Do You Want to Avoid Discrimination Abroad? There Are Things You Can Do Before Lamenting It

Whatever anyone may say, discrimination exists in the world.

The other day, I came across the story of a Japanese person living in Switzerland.

Their child was being bullied at school. Apparently, someone had even thrown garbage into the mailbox at their home.

It was a terrible story.

Discrimination against Asians still exists in Europe.

Europe has a strong image as a region that values human rights and equality. But proclaiming noble ideals does not mean that the people living there cease to harbor prejudice.

Apparently, advocating human rights and welcoming the foreigner next door are two different skills.

Why I Hesitate to Move Abroad

I am attracted to the idea of living abroad.

It would be pleasant to live a relaxed life in a warm country, and living among Europe’s beautiful streets also sounds enjoyable.

But discrimination is one reason I cannot bring myself to make the move.

I am not confident that I could remain calm if someone insulted me to my face.

I might lose my temper and instinctively lash out.

Of course, if I became violent, I would be the criminal. No matter how appalling the words directed at me were, they would not excuse violence.

I have no desire to get into that kind of trouble in a foreign country.

It must be even harder for people who cannot choose where they live because of work or family circumstances.

Discrimination Against Asians Exists, but Some Friction Can Still Be Reduced

I once heard a Japanese person living in France discuss discrimination there.

They stated clearly that discrimination against Asians unquestionably exists in France.

They then made an interesting observation.

Some incidents that Japanese people perceive as discrimination actually occur because they do not understand the local culture or manners and consequently provoke a negative reaction.

For example, they may casually enter a restaurant with a dress code wearing jeans.

Naturally, the restaurant staff respond coldly. But it would be wrong to conclude that they were discriminated against for being Japanese.

Another example is greeting people.

In France, it is important to greet people when entering a shop.

At the very least, you should say “Bonjour.”

Yet some Japanese tourists immediately address people in English with “Hello,” or begin stating what they want without offering any greeting at all.

It is hardly surprising if that earns them a negative response.

This is not to say that people must speak fluent French. Simply showing respect for the local culture can change how others respond to them.

The important point is that the existence of discrimination against Asians and the possibility of making an effort to reduce cultural friction are not contradictory in any way.

Some people will discriminate against you no matter how politely you behave. That is their problem.

But if your ignorance of local manners is causing hostility, you can avoid it by changing your own behavior.

This is not an argument for accepting discrimination. It is an argument for reducing the trouble you can prevent yourself, rather than doing nothing but lamenting discrimination.

Europe and the Ideals That Came Back to Haunt It

For many years, Europe has championed human rights, equality, and multicultural coexistence.

In reality, however, discrimination against Asians persists, while conflicts over immigration have grown more serious.

When I see news about deteriorating public safety in France and immigration problems across Europe, I cannot help thinking that these are the consequences of proclaiming ideals while neglecting the distortions of reality—and that, in a sense, Europe has brought this upon itself.

When people from different cultures live in the same society, friction is inevitable.

Religion, food, clothing, relations between men and women, and behavior in public spaces: when people’s basic assumptions differ, conflict is hardly surprising.

It is far too optimistic to believe that the phrase “Let us respect diversity” can solve all of this.

That is why I oppose careless immigration policies.

As the number of people admitted increases, systems for dealing with cultural friction become increasingly necessary. If immigration rises beyond society’s capacity to absorb it, the result will be deeper division.

It is easy to proclaim human rights and equality. But unless people are prepared to take responsibility for the real problems created by those ideals, such proclamations are simply irresponsible.

And the people who pay the price are not the politicians who spoke of noble ideals, but the residents who actually live in those communities.

Even If We Cannot Eliminate Discrimination, We Can Try to Reduce It

Ultimately, eliminating discrimination entirely is difficult.

Human beings have prejudices. Japanese people also hold prejudices against foreigners.

But that does not mean there is nothing we can do.

Greet people in the local language. Understand local dress and manners. Respect the other culture.

Some friction can be avoided simply by doing those things.

Living abroad does not merely mean moving your address to another country.

It means becoming a foreigner yourself.

What was taken for granted in Japan may not apply abroad.

Understanding that reality is probably part of preparing for life overseas.

If you do not want to be disliked in France, try saying “Bonjour” before shouting “No to discrimination.”

At the very least, that seems more likely to get you a meal at the restaurant.