Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jmuns]

why does everyone always assume they know how everything works in other countries? unless you have lived there for more than say 3-5 years can you really know?

[Skipperoo]

'Know how everything works' is pretty vague, perhaps you could narrow it down?

I would wager, for example, that we have a much more accurate picture of how insane Kim Jong Ill is than your average North Korean. However a North Korean resident will have a much better knowledge of local customs and cultural idiosyncrasies than us.

[jmuns]

its suppose to be vague. have you ever read any threads here?

education
taxes
health care
military
politics
politicians
media
sports
language
business
people
culture
etc....

[brickabrack]

...or, for instance


hagwons, ed institutions would rather higher a younger, more beautiful teacher rather than a more qualified and experienced teacher.

Some of my cohorts are amazed (or in denial) that this is common practice.

It helps if you're experienced and good looking, though.

I'm not sure if this is the best example.

[Skipperoo]

[nautilus]

[hagwonnewbie]

The most objective view is from a distance.

[Mariella713]

What do you mean "how things work"? You say it's supposed to be vague, WTF? Yes, indeed I know how things work in other countries relating to education, taxes, health care, sports etc...anyone who's not a dumb ass could know about it if they wanted to.

"I'm not from your country but I know more about it than you" - some people are completey ignorant as to how their country works. It's not impossible to know more about ones country than the native person of that country does.

[Steelrails]

[Globutron]

[Seoulio]

Well it depends on the country and how educated the person is on said country

For example, I am Canadian, but I know all of the American states and capitals ( something less than 20 percent of Americans know) And in addition to that ( since thats not terribly impressive) I read book after book on The American economy, American politics, America's global role, as well as watching practically every American documentary there is.

NOw I love my country, but America basically strongarms the world at the moment, I have made sure that I am educated about how it works, and its history.

So I am confident I know more about America than a lot of Americans, and barring that I am WELL versed in Americana and have no problem making discussion comment suggesting I know America despite having not lived there.

Living there is only one component of knowing how a country operates.

[Steelrails]

The problem with outside objectivity is that the people on the outside are rarely, if ever, objective themselves. Unfortunately, the inverse number of those people believe themselves to be objective.

While having sufficient information may not guarantee a correct objective viewpoint, lacking sufficient information would guarantee that your view is not objective as well as inaccurate.

There is also a difference between having a lot of knowledge about a place and understanding a place. In order to have understanding one needs both wisdom and humility. A person who lacks humility will fail at objectively viewing a place before they even start. With that humility the person observing the other culture also needs patience. The arrogant, rash outsider trying to view another culture will not be objective. They are to eager to 'figure' the place out and label it.

There is something to be said for experience. Experience covers all the intangible things that are necessary. Things that are lost and not readily observant.

[Seoulio]

[nukeday]

[Seoulio]