Lifestyle Differences

As expected, living in Korea provides a different lifestyle than in America. Although, the basic necessities of life like clothing, food, & shelter are still present, there are different ways in which we[Koreans & Americans] handle these situations. These unique perspectives I believe, are based on cultural influences. Since my arrival in Korea, I have had many discussions with my colleagues who are always more than willing to give me a better insight to understanding the Korean culture (Thank Guys!). As a result, I have learned quite a bit about the Korean culture (even though there is so much more to explore culturally) and often enjoy taking the opportunity to share this information with my American friends here in Seoul, who don't have the same type of exposure to the Korean world that I live. Based on their own unique experiences, they are able to share another part of the Korean cultural equation. Through such intriguing discussions on Korean culture, it has helped me to understand and appreciate the environment that we now live.

I thought it might be interesting to chronicle a few of these differences that I have found along the way. Therefore, for the next several days, I will attempt to properly examine a few of these differences. Feel free to read them, add your opinions, or ask questions via comment. Keep in mind that while some of these differences are major, others don't matter in the grand scheme of life....BUT, they are interesting just the same. I believe that in order to understand a culture, you have to understand some of the REASONS why the people behave as they do.

So sit back, read on & enjoy! This should be good...

Thanx, K

P.S. Don't forget to comment, it's nice to know that people are actually reading this stuff!

The Shot that was Heard...Around the World?

As we reflect on the anniversary of Dr. King's death, we must ask ourselves if the struggle continues today. It's been 40 years since the death of Dr. Martin Luther King...in that time, have we really made any progress? In many parts of the world, many people are still being held down by oppression. Others still fall prey to the mental chains of slavery. It's unfortunate that small mindedness (if that's really a word) continues to plague the world perpetuating stereotypes and unfair treatment to many.

Since I have been in Seoul, I have been trying to understand the people & the environment that I am in as best as I can. In an effort to stay close to the pulse of Seoul, I try to read the newspaper everyday. The content viewed in some of the articles, never ceases to amaze me. Remember, Seoul, S Korea is a major metropolitan GLOBAL city, trying to be EVERYTHING for EVERYBODY in business. Today while surfing the Internet trying to find 'something' in Korea, I came across an on-line edition of an English Daily Newspaper, The Seoul Times. Now usually, I read either the Korea Herald or The Korea Times, but news is news, right? WRONG!!!!!!!!!

I just could not believe the article that I came across...

Now don't get me wrong, I am not a militant black woman that is continuously blaming "the man" for the downtroddeness in our communities. But come on!!! Of course I read the article(3/13/08), and the gentleman did a sub-par job defending blacks. However, he did express that "even blacks want to know this answer."

Can someone tell me, WHAT BLACKS HAS HE BEEN TALKING TO? I have some black friends..., and I NEVER, NEVER heard anybody wonder out loud about our [blacks] close relationship to Apes. Perhaps this gentleman has some kind of connection to the black race that I am not privy to?

Some of you might think that I am making to much of a big deal about this BUT I am a offended that they would even run such a story. How insensitive! Even though his story is trying to give the perception that they are trying to eradicate racism, it really is adding fuel to an out of control fire, where people believe that visual differences can be justified. What happened? Did no one realize the vision that Dr. King had for America, for the world?????

But, since we are on the subject of racial injustice, what is the deal with skin bleaching here in Korea? I don't know why, but I have come across this service in quite a few of the dermatological & beauty enhancement websites & locations here in Seoul. I was talking to a person here the other day and they began to tell me how Korean women attempt to bleach their skin because being "lighter" is the preferred tone. WHAT??? You have got to be kidding me...I hope that this is a serious untruth. But when I look at the make up available at most counters, quite contrary to the US, you don't find bronzing powders to give you that sun kissed look in many places (if any).

Based on these findings I must ask, "Is it a conspiracy around the globe?" Who is the masked person who is going around leading people to believe that the fairer your skin tone the better? Now I understand that in the American black (or AA) community we have long standing reasons behind why some people believe that fairer skin complexions are superior (even though it still does not justify this ridiculous viewpoint). I did not realize it existed in other cultures as well.

For those of you that don't know, in the black community during the times of slavery, fairer skinned or bi-racial slaves were given preferential treatment and allowed to work in better conditions. They were placed in the slave masters homes instead of the back breaking labor witnessed in the fields. Making a huge difference between these "field slaves" & "house slaves" has continued to influence the mindset of many Blacks in America. As we have struggled with our identity in America, we have continued to feed this divisive mechanism subscribing to this elitist point of view.

As a fairer toned black woman, throughout my life I have had to deal with many a shrewd comment regarding my melanin-challenged skin. To me even the mere discussion of the differences in skin color is wasteful, but they continue to surface in discussions. If obviously, there are no intellectual, or true physiological differences between these self-divided groups aside from pigmentation, why does the discussion continue?

Upon closer review of the subject matter, I have also heard that the same type of divide exists around the world in places such as Brazil, Mexico & India. In these countries I have seen a rainbow of beautiful skin tones. Therefore, I must ask, when will this madness stop?

If we keep looking for reasons to justify the divide, we will never be equal or free as people on Earth. Did anyone learn from the death of Dr. Martin Luther King? or the teachings of Gandhi? When, ...if ever, will the world realize that the story of life is much bigger and can be much better if we view the world with more than the things that we see with our eyes?

Just a thought for today!

K

SeOUL Searching

Why must one travel so far away from home to feel this way? What way you ask?

Kind of invigorated...perhaps even free. I have not yet been able to put my finger on it....the actual reason escapes my grasp. But whatever it is, it is very liberating...even kind of surreal. Coming to Seoul has given me the opportunity to get my mind together. To find some solice...To put things in perspective. Now don't get me wrong, I have not ascertained the true meaning of life or anything that deep. Nor have I decided to make Seoul my new home. I am just feeling myself over here, & I like what I feel.

Self photography

(It's really Spring in Seoul!)

While at home in Detroit, I feel like I have many responsibilities, with my family, & friends. Don't get it twisted, I wouldn't take anything for these special folks that I love very much. But the situation I am currently in feels kind of liberating. Being far, far away is kind of nice. Imagine living a life where you don't have ANYONE depending on you...it's cool if only for a little while.

It may sound kind of selfish, but it is the real deal. Therefore, I just have to take a moment & thank God above for the many blessings he has bestowed upon me. 'Cause right now, I am basking in his glory!

Thank You Lord!

K

Keena in front of the Pacific Ocean

Keena at Gyeongbok Palace [Seoul, S Korea]