CNN- Black in America Documentary & Sista in Tokyo

There's a great documentary being released this month through CNN titled, "Black in America" and it's examining the black family, black man, and the black woman.  I just finished watching the preview episode on iTunes and I must say, I am truly looking forward to it.

Back in April, along with the engagement news, I mentioned that I was contacted by CNN.  I was contacted for a segment of this documentary, one that examines the lives of African-Americans living outside of the U.S.  I spoke with a CNN producer via phone and she asked me several questions about being in Japan.  After answering her questions, my husband (boyfriend at the time) had a pretty long discussion about my thoughts, treatment, and experiences living in Japan.  It was a pretty cool experience :).  But don't expect to see Sista in Tokyo on there though.  We planned to do an in-person interview in Alabama when I returned home for wedding planning in May-- but if you recall I went to Hawaii instead of Alabama and got married :).

Anyway, one of the many questions she asked me about residing in Japan was, "Is there a difference in the way you are treated in Japan than in the USA?"  My answer, certainly and that's a good thing.  If there's one thing I have become aware of during my time outside of the USA is American fascination with race.  It's really interesting.  And my being from Alabama definitely created a very deep and at times extreme awareness of race.

So what's the difference in my treatment here? Well, I guess I simply feel that my color is seldom a first thought in someone's mind here. First thought is I am a foreigner, not Japanese. Perhaps the second thought is woman or American, depending on the context.  And my being a black woman, I'm certain it fits in someone but I'm just not certain where. And, that's good. I enjoy not being preoccupied with skin color all of the time.

Interestingly, my husband and I met at work and we represent two out of the three Americans working at my company. Our company consists of Japanese, French, British, Irish, Australian, Canadian and Chinese. When we began dating, the first time we had discussion about race was after hanging out with a group of Americans, who made it a point to ask us very pointed questions about being a black/white couple, over dinner. Admittedly, it was strange.  Which I thought to be very interesting, because to my American friends it was about being open and having an open discussion about race, but to the two of us, it simply seemed irrelevant. I don't love my "white" husband, I simply love my husband.

Another question that was asked related to my life in Japan was regarding my work. "How do people react to you being black?" My answer, I don't know, fine I guess.  I honestly feel that my being black has nothing to do with my work in Japan-- with one exception, it's very easy for people to remember me and my name, because my name is Takara Japanese for "treasure". People normally expect me to be Japanese or half Japanese as a result of that. So that makes for a good ice breaker when they meet a non-Japanese black woman with a Japanese name. 

My guess is, what people are really trying to ask is, "Have you been treated badly because of your skin color/race in Japan?"  My answer, "Nah, not that I recall."  And that, ladies and gentleman, will always be all right with me :).  Every month, I meet with some 30-40 different Japanese professionals in my office and we discuss their career, salary, life goals-- during the 40 minutes we meet. Not once have I felt that my race negatively affected me. And this is very cool.  I have been in instances back home where a customer has refused my service, preferring someone who is not black to help them, not cool.

Anyway, I was really happy and thankful to have been contacted for such a wonderful documentary. I am looking forward to watching it and having an open discussion about a few things here on SiT. I have been thinking, it's due time for an updated version of Reggie Life's "The African-American Experience in Japan". Hmmmmm... perhaps a sista can get some things going!

-Blessed Sista in Tokyo

Comments

[smartalecky]

Yes girl, let them know! You found out the truth on your own. After years of hearing how the rest of the world hates black people, I began to travel and find the natives whispering about how they cannot stand white Americans. Besides, how can other countries hate black people when we rarely have the money or time to travel to such extravagant locations. I do not think that "Shaquita" is giving them hell at the Four Season, because to be honest, she probably can't afford it! I cannot wait until they contact me about not watching TV for a year. Again, only in the states is stuff like that a big deal!

[Sharon]

Thanks for sharing. I always enjoy reading about your experiences in Japan.

[confused highschool girl]

I'm a freshman in high school, who just started learning Japanese and is interested in there culture. During my Junior year, I was planning on going to japan to study aboard for half year. But recently I been worrying about the trip, because of blog and articles I have read online about how black people are treated in japan. I was wondering if you could answer my concerns. I have a huge passion for this country's culture, but now I'm afraid to go?

[Cool Mike]

I went to Japan about a month ago. It is definitely my favorite place in the world now. Living in South Florida (or America for that matter) I could not have imagined that people were so courteous, clean, respectful, etc. I'll definitely go back because I couldn't absorb everything in the 10 days I was there. By the way you blog is very nice and informative. I'm hooked in other words. Keep doing ya thing Sista!

[brittanypooh]

I'm soo proud of u! You're definatly an inspiration!! I've been hooked on to the japanese language for years since I was in HS and I hope to inspire others just like you. Besides that I'll be in studying in Osaka for a year at Kwansei Gakuin and yes I will have a blog on that, but besides that I've also made a huge impression on my bf because now he wants to live and work in Japan too!! Other than that keep doing your thing and I hope that I'll meet you and do what you're doing!! ^_^

[ZAZ Brown]

Nice blog. I spent a year in S. Korea and I can tell you: Race isn't that big a deal. We are emulated, appreciated and the questions that are asked aren't rude. I met plenty of Korean men and women who wanted to know about our politics, our music and differences. I had a great experience there and (I hate to say it) was treated better there than when I've been to any other city in the U.S. The work ethic and culture there is very impressive and interesting. It's been a while since I"ve been there, but I'd love to go back.

[Black Buddha]

Someone suggested that people who are black and Buddhist should make their own documentary rather than complain about being left out of CNN's investigative report on black America, so I did:

http://rainbowdharma.com/festivalscreening/theater1.htm

Lama Rangdrol

[Fly Brother]

interesting blog. i don't recall seeing a section on blacks overseas in the cnn documentary. would have been a nice inclusion. they tried.