Korean Job Discussion Forums

[DorkothyParker]

Because I am a heel and I can't say no (to gentle persuasion or money), I agreed to go to an "international festival" for the next three Sundays. My bosses tell me I just need to "talk about American culture" and they insist it's very simple, but I still have no clue what that means. I asked if I would just be answering questions and they said, " maybe a few questions, but mostly just casual talking." Yeah. Right.

So has anyone been to one of these gigs? Apparently they have folks from various ethnic backgrounds (they asked my coworker who is Indian but raised in America to talk about Indian culture) present. I really have no clue what this is or what is really expected of me. Should I just be like, "Baseball! Apple pie! Democracy! Herm, herm herm!" I appreciate any insight or assistance. Thanks!

[some waygug-in]

That's why those in the know learn to say NO.

Work on Sundays? Not a chance.

But since you agreed to do it, there's no backing out now.

Talk about anything and everything, street names in your hometown, grocery prices, prices of cars, cost of education, talk about different American accents, name the capital cities of every state.

Don't expect a lot of questions, you won't get many. Just keep your gums flapping and they'll be happy.

[DorkothyParker]

Seriously?
Because I am really socially awkward. And that comes out in spades when I don't have very direct social cues to stop talking. I guess I just don't really know what "American culture" is. I don't understand economics and I stopped keeping up with news when I came to Korea 1.5 years ago.

(I actually prefer to work Sundays over Saturdays for overtime. Also, money!!!)

[shcforward]

You know way more about American culture than you think.

Think about Thanksgiving Dinner. Times Square, on New Years Eve. Fireworks on the 4th of July. Swimming pools in the summer, sled riding in the winter

Think about Broadway shows, Hollywood movies, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Michael Jackson, the theme song from Star Wars. Think about football and baseball, or Michael Jordan.

Think about school, how you called your teacher "Mr. _____" instead of "____-teacher"

Think about Prom and Homecoming, and NASA and Disney World.

The point is, you probably know way more about American culture than you think.

[some waygug-in]

Sorry, I wasn't trying to be rude. If it came across that way, I apologize.

You have every right to work Sundays if you choose, good for you.

The reason I wouldn't do it has more to do with the kind of "work"

you are likely to find yourself doing on Sundays as opposed to any other days; pretty much what you described in your original post.

Just smile and talk about movies, music, hamburgers, anything remotely connected to America. You'll be fine.

[Riker]

I would dress up as a senator and take a dump on the Constitution. Might want to bring a hooker for good measure.

[Skippy]

Never mind the working on Saturday (some people do not mind, some do). The thing that has me screaming "Danger! Danger! Will Robinson" is the it will be simple or easy.

because when ever you get vague answers from the boss do not be surpirsed when they expect TONNES MORE. Yes they want to you to talk about American Culture....

Never mind the did not say they want you to also

Make an American Dish to serve 30 kids.
Have a 30 minute to 1 hour presentation with appropriate slides or power point.
Dress up in a costume or some cultural outfit
Have games all set up to play - sorry no Hangman.
Have some songs ready to sing.
and so on

If I where you I would twist arms until you know exactly what they want! If they want more then you can prepare for - SAY NO, and FIGHT.

[DorkothyParker]

Well it's too late now. They are picking me up at 9am at my apartment. I didn't know where the festival was so they thought to help me. Haha.
I guess the good news is that if I fail terribly this Sunday, I won't be working the following two.

I am not preparing anything at all. I will drink lots of coffee, put on makeup, and wait outside my building at 9:05. Hopefully everyone will be mystified by my tales of cheap home brewed coffee and ovens.

[some waygug-in]

I was going to mention a way of ensuring you won't get asked again, but you've already come up with your own thoughts.

You might try talking about Japan and how much more advanced it is than Korea.