How To Get Along With Asians

I AM one of the first official volunteers sent from the Government of Japan to work in secondary education in Namibia.

I am honoured to devote myself to the development of Namibia. First of all, I would like to take some time to appreciate all the great things I have found here.Secondly, I want to talk about getting along together.I have learned a lot from some discriminatory experiences I have had, and I want to share my opinion.Ever since my arrival last March, I have been impressed with stunning views of Namibia’s nature and the friendliness of its people.On the other hand, strong hatred against Asians is often seen, especially in northern Ovamboland.In towns, some passers-by still call me some of the world’s nastiest words, throw garbage at me, reject my entrance to a shop, and even try to attack me.When I try to resist them, even learners at schools, they almost invariably say that Namibia is free and democratic, and that foreigners are not allowed to offend Namibians.I cannot help wondering if with their freedom comes the privilege to exclude foreigners.Most reasons seem to be related to prejudices against Chinese.For instance, some believe that Chinese people in Namibia are criminals, and were sent to Namibia for penal servitude.I can also understand why feelings about people and Chinese products sometimes run high.For example, they employ local people at low rates and some products are not in good condition.Sometimes, after people learn I am Japanese, they suddenly turn friendly, compliment Japan and complain about China.What I don’t like about this treatment is not that people misunderstand that I am Japanese, not Chinese, but that I am judged only by stereotypes, which can be used to look down on people from different cultures.Chinese people did not come to Namibia to destroy the country or hinder its development.They want to help Namibia to flourish.There are many products from Japan that are highly praised in Namibia.Nevertheless, did Japan send technicians, engineers, specialists or others to collaborate with Namibians? In my view, Chinese people and products are so prevalent now that we cannot survive without their help.We should be more thankful to Chinese people and appreciate their assistance.Some people complain that Chinese people do not react to their greeting.Calling them something like ‘Ching Chong’ or ‘Ali-baba’ (meaning a thief) does not mean anything – it is even thought to be rude or could sound to a Chinese person like they are being made a fool of.It is the same as people getting mad if I were to call them ‘Ovambo’.Please do not make the mistake of thinking that you understand how people greet each other only through TV programmes.As you have your history, China has developed its own culture and thousands of years of history as a superpower.We Asians, as immigrants, try to respect Namibian culture and try to be respectful toward Namibian people.I think I, too, might be obsessed with trying to understand Namibian people.The truth is, we often misunderstand each other.Why can we not respect each other more, and look for a way to coexist? In closing, I would like to list some Chinese and Japanese greeting words that hopefully will help to dissolve a wall between us.’Hello’ or ‘How are you’ is ‘Kon nichi wa’ in Japanese (meaning ‘today is…’) and ‘Ni Hao’ in Chinese (‘you fine?’).’Thank you’ is ‘Arigatou’ in Japanese (‘precious’) and ‘Xie Xie’, pronounced “shay shay”, in Chinese (‘apology’).’Good-bye’ is ‘Sayonara’ in Japanese (‘if so’) and ‘Zai Jian’ in Chinese (‘See you again’).In addition to other aspects of culture, languages have developed in unique ways that I think we should be more respectful of.Some of readers of this column may have seen me running on the roadside frequently between Onhuno and Oshikango.I am always looking for chances to build better relationships, so please do not hesitate to stop me anytime or send a message to the address at the end of this letter.I would like to hear you honest opinion, whether you agree with me or not.Either way, thank you for taking the time to read this piece! Osamu Sakurai osamibia@yahoo.com.co.jpFirst of all, I would like to take some time to appreciate all the great things I have found here.Secondly, I want to talk about getting along together.I have learned a lot from some discriminatory experiences I have had, and I want to share my opinion.Ever since my arrival last March, I have been impressed with stunning views of Namibia’s nature and the friendliness of its people.On the other hand, strong hatred against Asians is often seen, especially in northern Ovamboland.In towns, some passers-by still call me some of the world’s nastiest words, throw garbage at me, reject my entrance to a shop, and even try to attack me.When I try to resist them, even learners at schools, they almost invariably say that Namibia is free and democratic, and that foreigners are not allowed to offend Namibians.I cannot help wondering if with their freedom comes the privilege to exclude foreigners.Most reasons seem to be related to prejudices against Chinese.For instance, some believe that Chinese people in Namibia are criminals, and were sent to Namibia for penal servitude.I can also understand why feelings about people and Chinese products sometimes run high.For example, they employ local people at low rates and some products are not in good condition.Sometimes, after people learn I am Japanese, they suddenly turn friendly, compliment Japan and complain about China. What I don’t like about this treatment is not that people misunderstand that I am Japanese, not Chinese, but that I am judged only by stereotypes, which can be used to look down on people from different cultures.Chinese people did not come to Namibia to destroy the country or hinder its development.They want to help Namibia to flourish.There are many products from Japan that are highly praised in Namibia.Nevertheless, did Japan send technicians, engineers, specialists or others to collaborate with Namibians? In my view, Chinese people and products are so prevalent now that we cannot survive without their help.We should be more thankful to Chinese people and appreciate their assistance.Some people complain that Chinese people do not react to their greeting.Calling them something like ‘Ching Chong’ or ‘Ali-baba’ (meaning a thief) does not mean anything – it is even thought to be rude or could sound to a Chinese person like they are being made a fool of.It is the same as people getting mad if I were to call them ‘Ovambo’.Please do not make the mistake of thinking that you understand how people greet each other only through TV programmes.As you have your history, China has developed its own culture and thousands of years of history as a superpower.We Asians, as immigrants, try to respect Namibian culture and try to be respectful toward Namibian people.I think I, too, might be obsessed with trying to understand Namibian people.The truth is, we often misunderstand each other.Why can we not respect each other more, and look for a way to coexist? In closing, I would like to list some Chinese and Japanese greeting words that hopefully will help to dissolve a wall between us.’Hello’ or ‘How are you’ is ‘Kon nichi wa’ in Japanese (meaning ‘today is…’) and ‘Ni Hao’ in Chinese (‘you fine?’).’Thank you’ is ‘Arigatou’ in Japanese (‘precious’) and ‘Xie Xie’, pronounced “shay shay”, in Chinese (‘apology’).’Good-bye’ is ‘Sayonara’ in Japanese (‘if so’) and ‘Zai Jian’ in Chinese (‘See you again’).In addition to other aspects of culture, languages have developed in unique ways that I think we should be more respectful of.Some of readers of this column may have seen me running on the roadside frequently between Onhuno and Oshikango.I am always looking for chances to build better relationships, so please do not hesitate to stop me anytime or send a message to the address at the end of this letter.I would like to hear you honest opinion, whether you agree with me or not.Either way, thank you for taking the time to read this piece! Osamu Sakurai osamibia@yahoo.com.co.jp