Understanding the Communication Strategies of Black Teachers in Difficult Environments

This study followed eight Black teachers and highlighted their battles with interpersonal and institutional racism in China. Individual interviews were held with eight co-researchers and five high level administrators. Data was also gathered in two focus groups. The data was then analyzed using phenomenological reduction. Once methods were identified we asked our co-researchers their opinion on the methods, specifically if they found it effective or not. The study found that Black teachers utilized four methods for dealing with racism in China; 1. Retaliate, 2. Ignore, 3. Educate, 4. Assimilate. The most successful strategy for dealing with racism and discrimination was ignoring it because all of the co-researchers shared the same goal of either trying to gain employment or keeping their job. The least successful was retaliation because it added to the co-researchers sense of helplessness. Furthermore, the study proposed five steps that Black teachers and all foreigners can follow to better prepare themselves for the workplace in China: 1) Brace yourself for discrimination and understand the system that you will be living and working in. 2) Appearance matters in China. 3) Have a Chinese advocate. 4) Network with foreigners already in China. 5) Have the proper credentials.