“Danny,” I typed to my former student via Facebook Chat, “They’re playing Chris Brown in this restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand!” “On dogs??” Danny asked, aghast, from his apartment in Boston. “On dogs,” I affirmed. Throughout the two months so far of my year-long journey across the world, I have been stunned at the level of… [Read More]
Race and Travel
Where are the American RTW Travelers???
Because so many of the spectacular temples in Bangkok are along the river, a night boat along the Chao Phraya is a feast for the eyes… and a feast for the belly, too, if you opt for the dinner cruise. Check it out! As you peruse these pics, let us ponder a major question for… [Read More]
Unleash Your Inner Whitey!
Attention! Through “Boston Bright” language school, you, too, can unzip your Thai skin and become a blue-eyed, English-fluent Whitey! Awesome! Oh, the irritating stories I could tell of how light skin is prized here… – Walking down the street with my mixed-race boxer buddies, the masseuses will scream and holler to the light ones “come… [Read More]
Westerners and Foreigners Only?!
“For your safety and security, this party is for Westerners and Foreigners only.” What do you think about this? What are the reasons behind it? Safety in what sense? In many “developing countries” with gorgeous natural resources, there are mini tourist-only playgrounds (some say “backpacker ghettos”) nestled in delicious strips of beach or hills. The… [Read More]
Race in Japan
Chew on this: The United States population is comprised of something like 14% Latino folks, 13 % African Americans, 5% Asians, 66% Whites, and 2 % other. We’re a melting pot! A salad! A multicolored stew! In Japan, however, the “largest” minority is a paltry 1.5% (Chinese) of the total population!!! According to my friend… [Read More]
