Korean Job Discussion Forums

poet13 · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 4:24 pm Post subject:

Spliff, I would agree that they have been poorly trained as drivers, and without proper guidance, their driving abilities may be poorer than what we are accustomed to.

But, it's one thing to not be aware of exactly where the point of your right front or rear bumper is, it's wholly another to not be aware of where you are walking.

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

It's not about "training" it's about the basic (instinctual) ability....they lack it!

Underwaterbob · Joined: 08 Jan 2005 Location: In Cognito

Since when is the ability to drive instinctual?

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

^ spatial judgment... Rolling Eyes

poet13 · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 4:36 pm Post subject:

You have to remember also, that the oldest generation didn't grow up with vehicles. They are a relatively new comfort in Korea.
I think also licenses weren't required until sometimes in the 70's or 80's.

Regarding the rudeness of drivers. I wonder if the anonymity of being in a car and only experiencing a fleeting interaction with others provides an escape from confucianism and and freedom from the social rules of who takes precedence over whom? Do you think maybe all those women drivers are just venting their anger at being 2nd class citizens for hundreds of years?

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

poet13 · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 4:44 pm Post subject:

Now I'm thinking? I do fair amount of that actually.

It still doesn't explain, nor excuse, why ajjummas walk into people on the street.

mnhnhyouh · Joined: 21 Nov 2006 Location: The Middle Kingdom

Atavistic · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 4:51 pm Post subject: Re: Dear poet and his buddies

crusher_of_heads · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 4:52 pm Post subject:

poet13 · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 4:52 pm Post subject:

We were about the same age...except I look much older. Halo of graying hair, and lots of white in my beard and goatee.

I have a feeling that there's some resentment. My wife is a lot younger than me, and I see the sliding eyes and looks. I swear it looks like jealousy, except I know they would never consider me as a partner.

poet13 · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 4:54 pm Post subject:

"It seems to me that the pedestrian rule for Koreans encountering Koreans is that the older person gets right of way. "

I have seen ajjummas push past cashews and shrivelled old men to get to what they want or where theyr'e going. It's like those social rules that apply to everyone else are suspended for them.

crusher_of_heads · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 4:55 pm Post subject:

crescent · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Location: yes.

Dear teachteach,

Is it culture that causes these ajummas to steam roll younger women and boys, and not Korean men? Not once in six years have I seen confucianism foiled in that way.
Is it culture that causes Koreans to talk dirt about me on buses and in cafes? Not a week goes by that I'm not the subject of a negative fashion, or body image generalization. Sometimes, I'm surprised at the anecdotes i insipre.
Is it culture that encourages Korean family men to socialize with hostesses and prostitutes? Strange how that same culture makes my Korean girlfriend feel like a *beep* for dating me. I've never used the services of any of those places, so what gives?
Is it culture that allows a Korean to be treated with bias in a court of law? I know a few people who'd like their last months pay and severance.
Maybe it was culture that caused a friend of mine to be fired from a job, because some spoiled 10 year old lied that he was hit with a book?
It must have been culture that wouldn't listen to the entire class come to my friend's defense to say that the little brat jump up and clipped his ear on the hard cover as the teacher was turning around.
Is it culture that allows Korean middle school teachers to hand out alcohol on school trips or sleep at their desks, while I get berated for simply answering a question on my opinion of Japan?
Was it culture for one of my student's mothers to fail an apology when I finally proved without a shadow of doubt, that I was correct in accusing her daughter of theft? CCTV doesn't lie.

If so, I would like to know what culture dictates in the following situation.
I am walking. There's a wall on my right. An ajumma approaches on my left. She's looking right at me, and smacks right into me.

10:1 she wouldn't have if i was a Korean ajussi.

And, you better believe if some dude blanked into my pregnant wife in NY city, i would have let him have it. Guaranteed.