Racism usually ushers notions of strained black and white relations. However, in the very diverse Los Angeles area, Korean and Latino relations have evoked recent interest and study:

Relations between Koreans and Latinos are fueled by economic gain as well as a mutual understanding of each other. Because both are immigrant communities, they have many things in common. Jeannette Diaz-Veizades, a professor at Saybrook Graduate School in San Francisco says that ‘it’s two invisible communities trying to struggle by’ and that both are ‘immigrant, politically marginalized communities.’ Both groups also rely heavily on their children to translate English since it’s not their first language. The children of these immigrants, therefore, have to adjust to living in bicultural or even multicultural environments.

However, racial prejudices and stereotypes cannot be ignored in any issue involving two groups. When interviewed, a Korean storeowner honestly admitted that " ‘some Koreans think they are closer to white than black or brown, so they think they’re superior.’ " A study done by Diaz-Veizades and Edward Chang, a professor of ethnic studies at University of California, Riverside, found that Latinos were more flattering regarding Koreans than vice versa.

Despite some tensions and mutual misunderstandings, the Latinos and Koreans have a growing economic relationship. The study found that nearly 75% of all Korean businesses in Los Angeles have hired Latino immigrants at one time (as researched by UCLA assistant professor Kyeyong Park). Chang explains why Koreans tend to hire Latinos instead of blacks:

‘There’s less tension in terms of cultural differences, and the fact that they both don’t speak English fluently, so there’s no inferiority complex. If you were to hire an African American, he would speak the language better than you do.’

Since Latinos are newcomers, they are willing to work hard for minimum pay and are less likely to complain than U.S.-born employees. The shared immigrant experience seems to bond the two groups. Although relations between Latinos and Koreans are progressing, Chang says that " ‘I don’t think there’s a strong interaction between the communities yet. It’s going to take time.’ "

1. How do stereotypes and media strain the Korean-Latino relationship? How can we better communicate and understand these stereotypes?
2. What are some tangible ways to educate people about other cultures, especially Latinos and Koreans?

1. This is a fairly new relationship that is developing within the U.S. We need to continue to guide people to a mindset of cultural tolerance.
2. Using their commonality as U.S. immigrants, Latinos and Koreans can use their similar struggles to build strong bonds.

Nam Hee Kim cCYS

IMPLICATIONS

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

Rears, D. (1998, September 23). "Koreatown tolerance is model of promise; race: Latinos are the majority, koreans the keepers of commerce. Both find common goals." Los Angeles Times (Home Ed.). p. A1.

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