Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Hater Depot]

[morellid]

I loved this editorial so much I wrote the editor. This is what I said:

Dear Editor,

I must respond to your February 27th editorial "[View From Abroad]Amazingly smart Korean people".

The author celebrates the great accomplishments of Koreans in the United States. Koreans have accomplished a great deal in a short period of time, and I think we should recognize and applaud these driving individuals. Yet, the author's explanation for this wonderful success is lackadaisical and jingoistic. Rather than explore the traits, skills, and institutions that make this success possible, the author conjures up a new undocumented theory that the success of the individuals named originates from an innate superior intelligence.

This author has obviously not done his or her homework. Articles in the Harvard Business Review consistently index factors that are important to success at the organizational level (which I'm going to focus on, since the author listed so many successful Koreans found in widely regarded institutions). Successful individuals often exhibit compassion, mindfulness, sense of legacy, sacrifice, and productive outlets to stress. Of course, intelligence is an important factor, but there are amazingly smart people in every country. The author overlooks how these other factors may fit within the cultural traits many Koreans exhibit, and how Koreans have come to flourish within America's somewhat meritocratic system.

I cheer for Koreans. "Hurray" for Korea's six gold medals at the winter olympics. "Hurray" for Choi Jin-Chuel's determination in the 2002 World Cup (Germany didn't score a goal until he left the game injured). Lee Chan-Dong is one of the greatest neo-realist directors ever. Let's celebrate their commitment, and let's really analyze what makes them successful. Let's not lazily rely on simple nationalistic rhetoric to make ourselves feel good.

Han Mo