Sorry for not finishing my previous post. It was just going to speak on how I have not been able to sleep which has only intensified my frustrations in Korea. This actually brings me to my post today.
In a book I glanced through in regards to teaching English as a second language I saw a section on culture shock. It said there are three stages: Bliss, Depression, and Acceptance. I feel that I have only experienced two of these--Bliss and Acceptance.
When I first arrived in Korea it was a beautiful country full of possiblity. It offered a new beginning and seemed to hold the promise of unforgettable experiences. This feeling subsided after roughly two months into my phase of acceptance; however, my definition of acceptance digresses from the books outline. Actually it may contain a bit of the description of the book's Depression phase as well; although, I wouldn't actually say I was ever depressed.
I have come to accept this culture and country for what it is, a country that I do not enjoy and a culture that I do not find in the least to be conducive to my tastes and preferences. I don't understand a lot about this country. Some very fundamental parts of Korean society vex me, and I do not believe that a hundred years in this country could enlighten me, or for that matter, bring me to a state where I would enjoy life here. There are many examples that I have given of these issues in past postings. If I was called upon to give one right now I would have to say that Koreans are very loud talkers but if you speak loudly you will receive dirty looks and possibly a confrontation as did I on a certain KTX trip. Or, last weekend I went to eat at Outback and when my friends and I were seated the table of four next to us moved tables. Taxi Drivers will keep going instead of picking you up. Koreans will cut in front of you in any line at any place. Why? How rude! I have come to realize that there is a country-wide lack of common decency in respect to the treatment of strangers and foreigners. They will stare at you, be short with you, always assume that you are up to no good, and generally treat you as "less-than Korean". This does not jive with me. These are just a few examples of the many, many countless experiences I have had that do not bode well for my opinion of Korea and its people.
I reflected on this briefly a couple of nights ago, as well as my teaching experience here (and by the way, I have concluded with out question that Korean students are far more unruly and disrespectful than American). I came up with a few questions in my meditation that I have yet to answer and perhaps you can weigh in on if you like.
1) Is it bad to not like a culture?
2) Can you not like a culture yet still respect it (the answer seems quite simply to be yes when you are considering it from outsiders perspective; however it is different when you are neck-deep in a differnt culture)?
3) What does it say about you if you find a particular culture to be unsettling and unattractive? Are you narrow-minded? Are you unaccepting?
I thought of the movie "The Mission" in which the Spanish colonists are hearing the testimony of the cardinal in regards to the future of the native people. The antagonist arises and in a five minute speech speaks to the horrid, primitive culture of the native South Americans. I even went so far as to accuse myself of this short-sightedness. Perhaps I am being short in my judgements. Maybe I am just as naive as centuries of explorers who saught to condemn new cultures simply because they are different; although I have no plans to persecute the Koreans! Or maybe my seven months here is a legitimate basis for my conclusions. Hopefully, I will have an answer that is more clear after my year is finished.
KICKS ASS: I have found a safe haven in exercise and self-improvement.
SUCKS ASS: Having to dedicate myself daily-anew to trying my hardest at work and being patient with the kids.
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I'm moving to Daejeon in a month...I'll probably give your blog a full read sometime soon.
ReplyDeleteFeel free to check out my blog as well! Of course, it's still pretty small for the time being.
I have some random thoughts on your blog and questions. Culture is defined as the ideas, customs, skills, arts, etc. of a given people in a given time. Some cultures are more open and easier to assimilate to than the Korean culture. From some of your remarks and thoughts on Korea, it seems that the Koreans wish to keep their culture closed to westerners, or any foreigners for that matter. Coming from the States which is a melting pot of so many cultures, you're exposed to these many cultures and therefore develop more tolerance toward others with different ideas and customs. Also, it is easier to respect those of other cultures if the respect is mutual. That doesn't necessarily mean agreement with the ideas and customs of a particular culture. As for your third question about being narrow-minded if you find a culture unattractive or unsettling, that depends. If you rush to judgment without trying to learn about and understand a culture, then yes, you are being narrow-minded. If, on the other hand you have given your best effort to be open and to embrace that culture and still find it unattractive and unsettling - then no, you are not being narrow-minded. These are just my thoughts - interested to know if you agree.
ReplyDeletei think you've just been out of your comfort zone for a long time, and when you get some distance between that culture and yourself, you'll feel differently :)
ReplyDeleteif absence makes the heart grow fonder, being immersed in something makes you sick of it, you know?