Great Discussion, Presentation, and Reads

[Billie Johnson]

I can't believe we are already at week 6! The presentation this week was intriguing as the documentaries on North Korea seemed a bit one-sided and the films for South Korea look like something out of Hollywood. Ode to My Father had it all: laughter, tears, great cinematography, relateable characters, etc. I haven't been affected by a movie in a really long time.  Anyway, the way North Korea is seen by outsiders is what we discussed this evening and what the clips of documentaries showed...chaotic. However, as I questioned during class, is this viewpoint on North Korea what outsiders want us to see? Even though South Korea uses balance in its approach when depicting North Korea in film or in writings it seems to be done in a way that is trying to convince the North Koreans to come towards the light. I know that this course has open my mind to the very little I knew about North Korea. 

I got a kick out of North Korea's girl group. It seems like the appearance of these women would be a shock to what I think is a very conservative society.  The readings this week were insightful and very much enjoyable.