Korean Job Discussion Forums

Austin · Joined: 23 May 2003 Location: In the kitchen

We have seen the words: "attacked," "verbally assaulted," "ranting," "verbal attack," "evil looks," etc. in this thread.

May we get back to the reality of the situation, or shall we continue to use loaded language?

The original poster did not describe his encounter as a "rant." He was approached by a man and told a few things. It was not a verbal "assault" or an "attack."

By the way, what is an "evil look?" Is that when you are in a bad mood, bitter about your life, and a stranger happens to look at you?

You can claim the encounter was about this or that, but unless you know what that guy was thinking apart from what he said or did, it is merely speculation. However, if you are knowingly going to push the norms of any society, do you really have room to complain for the conflicts that you create?

Alias · Joined: 24 Jan 2003

<However, if you are knowingly going to push the norms of any society, do you really have room to complain for the conflicts that you create?>

By dating a Korean girl I may be pushing the old norms of society BUT I am not being provocative in doing so. Do you believe that those of us who have Korean partners deserve to be verbally assaulted because some Koreans are racist?

Lets say you have no sympathy for Toby's situation. Fine. What about his girlfriend? Should she have known better than to date outside her race? Does she deserve to get whats coming to her?

Alias · Joined: 24 Jan 2003

Alias · Joined: 24 Jan 2003

rapier · Joined: 16 Feb 2003

I noticed the japs have an opennes to reading pornography in public. But that doesnt mean its an advanced or desirable social practice, that should be forced on every culture or country.

Butterfly · Joined: 02 Mar 2003 Location: Kuwait

Austin · Joined: 23 May 2003 Location: In the kitchen

One more note...

When I first came to Korea in 1995, I happened to be standing on a subway platform when I noticed a young Korean couple embracing. Moments later, an elderly man with a cane walked up to them and proceeded to hit the couple with his cane, as he was yelling at them for their behavior. The young couple bowed to him and repeatedly said they were sorry.

Fast forward...

Summer, 2003, I was once again standing on a subway platform waiting. However, this time I noticed many Korean couples walking arm in arm, and I even witnessed one Korean couple embrace. There were plenty of elderly people walking past as well, but no word or action was taken.

Some people call this progress. Others claim it is the result of rapid "modernization" and the gradual adoption of western standards. However, I do not view it as either of the above, but it is unsettling to see Koreans abandon their customs, culture, and tradition for the "false" promises of capitalism and the spread of over-consumption.

Bottom-line, some Koreans will voice their disapproval to Koreans, as well as foreigners.

Sliver · Joined: 04 May 2003 Location: The third dimension

My two questions, to Austin and Gord is:

Is it acceptable that a person is bitten on the arm (to the extent a small amount of blood is drawn) by another person?

Is it conceivable that some Koreans are racist?

This is something that has occurred to my wife while riding the subway. Something perhaps more tenable than what happened to the OP in terms of being able to define it as assault.

Her crime - talking to me in KOREAN. The sentence - "Let's get off here."

I answered in Korean "I know"

Before my wife spoke to me there was no way anyone could have know we were even together (she was sitting and I was standing about a meter to the side holding the railing). We observe the cultural boundries, in no way provoked the attack and because of the comments the adjuma that did this thing made, it was unequivically a racially based.

Please don't answer in debate about Koreans being racist or not, America being more racist or even misunderstand that I think Koreans are racist. However this woman, who happened to be Korean, was in my opinion racist.

I actually enjoy many of the posts you make, those in this thread included but please answer honestly and simply my two questions.

Is it acceptable that a person is bitten on the arm (to the extent a small amount of blood is drawn) by another person?

Is it conceivable that SOME Koreans are racist?

Alias · Joined: 24 Jan 2003

Austin · Joined: 23 May 2003 Location: In the kitchen

Sorry to read about what happened to your wife.

We are all fallible.

I do not condone nor advocate the use of violence, which answers your first question. However, that does not mean that one should react to violence with an equal or a greater amount of violence. Being patient, compassionate, forgiving, and accepting is not easy to do, but it is the path that I prefer to take.

I have never denied that ignorance abounds in this world. Racism can be included under the term "ignorance," so I certainly accept that people are not automatically wise and full of virtue. However, I do recognize that living and learning is a process, and many have to experience all of the above before they can become complete.

To criticize a person for making a mistake and judging them for it would be a bit hypocritical, do not you think?

After all, we are all capable of the same things, so forgiving others might not be such a bad idea.

Gwangjuboy · Joined: 08 Jul 2003 Location: England

rapier · Joined: 16 Feb 2003

Gwangjuboy if I had a Korean girlfriend, then no, I wouldn't let people shout abusive and racist remarks, so good for you:)
Holding hands is not a crime in any country, so exercise your right to do so.
I guess I have to admit defeat here: you're right, I was wrong. If anybody tells you off for holding hands with your bird, they deserve to be told to F off. Quite right.

I guess I was recycling the advice presented in the lonely planet: "If you wish to avoid frequent confrontation when out with a Korean girlfriend, avoid holding hands in public, as this draws dissaproving attention. If she gets an adverse comment/remark, a good idea is for her to pretend to be/ answer back in Chinese, which will usually result in an immediate effusive apology from the offender".

So, if you're ready to confront and amend the social attitudes of the majority of Koreans on a daily basis, good on ya.

bugs · Joined: 09 Sep 2003 Location: Classroom

Gwangjuboy · Joined: 08 Jul 2003 Location: England

[/quote]This argument is so fallacious; relativism doesn't hold water.

Moreover, the Korean man following his tradition is implying "do not show such an inappropriate affection in the public, that belongs in the private." Accordingly, the young Korean couple concurs and apologizes to the elder.

The Canadian, if he dares, is implying that it is a sick, abnormal behavior. The reality is that if he does hit the couple, since the homosexual couple doesn't uphold traditional norms, will probably hit the old man back. Consequently, no old man in Toronto will hit a homosexual couple.

There is an insurmountable difference between the two examples. Besides, your example only proves that there is an admirable quality about the Korean culture; young respects the old.[/quote]

Idiotic. There will always be those amoungst us that try our very best to excuse racism and intolerance under the guise of cultural understanding. The truth is that people like yourself have no identity. Maybe we should start calling you Mr anon. I always have trouble with statements like "people in Korea respect the old." Have you ever taught Korean children? Have you ever witnessed the stroppy ajoshi who bemoans the elderly women that alight too slowly from the local bus? Have you ever witnessed the arrogant middle school student who refuses to surrender her seat to an elderly gentlemen? The truth is that you are a romantic confucianist. Face facts sweet pee. Those days are buried in the dustbin of history. Moron.