[gfell]

Yes, unfortuntely the sad reality is that "racism" still very much exists in the English teaching industry, and especially so in Taiwan. The blame is not on the students, nor the schools, but on the parents of these kids.

Being born a native English speaker, but having a non-caucasian appearance can go against you in your search for well paid teaching jobs. Unfortunately this is a reality we have to accept at this stage. If a schools hires "Asian" native English teachers, then their is a possible chance that student enrolments at that school will decline.

As for non-native English speakers not getting a teaching job, it's not because of your appearance mainly, but because of the fact that your accent is rather thick and difficult to understand. That's why many of you wont get replies from job applications even though the recruiter hasn't even seen your face yet.

You just have to accept it the way things are I'm afraid. My real sympathy goes to native English speakers of a non-caucasian appearance. These guys are totally qualified, yet the colour of their skin limits their success. Totally wrong.