http://msnbc.msn.com/id/11959472/site/newsweek/

Interesting story. As my wife is Amerasian (Happa) she has been following this with interest. Many Korean women come to the states and have the problem adjusting to the language and customs (or lack there of) here in the states. The good thing for some of these women is that every Army base has it's own little Korea but part of the problem is that if you want to be a part of that community you must join their church. There is a lot more tolerance of mixed race kids but mixed race adults at least in the 70's were still looked down on. I hope Mr Wards story helps to focus some attention on the Amerasian children in the orphanages and will help the many mixed race children who are out there looking and listening. For those that are interested GI Korea has a write up on his blog.

Mike

Thanks for the interesting article. I am sure many can relate to the story.

I read an interesting article in the "Korea Times" yesterday about how the Korean government is trying to push forward legislation to help mixed-race Koreans. The article stated that because of the recent accomplishments of Hines Ward and his visit to Korea (April 1st) many Koreans are starting to change their views of mixed-race Koreans. -- This article completely disgusted me. It is very sad that a country needs someone like Hines Ward to become the Superbowl MVP for them to realize how poorly they treat their citizens. I am well aware that Koreans (mostly) favor staying in the Korean gene-pool, but this is 2006 not 1800. This is very similar to the handicapped persons plight in Korea 15-25 years ago, and still continuing today. Ask yourself, how often do you see a handicapped person in Korea? On the subway or any means of public transportation. We are all human beings.

Everyone has to take that first step, before they can begin to run. Hopefully it is not people just caught up in the moment. As Heinz Ward told his story of the discrimination he was experiencing in school was in the US. The kids are taught discrimination at home or by their friends. It is important for parents to teach their children discrimnination is wrong. I beleive all Amerasian childeren experience the taunting and teasing from their peers when they are in elementary school.

I understand they don't like retarded people either. If someone in their family is retarded, they keep them hid.

President Kennedy had a retarded sister. You didn't hear much about her, did you? Most all countries have discrimination in many areas, it just doesn't always show. Prejudice can be learned from personal experience, as well as being "taught" by parents or friends.
Some individual prejudice is well earned and well deserved! Loving everyone equally as children of God is taught by Christianity. But if someone has shown by their actions to be unworthy of trust or love, you don't have to like them.
The problem is trying not to lump ALL members of a group into your prejudicial opinion. It is hard NOT to dislike some folks if some members of a particular race have proven to be at odds with your personal ideas, and maybe caused you grief at one time in your life.

The US, as a nation has come a long way in being tolerant of others. But there is always room for improvement.

Here is another interesting article on this subject.

Maybe this will help Koreans understand the real football, the NFL!

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Good Article thanks

I would encourage all of us to read it, and admit that most of us have felt prejudice at one time or another, to a greater or lesser degree, and we can perhaps try to understand and consider the terrible consequences of leaving a mother behind to care for any child.
Visit an orphanage while you are here in Korea, and I'll guarantee you will be a better person for having done so. Remember that feeling, and continue to visit and assist another orphanage when you go back home. It truly is a better feeling to give than to receive! It is not about religion. It is about being a decent human being.

PS: We have an adopted daughter from Inchon. She graduated 6th in her high school class of 168 students. She is a Nurse in the U.S. We are very proud.

Here's another one from ESPN:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?...nfl&id=2396443

Yeah, bi-racial misunderstanding and "slighting" exists all around the globe. Just more so in some places. Korea has come a loooong way in accepting foreigners thru the years, so let's hope that carries thru to mixed blood koreans as well. I think they are making progress in their own country concerning the bi-racials or mixed bloods. Heck, even the Korean government is now talking about passing an anti-discrimination law for mixed blood koreans. But we all know it is one thing to pass a Law and another to be sociallly accepting...so let's just give them time...it will take a while to change centuries of old habits and teachings....but I think Koreans are slowly changing for the better in this area. SLOWLYYYYY.....