Business not doing well? Get a white friend

Smittie61984 · 07-01-2010, 01:04 PM

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/0..._n_629973.html

Quote:

To some, it's known as "White Guy Window Dressing." Others call it "The Token White Guy Gig" or even a "Face Job."

These are terms used to describe a recently established practice employed by Chinese firms, who are willing to pay high prices for fair-skinned expatriates to act as faux employees and white-collar business partners -- all in an effort to impress other area businesses.

According to a blitz of news reports, the practice works as a complex, if bogus, promotional tool. To the Chinese public, the number of foreigners a company has is believed to have a direct correlation to its level of prestige, money and authority -- which, in turn, increases their chances of securing additional business. In an increasingly globalized Chinese workforce, an office's "diversity," real or not, makes it seem more international.

The practice, sources say, is rooted in the Chinese concept of "face," or the positive public expression of one's identity. As such, the "Token White Guy Gigs" are usually secured by Caucasian expats, including actors and English teachers, all hungry for work. Once "hired," many of the expats say they aren't given much instruction other than to sit and appear as though they understand as little Chinese as possible. Yet if the opportunity for a public event such as a party arose, they were given the red-carpet treatment, including cocktails
and police escorts.

While it may sound like nice work if you can get it, most Chinese employment experts believe it will be little more than a passing fad.

Dave · 07-01-2010, 01:31 PM

Sign me up

Particle Man · 07-01-2010, 01:34 PM

aren't there a bunch of movies about this concept?

defector · 07-01-2010, 01:55 PM

When the business stats tanking, does whitey have to kill himself?

smileyman · 07-01-2010, 02:00 PM

Oh yeah, I am definitely pale enough to pull this off. I even like eating at The Panda. Go Peoples Republic!

Smittie61984 · 07-01-2010, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by defector

When the business stats tanking, does whitey have to kill himself?

What happens everytime a white person doesn't want to do a job. They hire Mexicans.

Homeslice · 07-01-2010, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smittie61984

What happens everytime a white person doesn't want to do a job. They hire Mexicans.

Or rather, what happens when American companies don't want to pay real wages anymore.

Trip · 07-01-2010, 02:13 PM

awesome, i want in

Mudpuppy · 07-01-2010, 02:30 PM

definitely would do this gig..

goof2 · 07-01-2010, 03:00 PM

It reminds me of stories I have heard (all 2nd, 3rd, or more hand stories, nothing verifiable so don't take it as fact) of small businesses that want to contract with the government getting a minority or a woman as a front for the company. They then get disadvantaged small business status and priority for government business.

07-01-2010, 01:34 PM	#3
Particle Man Custom User Title Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Central NY Moto: 2003 SV650S Posts: 14,959	aren't there a bunch of movies about this concept? __________________ I'm not "fat." I'm "Enlarged to show texture." Handle every stressful situation like a DOG: If you can't eat it or hump it, pi$$ on it & walk away.

07-01-2010, 01:55 PM	#4
defector My balls, your chin Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: The desert of Az Moto: 929, SV650, YZ250 Posts: 1,917	When the business stats tanking, does whitey have to kill himself? __________________ Reading this signature may give you special powers, including the ability to run through walls. You should try it immediately.

07-01-2010, 02:00 PM	#5
smileyman White Trash Hero Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NW Arkansas Moto: Buell 1125R Porco Rosso Edition Posts: 4,895	Oh yeah, I am definitely pale enough to pull this off. I even like eating at The Panda. Go Peoples Republic! __________________ Arkriders.com To be the best you must first be willing to risk the worst!

07-01-2010, 02:30 PM	#9
Mudpuppy South of Heaven Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Michigan Moto: 2006 Yamaha R1 50th Anniversary Edition Posts: 1,491	definitely would do this gig.. __________________ Mudpuppy Redline Superbike http://www.redlinesuperbike.com/ Learn about photography: ATP Members

07-01-2010, 01:31 PM	#2
Dave Chaotic Neutral Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cherry Hill NJ Moto: GV1200 Madura, Hawk gt Posts: 13,992	Sign me up

07-01-2010, 02:13 PM	#8
Trip Hold mah beer! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: 80 Miles South of Moto Heaven Moto: 08 R1200GS Posts: 23,268	awesome, i want in

07-01-2010, 03:00 PM	#10
goof2 AMA Supersport Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 4,756	It reminds me of stories I have heard (all 2nd, 3rd, or more hand stories, nothing verifiable so don't take it as fact) of small businesses that want to contract with the government getting a minority or a woman as a front for the company. They then get disadvantaged small business status and priority for government business.