Global Community

Afro-Americans Face Tough Time

By Bryan Kay Staff Reporter Complaints among black native English speakers have been among the loudest in the cries over the alleged widespread nature of racism in Korea. And, according to a group of stakeholders in the recruitment process for native English teachers, the plight of the group, particularly African-Americans, is emerging as one of the most grave. The complaints have largely emanated from an alleged common practice among English teaching recruiters to overlook them in favor of Caucasians, despite both groups often sharing similar backgrounds and the same level of education. Some say the situation is worsening as the availability of white native English teachers becomes greater in the wake of the economic difficulties facing countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. African-American Lionel Bourjolly, who responded in the aftermath of the recent racist discrimination case won by Indian man Bonojit Hussain, told The Korea Times that due to his ethnicity, he was continually thwarted in his bid to get a job here. ``I was twice den

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Bikers Pledge to Bridge Divide

By Bryan Kay Staff Reporter The local chapter of American Steel Motorcycle Club has pledged to bridge the cultural and language divide in a bid to reach out to their Korean brethren. The group, which already boasts an international membership, wants to encourage more Korean bikers to join them either by becoming members or through meet-ups with other clubs. Club President Curtis Knapp said they've managed to link up with locals in the past ― they even have a couple of members ― but communication problems often get in the way of closer relationships. And they hope their latest social event, which features a raffle and a roasted pig, can be one small step on the way to achieving that goal. In conjunction with Olde Stompers Rock Spot in Itaewon, the club is staging a night of rock music, dubbed ``Seoul Vs The British Invasion,'' Saturday. ``We may not see so many Korean bikers on a night like this, but you never know,'' said Knapp. ``It's the drives and the meet-ups with the bikes where we really want to see the Koreans. ``But this night gives us the chance to show

Korean Muslim Bodies Feuding

By Bryan Kay Staff Reporter Two Korean Islamic groups involved in a spat over the use of funds gleaned from donated land are at the center of separate claims that they are failing the Muslim community. The Korea Muslim Federation (KMF), based at Seoul's Central Masjid, and the new Center for the Protection of Muslim Human Rights, located directly outside the Itaewon mosque, have both been accused of neglecting community members. Individuals representing the center, set up by the Emergency Committee of the Korea Islamic Foundation, launched a protest against the KMF in June to denounce what they claim is the inappropriate use of funds from the sale of land donated by late former President Park Chung-hee in the 1970s. They lodged a complaint with police in Yongsan over the issue in June, said center manager Hyun Jaiik, and they have since been holding regular demonstrations outside the mosque. A Yongsan police officer confirmed that complaints had been filed by both sides, and the matter had been passed to the prosecution. The KMF refused to comment, saying that they

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WFWP to Have Coffee Morning Saturday

For those looking for tips on relaxation exercises, or just the taste of quality coffee, the International Women in Korea group may be holding the ideal morning. On Saturday, Mareijo Wiehe, a master meditation teacher from Suseonjae Meditation Center, Seoul, will be the guest speaker. Apart from being an English-speaking female, comfortable clothing is the only requisite, because Mareijo is expected to be demonstrating meditation practices and breathing techniques. International Women in Korea, a local branch of the Women's Federation for World Peace, is close to Seoul Station. The event starts at 9:45 a.m. and continues until midday, with a small entrance fee covering food and beverages. For more information, contact wfwp_iwk@yahoo.com. community@koreatimes.co.kr

Filipinos Search for Local Icons

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia Staff Reporter The Filipino Catholic community in Hyehwa-dong, Seoul, is organizing a contest to find the Filipino man and woman who best represent the country's culture. The ``Ginoo at Binibining Kalinangang Filipino,'' or Mr. and Ms. Filipino Culture, to be held in October, is aimed at showcasing the best of Filipino culture through dance, songs, costumes, values and traditions. Every year, the community organizes concerts and beauty pageants to raise funds for its outreach programs, such as medical assistance for Filipino workers in Korea, and scholarships. ``Previous beauty pageants highlighted beauty, physical appearance, talent and intelligence. Though we consider these to be of importance, this year's event gives prime importance to how Filipino culture and values are highlighted, lived, expressed and portrayed by the candidates,'' organizers said. The finals will be held at 3 p.m. on Oct. 4 at the Tongseong High School Auditorium, Hyehwa-dong. There are six female and six male candidates, who are currently living in Korea

Iranian Artist’s Exhibition Features Local Foreign Faces

By Cortney Strube Contributing Writer A unique collection of local portraits by Iranian artist Roxana Manouchehri will be on display this Sunday at her solo art show "Mystic Portrayal: Local Portraits With a Persian Touch." The line-up will feature 15 portraits of active members of the foreign community, and is the first of its kind for Manouchehri and show venue Roofers in Itaewon. "It's the first time I'm going to show my artwork outside of a gallery," said Manouchehri, a resident artist from Tehran, Iran, who said she wanted to engage the foreign community in her show. "I chose to draw 15 very special people, and I'm excited to see what will happen in a non-gallery space." Manouchehri said she is looking forward to showcasing her works at Roofers, a community-based restaurant, performance and art space. "My main paintings are not commercial, and they're large so it's very difficult to show them unless they're in a serious gallery," she said. "This time I decided to do something to get the public involved in my show. (Roofers) is big enough to show my draw