Session #5/6 (Modern Korea) Reflections

[Anonymous]

Korea continues to blow my mind with it usage of technology. We are so behind! The treatment of women dismays me. The history of prostitution and the war left me struggling to accept the continued repression of women. I admire the women who protest daily the lack of apology.

[Anonymous]

As a computer literacy & applications teacher I was fascinated to learn about the high level of technology within Korea and how it's readily adopted across all generations. I have to admit I was naive in thinking the US was at the tech apex as you mentioned above. I thought the interactive media poles placed around Seoul and other major cities were pretty interesting. It made me wonder about other gadgets and mainstream technology they regularly use. I've covered tech entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, and huge tech companies like Facebook , Google, Apple, Twitter, etc. This lecture inspired me to plan a lesson on foreign technology and computers centered around East Asia.

I appreciated learning more about the DPRK, but I'm curious to explore a truly uncensored living experience from the point of view of a North Korean citizen. The documentary accounts I've seen reflect a majority that is overly submissive to, and in alignment with, its country's leadership. While some are clearly resentful and understand the unethical harshness and destructive nature of their government, many others seemed content and gracious to have what they consider to be blessed leadership. It was hard to really understand the general consensus because the film makers were being constantly monitored by government officials, who seemed to have hand-picked filming locations and scenes that shed the best possible light on their country. Do typical North Koreans innately understand that they are being oppressed, and choosing to remain in silence out of fear of harm to them or their families? Or are they truly content with their leadership? In what ways are citizens speaking out against the unfair practices of their government, if any?

Lastly, Professor Kim mentioned Psy quite a few times and I think she said he moved to Los Angeles - Wilshire Blvd. Pretty cool he's in town and right in the neighborhood of our class.
edited by dsalama on 3/6/2013

[Anonymous]

I was checking out the news this morning and this was on one of the banners, so I clicked and was mildly amused at how the US is depicted here. I can't tell if this is true state propaganda or someone trying to be funny. Below is the link:
http://msnvideo.msn.com/?channelindex=4&from=en-us_msnhp#/video/85746905-0ab0-c6c7-c62f-97b5c11eac09

[Anonymous]

Not sure what to make of it, but it is a great way to show students how propaganda works.

[Anonymous]

Combining Psy and Kim Jong un . . .here is a (sort-of) funny cartoon from the LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/topoftheticket/la-na-tt-pudgy-punk-20130402,0,5498167.story

[Anonymous]

In my seventh grade class we have finally made it to one of the last units in our curricular map. We finally reached Korea! I was so excited to get to this subject because I was so eager to share the 10 things you should know about Korea. My students were very attentive and enjoyed the information.

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

Dear Colleagues,

Please write your reflections and comments on our full day session on Korea below.
Best,
Yingjia

[Author]

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