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Triban

Joined: 14 Jul 2009
Location: Suwon Station

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2011 8:07 pm Post subject:

ThingsComeAround wrote:

interestedinhanguk wrote:

ESL Milk "Everyday wrote:

The 'you don't like spicy food' thing and all of that other stuff is sort of like the Korean person's equivalent of the sound that the air conditioner makes...

One of these days I'll try to put an end to this comment, at least for those people I know.

I will invite every Korean I know who asks these kinds of questions. I'll make them the hottest vindaloo this side of the Ganges (of course, I have to hunt down the peppers at the import store; Korean ones aren't hot enough). I'll serve it with some kimchi on the table so they can't complain. I'll sit there and eat it calmly while many of them breathe fire.

I hope you prepare some rice as well Razz

BTW, I'm dying for Indian cuisine when you invite them, give me a PM Smile

You eat 김치찌개 without rice? Aren't you salty?!

No, I don't think so....*licks arm*

Draz

Joined: 27 Jun 2007
Location: Land of Morning Clam

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2011 8:55 pm Post subject:

West Coast Tatterdemalion wrote:

I see your point, Livewire. When I first came to Korea, I was really gracious and would always give positive praise about Korea. Over time, I realized that it was merely confirming a lot of deeper issues(inferiority complexes, inflation of imaginary achievements), so decided to not be quite so fervent in my responses. However, if there is something that Korea does well, I will give high praise.

Once I clued into this, I became unwilling to play my role in this silly game. Oh sure, I know exactly what to say and I will say it if, say, my job is on the line, but in social situations I am always honest. Why even bother talking to people if you're just going to lie?

Marzipoo wrote:

I don't understand why asking somebody if they like/love the country they are visiting (even if you live there for a year or two you are indeed visiting) is an unreasonable question?

If I am speaking to somebody that is from another country or state I often ask them if they like it here just to make some friendly chit chat. Does that make me a nationalist?

Ever think that perhaps they are just trying to make conversation with you?

Seriously people, get a grip.

I used to think the same thing before I came here and saw it for myself. This country elevates nationalism to the level of a mental disorder.

It's a whole country of bullies and victims. The good news is you get to switch it up and change roles depending on who you're talking to, and as a citizen of a wealthy English-speaking country it's your choice more often than not. The bad news is both roles suck and are no fun. Push or be pushed. Bleh. Living here is an endless game of King of the Castle. At least for me, pushing feels bad and not pushing feels worse. I avoid it all as much as possible, but living here it's not always possible.

Triban

Joined: 14 Jul 2009
Location: Suwon Station

Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2011 9:44 pm Post subject:

Draz wrote:

West Coast Tatterdemalion wrote:

Marzipoo wrote:

Yeah I can't seem to NOT step on someone's toes here. I said that if kimchi wasn't so salty it would be very healthy and the Korean I was talking to said "Well Americans are fat!"

Once, being in a spiteful mood and tired of all the "Korea is BEST!" babble, I looked up the number of American inventions compared to Korean:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Korean_inventions_and_innovations

America has more in 55 years.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_United_States_inventions_(1890%E2%80%931945)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_United_States_inventions_(before_1890)

Needless to say, my friend got rather pissed off. I wasn't trying to be better than them because I DIDN'T MAKE ANY OF IT, THEY AREN'T MY ACHIEVEMENTS SO I HAVE NOTHING TO BE PROUD OF. just trying to show them that Korea in fact, did NOT make EVERYTHING.

This is way when most people are talking nowadays I just space out and pet pretty pink ponies in my head then have to shake it off and either exclaim..."Huh? Sorry what did you say?" or "미안 해요. 뭐라고 말했어? 아 후라이드 치킨 먹고싶다고? 알았어요..."

Food seems to be a constant topic in Korea...while they are definitely getting fatter (due to pizza/hamburgers/떡볶이,) I sometimes wonder how Koreans aren't HUGE since everything looks delicious!

Marzipoo

Joined: 10 Feb 2011

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 10:35 am Post subject:

interestedinhanguk wrote:

Marzipoo wrote:

Are you even here yet?

Considering you commented on another thread in which I clearly stated that I'm not, I am assuming this is your oh so subtle way of saying that I have no right to comment on this discussion? Thanks.

interestedinhanguk

Joined: 23 Aug 2010

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 2:26 pm Post subject:

Marzipoo wrote:

interestedinhanguk wrote:

Marzipoo wrote:

Are you even here yet?

Considering you commented on another thread in which I clearly stated that I'm not, I am assuming this is your oh so subtle way of saying that I have no right to comment on this discussion? Thanks.

Kind of. It's not that you don't have have a right, but it's clear that you don't understand the situation and haven't read the explanations in this thread.

By the way, many of us are here for more than a year or two.

Kuros

Joined: 27 Apr 2004

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 3:04 pm Post subject:

Marzipoo wrote:

interestedinhanguk wrote:

Marzipoo wrote:

Are you even here yet?

Considering you commented on another thread in which I clearly stated that I'm not, I am assuming this is your oh so subtle way of saying that I have no right to comment on this discussion? Thanks.

You deserve it. You told people to "get a grip."

Remember that these people are anonymously blowing off steam on an internet chat board. And you are unfamiliar with the pressures that make them want to blow off that steam.

Triban

Joined: 14 Jul 2009
Location: Suwon Station

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 5:56 pm Post subject:

Marzipoo wrote:

interestedinhanguk wrote:

Marzipoo wrote:

Are you even here yet?

Considering you commented on another thread in which I clearly stated that I'm not, I am assuming this is your oh so subtle way of saying that I have no right to comment on this discussion? Thanks.

If/when you get here, you will understand the ways of the Kimchi...young Padawan.

Do not succumb to the dark side...oh wait...do. The light is boring.

Steelrails

Joined: 12 Mar 2009
Location: Earth, Solar System

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 6:42 pm Post subject:

NohopeSeriously wrote:

Old and busted: Korean ethnic nationalism
New and thriving: Korean Christian nationalism, Korean business nationalism

I like the way you think sir. Focuses the mind on potential markets for shoddy merchandise and how to make money.

Quote:

don't understand why asking somebody if they like/love the country they are visiting (even if you live there for a year or two you are indeed visiting) is an unreasonable question?

If I am speaking to somebody that is from another country or state I often ask them if they like it here just to make some friendly chit chat. Does that make me a nationalist?

Ever think that perhaps they are just trying to make conversation with you?

Seriously people, get a grip.

That entirely reasonable post has no place here. As someone who has not yet set foot here and is not either bitter, or bitter at the people who are bitter, this kind of posting will get you nowhere. Don't worry you'll either fall into one camp or the other. You'll be on here thrice daily ranting and raving. Me? I'm bitter at those that are bitter. But one thing to remember- those that are bitter are usually the best people to drink with during weekdays after work.

Or do what I would say 60% of the other NETs in this country do and that is get a life and do things like hiking and traveling and shopping and generally having a life. You'll only visit this site once a month. Most of the Korean people you meet will be really cool, but of course you will have a horror story or three to go home with, which is always good. Life can't be all roses.

I live in a hick town (not far from Jinju actually) and I/We rarely get that stuff. When we do, we are not such social retards that we can't express our honest opinion without being rude. Nor are we offended that someone might be slightly nationalist or unsophisticated (especially when speaking in their second or third language)

As you said, half the time it's to make conversation. Other times it is a curiosity MIXED with insecurity (we're all human, we all have insecurities). Roll with things. You've got things well in hand. Don't listen to us shell-shocked veterans.

Oh and don't let anyone tell you that you have no business commenting. These same people say they bring an "unbiased, outside perspective" when it comes to examining Korean's foibles. Well, you bring the same to their foibles.

That's right lads, to unbiased outsiders, you are bitter and touchy. But hey I guess these outsiders "Just don't understand our special culture."

Quote:

The whole point of this thread is that it's not friendly chit-chat. It's about the expectation to hear great praise, and if that expectation isn't met, one is labeled a "Korea Hater."

Depends- there are those that do. There are others ask this as a way to reinforce how something is great OUTSIDE of Korea (usually the ones who have been abroad and want to show off). The key is tone. People can tell if you're being flippant or are being polite.

"Do you like kimchi?"
"No, its gross. I can't eat that stuff"

vs.

"Do you like kimchi?"
"Not really, but I'll tell you what I REALLY like is spinach in Dwaengjjang"

Totally different sentiment.

Triban

Joined: 14 Jul 2009
Location: Suwon Station

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 7:41 pm Post subject:

Steelrails wrote:

"Do you like kimchi?"
"No, its gross. I can't eat that stuff"

vs.

"Do you like kimchi?"
"Not really, but I'll tell you what I REALLY like is spinach in Dwaengjjang"

Totally different sentiment.

Totally different sentiment yes. But can't you just say "Not really." or "I'm not a fan." Seriously? You have to like SOMETHING that is Korean to make up for the fact of not liking kimchi. Granted I will do this, but if someone says "I think hamburgers are gross" then I'll say..."Would you rather get curry?" I don't really care either way.

I personally like most Korean food except 깍두기...I thnk it's the taste combined with the crunch...I don't know.

Also, I'm only on the website for the 4 hours a day I stay at work and twiddle my thumbs. I should start studying Korean again...or work out in my class room.

P.S. I'm not bitter, I'm just annoyed. People need to put aside their egos and grow up. Be your own person, not zerg.

Marzipoo

Joined: 10 Feb 2011

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 9:21 pm Post subject:

Steelrails! Finally somebody that makes sense. I am here just gathering information so I know what to expect and learn a little something before I head over. I like to be prepared and figured I would join in on some of the conversations while I gather info and put in my 2 cents with everybody elses but obviously some of the folks here think they are the boss of Dave's! It's alright though because I work with kids so I am pretty used to dealing with petty immature attitudes. Point being, I will absolutely be a part of the well adjusted crowd that doesn't need to come to an anonymous internet forum to complain about the injustices of being a middle class white person in Korea. Oh, the horror! Oh my God, they asked me if I LIKE IT HERE! What are these people? Animals??

Triban

Joined: 14 Jul 2009
Location: Suwon Station

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 9:41 pm Post subject:

Marzipoo wrote:

Steelrails! Finally somebody that makes sense.

I am here just gathering information so I know what to expect and learn a little something before I head over. I like to be prepared and figured I would join in on some of the conversations while I gather info and put in my 2 cents with everybody elses but obviously some of the folks here think they are the boss of Dave's! It's alright though because I work with kids so I am pretty used to dealing with petty immature attitudes.

Point being, I will absolutely be a part of the well adjusted crowd that doesn't need to come to an anonymous internet forum to complain about the injustices of being a middle class white person in Korea. Oh, the horror! Oh my God, they asked me if I LIKE IT HERE! What are these people? Animals??

Wait until you are just trying to chill out and relax. I've gotten asked if I like Korea almost everyday for two years. It gets old. Also, the chorus of HI! anywhere you go and/or the pointing and shouting of 우와!!! 외국인이다! I just want to do my thing and you do your thing. Not be interrogated at the bus stop or have to dodge a punch from a drunken adjeosshi.

Overall my experience in Korea is positive, don't get me wrong; it is just the constant staring/pointing/yelling that gets tiresome.

Steelrails

Joined: 12 Mar 2009
Location: Earth, Solar System

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 9:58 pm Post subject:

Marzipoo wrote:

Well before you shower me with praise a word of caution: I was once part of the "angry and bitter" crowd, only it was back home dealing with Koreans at my church. Every rant and rave that's been posted here I agreed with. Only be being away from Koreans for a couple years and having some humbling things happen along the way did I come around. I understand where people are coming from, but yeah, you gotta learn to let the anger go.

I learned these valuable lessons- 1)I am not perfect. 2)They are not perfect. 3)I can't control what they feel and what they do, but I can control how I feel. 4)Focus on the positive, not the negative. All that corny stuff about 'Positive Thinking' is mostly true. 5)Yup, people suck. What else is new? 6)If you focus on Korea/Koreans trying to make you happy, this place won't live up. If you go out and try to make your own happiness or dare I say, try to make people here happy, then you might have much more of a positive experience.

Quote:

it is just the constant staring/pointing/yelling that gets tiresome.

This is a fair point. You have to be a naturally sociable and outgoing person. One who won't let that stuff get under your skin. Think professional athlete or celebrity. You deal with the hecklers and the fans and be a professional and even try to be "one of the good ones". Just remember that you've got things good.

Besides some other waygook is out there complaining that no one ever pays any attention to them... If Korea goes left they'd say it should go right. If it goes right....

Marzipoo

Joined: 10 Feb 2011

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 10:02 pm Post subject:

I guess it is different for men. I think women are more used to random creeps talking to them when they just want to be left alone. I would say that it is a normal occurrence for people you would rather not talk to to try to make conversation with you no matter how uninterested you try to look and sound. It is not just a Korea thing. Yes, it's annoying. But is it really worth complaining about?

Triban

Joined: 14 Jul 2009
Location: Suwon Station

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 10:09 pm Post subject:

Marzipoo wrote:

I guess it is different for men. I think women are more used to random creeps talking to them when they just want to be left alone. I would say that it is a normal occurrence for people you would rather not talk to to try to make conversation with you no matter how uninterested you try to look and sound. It is not just a Korea thing.

Yes, it's annoying. But is it really worth complaining about?

I am a model. I am used to NORMAL looking/talking/blah blah ad nauseum but really...everyday. 외국인 means foreigner/alien. They are basically pointing and staring saying "Look! A foreigner!" They then say Hi or Hello, then run off before you could even begin to formulate a response and giggle and high five their friends.

However, when they do it now I retort with "우와!!!! 한국인이다!

Marzipoo

Joined: 10 Feb 2011

Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 10:10 pm Post subject:

Steelrails wrote:

I learned these valuable lessons- 1)I am not perfect. 2)They are not perfect. 3)I can't control what they feel and what they do, but I can control how I feel. 4)Focus on the positive, not the negative. All that corny stuff about 'Positive Thinking' is mostly true. 5)Yup, people suck. What else is new? 6)If you focus on Korea/Koreans trying to make you happy, this place won't live up. If you go out and try to make your own happiness or dare I say, try to make people here happy, then you might have much more of a positive experience.

You deserve the praise shower because you made another excellent point. It is hard to believe that people get to be adults and still think that other people can control how they feel. Nobody MAKES you feel anything, you let them.

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