The Joy of Being a Sarcastic B****

gailsimone:

The Joy of Being a Sarcastic B****: Dhani Tackles The Globe (Sorta)

gailsimone:

Okay, first, I realize that I’ve posted about race several times lately. And I realize no one is hugely interested to hear another white feminist’s super speshul (and quite possibly dumbass) thoughts on race. And thank god, there are hundreds of people on Tumblr who speak on…

I’ve definitely traveled some places where being female or being white or being American could be a little uncomfortable, for sure. Being a redhead in some remote parts of the world was really an odd experience at times.

But no one is ever going to say I shouldn’t talk about that, whereas a black man is supposed to pretend everything is just all brotherhood once you start playing soccer or whatever.  It’s insidious.

Agreed.  I wish travel shows addressed more of this rather than editing it out.  They tend to sugar coat and give off the impression that you’ll be treated well all the time, no matter where you go, and that’s not always the case.  It’s jarring if you don’t expect it and some people are very shocked by that. 

I do hope, though, that through the show more people, regardless of color or origin, become encouraged to travel and talk about their experiences, good and bad.  It is difficult to change the world’s perceptions of us or widen our own views if we stay in our comfort zone or stay silent.

Abroad, many people are surprised/confused when they hear me speak with an American accent - apparently, it doesn’t match with me being a short Filipino woman.  I’ve been asked if I was an overseas worker looking for a job, if I was looking for a husband, and once, someone apologetically admitted that they thought I was there for “not good” reasons.  He wasn’t a bad person; he just had preconceived notions, and I can’t hate him for being a product of his culture and experiences, like I am of mine.  I was pleased to talk with him about it and I am of firm belief that I should be able to talk about it with anyone I wish.