Korean Job Discussion Forums

[truthfulchat]

In response to many causes getting locked (not just mine) on topics such as mine on age of consent, discrimination by Korean people and others topic from other teachers who posted topics such environmental problems and protesting.

Many people have said things like we have not been here long and do not stay long so we should have nothing to say. Others have said that we should try to respect the Korean laws and the Korean people before we ask for change.

Now here is the problem. First, in my opinion, it does not matter if we have been here long we still have to live in this environment and have to experience the same and maybe even more problems than the Korean people have. Second, the goal of changing the "hearts and minds" of the Korean people and government doesn't seem to work, I mean look at the War in Iraq Bush has said many times his goal was to change the "hearts and minds" of the Iraqi people; however, polls have shown there is a majority in Iraq that want the troops out as soon as possible. Second, the Korean War was more than 50 years ago, and there still seems to be resentment towards foreigners being in the country. It seems we still have not captured the "hearts and minds" of the Korean people. As for the government, the only way the Korean government has made changes to their laws was because of foreign pressure. Laws such as their Social Security Act, humanity laws, and others were because foreign countries like the US pressured the Korean government to make some changes. However, I will note even when Korea makes a law, only few are enforced, such as running a red light.

I seriously like to know.

Should we stand up for a cause and take action in Korea?

Should we wait until we get the "hearts and minds" of the Korean people before we take action if we do decide to take action?

Note: As long as we can keep this on issue and minus the insults and personal attacks (you all and me too). In addition, please stick to the topic and not pick on someone's grammatical mistakes (no tangent on this). My earlier posts became tangents, personal attacks, and insults that I did and others to me. It is OK to talk about my previous posts (as well as other topics like environmental or protests) and my opinions above but keep it in context with the issue not the insults or personal attacks and keep it in line with the two questions above. I am asking the moderators as well to keep this topic up as long as it does not include personal attacks and insults.

[pugwall]

This will be fun.

[truthfulchat]

[pugwall]

I think nothing more could help the present climate for foreigners in Korea than some well meaning English teachers giving the government advice on how to run their own country.

[bacasper]

[truthfulchat]

[bacasper]

[The Grumpy Senator]

[caniff]

[truthfulchat]

I don't disagree with focusing more on one's own country. I think the US is too involved in foreign affairs that domestic affairs have been pushed aside allowing our own country and economy to go down. The only thing I state is that we still need to protect our rights and causes no matter where we go, I think it is best to try to change laws in your own country where you have citizenship in but also try to help change laws that you don't agree with in a country you live in .

[nicholas_chiasson]

-I think it is a good idea to change the laws of not only your own country, but the one you are in.
-dear truthfulchat...please move to Burma. I hear they have laws that need changing...

[Ya-ta Boy]

[Gopher]

[Milwaukiedave]

Gopher,

Actually some of us can if you have an F-2 or F-5 (I'm an F-2) you have more freedom then if you are on an E-2. It is not impossible for a foreigner to put down roots here, but it kind of depends on your situation.

While I agree with the premise of Truthfulchats post, I disagree that we should be critical of their laws. The best way is to convince Koreans they need to work to change things. Take for instance the canal. I doubt the Korean Government will listen to foreigner, but making Koreans aware of it and talking to them about it may have a better effect. Just my two cents.

[twg]