I’ve been struggling with an abstract idea that came to me – moving from being an exception to being a possibility. I understand that often VEM-NESTs are seen as an exception to a widely held definition that native speakers are White. I struggle with the implication that using my Canadian identity makes me “more” White and therefore a native speaker of English – an exception but not necessarily a possible option. Or am I looking into this too much? Am I making a case for discrimination when in fact, by stating my Canadian identity it benefits me as an EFL professional by aligning myself to being a native speaker and therefore continuing the cycle?
It’s beneficial for me professionally to be identified as a native speaker of English and I struggle with this. I know that there shouldn’t be a hierarchy based on the type of English that I use. Yet the reality is that students/schools (and the industry as a whole) prefers to employ native speakers. In general they are given the better positions, job prospects and pay in EFL contexts around the world. So for me as a native speaker of English I know that this is unfair yet I am in a comfortable position to cast my egalitarian opinion while enjoying the privilege of my status. It’s hypocritical and yet, here I am.
So how to get beyond this state? I understand the why but not quite the how.
