I was watching the documentary on Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and it inspired me to write. She said, "Reacting anger or annoyance will not advance one's ability to persuade." Rather than getting angry, she tries to educate people. I have had (and continue) to educate white Europeans about race relations. I sometimes feel defeated and disappointed, because it is 2019, and parts of Europe is stuck in the 1960's South in the United States.
Why am I even discussing this subject? The reason is because my French teacher decided to do a class on stereotypes (the paper had a Chinese person with the word "Rice" next to her). How is this different from Marine Le Pen and Donald Trump? I was shocked,dismayed, and disgusted (as were all the Americans I told) that someone could be so ignorant. At this point I that I shouldn't have been. While living in Europe I have been told and read several times that in some countries in Europe, racial jokes are accepted in the workplace. I proceeded to try to educate the teacher on why stereotypes are harmful to no avail.I don't fit many of the stereotypes of a Black American woman: I don't have children, I am a Pescatarian (I don't eat out a lot), Most of my friends are white Europeans (in fact I have no Black friends), I speak proper English, I have two degrees, I am multi-lingual, I have never been arrested, I listen to a variety of music (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Feist, Billie Holiday, Shakira) I am a horrible cook, I don't put weave in my hair, and I can't play any physical sport. I feel that some Americans are taken aback when they meet me. Throughout my life I have never had that many friends, because of people's unwillingness to accept me like I am. Stereotypes obstructs an individual from evolving. Dangerous stereotypes can lead to inaccurate bias with negative consequences.
I had a horrible time in Lyon. Instead of visiting Paris, I made the decision to visit Lyon, which was a huge mistake. Even though, I learned a lot of French, I cannot recommend this school.I hated that my classes were in the afternoon, there was no reference book, no class diversity, and Lyon was boring. This is the third language school that I have attended and my last. I couldn't wait to get back to the United States. I had a dream teach English in Europe, but I don't think that I would be welcomed. I am optimistic that one day Europe will be more diverse and accepting. read more