Bill58
Native Texan
Taken last weekend at a mime festival up North (Not in N. Korea).
I've stayed away from the anti-American beef protests in Seoul. I guess I'm just too pissed about the rampant, mindless xenophobia towards a country that freed them not once, but twice from tyranny and brought them up economically from total devastation to prosperity. Oh well, off my soapbox.........
I've stayed away from the anti-American beef protests in Seoul. I guess I'm just too pissed about the rampant, mindless xenophobia towards a country that freed them not once, but twice from tyranny and brought them up economically from total devastation to prosperity. Oh well, off my soapbox.........
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R
ruben
Guest
Great work Bill! and the first one....beyond any words
Cheers,
Ruben
Cheers,
Ruben
sweathog
Well-known
The country that 'freed' them gave them the gift of democracy. Which allows them these protests. Can't then complain about it.
On a lighter note, nice shots. Fantastic colours, they sure make me want to go.
Bill58
Native Texan
Thanks, Ruben and Sweathog.
Protest is fine, but about a really dumb non-issue? How about proresting about how their own mega- corporations rip them off or their politicians steal them blind? BTW--they didn't "free" themselves.
Protest is fine, but about a really dumb non-issue? How about proresting about how their own mega- corporations rip them off or their politicians steal them blind? BTW--they didn't "free" themselves.
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sweathog
Well-known
I didn't say they freed themselves. To be fair, I think as issues go, there have been protests about far greater non-issues. That's it, I''ve said my piece, I will step down from this now.
markwatts
Mark Watts
Hello Bill,
I've been here since 2001 (Ulsan) with a year out in N. China in 2005. Now down on Geoje Island. It is an amazing country..great friends, wonderful colleagues, world leading technology, third world driving, and without doubt, underneath all the friendly " we want you to love Korea" the most racist and xenophophic people. Just get into an auto accident and see where you stand. But they have come further and faster than any naton I know. They need another two generations in my opinion. Whilst frustrated daily at work with their intransigence and arrogance, I remain hugely impressed with their work ethic and safe society, something we all have lost.
And don't you think the light is awful for photography?
Regards,
Mark
I've been here since 2001 (Ulsan) with a year out in N. China in 2005. Now down on Geoje Island. It is an amazing country..great friends, wonderful colleagues, world leading technology, third world driving, and without doubt, underneath all the friendly " we want you to love Korea" the most racist and xenophophic people. Just get into an auto accident and see where you stand. But they have come further and faster than any naton I know. They need another two generations in my opinion. Whilst frustrated daily at work with their intransigence and arrogance, I remain hugely impressed with their work ethic and safe society, something we all have lost.
And don't you think the light is awful for photography?
Regards,
Mark
oftheherd
Veteran
Nice photos.
As to the protests, I wonder how soon they will die down. For those who don't know, apparently they feel the politicians sold out to the Amricans, not negotiating for the beef they are sent. They just have to take what they are sent. That is my understanding of what they are angry about. The police so far seem to have used great restraint, and been injured because of it.
To us (at least me) it seems such a non-issue. There had to be some sort of negotiations. But it is their country, their culture, and their expectations of their government.
Just stay safe Bill, and keep taking good photos.
As to the protests, I wonder how soon they will die down. For those who don't know, apparently they feel the politicians sold out to the Amricans, not negotiating for the beef they are sent. They just have to take what they are sent. That is my understanding of what they are angry about. The police so far seem to have used great restraint, and been injured because of it.
To us (at least me) it seems such a non-issue. There had to be some sort of negotiations. But it is their country, their culture, and their expectations of their government.
Just stay safe Bill, and keep taking good photos.
oftheherd
Veteran
One of the things that impressed me most the first time I was there was the drabness of the countryside, punctuated by snatches of color that really stood out due to the otherwise drabness. I suspect that has changed some. Has it Bill?
whitecat
Lone Range(find)er
Nice shots...................
lic4
Well-known
I disagree with the protests too, but you should keep in mind that the US government hindered democracy movements in Korea's history, favoring tyrannic regimes that best served US interests. It wasn't until the bloodless '87 revolution that Korea gained democracy, which was a home-grown movement.
You could argue that America had a role in that revolution because it took education and economic growth for such a revolution to occur, and America had a large role in the latter. But there were many reasons, so it is difficult to say that Korea has America to thank.
Anyhow, Mark, your comment that Koreans are xenophobic could be taken as xenophobic itself, by your own standards. It seems to be an ironic assessment, if not dangerous territory.
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markwatts
Mark Watts
lic4, yes you are right. Sweeping statements are always dangerous and I regretted chipping in immediately. But please don't misunderstand me. I have tremendous affection and admiration for the Korean people. I would not have chosen to remain working here for so long if that were not the case.They achieve the impossible on a regular basis. I guess several years living as an inferior life form takes its toll <S>