I'm not going to post behind the veil of anonymous monk. I, too, work in Canada. Spent 5 years working for a fairly large company in Toronto before venturing West. I still work for the same large company in Toronto, from home.

I recently switched jobs. In my last team, my manager was Chinese (Hong Kong), my star performer was a Chinese woman (mainland), and we laid off another Chinese woman in one round of layoffs (since she was the poorest performer on the team, and someone had to go). We've had many Chinese student hires, some of whom were fabulous, some of whom were merely mediocre.

My current team is managed by a Chinese woman (I'm not sure where her background is yet - I haven't been on the team that long) and has many Chinese on it (as well as non-Chinese). I'll have two Chinese men reporting to me, and two "white" men. Thus far, no complaints.

As you probably know, but many others may not, Toronto has one of the highest Chinese populations outside of China. It even has two "Chinatowns." Having moved back to Western Canada, I don't see nearly the proportion of Chinese as I did in Toronto. However(!), I don't see them being really that different from most other cultures as far as domineering or sucking-up is concerned. I've seen my share of domineering people from Middle-Eastern backgrounds, European backgrounds, Central Asian backgrounds (India and Pakistan have been most of my experience), etc. And I've seen demure people from all backgrounds. I do not see any correlation here. I think you've just had some bad luck in whom you've worked with.

I find a bigger correlation is with the corporation's culture. Where domination and sucking up are rewarded, you'll find more people adapting to one, the other, or both personality types. Regardless of their own backgrounds. It may tick off those who aren't willing to "succeed at all costs," but some people have that attitude and will do whatever works.

"I'm not racist, but ..." I'm not going to get into a philosophical or political debate about racism. However, I don't really believe you when you say that. (pg's comment notwithstanding.) You may not go out of your way to spew hatred. However, you've obviously had a few bad experiences with individuals of a certain background, and you seem to be painting the entire ethnicity with that unfortunate brush.

(Of course, I'm one to say "I'm not racist - I hate everyone equally." Or, "I'm not picking on you because you're <insert ethnicity>. I'm picking on you because you're you." Or, "I don't hate all <insert ethnicity>s. Just you.") ;-}

In reply to Re: Work in a poisoned environment by Tanktalus
in thread Reaped: Work in a poisoned environment by NodeReaper

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