Korean Job Discussion Forums

[justin moffatt]

Have you noticed how Koreans are bombarded with images of domestic violence in television programs, movies, music videos, etc? My wife has subjected me to watch some Korean movies, some of which mostly depict domestic violence and alcohol abuse as being "humorous" and "normalized". Not to mention the Korean TV dramas, "reality" or "documentary" programs and music videos.

For example, today I was enjoying my daily workout at my gym. Some mid-40's unmarried aguma was watching some "reality" drama which consisted of a Korean male engaged in excessive drinking while physically and sexually abusing his girlfriend for over 20 minutes (both privately and publicly)! Now I recognize this program is not glorifying this behavior, and perhaps in some sense, is attempting to get viewers to react in disgust to this scenario, however, these countless programs are not causing emotional reactions leading to action condoning these behaviors. In fact, they are de-sensitizing people to deem these behaviors as "normalized" and "acceptable" (unconsciously or consciously). An abudance of social psychological research supports this notion.

Anyways, I proceeded to request the aguma to turn down the blaring volume and perhaps change the channel (since many foreigners there did not wish to listen and have these images presented anymore). She responded in anger, verbally cursing me in both English and Korean!

I recognize many of you have witnessed firsthand, Koreans engaged in domestic violence publicly. I don't like to place value judgements on any culture, however, these behaviors have started to really sicken me. I worry that if I personally witness a Korean male physically abuse a Korean woman, that I won't be able to contain myself and intervene. Of course, this could land me in prison and be forced to pay an excessive amount of money.

Thanks for letting me vent . . .

[RACETRAITOR]

I don't think it desensitises them, but it doesn't prepare them to know how to act in the eventuality that they witness it in person. Violence is definitely portrayed differently in Korean media than American media.

[Billy Pilgrim]

I can understand someone asking me to turn down the volume if it's loud, but if someone asked me to change the channel because they didn't like what was on, I'd go tell them to do one as well.

[justin moffatt]

Traditionally, Koreans are socialized in believing that domestic violence is a private matter. Legal authorities and police rarely become involved when domestic issues arise (similar to pre-1970's before Zero Tolerance Law was passed in USA and Canada).

Social acceptability of domestic violence seems more prevalent here. For example, if the same issue arose in some Western countries, most likely someone would intervene (based on both ethical and legal grounds). Of course, one may argue that North Americans are desensitized and passive in reacting to other forms of violence. Extensive social psychological research supports this such as the infamous Electric Shock Experiment, Zimbardo Prison Experiment, and the Kitty Genovese Case (she was murdered in a parking lot with bystanders not intervening or even contacting authorities). Regardless, whether it is my cultural values imposing on another culture, violence of one individual upon someone who is incapable of defending themselves upsets me.

[justin moffatt]

Billy Pilgrim:

It was a large television communally used by all members. Kinda hard to ignore when it's directly in front of you. I can stomach the usual crap that Koreans have on this television when at the gym, however, after a long work week, I don't feel it necessary to spend my gym time watching and listening to someone being victimized.

[Ilsanman]

Try victimizing her daughter, and see how 'desensitized' she is.

It's normal Korean culture. As long as it's not one of your own, it doesn't matter.

[blaseblasphemener]

[caniff]

I'm sick and tired of it, too. After watching this stuff her whole life, my wife thinks she can kick my ass whenever she feels like it. It's bullshit.

I guess when in Rome......

But seriously, it is way over-the-top constant on the tube.

[blaseblasphemener]

[Vince]

There's a lot of that on Japanese TV too, and it always bothered me.

If I saw it on a public TV, I'd probably shake my head and audibly say to myself "how horrible" and leave. It'll give them food for thought, and how they take it in is their choice. It's not like you're going to force them to change. Saying "foreigners don't like this kind of thing" and asking them to turn it off would probably make them feel animosity toward what they'd perceive as foreigners who are trying to force the country to adopt their ways.

[caniff]

[Oreovictim]

Remember that Korea music video where the homeless woman gets raped by two foreigners? That was a bit weird.

[PeteJB]

Or the music videos were women get raped/sh0t/stabbed/etc by Korean men?

[Scotticus]

[Morton]

I've been watching Korean tv for ages and it's not had an effect on me at all.