlier, I mentioned that these jobs are readily accessible to white....light...fair skinned people. The flip side of this coin is a mass amount of discrimination to my African brothers and Sisters. This, to a point, does not effect me. Once, or if, they reach the realization that I am American...or mixed blood....as I am often referred as. Yet, the first impression is that all African guys are drug dealers, and all the girls are prostitutes......AND.....ALL BLACK PEOPLE COME FROM AFRICA!!! lol. So, if you haven't figured it out yet, I learned rather quickly to stay away from this scene. First, if they do want to hire me, they not bout to have me standing around like some monkey in no zoo. Second, I clear for lord, I will never give them the opportunity to judge me because of the color of my skin! ....mmhmm...yep.... I meant to say it just like that! Lastly, of course that is not what I came over here for. I am here to make money, but mostly just to better myself and make the folks back home proud. If I wanted to keep hustlin to make ends meet, I would have stayed where I was. I do understand some of the college students taking those kinds of jobs. They are not technically allowed to work. But, many will have no source of income without it. Some send money home. Others are saving to bring their families here. There are plenty of reasons, but for me, my dignity just won't allow. I was discriminated once, but I had no idea what I was walking into. The offered us free food and drinks and money just to be present for three hours. That went on for awhile, but eventually the truth came out. I wasn't present that day thankfully. I feel that I would have lost all behavior if I had been there. They only promised to pay the Africans that night, if they promised not to come back. They only wanted the white foreigners to stay from that point on. But, that is all I needed to hear to know not to put myself in that situation again. 


Needless to say, no matter what job a foreigner has, their number one role is ambassador to the western world. It is almost as if we are walking billboards. We bring to life what the west is really like, and not just them vicariously experiencing it through HBO. Everything we do is examined or scrutinized. Not everyone's perception will be positive, but it is their perception still. We are hired by companies to promote English speech for the benefit of listening to a native speaker; as well as to support the standard of prestige of offering a foreign teacher as part of their services. As I am teaching, they will take pictures of  my class. They introduce me to whomever necessary. For the most part, I do not really mind. I enjoy networking, and on the other hand... it is nice to receive attention because you are educated and professional; and not just because you a cute monkey in a zoo. So often the lines get blurred between being that ambassador, and being a maverick. Even when the attention is good, and they are staring because they think that you are beautiful; I need to be acknowledged as a human being. I did come here to provide a service, but I am not a toy. I am not to be used, or misconstrued as available at your leisure. It is not my purpose to cater to the needs of locals. I want to be treated as an intellectual, and an individual. I am here to work, to learn, and to expand my brand. There is so much more you can receive from a person when you no longer perceive what you possibly can gain from them. I wish we lived in a world that ingrained the necessity of manners and education everywhere; and not just this corrupt ideal of socialization. 


Thanks for reading... I know I have venting a lot lately, but adjusting to life here has its ups and downs. Hopefully, my next blog will be a little more upbeat! 


Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Love, De'