They hate Americans, they have nightly blackouts and air raid drills, they have state radio speakers installed in every apartment that can't be turned off, and only one tv channel that is also state run. Did you every read Brave New World?
23 August 2012
my new obsession with korea
Last night I watched this (netflix streaming) BBC documentary called "A State of Mind." In 2003, the film crew followed the daily lives of two young North Korean rhythmic gymnasts as they prepared for the annual MASS games, which is sort of like North Korean political theater mixed with the Hunger Games. Remember how awesome the Beijing opening ceremonies were? Its like that. North Korea is so highly secretive of what goes on inside, so it was really fascinating to get a glimpse at the daily lives of these girls and their families.
They hate Americans, they have nightly blackouts and air raid drills, they have state radio speakers installed in every apartment that can't be turned off, and only one tv channel that is also state run. Did you every read Brave New World?
Then today, I got a little taste of South Korean insight when I read this article about the subtle social commentary embedded in the pop hit Gangnam Style. I realized that I know hardly nothing about this little Asian peninsula, but that I am definitely missing out. There is this new breed of consumer there "called Doenjangnyeo, or "soybean paste women" for their propensity to crimp on essentials so they can over-spend on conspicuous luxuries, of which coffee is, believe it or not, one of the most common." Who wants to go to koreatown for some karaoke and BBQ?
They hate Americans, they have nightly blackouts and air raid drills, they have state radio speakers installed in every apartment that can't be turned off, and only one tv channel that is also state run. Did you every read Brave New World?
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6 comments:
someone you know will be in korea this weekend. i'll let you guess whom.
omg is liz fucking herber?
so jelly beanz.
LIZ! CAN YOU SEE THIS? TAKE ME WITH YOU!!
also #comehomeliz
hate to break it to you, but south koreans are usually VERY serious christians. not so much the evangelical preachy type, but still.
As your Asian Liason, I present you with this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PHHCLh3fFg
THANKS FLIM!!!!!
i see you, joel!
ok, I'm back guys. and let me tell you, this song was. everywhere. the just loved it! i'll tell you what else they love, staring, touching, churches, being pale and dressing alike. and they're right about the coffee. it's so expensive!
they also love anything that has a designer name on it or a burberry print. counterfeit goods everywhere you turn! oh and rhinestones. they also can't swim. when everyone goes to the umbrella covered beach, they use inner tubes in the waist deep water and some even have hello kitty floaties too.
joel you should visit. you would be the absolute center of attention and could live like a king. or queen.
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