Korean Job Discussion Forums

Hanson · Joined: 20 Oct 2004

I've been noticing more and more the number of what I consider "empty apologies" from Koreans. I'm wondering if anyone else has noticed this or if I'm being overly sentitive.

For example, you get cut off on the road, and a simple "I'm sorry" wave of the hand afterwards apparently excuses the wrongdoer of accountability. At work, promises are made only to be broken. There is no accountabilty, other than an "I'm sorry" or a "please understand".

I really believe that these people think that an apology, and an insincere one at that, somehow absolves blame and ends the problem in their eyes. Even worse, I think they will continue to do the same "wrong things" again and again because all they have to do to solve the problem is to say "I'm sorry".

Am I wrong?

therooster · Joined: 11 May 2007

Wrong and stupid .

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

Maybe it's the Canadian influence. I went back to Canada a few years ago and people would apologise when they passed me a meter away on the sidewalk.

billybrobby · Joined: 09 Dec 2004

whatever · Joined: 11 Jun 2006 Location: Korea: More fun than jail.

The OP receives a Rolling Eyes

(out of ten) rating for his trolling.

Young FRANKenstein · Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 7:21 pm Post subject: Re: Empty Apologies

Hanson · Joined: 20 Oct 2004

Scotticus · Joined: 18 Mar 2007

GoldMember · Joined: 24 Oct 2006

Apologies here are hollow, The SOB who runs the red lights, missing you by a whisker, will wave an apology to you. Because of the SOB, you could have been maimed for life.
Point 1. The SOB will ONLY apologise if confronted. (Usually it's hey! I missed you, what's your problem, besides I have a big black car.)
Point 2. After nearly killing you, he'll go do it again to someone else 2 minutes later.

Apologies here are as meaningless and useless as *beep* on a bull.
The arrogance is incredible.

Vicissitude · Joined: 27 Feb 2007 Location: Chef School

The worst is when a sincere apology is absolutely in order, but it's staunchly withheld out of arrogance or ego.

SuperHero · Joined: 10 Dec 2003 Location: Superhero Hideout

I'm sorry you feel that way

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

It's interesting that Hanson is being called a troll by someone who's been on the board less then a week?

I smell a troll alright, but it's not Hanson.

Hanson:

I agree with you 100%. I've actually said some pretty nasty things to people who run through crosswalks when the light is red and their are people walking across the street. One of the replies I got recently from such an encounter was exactly the same thing you described.

SuperHero · Joined: 10 Dec 2003 Location: Superhero Hideout

Hanson · Joined: 20 Oct 2004

Homer · Guest

Hanson,

I think you have forgotten the ole drive-by-get-out-of-here apology that has become the norm back home too! Laughing

People use the apology in the situations you describe as a get out of jail free card. It is just something that comes out automatically and holds very little meaning (most of the time).

Take the guy who bumbed into my wife and son at Pearson airport last year while walking and talking on his cell. He plowed right into my wife who was holding our son. He uttered a mumbled "sorry" without looking and kept moving....it is just an auto-response I think.

So it seems this type of behaviour has made its way here too... Laughing

I remember when I first arrived and was walking at the market...getting bumbed into and I would say sorry all the time. It was a auto-response...a social grace without much sincere or deeper meaning...

By the way calling Hanson a troll is pretty dumb. He has a long posting history and trolling is not something he does...ever....

In fact, he has to be one of the most interesting posters here...he brings a distinctive view on things and while I may not always agree with him, he has my respect.