Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Old fat expat]

Since Galton described the Gaussian Curve the West has accepted diversity to be a natural phenomenon. Darwin showed in his finch study that the variability described by Galton allowed for adaptability; such diversity created a competitive advantage that allowed for a species to adapt to a changing environment. Where many observers see the diversity of Western society as individualism, I see it as providing strength to the society at large. This ability to be diverse is described as ��freedom��, but in reality nothing more than variability that provides a competitive advantage. Contrary to social relativism, a system that promotes diversity and allows for change has its foundations in science and is superior to a system whose beliefs are founded on reason (a priori knowledge).

The East has adopted a system that it believes promotes harmony. This system sees diversity as an anathema to harmony. Structures within the society are maintained to promote stability. This supposed ��natural order�� places men above women, elder above younger, scholars above merchants, merchants above farmers, and those divinely chosen above all. But the belief that harmony is obtained through stability has neither foundation in science, nor in the natural world (there is no stability in nature). Any social system that promotes stability through conformity (as is done here in Korea and with Confucianism) is at odds with the natural world.

I see Korea as having two problems that are interlinked. Firstly, Koreans have a belief system where structures dictate immutable social position and status. Actions and outcomes take second place to social position. Although arguably functional in agrarian societies, it is a poor system for industrial ones.

Secondly, children are catered to as if they are the center of the universe until around age 15. By then the child has learnt behavior patterns were only their needs are of concern. By never having to obey rules in their formative years they have the belief that rules do not apply to them; and in the case of males the belief that they are superior to others. These two problems are mutually supportive.

There is nothing ��superior�� genetically in the Western (or Eastern) people, but the way a culture is organized will have measurable outcomes that indicate preferable social structures. Measures such as life expectancy, access to healthcare, working hours, living standards, education, equality, and corruption levels can be used to describe such preferences. Social systems that appear high on such measures can arguably be described as superior; those that sit further down the list can be seen as being inferior. Self belief (arrogance) has little to do with such measures. I understand the above idea is unacceptable to social relativism.

The huge leap in statistical analysis during the golden age of statistics (Galton, Pearson, Spearman, Gosset, Fisher) supported the scientific method developed by the west and allowed for social interventions to be trialed and outcomes measured separate from belief systems. There are not a lot of people in the West that really understand the scientific method (and apparently even fewer in the East-see Hwang), but the impact has been enormous.

Here on Dave��s many of us lament the way things are done in this country. The social relativists tell us to stop being racist/imperialists. Different strokes for different folks etc. But when I see things done poorly that have direct impact on my well being I want them changed but the rigid system here dictates that wae-gok-sa-ram have no place in providing advice. They want us here to improve their living standards but will not listen to our advice because they know better (sic).

Cheers and apologies to those who prefer quickies

[khyber]

[VanIslander]