Nigerian Man/Korean World - Part 4

People who follow me on Twitter probably have an idea of what this is going to be about. And the second largest group of readers I have (South Koreans) might find this intriguing.

In one of my documentary classes here in Korea, taught by a renowned documentarian, I went through one of those awkward experiences. If you are a minority in any way, any where on this planet, you know what I mean.

I have felt this in the past, and to be honest I thought I was over really feeling like the minority a long time ago, since I had been the minority almost everywhere I have been/lived in my life. I'm Nigerian-American, so a minority in the greater African-American community and in Nigeria and the United States - pretty much the majority of circles anywhere on the globe. Today it was made the most apparent ever in my life.

The documentary we watch was Marlon Riggs "Tongues Untied," a film about the experience of the gay African-American male. Not only am I the only black male in this class, but I am also the only black male in this school. And, of course, every single person in this class was staring at me, looking for answers. And I was not about to be the token.

The situation was so awkward I couldn't even focus on/enjoy the documentary. A part from the film containing extremely graphic imagery (which I am sure made EVERYONE feel awkward) and there were several racial slurs used that I am unsure if the majority of the class understood the implications of these words. The teacher asked me how I felt about the documentary, and me being the person I am, explained exactly how I felt - awkward. I told him I felt the stares from others in the class and I truly felt like a minority and I hoping that no one asks me questions today. Overall, I couldn't enjoy or learn from it like I would like to. And, yes, I said this in front of the class because I think it was important for them all to know.

I think living in a homogeneous society, Koreans maybe don't fully understand what it feels like to be a minority unless they have traveled/studied abroad, which made it important for me to state my feelings. I also think it is even harder to understand how it is to feel like a minority every day of your life. Of course, like I try to see every experience, maybe this extreme sense of awkwardness is a blessing. Maybe I could use the misunderstanding of otherness as an angle to my work. Maybe even the main angle. Maybe the story I tell could be more inside looking out than outside looking in, utilizing the theme of otherness.

Even though this experience might not be enjoyable for some, in fact many, this experience was again interesting and made me learn more about myself and my self-value - another reason why I think it is important for us all to travel abroad and take ourselves out of our comfort zone. This situation was extremely uncomfortable for me and I would prefer it would not happen again, but I learned from it, which makes the situation invaluable. If it were to happen again, maybe I'll be more comfortable, but like I said, I hope it doesn't.

International Education Week at Columbia College = AWESOME

Currently I am tired from the madness that many that are a part of International Student Organization at Columbia College understand as International Education Week. This insanity may be exhausting, but some how, it has been an enlightening experience.

Today was International Fair, which featured the Travel Mobile (which had a lot of decor, courtesy of the student body at Columbia), delicious food, a flamenco dancer and a belly dancer. People who missed this, I feel sorry for you.

This week, there are TWO events the focus on African issues (one more than the other). Tomorrow evening will be a screening of the award-winning documentary, "This is Nollywood." For those of you who are unfamiliar with Nollywood, get familiar real fast and real quick, because it is currently the third largest film industry in the world and it is based in Nigeria. Even though many of the films from Nollywood are close to a fail when it comes to production value, the reason why the industry is doing so well is that it focuses on unique and modern African stories in an African way. The movies can transcend the continent a lot easier than movies from Bollywood or Hollywood. However, it looks like the production value for Nigerian films may begin to change as quickly as Nollywood became a booming industry, since there are a select few filmmakers that are not only maintaining the African content, but also are focusing on the cinematography.

The other event focuses on a rising star from South Africa, who plays Zane Park on the award-winning teen drama Degrassi: the Next Generation, Shannon Kook-Chun. Of course, I have spoken about this a few times, but what is more interesting the buzz that it is getting throughout Chicago. Interestingly, people assume that this event is simply about Degrassi, but it is more so about several cultural/ethnic issues that are important to acquiring a global worldview. If it was simply about Degrassi, any actor from the show could have been chosen, but Shannon was picked for a particular purpose.

Firstly, he is of Chinese and mixed ancestry and was born and raised in South Africa during the infamous apartheid era. What many Americans sometimes fail to understand that the issue of race, especially during apartheid South Africa, is well beyond the "simple" of issue of black and white (or black versus white) and still is in post-apartheid South Africa. Race relations on every corner of the world definitely are much more complex than many can comprehend and South Africa is/was no exception. This is a rare (and FREE) opportunity to ask someone who grew up during and after apartheid (that is not black or white) deep questions about his experience.

Secondly, he plays an openly gay character. This is a two-sided coin that must be explored. For someone who is Asian to play a gay character in a TV show that is shown in North America is almost groundbreaking. As many may have noticed, the depiction(s) of Asian males on many television shows can be rare and limited. Usually, they fit in one of two stereotypes: smart, shy and asexual or a karate master. For someone to play an "unconventional" role helps break the stereotypes of the Asian male and shows the diversity among those that are Asian. Shannon plays Zane Park, a cool, confident gay male. Also, he plays a gay character, helping to break the stereotypes of gay men in the media.

Thirdly, Degrassi is not the only show he is in. He has been able to show his versatility as an actor by being in multiple productions (one of them a feature film soon to be released). In the popular Canadian drama, Duhram County, he plays a gangster (again, breaking the Asian male stereotype). This is informative for aspiring actors for improving their trade.

My point, overall, is that you can't simply judge a book by it's cover (I know, cliche). But you have to dig beyond the surface and see the roots. The whole point of International Education Week is to encourage people to become more aware of how global our environment is becoming. Having this knowledge is key to not only being well-rounded, but being the person who is at the top of the pile for a job (and we all want money in our pockets, don't we?). Putting "Degrassi" in the event title was a marketing scheme to draw fans in, but the real treat is what you learn from the experience. Learning about a booming movie industry outside of Hollywood let's you know what the (potential) competition is on a global scale (or maybe even what market you can tap into to set yourself a part from other filmmakers).

I'll leave you all with this - "Curiosity killed the cat, but at least the cat died after learning something."