Korean Job Discussion Forums

[BigBlackEquus]

How much do your students (I am talking about high school, university, and adults here) push for debate on sensitive political subjects? By sensitive, I mean things that might cause you to lose your job because you don't follow the Korean norm and aren't afraid to give your true opinion about Korean ultra-nationalism, North Korea, Roh, etc.?

Do your schools discourage political debate? Are there things you are afraid to say, because it might mean the students give you bad evaluations, or the administration might fire you?

I have a friend at a university who is often "pushed" by a student to argue about sensitive Korean issues. The Hwang case is a good example. The student kept saying things like, "How come Korea is the world leader on this, and Canada can't do it?" Then, after the Hwang lies came out, it was a taboo subject that the student had no interest in discussing.

Do your classes often move off into politics?

[Hater Depot]

Last year I teased my students about Dokdo a bit even though I think it's obviously Korean territory. But with my adult students I always felt it was best to completely shy away. The only controversial thing we discussed was the education system, which they pretty much agreed with me so I lucked out there.

[cruisemonkey]

I avoid the subject of Japan and/or Dokdo like the plague.

[Captain Corea]

I openly discuss it in all of my classes. If it gets them talking and excited, I could care less if someone's ego is hurt (mine or their's). honestly, I set out ground rules before we get into it and then let it all fly.

[Big Mac]

Some of my students would go on and on about how much they hate Japan. One kid told me many times that he wanted to kill the Japanese. I would let them rant, but when they asked me if I hated the Japanese too, I would tell them very clearly "no." I understand the history, but I don't think there is any excuse for these kinds of attitudes. It's clear that this propaganda is programmed into them by the schools.

These were young kids too....between 10 and 13 years old.

It's funny, when I went to Japan I asked some people what they thought about Dokdo. They didn't even know what it was. It seems to be a non-issue in Japan. In Korea, it's only an issue so that they can fan the propaganda flames.

[Kiwi]

I don't know what Dokdo is
(Looking off to the side... trying to avoid looking stupid )


Note: Before I start, I am really good friends with several Japanese and hold nothing against them! I have also had Japanese girl friends (plural) and have visited Japan. I would like to go back (soonish) and spend an extended period of time there.

Now... the reality:
There are other parts of the world and many other peoples who have a far greater reason to hate Japan than Korea does (irrespective of the Japanese occupation earlier last century) - but they (the other parts of the world) (generally) do not "hate" Japan, they sure as hell aren't (typically) happy when Japanese try to visit (there are parts of this world only a stupid Japanese person visits). But other than the occasional mention when the subject comes up it's not an issue.

What can be an issue with the Japanese is their complete ignorance of past events - this can (often) inflame tensions!!! This is the greatest propagator of trouble! The Japanese education system teaches near on nothing about significant past events to the students (if you wish to dispute this do some investigation yourself - you'll find I'm correct). And having effectively taught nothing the system then proceeds to tell the students that this is everything there is to know.... and so the Japanese think they already know everything when in reality they know almost nothing! - This is what causes them so much trouble! (The Japanese travel to other countries with an arrogance and an ignorance which (quite rightfully) annoys and irritates many many people). If the Japanese would act like Germany and actually admit and teach their younger generation these things people would begin to accept them. Note: In recent years there has been and increasing "call" from within Japan that Japan dramatically increase it's "presence" in Asia and take/develop it's "Empire" which it "rightfully deserves". This is the attitude that is beginning to develop in some sectors of the Japanese population! Why does this develop? A large component is that the Japanese have never been educated about what has already happened - and so they do not understand why things are the way that they are... and so from their educationally deprived position they are looking at their region and the world and wondering why not?

(For many of the younger generations throughout this world the "image" that Japan has all this "fancy" technology has done a huge benefit for the Japanese image - it has developed a significant degree of "awe" in many younger teenagers, this degree of appreciation for "fancy gadgets" makes for a more accepting mind in later life. The reality that Japan has actually begun falling behind in technology has not spread to the general population of the Western society, and so this "effect" is still successfully working)

Korea has little reason to hate Japan as much as it does.
But to tell them this?
Don't waist your breath!

[ulsanchris]

Dokdo was dicussed the other day in one of my classes. One student tried to call the Sea of Japan the East Sea. I told him that in English that it is the sea of Japan. Korea can call it whatever it likes in korean but in English it is the Sea of Japan. Also i went on how its not korea's place to try and change place names in another language.
Anyways. They were middle School students and none of them knew why Korea claims Dokdo is korean. They also didn't know why Japan claims Dokdo as it's own.

[peppermint]

[VanIslander]

Living within visible sight of Japan, my students here on an island off of the southeastern coast of the peninsula, are critical of the Japanese, though they see no contradiction with liking the animation and music, so their animosity is not a blanket hatred. It is an informed hostility, as students are quick to talk about why they don't like Japan, whatever you may think is the weight of the reasons.

And when I bring Japanese candy back from my visits to Japan, my students have no qualms with their origin!

As for debates BETWEEN students on political issues, the best tension happens intergenerationally, between older adult students and younger ones, regarding the issue of mandatory conscription. Any talk of North Korea or rampant prostitution is short to nil, as is Hwang/genetics these days.

[anyway]

Interestingly, I think we could substitute the word "Americans" for "Japanese" in Kiwi's post and the same would be true. Well, kind of...

I did some role-play with my adult students who were preparing to visit the states. I acted the dumb-ass American (partially true) saying things like "Do you wear kimonos? Do you eat dogs?" One of them actually asked me how I could be so ignorant of Korean culture.

The one that got their goat was "Did you guys vote for that Kim Jong-il? Do you like him?" They tried to be diplomatic. I said, "I think the US ought to take him down like Saddam." By this time, they were quite perturbed. They said they would prefer to be patient and wait for a non-violent solution - Koreans were a peaceful people.

I really wanted to ask if they would wait until the American troops pulled out, but I am glad we stopped there.

[VanIslander]

oh, to answer the op's question...

How far?

"Rock, paper, scissors!"

[laogaiguk]

[ulsanchris]

Paper! I win!

[Big Mac]

[Hater Depot]

Rich fishing grounds and also possible natural gas reserves.