Nationalism vs. Multiculturalism - Reflecting the Norway Massacre

A Much-Needed Balance

             Every time I ride the public transportation, I can see many foreign people with different skin colors. Whenever I look into TV or newspaper, I can see a news concerning immigrants from south eastern Asia. Looking around, we can clearly see that various social issues concerning foreign incomers are increasing as more foreigners, especially from southeastern Asia, are coming into Korea. Though their numbers were insignificant at first, the population of immigrants has become too large to ignore. We now stand on a crossroad about what position we will take towards all these foreigners who are coming in to our society day by day. We may take the nationalistic position or the multiculturalism position. This decision may seem unimportant, but if chosen thoughtlessly, it can turn out disastrous. An incident in Norway conveyed that message in a very cruel way.

             On June 22, 2011, two sequential terrorist attacks, resulting 78 casualties in whole, shocked the world. First attack happened in Oslo, an explosion where all the government buildings were concentrated. Though many windows were shattered, there were only 8 casualties. Second attack was held in Utoya Island, where a political summer camp organized by the Labor Party was being held. The terrorist ruthlessly shot the participants and killed 69 men and women. What was more shocking was the motive of the criminal’s action. He had planned the massacre in order to save Norway and Western Europe from multiculturalism and Islam. Given that the criminal was a far-right and Christian extremist, we can understand that. However, we cannot overlook the question whether the one-sided multiculturalism policy that the criminal had discontent is the best answer.

             Multiculturalism, the idea that criminal was so against on, is appreciation, acceptance, or promotion of multiple cultures. This ideology accepts wide variety of cultures, religions, races, etc, promoting the interaction and communication between different cultures. When applied to the policies, it focuses its primary goal on treating people from other cultures as equal to us and giving the same opportunity to foreigners. On the contrast, nationalism exalts mother country above all others, disregarding any other cultures. If this ideology is applied to the policies, nationalism discriminate people from other cultural, religious, or racial branch in jobs, education, insurances, etc. For example, majority of immigrants from southeastern Asia works as hard as Korean workers but still gets fewer wages than Korean workers. When approached this way, multiculturalism may seem to be a much better way. However, one-way multiculturalism can turn out worse than we think.

             There are few serious problems regarding multiculturalism policy. First major problem is about the rights of the immigrants. It is very important to respect and protect those rights. However, when those rights are thought to be protected just because it’s an ethical thins to do, problems start to happen; immigrants start to shamelessly demand rights that are not entirely theirs. For example, there was incident where illegal and short-lived immigrants demanded permanent residency, using the “immigrant rights protection” policy as a shield. Second problem is the crimes caused by the immigrants. Many of them are faced with hardships early in their immigration because of the different social value and environments. Many can’t find their way into the society. Failing to blend into the society, numerous immigrants tend to get frustrated and commit crimes like drug trade or assaults, increasing the crime rate and causing social unrest. In addition, ever-increasing illegal immigrants are a problem too. Although there are immigrants go through proper procedure to live in another nation, many people tend to immigrate in illegally, mostly due to their financial hardships. Various companies hire these illegal immigrants for cheap price. This may look beneficial to both the firm and the immigrants. However, if continued in long term, this may be fatal to the country’s industry.

             Although it seems decent, multiculturalism has its own serious problems if it’s looked through carefully. French president, Nicolas Sarkozy said “We were so worried about the identity of the immigrants that we were too negligent towards our own.” This clearly emphasizes the problem of one-way multiculturalism. Just blindly caring for immigrants will result unwanted outcomes pointed out in the previous paragraph. However, choosing nationalistic policy isn’t our best option either. We are living in a globalizing society, where world is getting smaller and smaller. There is no way to just remain isolated and exclude other cultures with a nationalistic idea in our mind. Thus, we need a balance between the two positions: nationalism, and multiculturalism. What happened in Norway is inhumane, but this message conveying the necessity of balance can’t be overlooked. Of course, it will be extremely difficult for us to put out a balanced policy. Nevertheless, this balance must be reached in order for our nation to survive in the 21th century – this is a dilemma which is inevitable. We must face it NOW. 

Search for Lost Captain Park Starts

Search for Lost Captain Park Starts

             Korean Alpine Federation (KAF) and local Sherpa decided to launch a search by forming an accident control party and sending an investigation crew in order to find lost Captain Park Young Suk and his crew, who were climbing Mount Annapurna, one of the Himalayas, starting on October 20^th.

             Starting last month, Captain Park Young Suk and his crew have been climbing Mount Annapurna, one of the Himalayas. However, on October 18^th, 6 pm, Captain Park’s contact with the base was cut off. His last words were “We’ll descend from the mountain due to the bad weather and rockslides”. 36 hours after the cut off, KAF declared captain lost and started to take a measure in order to find the captain. KAF is planning to send a helicopter to the place where the last connection was made in addition to sending investigation crew formed with local Sherpa. A person concerned with KAF mentioned that they will need to get help from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, because there are numerous unprofessional hikers such as cameramen and reporters.
              Captain Park started the climb with a goal to pioneer the new road at the Mount Annapurna’s Southern Wall. He was planning to go through the new road that was never taken before without the help from anyone. Some experts are speculating that Captain Park is stuck in a big crevice based on the fact that he mentioned avalanches as a major reason of comeback. Professionally, those crevices are known as Bergschrund and are made by continuous formation of glaciers placed beneath the cliff steep enough to prevent the snow from piling up.

Reflection on "봄"

Reflection on "봄"

             Throughout our daily lives, we talk and interact with many other people. Usually, we just talk and act the way we think and the way we want. Many sentences that we spoke or acts that we showed disappear behind our memories after some time. Well, for us, that is. Even though we forget what we spoke or showed, people who listened to and saw what we did may not forget it. Those words and acts that we showed so thoughtlessly can form an inerasable scar in someone’s mind.

             For instance, there was one time when I made fun of an ugly girl in our class. Since making fun of people was one kind of entertainment for boys in our class, I thoughtlessly made fun of her, swept by the atmosphere. However, a few days later, some girls in my class told me that the girl that I made fun of cried a lot when she got back home. At first, it took some time for me to understand what they were talking about since I didn’t remember that I made fun of her a few days ago. Soon, I remembered, and as I recalled the incident, a shock overwhelmed me. I never, ever imagined that the girl I made fun of would be hurt that much. Of course, I apologized to her a soon as possible. Still, the apology couldn’t erase the scar that I gave her.

             If the words that we speak and behaviors that we show can hurt, how can we prevent such an unfortunate event? The best way to prevent it is to be in someone else’s shoes. To be in someone else’s shoes means to think before we speak or behave and consider what who he or she feels like when I speak or act the way I want to. In this way, we can avoid inappropriate words. Another way to avoid giving the scar is to hold our tongues as much as we can. 

Shawshank Redemption Reading Journal

The Shawshank Redemption Reading Journal

Book vs. Movie

          "I hope I can make across the border. I hope to see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope." As the movie Shawshank Redemption ended, I couldn't stop myself from feeling greatly moved by the movie. 2 weeks before, after I read the book, I thought movie wouldn't be as good as the book like it usually does - my guess was completely off. The movie followed the basic structure of the book. However, the movie included some dramatic ingredients that weren't in the book. Though the opinion may vary from person to person, I think that the movie was better than the book because of following reasons.

          First, the movie was better than the book because of the ending. In the book, Stephen King concludes the story in an unfinished way. As I mentioned above some people will like this unfinished way. However, I didn't like it. I wanted a clean, strong ending, allowing Red and Andy to meet in the small beach town. Unlike the book, movie ends when Red meets Andy. After I saw that, I was so relieved of the stress I felt after the book. Of course, Stephen King would have chosen that kind of ending for readers to guess and use their imagination about whether Red meets Andy. I understand his intentions, but I felt very uncomfortable in that way. It just kept lingering in my mind. Thus, I enjoyed the movie's strong ending much more.

          Second, I enjoyed the movie better because of the death of Tommy. Tommy Williams is a guy who told Andy about the real criminal who killed Andy's wife. In the book, Tommy just moves to different jail. On the contrast, in the movie, Norton kills Tommy, considering Tommy as a pesky danger to him and the Shawshank. I liked it this way better because the death of Tommy provides a clear source of anger that causes Andy to determine to escape from Shawshank and pay back to Norton. The book didn't have enough tension that made me think like "so... Andy just escaped..." The book lacked a strong sympathy between the readers and Andy about the cause of Andy's action. Movie clearly showed that - death of Tommy, whom Andy taught and provided Andy some happiness in his life, caused enough anger to make Andy resolute about his decision to escape. Thus, I could sympathize with Andy more.

          Lastly, I enjoyed the movie more because of the change in Red. In the book, Red is introduced as an Irish man in a similar age with Andy. On the contrast, in the movie, Red is a black man who it a lot older than Andy. I liked it this way better because the change made Red like a mentor to Andy and felt more credible than the Red from the book. In the book, Red was merely a close friend. However, in the movie, Red was a person who Andy could lean and depend on to. I think this kind of relationship made a stronger and more touching impression. I could feel a much more strong feeling from my mind at the end of the movie than I had at the end of the book. Thus, I liked the movie more because of the change in Red.

          Nevertheless of these comparisons, both movie and the book was a masterpiece. They were both very enjoyable to watch. No matter who much different they were, both works showed one theme - hope. They both told to never give up hope and work hard to achieve that hope. I thought it was kind of a extreme way to show that kind of theme but I loved the suspension and imagination from the author. For those who never watched or read "The Shawshank Redemption", I strongly recommend you to see it. NOW. You won't regret it.

Hero's Journey - SpiderMan (not finished)

Group Members: You Jun Seung, Kang Min Q

Our Story: Spiderman

Why we chose it: Our group chose the story "Spiderman" because it is a story that all the members know well. We wanted to

have a thorough discussion. We also all agreed that Spiderman is a very interesting story to anaylze.



ACT I

1. Ordinary World:

The world before Peter Parker (the main character) got bitten by the spider. He was just an ordinary student in college. He like a girl named Mary Jane, but couldn't get close to her because he was shy.

2. Call to Adventure:

Peter finds himself changed after getting bitten by the rare spider. He could shoot spider webs from his wrists amd he found himself with improved physicality such as stronger muscles and better eyes. He also got a micro-hook on his fingers, he could climb straight up the walls.

3. Refusal of the Call:

At first, Peter uses his new-found powers only for his personal benefits. For example, he goes to the wrestling match to earn money.

4. Meeting the Mentor:

While Peter was amazed and intrigued by his new powers, his uncles tells him that "with great power comes great responsibility" and Peter begans to think how he can use his powers. Peter ponders between using his powers to help others and using his powers only for himself.

5. Crossing the Threshold:

Unfortunately, his uncle gets killed by the robber who Peter ignored because of his irresponsibility. From this experience, Peter decides to use his powers for a good cause accompanied by the responsibility.

ACT II

6. Tests, Allies, Enemies:

Peter starts to save citizens who are in danger. As he continues, he gains spotlights from the media and popularity. However, the media describes him as a villan (test). In spite of that, spiderman continues with his good deeds and gains respect from many citizens (allies). Also, Peter's long-loved Mary-Jane motivates Peter to continue his adventure as a hero (ally). Then, a new villan called the "Green Goblin" appears in the town and declares himself as an enemy of the spiderman. (enemy)

7. Approach to the Innermost Cave:
The Goblin lures the spiderman into the fight by taking Mary-Jane and bunch of children as a hostage. Rather than ignoring it, Peter accepts the Goblin's call and goes to the place to fight despite the fact that he might have a disadvantage already planned out by the Goblin.

8. Ordeal:

The Goblin and the Spiderman has an epic battle. Goblin drops the bus full of children and Mary-Jane at the same time.

9. Reward:


ACT III

10. The Road Back:

11. Resurrection:

12. Return With the Elixir:

Bugil High School and KSA

Bugil High School and KSA

             “Hey! hey! Here! Pass!” Even from far end of the field, players’ call for the pass could be heard. Their rough breaths, ever moving legs, and passionate shouts aimed for only one thing – a goal.

             On May 25^th, CGV, the soccer club in our school, played a preliminary soccer match of

Nationwide 특목고 Football Tournament against Bugil High school. Resentment built up from not being able to go out in state championship, mixed with expectation of using the grass field for the first time in this year had kept the players thrilled since the day before the game. By the morning of May 25^th, thrill had piled up to be a tension. 

             Our players started to warm-up at 10:30, getting their conditions up before the match. Players adjusted to the grass field by doing few passing and shooting drills. Around 11:00, Bugil players arrived at the field. They too, practiced a few drills to get adjusted. Time passed, and soon enough, around 11:30, the match started.

             Despite the tension and worries, the game started easily for the CGV. The first goal was scored even before 5 minutes had passed. With the flow on their side, CGV pressured the Bugil team harder. Flustered by giving the first goal too easily and our players’ strong defense and offense, Bugil team let two more goals within 10 minutes after the first goal. With the total control and the flow of the game, it seemed like that CGV had already won.

             However, the game was still long left. Despite the three goals that could have taken out the will to run anymore, the Bugil players quickly gained their composure. They started to play back toughly, both physically and mentally. Taken aback by their sudden rush, CGV allowed one goal.

             With a newly found spark of hope, the Bugil team started to come out even harder. But this time, our players weren’t off guard. One goal was enough. Through solid defense and offense, CGV wrapped up the first half without anymore danger. Also, on this particular day, luck was on our side. It turned out that the Bugil team didn’t bring any substitutes. As the second half passed, Bugil team couldn’t keep up with the stamina of CGV. Using this as the advantage, CGV ended the game with a score of 3 – 1.

              “Even though it was a competitive match, I think it provided a great chance to get to know other schools” said one of the CGV players after the match. School interchange such as sports game is one of the best ways to promote good fellowship between schools.

              Fortunately, there was another school event just like a game with Bugil high school; on June 9^th, students from Korea Science Academy (KSA) came over. On the evening, KSA and KMLA had fun together, showing their talents by singing, dancing and rapping. On the morning of June 10^th, students from our school and KSA had a sports interchange, playing four sports games – basketball, soccer, softball, and the tug-of-war.

             We started off with the basketball game. Not failing our expectations, KMLA’s basketball club Crossover defeated the KSA basketball team with a score of 59 – 20. “It was one-sided game for the most of the time. But still, it was exciting” said one of the 16^th waver who watched the game. Next, there was a soccer game between CGV, the KMLA’s soccer club, and KSA soccer team. After a neck to neck game for 80 minutes, CGV lost by a score of 3 – 2. KMLA took the matches after that, which were softball and tug-of-war match.

             Regardless of the results, the sports exchange with KSA was a very enjoyable and exciting experience overall. We hope to have such experiences with other schools as well and also visit KSA next year.