BlackXpat

It just occured to me that I haven't clarified why I'm writing in this journal and the purpose of this site.  I won't pretend that it doesn't provide some form of therapy for me as I deal with life's trials and tribulations, but I also to educate the growing number of individuals out there who have been given the opportunity or is thinking about expanding their horizons, and to provide them with the insight I have gained living abroad for five years.    But due to who I am and the social dynamics of my home country, I MUST focus on the unique nature and  phenonmena of being a black male in America  with these experiences as well.  I'm not feeling too objective today so I will try not to sound too one sided.  But I like to call a spade a spade.  To start with a few simple explanation of reverse culture shock:

1.  Reverse culture shock is the process of readjusting, reacculturating, and reassimilating into one's own culture after living in a different culture for a significant period of time. (Kevin F. Gaw, University of Nevada).

2.  Reverse culture shock has been described as the "unexpected confrontation with the familiar" or "deculturation."

3.  "Reverse culture shock results from the psychological and psychosomatic consequences of the readjustment process to the popular culture" (Jennifer Huff, Journal of Psychology and Theology). 

To sum it all up would be situations like not being able to stand your home country anymore, or many traits it exemplifies, or the inability to express the new you as your home country squeezes you neatly into place with its institiutional and cultural contraints.  That's not even including whatever ethnic background you may belong to.  

That's why I stress the importance of having a plan before returning home, especially if you are not immediately planning on going to school or having a job lined up.  Unfortunately, in my case, I returned home with savings and thoughts of ironing out what to do next after I came home.  Not a good idea.  As issues arose, I became more and more cynical, and the need to give others a heads up became stronger.  I have listed below the what I felt I was thrown into without warning when I returned and still deal with to this day.   I will talk more on this tomorrow.

Ok, I talk about this alot on this site but I can't stress enough the importance of perception and making money through inventive marketing.  This entry goes out especially to those of you who are still residing abroad and you are unsure of what to do when you return.  Don't wait! Look around you and start noticing things (even if you have been abroad for awhile and you have grown accustomed to things) that you know you will not be able to get when you go home.  I can't tell you how many things that I noticed AFTER I returned home that would have been money makers had I decided to do a little creative marketing for my American public. 

For example, some people are not aware that Acura vehicles are not marketed as a generate, luxury line of Honda in Japan.  Acura was created for the American market, and Honda decided to capitalize on the perception of "luxury" and "exclusivity" the American public responds to so well. 

The same is true for Toyota and its Lexus line.  There is a huge market for hard to find videos and anime (if you are in Japan). Americans are willing to pay top dollar for hard to find media and information due to America's closed nature regarding sources  from foreign countries.  Satellite tv and cable is no longer filling the void most people are feeling in regards to satisfying their need for authentic material from abroad.  My first suggestion would be to survey the market during the coming holidays and find out what people are interested in, and try to fill that need through ebay, amazon, or any of the other sites where online auction is available.  Cafepress is great too.    Remember to keep those wheels turning!

Whoa...I can't believe its been a week since my last entry...its been a rough week trying to juggle work and school.  I'll have to figure out a way to make this site happen regardless of my schedule.  Will post soon.

Too busy working on multiple projects to post this weekend, I will be sure to follow through on Monday.  Have a great weekend.  Peace.

I wanted to be sure and include information that was given to me by a dear friend in New Zealand concerning a recent declaration that was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on September 13, 2007. It is called the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and has been in negotiation for more than 20 years between nation-states and Indigenous Peoples. I have included a full text pdf link of the declaration here. It is important to note here that out of 147 votes there were only four against the declaration. How ironic that each of them were western controlled nations. Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and finally the US opposed the forward thinking resolution to the horrid past each country is marred with (some worse than others) concerning the original people of the land they now reside on. If we are truly heading toward a global society, as is often preached by western media, then it is imperative for us to address the sins of the past in a constructive, fair manner. By not signing the declaration in this day and age can do nothing for these countries but cast a shadow of embarrassment and hypocrisy over them. If case you are wondering, the current definition for Indigenous Peoples can be found here.   Below is also a telecast from Maori television (also sent by a friend in New Zealand) which seems to take the debate in new directions as two perspectives are showcased among the indigenous people there. Also, view the reaction of Northern leaders over Canada's refusal to sign. Surprisingly, there was not much information available concerning the reasons why the United States refused to sign. Go figure.

I was going through some pictures the other day and I came across some a few friends took in Thailand during one of its mega-mushroom and debauchery inducing parties.  For those who are unaware of what goes on when western tourist leave their home country for distant indigenous island off the coast of somewhere this party is a great example.  Every month on the island of   Ko Phanghan, where the moon is as large and blinding as the sun at high noon, a party is thrown which includes a wide variety of music, vending, and tourist.  It is a must for the first time young and joy-seeking traveler looking to make all of his/her far away land fantasies come true.  But first, make sure you secure a proper passport and vaccinations before traveling.  I found a great website here for that.  And just in case you need visuals to assist your fantasies I have provided a short video presentation for your viewing pleasure.   I'm sure you'll have just as many laughs as I did watching so many people make a complete @##$ of themselves.  Peace.

 
In Chicago, Kenyan runner Patrick Ivuti won the marathon in 2:11:11. Berhane Adere of Ethiopia defended her title as female champion with a win in 2:33:49.  But there was little time to celebrate as a 35 year old police officer died of a heart attack in the middle of the race.  In fact, many others suffered heat related illnesses as the race progressed.  It was finally called to a halt after 3.5 hours.  It was later found that the officer died of a pre-diagnosed heart disease, but the heat probably had a lot to do with it as well.  I don't understand why they don't start the race around 3-5 am to beat peak tempertures.  I've heard of many marathons that start in the early morning hours around the world just to avoid incidents like this.  Nevertheless, a congratulations is in order for Patrick Ivuti and Berhane Adere.  Hooray!!