A Nigerian teacher living and working in Japan, known online as @gamezu3, has shared a painful experience of racism she encountered abroad. Having moved from Nigeria to Japan for a teaching position, she was deeply affected by a disturbing incident in which a student called her a monkey and used racial slurs.
In a video posted online, the teacher expressed her anguish in Pidgin English, saying, “This una abroad tier me! #FixAfrica.” Her emotional response quickly went viral, sparking a range of reactions from viewers.
Many online commenters shared their own experiences and offered support. Some suggested ways to handle the situation, like responding in Yoruba, while others, like Gerald, highlighted the profound impact of experiencing racism firsthand.
Here are a few comments from the discussion:
- Mrs. A commented: “Lol, just reply in Yoruba that they are the ones who are like monkeys. I can’t see myself crying over such things.”
- Gerald noted: “From a distance, you might not grasp the pain of racism until you experience it directly. It’s especially disheartening the first time it happens.”
- Alex, a fellow black person, said: “This thing pains me too. Seeing you cry makes me upset.”
- Virtue Samuel shared: “Yesterday someone asked me if we had lions in my country. I told him that I share a bed with my cobra. He’s been scared of me ever since.”
- Brenda added: “That’s why, as Kenyans, we’re working on fixing our own country. We don’t want to go abroad when we can make things better at home. Other Africans should consider this approach as well. Running away doesn’t solve the problem.”
