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[A.K.A.T.D.N.]

If there's anything like national character, then I wonder about some of the comments related to the post 'Korea Compared' and what people on this board really meant. Is there such a thing as national character? Can you compare an entire race of people, judge their character based on your experiences, stereoptype them as a whole?

My general impression when comparing Korea and China was just this and nothing more. It wasn't a stereoptype though. It was a judgment based on experience. I found out, as a whole, that China has an edge over Korea, and this due to one fact: its national character.

I do not see Korea as having a good national character. It's often one negative, negating, and narrow-minded. The Chinese national character, however, is more positive. The positive aspects I've experienced are not only socio-political, they're also certain nuances of everyday life, or the surface of things(Just so you know I'm not getting deep.) But I want to refute those pro-korean fans here, those who've lolled in the stereotypes that the Koreans try to portray. Such stereotypes are that Korea is such a wonderful place, the Koreans so open-minded and hospitable, teaching there a win-win situation. To this I have to cringe. Korea may be this in some ways, yet only if it weren't for that thing called "national character."

Think about the political divisions extant in both Taiwan and Korea. America was involved in both, in a way. Yet in one country, Korea, it is often the one hung in effigy. Even though this may not be true, that America is the bad guy, the Korean character is one that doesn't base judgments on reason alone; it is not open to its faults as a nation nor its social demerits; and it neither judges nor acts soundly in many matters. It belabors me to expound on my experiences in these areas.

Yet Taiwan, another country split by the American alliance, is begrudging just that; the alliance. Carter blew it with Taiwan, seperating in 1979. The Chinese have since named some of their dogs Carter. But the lingering hate, the idea that America is to blame for their political division, does not hang in the air or in their minds like it does in the minds of the brooding Koreans. It is as if the Chinese are more aware that some of this division is their responsibility, if not all, and that they're the ones that have to make it right.

This, in a nutshell, depicts both country's national character. The Chinese see things more practically, more open-mindedly. The Koreans see things more narrow-mindedly. And if you're a teacher in Korea, you'll find that such viewpoints can lead to the most ill-begotten understanding of what it is to be who you are you'll ever experience.

In other words, you'll find that mentally and psychologically, Korea is a no-man's land. China at least lets you know you're here. But it won't blame you for being so, even if it is wrong, much unlike the Koreans.

[markholmes]

[A.K.A.T.D.N.]

My main idea is that there is such a thing as national character and that this is what matters most. Yes, Americans do have a national character too. From what you said, it sounds like you're seeing an aspect of that, for all it's worth, in regards to Iraq. This is probably more of the dogmatic, self-righteous side of the American character, but also could mean a lot more, some even positive in manner.

In comparing Korea, therefore, I see it as one of the most obtusely, obstinate of national characters I've ever experienced. I could belabor this point a little, and I will.

The Korean experience I had was one where people would confront me daily with some of the most bewildering of situations. I've had Koreans ask me some of the most inane of questions, commit the most inane of acts in everyday life, and present the most inane of circumstances at work and in official matters. Their outlook on life is blind. They do not see the world as the Chinese do. The Chinese at least have a sense of what's going on in the world around them, but the Koreans seem shut off. Even in America the Koreans will pretty much stick to themselves. Their interaction with other races and people is pretty much null and void.

Their national character, therefore, gives them such an impetus to act the way they do. All I'm saying is that in comparison to the Chinese, I've found that the Koreans are lacking in what I'd consider a more positive image and way of living. Living in Taiwan hasn't been easy, but in NO WAY DOES KOREA OUTSHINE TAIWAN IN REGARDS TO BEING A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE and I say this for just one reason. KOREANS ARE MORE IGNORANT! That's the bottom line.