<p>I say this is a racist world because that’s how my parents describe it. In most situations, a good job will go to a white person rather than a foreigner unless that foreigner is particularly exceptional. </p>
<p>This is why they won’t let me major in Art or Advertising or anything like that. They laugh when I say I want to major in Philosophy and so far, I’ve only gotten away with “Biochemistry”. Currently, I’m thinking about double majoring Philo and Biochem.</p>
<p>They continue to try and scare me, showing me the resumes of natural science majors looking for a job in their agency as a mere aid.
“But she did very good. Why is she looking for a job here?”
“I don’t know. Maybe because she’s black. And Nigerian? That’s two strikes against her.” </p>
<p>So I don’t really know what to do. I am with them in wanting to have a degree that will actually make me money even if I decide NOT to go to graduate school. I’m sick of their point of view. I’d like some others, especially if you have experience. </p>
<p>quitejaded, I believe you can find minorities and foreigners in every field of work and study. I don’t deny that the bar is often higher for nonwhites, but you must follow your own interests. If you do, you will willingly expend time and effort to achieve the necessary excellence.</p>
<p>OK, I’m not gonna say racism doesn’t exist…but the truth is…MOST employers will not factor your race into the equation when looking at you as a potential job applicant. In fact, many companies have affirmitive action policies that make it NECESSARY for them to pick you over the white person, not the other way around.</p>
<p>It’s true, we do live in an unfair world and yes, there are racist interviewers, racist company owners. But the fact of the matter is it’s not as prevalent as it once was, and I think your parents are a little stuck back in time. </p>
<p>If somebody doesn’t want to hire you because of your race, don’t work there. The vast majority of job opportunities you get are NOT going to be like that. Don’t go into the real world thinking that it is against you. You’ve got to have a realistic view of the imperfections of the human race…but you also have to be optimistic and see the best in people before you make radical assumptions. </p>
<p>Give the world a chance and see for yourself if your parents’ theory holds water. It’s the only way to do it.</p>
<p>But there seems to be two issues here, and the second is earning a practical degree. Look, if you really want to major in philosophy, do it - but you should research what kind of job opportunities are available and see if you can make a decent living out of it. Your parents are right in that you should pick a major that you will enjoy but will also provide you with a roof over your head. There IS a common ground there.</p>
<p>There may also be one huge difference between you and your parents and their contemporaries–the speaking of English without a heavy accent. Sometimes what comes off as racism may be prejudice against those whose English, while perhaps perfect, is not as easy to understand.</p>
<p>Or perhaps employers who don’t want to deal with the hassles of checking green cards? I don’t think it’s racism to prefer an American to a foreigner all else being equal with two candidates.</p>
<p>You still need the company to sponsor a work visa for you even you are a WHITE foreigner. Most companies are more welling to sponsor work visas for someone with technical skills. I wonder how many companies can justify their work visa applications for philosophers. Yes, those companies might also prefer someone who can speak perfect English without an accent. After all, you have to communicate with your co-workers, bosses and customers. </p>
<p>There may not be many job opportunities for philosophy major even you are a WHITE AMERICAN. It is not racism. It is capitalism.</p>
<p>Actually, some employers like foreigners (as long as they don’t need to deal with getting them visas).
To come here from a foreign country and be successful at what you are doing takes a special kind of courage and determination. This kind of employees are a pre-selected pool of people who are often much more committed to work hard and succeed. Smart employers know that.</p>