Positively Powerful

I was asked this question by one of my colleaguess, “I am particularly interested in knowing how you are received - as an American, an African American and as a woman.” I am received with politeness and a few longer glances. I don ‘t know what the thoughts are and have been treated with respect. Thus far I have not seen any other Black person.  The people that I’ve seen have here in Taipei have facial characteristics of many nations though none African.

Many women here, I’ve been told, are business oriented and deal   in very straight forward and strong manners. In fact, in preparing for my trip I read in a National Geographic travel edition on China that the “Chinese men can often be soft (wenrou) and the women strong-willed (jianqiang).” A role reversal from the dominant steoreotypes of the U.S. though this is changing.

The people I’ve met are family oriented, hungry to learn and to be successful, treat me like a professional with skills that they want, and know that I am an American speaking through an interpreter. Given their priorities for learning, my gender, nationality, and race really don’t matter. What does matter is my ability to deliver as promised. I feel very welcomed.

Thank you for asking! Let me know any other questions you have.

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