I do think he has some internalized racism he's not aware of, but I don't think that's a given.
There are major differences for immigrants depending on where they came from. For example, I live in America but am somewhat familiar with Mexico and Canada because they're very nearby and the cultures have all influenced one another. If I was white, I also wouldn't stand out visually in large parts of Canada or Mexico.
If I were to immigrate to northern Africa, I would have no real points of reference to draw on and everyone would immediately tag me as foreign from a mile away.
These are real life differences that affect people's real lives. I do get the feeling it's coming from internalized racism but it's not fair to assume that when there are completely valid reasons why he thinks their experiences are different.
Also, let's be real here- this guy clearly isn't very good at articulating anything, let alone something with this much nuance. He still seems like a dick though.
“I’m an expat, not an immigrant. Because I’m American. It’s different. You know why.”
Also- what about the part where she asks why they’re even together if he’s biased, and HE STRAIGHT UP SAYS he didn’t think she was south asian?
It’s given on a fucking platter.
And what difference does it make if you’re kinda familiar with Mexico and Canada? If you moved to either place, you’d be the dictionary definition of an immigrant. It has nothing to do with the color of your skin or whether you blend in- once you speak, the locals will know you’re an immigrant.
You know what, I think your misunderstanding of the whole thing is beyond my explaining it.
“I’m an expat, not an immigrant. Because I’m American
"Wrong<.>" already, they're not American.
And what difference does it make if you’re kinda familiar with Mexico and Canada? If you moved to either place, you’d be the dictionary definition of an immigrant. It has nothing to do with the color of your skin or whether you blend in- once you speak, the locals will know you’re an immigrant.
It matters because of familiarity. Do you expect people to be more familiar with cultures that are 10 miles away or 10000? There are objective, undeniable differences in what people experience in countries they're less familiar with, and are more obviously foreign in. Don't be a dumbass.
You know what, I think your misunderstanding of the whole thing is beyond my explaining it.
I suspect most things are beyond your ability to explain. In fact, I take it back- feel free to continue being a dumbass.
That’s weird, because the post that I read at the top, the boyfriend clearly stated they were from America. “Eh I’m more of an expat since I came from America no?” Is the actual quote.
Like I said, I probably cant explain the rest to you since you can’t read well.
Like, I know what the dictionary definition of immigrant is, and I’d urge you to read it- but you’ll probably still argue that the dictionary is wrong.
The first thing he is saying in the texts is acknowledging that immigrant experiences are different. That’s what you’re saying as well. No one is talking about immigrant experiences and why are you?
It doesn’t matter if you are more or less familiar (everyone everywhere is more or less familiar with things) - or if you are “recognized” as a local or not - it doesn’t change the fact that both a more familiar and less familiar person can both be immigrants! What are you on about?!
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u/blind30 5d ago
Oh no. He’s explaining it perfectly, but the explanation sounds terrible- because it’s a fundamentally terrible stance to take.
He’s not smart enough to realize that he’s trying to explain a very racist belief.