Tyson Vieira Azusa Pacific University TESL 530: Intercultural Communication and Language Teaching
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The Observation Friday, April 17 th of this year marked a very special holiday in South Korea thats equally and traditionally celebrated on different dates throughout Asia; the birthday of Prince Siddhartha Gautma, or more commonly known as Buddha. On this national holiday, I spent much of the day observing the Korean people at my most favorite spot in the entire country, an unnamed small park on a hill between the districts of Seocho and Gangnam. Why this particular area holds my deepest favor is the fact that one can observe broad spectrums of humanity, history and influences in one place. To my left, I can observe the district of Gangnam. The name Gangnam, which translates to English as south river, held world recognition last year through the K-Pop song, Gangnam Style, which still currently holds the record as the most watched music video in history. To my right, I can barely see amongst the various tall buildings, Samsung town; the powerful corporations headquarters which buildings span about 5 blocks of prime downtown property. Behind me lies a small but popular Buddhist temple called Daeseongsa, in which today is the temples busiest time of the year. Although the temple was greatly damaged during the Korean War, it still holds remains that date over 800 years old. Directly in front of me, across the street, towers a very modern looking computer programing company, greatly symbolizing the road between ancient history to modern era within a city block. By noon, I observed men and women walking out of the computer programing building during their lunch breaks to line at front gates of the ancient temple to pay their respects to Buddha. I decided to join the line to observe the target group I hoped to learn more about in my interview the day after. A few short weeks earlier marked my one-year anniversary of living in Korea, and although Ive learned more than the average American about this particular culture and country, I still Ethnographic Report 3
become greatly confused and baffled in some of its mysteries. Every 3 months, I help train new native teachers in preparation of their new life in Korea. One thing I am always sure to tell the new recruits, Because you just landed here, you know nothing. Ive been here much longer than you; therefore I know more of nothing. As I waited in line near the 800-year-old front entrance to the main temple, I noticed a TV satellite dish on the edge of the roof, which I find quite ironic. Before I stepped into the temple, I took my Nikes off and placed them next to a similar pair, in fact most of the shoes were American brand sneakers; although its a business district, dress shoes arent as popular in a business world where its common to take shoes off before entering work. Once inside, I observed many Koreans all paying tribute in their own way to Buddha. Koreans of all ages, men and women gather together, bow and provide offerings to their Buddha and temple. I noticed various Christian jewelry and even ministers bowing and giving offerings to Buddha and his temple. This reminded me of what my girlfriend said earlier that morning, On this day, everybodys a Buddhist, even many Christians and Atheists. Although the main temple building was very small and compact, there were about 200+ people inside. I casually observed from the corner of the room, away from the crowd. I wasnt the only foreigner in the temple. I saw three other visitors paying their respects and slipping money in the offering box. Today is truly a great day to observe the culture and history of this country, probably one of the best days of any year in Asia. The back of the room, next to me, was filled with various bags, computer cases and baby carriages holding babies, so that the parents can be free and undisturbed during their few short minutes of prayer; something you would probably rarely witness in America. The monks were dressed in their usual grey robes. The rest of the Koreans consisted of businessmen in fancy suits, local tourists enjoying their Ethnographic Report 4
national holiday in the big city, and the people of Seoul, dressed the same as the country folk, very Western style jeans and t-shirts, consisting of English print. The couple in front of me, both in their early 20s, praying simultaneously, also matching in clothing from head to toe; this signifies to their society that they are in a committed relationship. After a half hour within the temple, I was told in Korean by a monk to Please, make room for coming guests which I accepted with a smile; the line I was previously in was much bigger. Walking out of the opposite side of the temple from where I entered, I noticed from a distance that I can count six different crosses from separate church steeples; from where Im standing this symbolized not only the two major religions within this country, but which one was the most dominant. Between two of the steeples, not far from the temple, I could see the golden arches of the local McDonalds. That particular view creates within me a personal sadness about the negative side of Western influences in this recently developed 1 st world country. Throughout my time here, Ive observed and witnessed so many wonderful and dark things within this country. My inspired questions came from not just the observation on Buddhas birthday, but throughout my year here as an invited guest. There are so many similarities between my country and Korea, yet even the similarities portray signs of different aspects between our cultures. Below is a list of questions I plan to use during my interview with my friend who wants to go by alias name, Sunny. Sunny is a close friend of mine, whom Ive known since my first journey to Korea. I believe she is the best qualified for this interview due to her excellent English speaking skills, honestly of the negative facets within Korean society and her conservative viewpoints having come coming from a traditional Buddhist family. Since I have known Sunny since I first came to Ethnographic Report 5
Korea over 1 year ago, our friendship allows me to ask questions that are more personal and unique. Her responses were open, honest and met with a friendly and comfortable atmosphere. How do you feel about foreigners in this country, especially teachers? When it comes to influences, do you believe they hold more positive than negative? Can you recall an example of when you were deeply offended by their behavior? Any other things offend or bother you about foreigners? What are some stereotypes you have towards Americans? Im going to give you a list of Korean and American stereotypes and you can agree, disagree, and explain. (Korean: All Koreans eat dogs; all Korean women have plastic surgery, etc. American: All Americans are war mongers,, All Americans are old and fat, etc.) When and how did you become Buddhist? What are your favorite aspects of Buddhism? Anything you dislike about the religion or from followers of that religion? Buddhism, today, is looked at as an old peoples religion. Do you find this to be true? Why is Christianity, especially American-influenced Christianity, so popular now? Do you feel Korea as a country respects women less than the U.S.? Since President Park is the first elected women leader in Korean history, do you now have high hopes that she would change the Korean women rights issue? Are you pro- or anti- Korean unification? What are your opinions of North Korea? Do you think Americans exaggerate the danger? The Interview The next day, early evening, I had dinner with my Korean cultural correspondent: Sunny. The reason why she chose that particular name is because Sun is one of the syllables in her Ethnographic Report 6
Korean name. Every Korean name, first and last, holds only 3 syllables, and Sun is a very common one; I alone know 12 Koreans who share the same syllable. She is a very beautiful young cultural news reporter (22 years old), who also has a very popular blog about restaurants and food throughout Korea. Sunny currently lives in Seoul, but recently moved from her wealthy parents house located at one of the poorest provinces in the country. Although she always dresses professionally during her work days, conservatively casual on weekends, always well-respected and gracefully mannered; she is considered rebellious by her family due to the fact that she is single, (meaning unmarried while living away from the family) she has foreigner friends, and she socializes with others not within her age group. I had her decide on the restaurant where we can conduct the interview. She wanted to hold the interview at MillerTime Bar & Grill. I asked her why this place: I thought this is a good idea for intercultural experienceAmerican influence meets Asian social structure. We are eating potato chips (French fries) and fried chicken, but look at the table next to usthey are all the same agelook at the table over therethe younger boy cant eat until his elders doand thereonly girls who are all and only teachersonly Koreans hereits not common to see mixtures. This is Eastern social practices in a Western bar.
The restaurant was a little loud because of the noisy crowd and K-Pop music blasting throughout the bar, but we were able to get our own private room, overlooking the entire bar. This was just one amongst the many gatherings Ive had with my friend Sunny, and with how she acted and dressed along with her usual friendly nonverbal communication, I knew she was comfortable as if this interview was just another night out as friends, creating a perfectly comfortable and friendly atmosphere within our booth. Throughout the entire night, our conversations and interview was met with laughter, plenty of smiles and respect; a blessing that might be difficult to find within such a closed society to Ethnographic Report 7
foreigners. Having a private booth was also a huge advantage as well, since some of the topics being discussed could be awkward and controversial to publically speak out loud. Koreans are generally very shy and worry constantly about what others think of them, in both outer appearances and mannerisms. Although Sunny is very open, honest and not a typical Korean in the sense of Western thinking, foreigner friendly, and individualistic; Sunny is Korean after all who doesnt push the cultural spheres. I do believe I am Western minded and an individual, but in a collectivist society, where the nail that stands will be hammered down, I do feel its best to be a part of this countrys slow direction and not to fight it. I do love this country dearly, and Im comfortable with my life... We talked about a few very important cultural subjects that I wanted to know more about such as Buddhism, recent political tensions between North and South Korea, foreigner influences in Korea and explanation and opinions of various stereotypes on both Koreans and Americans. I very much respect Sunnys worldview and opinion because of her great honesty. Shell indicate if Korea is in the wrong and provide her opinion as to why. Her worldview is pretty Western compared to the typical Korean, but she still holds firm to many Eastern and traditional beliefs such as Buddhism, some forms of collectivism, and conservativism (by Korean standards). She is also very well read, so her worldview seems very logical and open minded to embrace new views and beliefs. I believe that this provides a perfect balance that is rare to find in this country. Her behavior is always positive even when discussing very depressing and dark subject matter and issues such as sex slavery, racism and womens inequality in Korea. I knew Sunny very well, but through this interview, I discovered more about her and became even closer to my good friend. Ethnographic Report 8
Through my observations in Korea, I learned that honor and generosity are held in the highest regard. Before the interview, we discussed about a mutual friends wedding that was coming soon. In Korean culture, money is the essential and universally mutual gift of choice. Sunny informed me that if I give a certain amount, I should give the same to every other mutual friends wedding, because it will be discussed and judged. If I get married and invite the same friends, I will have the same amount returned. The more money one gives, the higher honor one holds for their family name. The same concept goes for graduations, birthdays and other life events. This is just one key example of Korean cultures honored and generous nature. Respect and honor seemed to be the reoccurring theme within the interview. Although Sunny voiced many controversial statements that arent generally accepted in Korean society, one can easily notice how much she respects and honors her country, family, friends and society. It is clear that Sunny was comfortable in my presence, but she still holds a respectful presence in her behavior, posture, dress appearance and mannerism, almost to the point of a professional look in Western perspective. One, almost universal, sign of respect in Korean culture is the notion of saving face. McVeigh and Wintergerst (2011) refer to it as acquired face used in social interactions of both verbal and nonverbal communication. This is a very common and disciplined sign of respect towards family, friends, co-workers and even strangers, and is typically a culture shock for both Westerners and Koreans who step into opposite worlds. Discussion There were many topics discussed in the interview, some containing deeper questions that I developed over time since arriving here in Korea, such as: Christianity turning into the dominant religion while Buddhism is now considered to be old and traditional, President Parks possibility of influencing a change in Koreas gender equality ranking as 108 th in the world, and Ethnographic Report 9
the possible collision of individualistic influences of Buddhism with a collectivist society. During my first trip to Korea, I gained the knowledge of classic and grand themes of the big C culture which are cultural artifacts that can be observed from the outside, such as music, literature, architecture, geography and historical figures. It wasnt until recently that I wanted to grasp the minor or common themes of the Korean little c culture, like everyday thinking and behavior, common traditions, practices and customs of the Korean people (Wintergerst & McVeigh, 2011). Little c culture leans more towards cultural involvement and interactive experience within the country and its people, and this is what I desired to discover more about through this interview. Sunny is a very interesting case because she holds two separate identities: primary (reserved, Korean) and her secondary (Sunny, openly Western) (Wintergerst & McVeigh, 2011). Many successfully fluent English-speaking Koreans hold two separate identities since their cultures are very closed and reserved from foreigners and their mannerisms. For example, Sunny is really quiet and reserved by her family, using her Korean name and only speaking in Korean; but when she is out with Western friends (sometimes with Korean friends), she goes by the name Sunny and she is far more outspoken and practices Western mannerisms. As fascinating as her case is, its not an uncommon feature amongst Koreans. In analyzing Korean culture, I believe that this is an interesting result of a country that went from one of the poorest countries in the world, that held only Eastern traditional values, to the 12th biggest economy with dramatic Western influence within a few short decades. Before the interview, the last time I met up with her was with her family; so during the interview, it was interesting to compare her two identities. Comparing Sunny and her grandparents, observing their mannerisms, dress apparel, Korean language, and even physical features demonstrated to me that they didnt look like they belonged Ethnographic Report 10
in the same world, let alone the same country. A large majority of the Korean elderly have very dark skin and curved backs from working outside in the fields; signs from an agriculturally dominant country, while the younger generations are extremely white due to cosmetics and indoor atmospheres. The Korean language has evolved as well, embracing more foreigner words (Konglish) due to Western influences and the rise of technology. It was interesting to note that Sunnys grandma uses a traditional word for bus (which younger generations dont understand) and there are no words in her vocabulary for computer, Internet, and cell phone. Sunny often has views and practices that are opposite of that of her family and many of those around her. But as Smith warns, we cannot focus on the visible because Sunny looks, and most of the time, acts much more conservative and traditional than those around her (2009). If I judged her by my first experience together, then possibly I would never have had the opportunity of not only a wonderful friendship, but also not being blessed with the deeper understanding of my own cultural identity (Smith, 2009). Through this interview, Ive become more aware of how to behave well as an outsider, to be a blessing as a stranger, not to know everything the native knows. This interview was an interesting outlook to Korean thinking, beliefs and worldviews, but it raised more questions, in which I need to do further research on how to ask them. With the vastness of culture, especially from two separate worlds, one can be overwhelmed, even if they are labeled a world traveler.
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Appendix A Field Notes of Observation Decided to do my observation on Buddhas birthday, so that I would have more people to observe, especially on a culturally unique time of the year. The park where I started my observation has no name that I can find, but a temple called Daeseongsa is part of the area. I can see Seochos Samsung Town, at least four of the buildings I can also see Gangnam from a distance of the park as well. Great symbolism of the Korean culture from this view. Hopefully my informant will speak a little bit about Korean history within the last century on how Korea rose from a 3 rd world country to now. Maybe ask her a question about the world famous song Gangnam Style if I have the opportunity or time to do so I am surrounded in a sea of Korean. I cant hear any English whatsoever. I dont see any foreigners yet. Compared to the area in Korea where I live, Im not being stared at as much. Mainly because foreigners are much more common in the city of Seoul. I luckily found a bench with a free spot. Its very busy in the park because of the national holiday. Koreans are dressed in their normal attire: casual Western style clothing, almost all entirely in English. Its actually rare (in comparison) to find clothing with Korean. 1 out of a 20 people is monks, mostly due to the temple nearby. There are many families enjoying themselves at the park, school and work day off. Children and adults are riding bikes, a few scooters, walking their dogs I might have to ask Sunnys opinion of Western stereotypes of Koreans eating dogs. (Q) Families enjoying the weather, it was a long, cold winter, especially up North here close to the border. Although the families are enjoying the sun. Many women are wearing long billed sun hats, so that no sun touches their face or necks, long sleeve shirts or sun umbrellas. I have to ask Bonnie about the obsession of white skin in Korea. (Q) In front of me is a computer programming buildingvery tall and uniquely modern design. I can see many workers from that computer programming building leave during their lunch breaks. Seem to head towards the temple for paying their respects and making prayers. The line is getting long very fast, I should continue my observation in line and inside the temple Ive seen maybe 20 foreigners since I started my observation, a few Ive noticed speaking German. Im the only foreigner in line for now. Ethnographic Report 12
The majority of those in line are businessmen and women, and possibly Korean tourists from the country. This isnt my first time at the park, but my first time entering this temple. Loud music playing, almost sounds Middle Eastern, but its obviously traditional Korean music. I can barely make out the lyrics being sung through the speakers. Theres a satellite dish on the side of the temple. Possibly holding more channels than I have ever owned. Observing the shoes in front of the temple, almost all are American made. No fancy shoes whatsoever, mostly sneakers. Men and women of all ages are within the temple. The decorating of the temple is magnificent, beyond what I can write about within 5 pages 3 golden Buddhas, maybe about 30 feet in height, each holding a different pose, but traditional Buddhist cross-legged stance. The walls are decorated with many beautiful colors of blue, green, red, orange, and more. Walls also have many painted pictures, possibly stories of Buddhas life. There are probably over a hundred people here, about 75% of them are bowing or are about ready to pray. Monks are dressed in their traditional, daily grey robes, who are helping direct the traffic of all the guests I notice that some of those praying are wearing crosses. I have to ask Sunny about Christians and Buddhism (Q) Im observing in the back of the room, with the bags, baby carriages with babies, laptop cases; I see one of the bags even has a Bible. I finally see a foreigner couple, ironically dressed exactly the same way as the Koreans that surround themalso have Korean branded travel bags. The only way to tell a foreigner in this country, often enough, is the ethnicity of the individual. Ive been shooed out of the temple because I was just observing and not praying. The monk was kind about it. I have been inside the temple for over a half hour, the line where I was is now double the size. I walked out the opposite end from where I entered the temple. I notice 3 churches from a distance. I have to ask Sunny about what she feels towards Christianity, Buddhism and their relationship sharing this country. (Q) Also I notice the golden arches from the local McDonalds between two of the crosses. This reminds me to ask Sunny about Western influences, politics and foreigners. Is this what they think of us, fast-food, negative influences? (Q)
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Appendix B Interview Transcription Tyson (T): So for the record, why did you choose this place? Sunny (S): I thought this is a good idea for intercultural experienceAmerican influence meets Asian social structures. We are eating potato chips (French fries) and fried chicken, but look at the table next to usthey are all the same age look at the table over therethe younger boy cant eat until his elders do only girls who are all and only teachersonly Koreans hereits not common to see mixtures. This is Asian social practices in a Western bar. T: So, SunnyI see that you brought your fancy camera for your blog, how many followers do you have, and how is that going? (S): I have 300,000 daily viewers, according to my websiteI guess its successful if restaurants pay for me to come and eatand then beg me to write a good review. All my followers thought I was really fat cause all my pictures were of food, then I posted a picture of myself and it shocked my viewers. T: Any thoughts about starting a career in that direction with food? S: Im thinking about it. I have plans and ideas on opening my own restaurant. I have several menu ideas and Im very good at artistic and decorative designs. T: That sounds like a wonderful and exciting dream. In a collective society, would that pose a greater challenge? S: Well, challenges are everywhere it seems. Like America for example, isnt it the land of opportunity but yet Wal-mart is king? Its not just starting a business thats challenging here, but creating your own business is often times seen as taboo. I have several friends here that tried to start their own businesses but its greatly frowned upon, because they are not seen as benefiting society but themselvesalmost like selfishness. Besides Im also a woman, thats a whole new challenge there. T: InterestingI betand I will get back to womens rights a little later, but speaking of collectivism, one reason why we are such close friends is because you are extremely open- minded, often Western thinkingor at least understanding, and I also believe that you are Ethnographic Report 14
individualistic. Would you view yourself as such? Do you ever have a problem living in Korean society as such? S: I do believe I am Western minded and an individualistic, but in a collectivist society, where the nail that stands will be hammered down, I do feel its best to be a part of this countrys slow direction and to not fight it. I do love this country dearly, and Im comfortable with my life, so I dont find too much of a reason to complain or fight. Harmony is my comfort. But today, its much more forgiving to be individualistic, and its promotedespecially in the bigger cities, through music, movies and literature. T: I do see that more clearly in the bigger cities as well. Yesterday, I went to Daeseongsa temple. Buddhism is a religion that really fascinates me. Im curious, when and how you became Buddhist? S: Originally, it came from my mothers side. My mothers side is entirely Buddhist, and she took me to the local temple for as long as I can remember. Ever since Western influence in our country, Korean parents have to make a choice between choosing Buddhism and Christianity and to take their child to either Christian pre-school or Buddhist pre-schoolkind of like shopping for Pepsi or Coke. Some parents even choose Christianity for their children so that maybe their children can learn English faster because of Western influences. When I became older, I went to Catholic Church because many of my friends are Catholic. I didnt feel right about it. They seem too forceful on following a particular path, and often they change their ways. I dont understand much of the Christian philosophy and viewpoints either like: Marijuana is evil yet grows from nature that God created and saw that it was good, unequally yoked means different religion now but just decades ago it meant different ethnicity, or homosexuality is evil yet Abrahams sex slaves and many wives were okayits too confusing, but yet the aspects of Christianity I enjoy are also found in Buddhism. I feel at peace with Buddhism, and satisfaction I havent found anywhere else. T: Very interesting perspectives and debates, youve done your homework. When I was in the temple, Ive observed many Koreans who had cross necklaces and other Christian jewelry. I even saw a Bible in one of the bags within the temple. My girlfriend once said Ethnographic Report 15
that On this day, everybodys a Buddhist, even many Christians and Atheists. Do you find this to be true and can you explain that? S: Your girlfriend is right with many people. Although I see Buddhism as a religion. Many view it as a philosophy, even Buddhists do. Buddha stresses to keep your religion but yet follow his philosophy. My boyfriend is Christian, and yet follows practically all the Buddhist philosophies and practices. Buddhas birthday is a special national holiday where basically everyone celebratesalthough there are some Christian protesters that vandalize and protest specifically on that day. But other than that, its widely accepted and celebrated, more as a cultural holiday than religious; this is why its a national holiday. I believe most Christians celebrate Buddhas birthday more of a cultural celebration than a religious one. Buddhism has shaped and stayed in Asia far longer than Christianity has. T: This leads to my next question: Since Christianity is the largest majority amongst religions in Korea, Buddhism is almost looked upon as a old peoples religion. A large part of the Christian percentage is the youth. Why is this and do you feel this way? It seems this is mostly Western Christianity, is it more American/Canadian based? S: I view organized religions as businesses, even Buddhism, because they constantly ask my parents for money since they are wealthy. Christian churches focused on the youth and young. They introduced things that are cool, especially American, such as rock music, art, movies, and so on. What Buddhist temples and leaders did was focus on their loyal followers and families, which lead to the groups you see today. Im not mad about Christianity, theyre just smarter businessmen than monks are. Jesus and 12 disciples started a global commercialized empire together. Christianity is a growing religion here, and is powerful. They even send missionaries to America now because they feel that the U.S. has turned immoral. But, I do believe that most of the Christian families attend their churches for local political reasoning, not necessarily for God; I see this in Buddhism as well, even amongst my own familyIm sorry if Im speaking too harshly on your faith, but I do believe you arent a part of religion like me. Buddhist and Christianity are religions, but I believe we both know the difference between spirituality and religion. Spirituality comes from above, right? Ethnographic Report 16
T: Thank you for saying so, really well said. Touching back on collectivism, the religion or spirituality of Buddhism seems very individualistic within a collective society. Buddha himself left his family in order to be enlightened, that doesnt seem like for the good of the group. Also, Confucianism seems to disfavor afterlife and focus on how to live in this current life. With these worlds constantly living together, has there been much conflict? How can you explain being Buddhist, Confucian and Collectivist at the same time? S: Wow! I see youve done your homework. The history between those three along with their conflicts would span much longer than a full night to talk about. Actually Confucianism and Buddhism had much more conflict compared to collectivism and Buddhism. Ill recommend a few books for you to read about the historical conflict. Think of it this way, Confucianism is a philosophy of rules, but it can be a religion, depends on how you take it, but it would lean more towards a one god religion, not necessarily leaning in a Christian sense because of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, but aDeist sense. Deism can flow more in harmony with Buddhism than Christianity, I believe...but maybe others would disagree. But like Catholic and Protestant history, despite their many similarities, their histories show otherwise. Once you have two worldviews close together, a fight will happen, especially with religion. Now with Buddhism and collectivismBuddha said to question everything no matter who says it, but he also said that the world is suffering, that things are what they are, so just dont try to change them. Buddha also said that there is no I and Me that that blocks our way to heaven. This is exactly how many Buddhists treat collectivism, and its worked pretty well so far. As you mentioned, most of the Buddhist population in Korea are older, well, thats the most collective people in our society. Very good question, Ive never been asked that before. T: I thought about that in the temple. Very good answers! I had no idea what to think of it yesterday. Now leaning towards foreigners, you mentioned that many Koreans find America as immoral, is this mainly due to what they witness amongst the foreigner community in Korea? How do you feel about foreigners in this country, especially teachers? Positive or Negative influences? S: I think that is a correct answer. Koreans are very judgmental amongst themselves as well as foreigners. They generalize too much as wellstereotype all foreigners often, so if one foreigner does something awful, Koreans feel that all our guilty. Most of the Western foreigners Ethnographic Report 17
in this country are teachers or military. Its easy to distinguish the two. So that doesnt really help the outlook on native teachers that much. I dont think American movies help either. Most Koreans believe that children have sex, take drugs and do crazy things in America like in the movies. Hollywood has a huge influence in how Korea views America. Every police officer is fat and every woman is a slut, while everyone else has guns. Koreans are scared of foreigners often, especially where Im from, where people rarely have any interactions with foreigners. But I know enough about foreigners that not all of them are bad, actually most of the crimes done by foreigners in Korea arent Western but Chinese and Japanese. I personally believe that foreigners are a necessity for a 1 st world countrys economy, so therefore I view them as positive. I also think foreigners educated us of the world beyond our borders here, which every country needs. I think that American children have that problem just like Korean, although our history was a closed society from the West for a long time. T: So you think foreigners positives outweigh the negatives in Korea? Can you recall an example of when you were offended by foreigners? Any other things that foreigners often do that bug, irritate and/or offend you? S: Mostly when they treat their time here like a giant party, instead of showing the respect of someones home. There are many foreigners, even teachers that get drunk publically and are mean and rude to the locals. They leave trash everywhere, say mean things and act rude, as if they are better. I see this often and it makes me really mad. They are visitors here, would you really do that to a neighbors or strangers house? Respect the locals and theyll respect you. Simple. One thing that also irritates me is when foreigner live here for awhile, but yet dont learn any of the language or customs. For example, I know a native university teacher from America that has lived here for 10 years and doesnt know more than 7 words. He even has a Korean wife! Thats disrespectful. You can learn how to read Korean in 2 days. Koreans are forced by the education system to learn English because Western powers are influencing us. So if a foreigner comes and lives in our land, he should show us the respect of learning about our land. Foreigners dont create many problems, just small local ones sometimes. Their help and education outweigh bad influences. T: I agree fully. Now moving on to a different subject; North Korea took the spotlight for a couple of months up until the Boston Marathon bombing. Many Americans and Ethnographic Report 18
Canadians back home were really scared, but yet the Korean population, from what I observed, didnt even flinch. Even the teachers that have been living here for years, treated the news as if nothing was going to happen. I was a little worried since that was my first experience of such, but should I have been? Whats your opinion with your lovely neighbors up north? Do you ever feel threatened? Does the American media exaggerate the danger? S: (After a minute of laughter) No, no danger at all. North Koreans just talk and thats it. We have nothing to worry about over here. America will protect us, because there are over a million foreigners here, and we have Samsung; I dont think America will let either of those sources go to waste. The American media exaggerates the dangers a lot, and sometimes Koreans feel like they want a war because of it. I thought the American media was so stupid, because they viewed South Korea as a dangerous place to live, while every week there was mass shootings throughout the US. I read an American newspaper that its the year of the gun. People are such at peace here. We dont really look at North Koreans as our enemy, we look at them as our cranky older uncle. They just dont know what is happening outside of their borders. I dont think the Kim family would want to have their soldiers reach Seouls borders because of the economic power we hold, that would probably cause a mutiny amongst the soldiers. Besides, Kim Jung Un loves his life, his car and his little wife. He was even educated in Europe. No, he doesnt want to face suicide just yet, that was the same for his father. All that money and power they spend on military, they will eventually try and attack. His father died suddenlyimagine if he was diagnosed with cancerthats a different problem. Then I would be scared a littlebut not much. T: So how do you feel towards Korean unification? S: This is where I stand alone with my family; but Im against reunificationactually most Koreans are in Seoul and other major cities as well. Do you think Samsung, KIA, and LG want it? They are probably the biggest powers, next to China and America, that doesnt want reunification. When East and West Germany reunited, the West took a hit economically. I dont want that for my country, but I do feel horrible for those trapped and tortured in the North. I have mixed views, but I believe as long as there is China and America, theyll always be a North and South Korea. Ethnographic Report 19
T: Very interesting, another political topic, President Park is now the 1 st woman president of Korea. This is very interesting and exciting coming from a country that has been ranked 108 th out of 135 countries that were surveyed in gender equality, which is right along with Kuwait, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates. I wish I could cite where Ive heard this. Do you have hope that President Park will change this? Do you feel that this survey is untrue and unfair? Do you really struggle with this issue in your country? Can you give me any examples? S: I know which article youre talking about, The Korean Times wrote the article months ago. No, I dont feel that the article is exaggerated or unfair, but very, sadly true. We are a 1 st world country with 3 rd world problems. Remember I said, that decades ago we were a 3 rd world country. Simple said, we grew up too fast in many areas, while some old ideals and moral weaknesses stuck along [10 second pause] I do struggle with this the most in my country, and I pray daily that this changes. Obviously, having boys is much more favored than girls, but Korean dont carry out the violence that the Chinese place upon baby girls. In Korea, if men do certain crimes like abuse, molestation and cheating, the law wont do anything about it, but with women, they would be arrested and tried. Prostitution and sex slavery is widely used in Korea. Also if women are abused by their husbands and call the police, the police wont respond. There is also a lot of rape and molestation in Korea as well, but what makes me so angry is not just the crimes of the wicked, but the ignorance of the innocent. Koreans brush these issues under and dont do anything about it. President Park is a woman, but will do the same like a man. Shes our president but also a puppet as well. Its the little things of inequality that I suffer through, such as not much respect from others like in restaurants or at work. But so far, Ive been very blessed with the life I have within Korea. My family has been wonderful on maintaining equality between my brother and me. T: I have noticed that your family is very well respectful of you during my visit last month. Now on a slightly lighter subject, I know you were looking forward to this part. Ill name some American stereotypes, and you tell me whether you agree, disagree, why, and also why other Koreans would feel otherwise. Ethnographic Report 20
S: Ive been waiting for this! (laughter) Im also worried because my answers are probably different than most Koreans, so Ill try to give their answers and explanations as well, the best I can. T: Perfect! Thats all I ask. Now: Americans are always fat and old looking. S: Yes, this is a popular stereotype and most of the time I see that its true, but I have traveled to the U.S. and I saw many skinny people, but as an average, especially with the ones that come to Korea, they are generally fatter than the average Korean. Koreans cant tell how old many foreigners are because they often look very old, but I know that many foreigners cant tell how old many Koreans are from ages 17-30. (laughter) T: Americans are war-mongers meaning their always at war and love it. S: Koreans dont really think all Americans are, but that all or most politicians are. Since President Bush, Koreans have been in a constant fear that America will start a war over here. Its quite common to be more afraid of American military and politicians than North Koreans. Koreans do generalize, but we see enough Americans to know that they are peaceful peopleon average. America has been at war its entire existence, while Koreans have always been invaded. Thats why we are so nationalistic. Weve been invaded by the Mongols, the North, and the Japanese and Chinese multiple times, and some Koreans even say that America is currently invading now. I dont believe this, but South Korea doesnt have a say in political international policies without American approval. We consider ourselves peaceful, and Americanot really. T: All Americans smell like cheese? S: (Laughter) Well, many of them do, but dont they think we all smell like Kimchi? Thats mostly just a mean joke than a belief. There is a certain food that many Koreans hate and cant understand why foreigners love it: Bleu Cheese. (Laughter) T: All Americans love guns. S: I believe thats true. Korea has gun-control and our streets are extremely safe. I read recently that last year was the year of the gun in America. With Hollywood and all the shooting that happen in America, many Koreans believe that America is one of the most Ethnographic Report 21
dangerous places in the world. When I visited America, I was extremely scared all the time of gangsters or crazy people with guns. T: I have to agree on Korean streets. Ive never felt in danger here once, and yet in my hometown, I do have a fear once in awhile, but most places, its not as bad as Koreans generally think. Okay, now Ill tell you some Korean stereotypes, and you tell me why you think Americans feel this way and whether its somewhat true or completely false. S: Give me the best you got, Id love to answer anything. T: Awesome: All Koreans eat dogs. S: (Laughter) How many dogs have you eaten here? T: One time I had the dog souplast Fall. S: Well, thats the same as me, only once, so I guess that answers your question. You probably had Boshintang or Gaejanggook. Eating dog is a popular food but its not commonly eaten, especially in urban areas. Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world in the 60s and Koreans had to eat with whatever they had. They were starving. Koreas dishes originally have poor origins, because weve been war torn throughout our existence by foreign invasions. You notice how our meat dishes have slivers of meat instead of Western style steaks? Korean families couldnt afford to raise or buy a decent amount of meat. This is why Koreans used dogs as a dish, like chickens, cows and pigs. Koreans only eat one kind of dog and its raised just like a chicken is. Its sole purpose is to be eaten by man. Besides its an ugly dog anyways, its not like what Westerners originally imagine. If its raised the same and has that specific purpose, then whats honestly the difference between a pig and a dog? Its how I was raised, just like you were raised to love dogs and have them as family. Eating dog is an uncommon dish for many Koreans to have, but popular for foreigners to focus on. T: Very good point, next: All Koreans want plastic surgery. S: Yes, I believe that is very true, maybe not all of them, but a large majority do. Korea is one of the leaders of plastic surgery in the world, and the most common surgery is the eyes, to have them more open like an almond shape. The 2 nd , I believe is nose lifting. In America, I think Ethnographic Report 22
breast surgery is the most common, which it isnt as common here, because Koreans worry more about the face and facial skin. T: Sorry to interrupt, but speaking of skin: Why are Koreans so obsessed with looking white and having white skin? S: It originally started with the social structure in Korean history. If you were dark skinned, that meant that you were poor, uneducated and basically a field worker, but if you had light skin, you were wealthy, beautiful and possibly royalty. It was just more desired. Today, that social structure still stands but almost more on telling the difference between urban and rural, as well as whats beautiful, wealthy and even healthy. White skin is an obsession here. Almost all the cosmetics, lotions and sunscreens contain skin bleach in them. Almost all passport photos and professional pictures are all photo-shopped. The most popular cell-phone app filters and applications are designed to make your skin whiter. Its something that still beautifully favored in our eyes, even though I saw in the U.S. that people tan there or pay money for tanning booths. Is this really true? T: Yep, people pay money for hours of tanning booths and tanning lotions. Getting tanned is a big thing in California, has been since way before I was born. S: Thats crazynew world T: This relates to my last and final stereotype: All Koreans are racists against brown and black people. S: Im deeply sad to say that this is common, but foreigners have to realize a couple of things. Koreans were always invaded by foreigners, so many automatically dislike or un-favor, doesnt matter what color one is. Korea has never had a civil rights movement, and we dont really see why we would need one because Korea is for Koreans and anything not Korean is foreign. America is a melting pot. But America has done horrible crimes against their own Americans based on their skin color; Korea doesnt have such a history. How many years difference was it between the American slaves being freed and the American Civil Rights Movement? Quite sometimeKorean racism seems to be changing faster than American. Koreans do commonly favor white, one reason because only white teachers were hired through the American Peace Ethnographic Report 23
Corp. and the only darker Americans they saw were in the military. Hollywood doesnt help either, because with those movies, many Koreans thought every black man was a gangster. Also, if you think about it; a country that favors white skin will tend to favor white foreigners. Korea is doing better at this, but slowly. Still when it comes to foreigner relationship with Koreans, Koreans get really confused and angry if a Korean dates a brown or black person, but with a white person, they would understand a little morebut still angry. We are a 1 st world country with 3 rd world problems. The election of President Obama has really open the eyes of many Koreans, that a black man is now the face of America. Koreans absolutely love Obama. T: Now, you mentioned a couple of times, that We are a 1 st world country with 3 rd
world problems. Can you please explain this further? S: Well, most people dont realize that we are a 1 st world country. Were the number 1 ship builders in the world. We have the fastest internet in the world, along with the highest ranking of free available internet. We have the number one airport and airlines in the worldI think still number one. Samsung is becoming the largest smart phone company worldwide But we have one of the highest suicide rates in the world, a large percentage of that is children. We are 108 th
in womens rights and equality. We are considered one of the least welcoming to foreigners, and sex slavery is in abundance, but its all pushed to the side because we want to consider ourselves high class society. Just decades ago, we were a 3 rd world country, equally poor as many African nations at the time. Decades earlier, the Korean language almost became dead because of the harsh Japanese dictatorship and massacres. Look how far weve become, and yet were still the only divided nation in the worldalong with dividing issues. We still have the same problems as African nations do todaywe just know how to hide them better sometimes. I recommend foreigners learn Korean now, because as long as China and America have firm grasp on these two sides; Korea will impact the world. We need to work together to solve these 3 rd world problems so that we can be stronger than West Germany. T: I think you should write a political blog as well. (Laughter) Okay, thats about a full hour of interview. I see that I have 30 seconds, one quick question to finish strong and to show off more of your unique personality: Do you every get sick of rice? S: (3 second hesitation) Welldo you ever get sick of bread and cheese, you American? Ethnographic Report 24
T: (Laughter) Best way to end this, I learned a lot about your worldview and Korean perspectives, which I thought that I would have already known everything. Thanks for doing this. S: No problem! Glad to do it!
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References Smith, D. (2009) Learning from the Stranger: Christian Faith and Cultural Diversity. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Wintergerst, A. and McVeigh J. (2011). Tips for Teaching Culture: Practical Approaches to Intercultural Communication. White Plains, NY: Pearson Education.