Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Knappstar]

They both, for the most part, have NO idea whats going on outside of our little world.

Before coming here, I thought the typical American had to be the most ignorant people in the world when it came to knowing about other cultures. Now I know we are at least in a tie with SK.

Ask the average American who the president of SK is, and they will have no idea. Ask 75% of my middle school kids who the president of America is, and they have no idea. And those who do know him only as "Bushy."

Ask the typical American what their favorite non-American food is, and they'll probably say "Chinese..ya know, like moo-shoo pork. Or Italian, like pizza hut." Ask the typical Korean, and so far it seems like they will say "You mean everyone doesn't eat the same food we do?"

Ask the typical American to name 3 SK actors, athletes, or musicians, and they will have no idea. Likewise, out of 15 kids I teach who are at least 12 years old, none of them know who Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, Tom Cruise, Madonna, or Justin Timberlake are. One girl knew who Christina Aguilera is. I tried to play that game where you put a sticky note with a famous persons name on your forehead without looking at it, and people tell you about yourself and you guess who you are. It failed miserably. "Teacher Teacher.. Michael Jordan who??" Only one of the top 10 most recognizeable names ever.

This post isn't a rant, because it doesn't exactly bother me. In fact, I'm kinda relieved. Up until recently, I was convinced Americans were the most insulated people (on average..I know there are exceptions) world wide. Now, I am beginning to think otherwise.

[funplanet]

Canadians are not far behind...and I say that as a CANADIAN! (and American and Irish)

[Qinella]

I'd imagine that most countries in the world are like this. I've heard (from Europeans, of course) that Europeans tend to be more aware of world events, but I can't verify it. Is it just the select vocal group that is aware of global events and likes to portray their country as unanimously up-to-date? Would the average German citizen know anything about Korean sports or government? Doubtful.

But I'd imagine most of Africa, Asia, and South America are about the same. It's like, people work all day, and most have kids, and then you have to make dinner, and all this other stuff, who the hell has time to keep up with news items that will never affect your life?

[Kimchieluver]

Gim Tae hee, Boa, Seven, some more will come to mind if I try for like three more hours... but that's about it.

Sorry,
I'm just a Canadian who can't get Korean names for some reason.

I can pretty well find every country and every capital of the countries on the globe even if it just had the borderlines and no names.

EDIT I can name most presidents or heads of states, except for places I don't see on BBC or CNN or CBC. Damn... can't get Al Jazeers yet.

[Tiger Beer]

[Ya-ta Boy]

I hope that guy from Vancouver (?) who says it's arrogant to even ask a foreigner if he/she knows where the Mississippi is comes on this thread. It was fun watching him defend ignorance.

[matthewwoodford]

[Knappstar]

haha thanx matt

things get a little fuzzy after a bottle of soju for us lightweights

you need to be careful of your language on these english teacher boards.

[Ilsanman]

[haywill22]

[thorin]

[Koreabound2004]

[Koreabound2004]

[billybrobby]

What? 2 countries that are the opposite side of the planet from each other and come from entirely different cultural lineages don't know much about each other? School kids are ignorant about politics???

Why did you only start a thread about this knappstar, you fool!! You should be on top of the 63 building with a bomb strapped to your chest letting everybody know this shocking information.

[tardisrider]