Reflections of an Oriental Southern Belle Teaching Sociology in Arkansas

A Japanese woman describes her experiences in moving from Ohio to teach at the U of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1988. Differences identified in the southern US setting include: older students from lower middle-class & working-class backgrounds; difficulties in the teacher's understanding the southern accents, & the students understanding the teacher's accent; arrogance from some older white male students; opposition to feminist issues, especially from males; & sensitive topics, eg, such as religion, gun control, fundamentalism, conservatism, & sexism. The use of humor improved communication with her students, as did sharing experiences of Japan & new experiences in Ark as a bridge to overcoming cultural differences, (almost) mastering a southern accent. Being racially "neutral" -- neither black nor white -- led to positive open discussions on race & ethnic relations. S. Dilts