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Baye McNeil
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / BLACK EYE
Dec 16, 2019
The push for change in the 2010s: The first step is recognizing the problem
Japanese companies have been waking up to the idea that offending some of their customers might be bad for business.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / BLACK EYE
Nov 3, 2019
Despite what you see online, strive to be 'anti-yappari'
A video of an altercation in a Starbucks involving a black man, Japanese staff and a non-Japanese bystander will likely further nasty stereotypes.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / BLACK EYE
Sep 30, 2019
Say bad thing, read boilerplate apology: Japan, we can do better
A joke about her skin hasn't bothered Naomi Osaka, but there are broader ramifications from such kind of comedy.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / BLACK EYE
May 15, 2019
A tale of two ads (and two different sets of eyes)
Since many Japanese people don't have the opportunity to interact with black people in their daily lives, how the community is represented in the national media is important.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / BLACK EYE
Feb 20, 2019
The onus is still on us to be black history
A few years back, I wrote a piece for Black History Month in which I challenged people of African descent living here in Japan to "be black history." I implored them not to necessarily dwell on the past but to: "Dwell on the now instead. Because everything you do now becomes history and herstory the...
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Jan 30, 2019
Episode 6: What a week for Naomi Osaka
This week on Deep Dive, Oscar Boyd is joined by Baye McNeil and Joel Tansey to discuss Naomi Osaka's rise to the top and a recent case of whitewashing.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / BLACK EYE
Jan 19, 2019
Someone lost their noodle making this new Nissin ad featuring Naomi Osaka
This month, cup noodle maker Nissin served up its animated "Hungry to win" ad campaign, drawn by "Prince of Tennis" artist Takeshi Konomi and featuring actual tennis prince Kei Nishikori and our newest bona fide global star, Naomi Osaka.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / BLACK EYE
Dec 19, 2018
For me, 2018 was the year Japan began to listen
One day next year, and the year after that, someone will ask me in the course of a conversation why I decided to stay in Japan. I know this because it ranks among the top questions I'm asked — by Japanese and non-Japanese alike — since I arrived here back in 2004. And on the day I'm asked, my answer...
Japan Times
COMMUNITY
Dec 1, 2018
'We felt the need to mix it up: Japanese and hip-hop culture'
It has been a hot year for viral dance challenges and Japan has had its fair share. The most notable was the craze surrounding Da Pump's "U.S.A.," attempted by everyone from teenagers on TikTok to U.S. Marines on YouTube.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / BLACK EYE
Oct 17, 2018
The empty seat on a crowded Japanese train: 10 years on, the 'gaijin seat' still grates
If you're a conspicuous non-Japanese living in the country, then you've likely experienced the empty-seat phenomenon with varying frequency and intensity.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / BLACK EYE
Sep 16, 2018
To black up or not to black up for 'Othello,' that is the question
As a Tokyo theater offers another Othello in blackface, Baye McNeil argues that breaking out the shoe polish is the laziest yet most problematic option.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / BLACK EYE
Aug 19, 2018
Whatever the role, if it's tough, 'Chuck can do it'
Bothered by the acting parts offered to black people in Japan, action man Chuck Johnson started his own production company.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / BLACK EYE
Jul 22, 2018
With Japan trip, New York teacher proves to inner-city students that sky's the limit
In an epic feat of fundraising, teacher Eric Jordan has completed his mission to bring some less-than-privileged students from Brownsville, Brooklyn, to Japan.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / BLACK EYE
Jun 17, 2018
Turning Japanese: Newly naturalized African ex-American has skin in the game
What motivated Henry Moreland Seals to decide that he'd sooner salute the Hinomaru than the Stars and Stripes?
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / BLACK EYE
May 20, 2018
Are black people dangerous for Japan?
Yes, if you're a backward-thinking, race-baiting YouTuber who fears the inevitable change we represent.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / BLACK EYE
Apr 22, 2018
The hoops worth going through
The challenges of coaching basketball in Japan keep Samir St. Clair on a winning streak
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / BLACK EYE
Mar 18, 2018
Could 'Black Panther' change how Japanese view people of color?
While the film may mean one small step for attitudes here, it represents a big-cat leap for black people's view of ourselves.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / BLACK EYE
Jan 10, 2018
Time for Japan to scrub off that blackface — for good
Oops, they did it again: offensive makeup for laughs on TV. But some Japanese viewers are far from amused.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / BLACK EYE
Dec 17, 2017
What the world needs right now is more Kwanzaa
Although the celebration was designed as a Pan-African affair, its seven principles could benefit every one of us.
Japan Times
COMMUNITY / Our Lives / BLACK EYE
Nov 29, 2017
The consummation of cool is a funny business for comedian Ike Nwala
Turn on the TV in Japan and you're likely to see a black face from time to time. Rarely will it be in a drama, but on game shows, variety and comedy shows, even some commercials. I wouldn't say we're commonplace, but we're out there. And, honestly, I used to dread every instance. Still do, actually,...

Longform

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