What pisses me off
...is when high educated immigrants come to Sweden and get a shitjob because of their origin and their Swedish language skill.
I have noticed that a large percentage of all immigrants (especially from the middle east) in Sweden were all well-educated in their home countries, being data consultants, had taken phD's, doctors, lawyers etc. Those people are extremely intelligent people, and they come to Sweden, trying to learn the language properly (it's HARD especially when you're in your thirties), but of course they will never get rid of their native language's accent, and because of that they are getting punished here in Sweden when they cannot find a proper job. Instead they have to work as cleaning ladies, taxidrivers or any other low-income job.
My dad is a perfect example of this, luckily he has continued to focus on his career in China so he doesn't have to experience this kind of humiliation.
It's sad to see that these talents are getting ignored by the Swedish society, they don't have the possibility or chance to use their academical skills here in Sweden just because of their origin and the language barrier.
And then I see the paradox in China. When a foreigner goes to China, he doesn't only get respected but also get a higher salary than the locals for doing the same job, when he doesn't even understand Chinese...
Life is so unfair and this also explains what kind of world we are actually living in.
I have noticed that a large percentage of all immigrants (especially from the middle east) in Sweden were all well-educated in their home countries, being data consultants, had taken phD's, doctors, lawyers etc. Those people are extremely intelligent people, and they come to Sweden, trying to learn the language properly (it's HARD especially when you're in your thirties), but of course they will never get rid of their native language's accent, and because of that they are getting punished here in Sweden when they cannot find a proper job. Instead they have to work as cleaning ladies, taxidrivers or any other low-income job.
My dad is a perfect example of this, luckily he has continued to focus on his career in China so he doesn't have to experience this kind of humiliation.
It's sad to see that these talents are getting ignored by the Swedish society, they don't have the possibility or chance to use their academical skills here in Sweden just because of their origin and the language barrier.
And then I see the paradox in China. When a foreigner goes to China, he doesn't only get respected but also get a higher salary than the locals for doing the same job, when he doesn't even understand Chinese...
Life is so unfair and this also explains what kind of world we are actually living in.
Labels: Shopgirl's words
posted by Shopgirl at 10:44 PM
16 Comments:
Seriously, can you have more photos of yourself on this page? I think that kinda pisses me off.
I have to disagree a little here Shopgirl. Why are they going to Sweden in the first place? It's a choice and they are aware of the difference in their career prospects but still choose to go. There must be something that attracts them.
My parents moved to England in the 1960s and of course they had a tougher life to start with. England didin't recognise their qualifications because China has different standards and if they wanted to practice in the UK they needed to pass the local exams and meet the UK standard. I think that's fair.
Some jobs, language is very important and affects how well you can do the job. Other jobs (perhaps computer programming or something) requires less language ability but it could still be important.
As for foreigners in China, well, I get paid a higher salary than locals but it's because my employer cannot find someone who can do the job locally because of my experience and skills. But ONE DAY for sure, locals will be able to do my job and I will be sent home or my salary will be adjusted and I can choose to stay or leave. It's simple market forces, supply and demand.
Hong Kong was like this. Years ago, all foreigners arriving in HK were big shot bosses on huge packages with schooling and drivers. Those days are long gone and many new arriving expats are more likely to be working in bars or sandwich shops as more locals are able to fill the managerial positions.
Of course, I have seen examples of expats here who are complete losers in their home country and know absolutely nothing but their Chinese employers think they are great simply because they are white. But that's a different story altogether.
PS I have no issues with your photos, except they are nearly all from exactly the same angle (your left side!)
Woaizhongguo:
I'm sorry if I was unclear but I was referring to those you said in your last meaning, those who are employed by chinese bosses justbecause of their face.
A lot of immigrants in Sweden do not come here by choice, they come here as they have to because of instability in their home countries, or they are real expats (those who don't want to join a war, but is forced to), etc.
About the pictures, Xiaxue has around 600 or even more photos of herself, I don't really think I'm that bad.
Yes, it's from the left angle because I prefer it that way.
God Morgon young lady!
I think you are right. We swedes are higly provinsial and not so
good to take care of foreigners.
My father lived 17 years in United
States and I conclude as part of my experiences that China is better than Sweden. But Sweden is a far better land than USA
Who can tell me why in so called free western world where there is no censor, people always get no or negative information about China?
80% they leave their homecountry becuz they want to make more money. not because their country is instable, but their country is poor
"A lot of immigrants in Sweden do not come here by choice, they come here as they have to because of instability in their home countries, or they are real expats (those who don't want to join a war, but is forced to), etc."
erm yeah they did!!! They chose to go to Sweden, no one physically made them go. They chose to go as life in China wasnt cutting it for them and they felt they could do better abroad.
and is it just me or does "they are real expats (those who don;t want to join a war, but were forced to)" not make sense.
i wonder if it would be a good idea to employ lots of highly educated immigrants in sweden or other european countries... it would be a challenge to overcome language problems, but there is also a lot of unused talent for grabs out there
anonymous:
Instability, I mean wars. Are you saying those people should remain in theit countries and get killed?
At the moment I don't know the english word for krigsförbrytare, but I think it's expat (the english word), not sure, let me come back to you.
Shopgirl, expat is short for expatriate. It means people working in a foreign country. I am an expatriate as I am a British citizen working in China. I think maybe you mean "refugee" or "asylum seekers".
I like your blog but I think you are way off here. How can you expect Sweden to offer them the same jobs as they had in their home country. The laws are different so they'd need to study the Swedish law first. If they are doctors, the standards are different, they can just start practising as a doctor as soon as they land in Sweden from Vietnam or Cambodia or China. In some countries the standards are also lower. I know many Chinese doctors are very poorly qualified in western medicine. Isn't it good enough that Sweden allows them to enter and live there to escape the tyranny of their home countries? You are being a little too naive and idealistic I think.
It works both ways. I have rejected some foreigners who want jobs in my company because they would not be able to deal with Chinese speaking clients.
It would be totally different if they were 100% qualified and discriminated against which of course does happen but that is a different story.
Woaizhongguo:
Im sorry, I mean refugees! You are definitely right in what you are saying, that not as qualified people shouldn't get the job? But have you thought of that they have to work as cleaning ladies, picking up tickets from people, etc? I'm sure there are other job titles that would suit these talents better. Let's also not forget about they ARE able to speak Swedish, but there's a certain accent.
Because democracy is hypocritical.
Then when hiring not only have you take into account qualifications, but culture, communication skills, work ethic and so on.
Alot of expats who have moved to Shanghai discover culture differences in the work place, however they have something to offer that locals can not provide.
So even if say a chinese who was overseas on paper may be better qualified for a position, the local would still be best for the job.
Its really not that simple.
Exactly!! Why is the Chinese society so attracted to everything white? why do we have different standards for the foreigners and for our own people? i think this is a great injustice that is done to ourselves by ourselves, maybe its the result of the 200 years of humiliation we received under foreign powers. But totally agree, this happens in Canada too, it gets to me more cause i think the older Chinese generation actually accept this fact.
Post a Comment
<< Home