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Smithington
Joined: 14 Dec 2011
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Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 3:48 pm Post subject: Honestly ajumma, why not just go full burkha? |
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Every day I see new ways for ajjummas to completely and utterly block out the sun. Every inch of their body is covered (even on cool, cloudy days). Today I saw one woman who looked like something from another planet. Mask, visor and hat to ensure her face is totally obscured....then some black hood thing over all that with only a small space so she see through her visor. She looked bloody absurd. Add to that the jacket, gloves, and everything else to ensure her entire body is covered. I should have snapped a photo. Honestly, just put on a burkha and get it over with. We get it, as a Korean you love nature but just not anywhere near your body.  |
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Underwaterbob

Joined: 08 Jan 2005 Location: In Cognito
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Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 5:30 pm Post subject: |
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Honestly Smithington, what business of yours is it what some middle-aged lady is wearing? Get over yourself. |
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Smithington
Joined: 14 Dec 2011
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Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 5:34 pm Post subject: |
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Underwaterbob wrote: |
Honestly Smithington, what business of yours is it what some middle-aged lady is wearing? Get over yourself. |
So, no commenting on bizarre ajumma trends on Daves. No cultural observations. No opinions on what we observe on a daily basis. No takes on Korean attitudes to the weather, fashion trends, or the debate over covering ones' face in public? Okay then, as long as we know the rules. I'll do my best to "get over myself."
Thanks for your awesome contribution. |
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nicwr2002
Joined: 17 Aug 2011
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Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 5:49 pm Post subject: |
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Yea, it does look absurd, but there is a reason for it. Most East Asia people prefer white skin over tan skin because tan skin is looked down upon. Have you never heard your students make fun of the dark skinned student in class? |
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Steelrails

Joined: 12 Mar 2009 Location: Earth, Solar System
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Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 6:41 pm Post subject: |
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A Vader mask may look weird, but it beats having half of your nose removed because of skin cancer. |
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Smithington
Joined: 14 Dec 2011
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Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 7:29 pm Post subject: |
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Steelrails wrote: |
A Vader mask may look weird, but it beats having half of your nose removed because of skin cancer. |
That's true, but the vast (vast) majority of people who don't wear Vadar masks also don't get their noses removed due to skin cancer. And that's not exactly what ajummas are worried about, is it? They are worried about a freckle or a wrinkle...because those would make her look ridiculous.
Freckles, not nose cancer is the reason for their vampiresque attire. And that's just crazy, and not unworthy of comment. |
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Underwaterbob

Joined: 08 Jan 2005 Location: In Cognito
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Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 8:42 pm Post subject: |
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Smithington wrote: |
No cultural observations. No opinions on what we observe on a daily basis. No takes on Korean attitudes to the weather, fashion trends, or the debate over covering ones' face in public? Okay then, as long as we know the rules. I'll do my best to "get over myself."  |
You don't "comment" or make "cultural observations". You mock, deride and make bad generalizations. You've already called this ajumma "bloody absurd" and "vampiresque" and accused all Koreans of loving nature but not wanting it anywhere near themselves and decided that you know exactly why they dress the way they do and oh no, it couldn't have anything to do with any valid health concerns. It's because they're "ridiculous".
So yeah, I reiterate: get over yourself. |
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Smithington
Joined: 14 Dec 2011
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Posted: Tue May 19, 2015 9:36 pm Post subject: |
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Underwaterbob wrote: |
Smithington wrote: |
No cultural observations. No opinions on what we observe on a daily basis. No takes on Korean attitudes to the weather, fashion trends, or the debate over covering ones' face in public? Okay then, as long as we know the rules. I'll do my best to "get over myself."  |
You don't "comment" or make "cultural observations". You mock, deride and make bad generalizations. You've already called this ajumma "bloody absurd" and "vampiresque" and accused all Koreans of loving nature but not wanting it anywhere near themselves and decided that you know exactly why they dress the way they do and oh no, it couldn't have anything to do with any valid health concerns. It's because they're "ridiculous".
So yeah, I reiterate: get over yourself. |
Nice try there, pal.
Did I make a "cultural observation"? Undoubtedly, yes.
Was I "commenting" on the cultural observation I made? Yes.
Did I express an "opinion" on the cultural observation that I made? Yes.
Have I been in Korea long enough to know why ajummas wear those masks. Yes.
Has my understanding of this phenomenon been confirmed by Korean friends and colleagues? Yes.
Am I at liberty to conclude that their reasoning is "ridiculous." Yeah, kinda.
Do I also feel free to express the opinion that they look "absurd." Yes.
Am I mocking and deriding them? Yes. Some things deserve to be mocked and derided. That's why these words exist.
As for "vampiresque", nice attempt at faux outrage. Vampires hide from the sun, as do these ajummas. But, of course, selecting it and repeating it out of context is exactly what people do who have no argument. |
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jazzmaster
Joined: 30 Sep 2013
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Posted: Wed May 20, 2015 12:01 am Post subject: |
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They avoid the sun because exposure to the sun increases skin aging. They also want to avoid dark marks or freckles caused by sun exposure.
The woman may also have a skin condition which means she has to cover her skin from the sun.
The pressure people are under in Korea to look good is insane. People go to lengths that many of us would consider strange, but there tends to be a reason in there somewhere. Whether the reason is a good one depends on your outlook. |
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Steelrails

Joined: 12 Mar 2009 Location: Earth, Solar System
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Posted: Wed May 20, 2015 6:27 am Post subject: |
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You know, there might be a connection between Korean women looking relatively young well into their 40s and being "milfy" and the whole not exposing yourself to sun thing. Also, there is strong societal incentive/pressure, not just in Korea but in general, for women to try to look young and attractive. Unless Smithington is all about the wrinkles, face splotches, and turkey neck.
Also, although skin cancer is relatively rare, 5 million people a year in the US are treated for it. That's something like 1 in 60 per year. I bet if you were one of those people, you'd sure wish you had your Vader mask, arm coverings, and white gloves on. |
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maximmm
Joined: 01 Feb 2008
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Posted: Wed May 20, 2015 7:40 am Post subject: Re: Honestly ajumma, why not just go full burkha? |
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Smithington wrote: |
Every day I see new ways for ajjummas to completely and utterly block out the sun. Every inch of their body is covered (even on cool, cloudy days). Today I saw one woman who looked like something from another planet. Mask, visor and hat to ensure her face is totally obscured....then some black hood thing over all that with only a small space so she see through her visor. She looked bloody absurd. Add to that the jacket, gloves, and everything else to ensure her entire body is covered. I should have snapped a photo. Honestly, just put on a burkha and get it over with. We get it, as a Korean you love nature but just not anywhere near your body.  |
That was my grandmother. 5 years ago, she was in a fire accident and had 90% of her skin burned off, hence the attire. You monster!!  |
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maximmm
Joined: 01 Feb 2008
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Underwaterbob

Joined: 08 Jan 2005 Location: In Cognito
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Posted: Wed May 20, 2015 3:32 pm Post subject: |
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Smithington wrote: |
...is exactly what people do who have no argument. |
And "Nice try there, pal." is an argument?
You go on being overly judgmental about middle-aged women's fashion then. Maybe those skills will get you a job in a magazine someday.
In any case, I'm sure you're the epitome of fashion. Got any pics? |
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Smithington
Joined: 14 Dec 2011
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Posted: Wed May 20, 2015 3:50 pm Post subject: |
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Underwaterbob wrote: |
Smithington wrote: |
...is exactly what people do who have no argument. |
And "Nice try there, pal." is an argument?
You go on being overly judgmental about middle-aged women's fashion then. Maybe those skills will get you a job in a magazine someday.
In any case, I'm sure you're the epitome of fashion. Got any pics? |
Nope, but if I recall correctly I saw a video of you that you posted on this site. Maybe you should consider a visor. |
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Qonny
Joined: 28 Oct 2014
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Posted: Wed May 20, 2015 3:59 pm Post subject: |
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Steelrails wrote: |
Also, although skin cancer is relatively rare, 5 million people a year in the US are treated for it. That's something like 1 in 60 per year. I bet if you were one of those people, you'd sure wish you had your Vader mask, arm coverings, and white gloves on. |
Skin cancer almost only ever effects Caucasians. Fair Caucasians especially.
Skin cancer is exceedingly rare among Asians, as anyone who has tried to get a mole checked out in Korea will have found. Most dermatologists here have no idea about melanoma, because they never come across it. |
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