I don't know if this is the same, but I work in an all asian lab (chinese and
korean) , and am the only american and am white. But I must say that I have
often endured "the only one" feelings of the situation. Our group has 10
people and my boss is chinese. I chose to work in this group because I have a
great deal of respect for my boss and am truly challenged by the project. At
first it was difficult because I was such a curiosity; there was a lot of
curiosity because most of our members had not had day-to-day contact with an
american before. And several of the group members had biases about what they
thought an american women would be like. I have been there for over two years
and we have adjusted to each other. I am aware that sometimes I get different
treatment, but when I don't like it, I say something (politely or boldly
depending on the events). Now to sound like the enternal optimist, I really
do try to learn what I can of their cultures, and have had opportunities to
discuss and learn what I could not have, without working so closely with them.
Two more points 1) When it starts to wear on me I spend time with other
americans and 2) It really does seem like people are the same everywhere, I
don't get along with everyone, but that would happen in an all white american
enviroment too. but I am also very close friends with some of my co-workers.
Celeste
In response to the recent posting;
It does get tiresome at times
> to always be "the only one". So if someone wants to discuss this perhaps
> we can try reclaiming this thread and leave the flamers to themselves.
