Sunday Solidarity

Hong Kong has a huge population of foreign women (mostly from the Philippines and Indonesia) who work as maids or in local parlance, "Helpers."  Sundays are when they get to be a bit free:

"Once they arrive in Hong Kong, workers must be on call day and night. Many families relegate helpers to sleeping in hallways or on the kitchen floor. Shorted checks, physical abuse, and sexual assault are all too common, to say nothing of the everyday discrimination that Southeast Asians face from the territory’s Cantonese majority. With little spare income, and often poor education, most domestic workers bear these hardships in silence. The few avenues of legal recourse they have are prohibitively expensive, difficult to navigate, and can take weeks or months. If a helper is fired, she has just two weeks to find work elsewhere before she’s deported. But no one can take away their Sunday. Which is why, since the 1980s, as a critical mass of Filipino migrants took to the streets, domestic workers have made the thousands-strong outings a weekly ritual.

One pair of young friends celebrates a birthday with a lavishly decorated cake. Ladies at the next camp are doing each other’s hair. At a third, a woman snacks on a handful of melon seeds while nose-deep in a pamphlet on migrant workers’ rights.

'Sunday is when migrant workers can meet friends from their countries,' says Phosuk Gasing, an executive committee member of the IDWF who’s worked as a helper in Hong Kong for 26 years. 'They can speak the same language, taste food from their homes, and share problems and how to solve them.' The IDWF’s on-the-ground affiliate, the Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Unions, represents migrants to the government, disseminates educational materials, and advocates for survivors of human trafficking and employer abuse."

Click through for some great pictures as well.

 

Truer Words

Noah Berlatsky has a modest proposal -- "Bad Ideas Aren't Worth Debating":

"But would it? Would American intellectual life really lose out because we aren’t debating whether women who have abortions should be hanged? What does Williamson’s cruel, bigoted refusal to use Laverne Cox’s proper pronouns add to 'American intellectual life'? Our public discourse ― or for that matter life on earth ― is not enriched but imperiled by ignorant, ideological efforts to cast doubt on the consensus around climate change.

The issue is not left intolerance. The issue is that conservative intellectuals make bad, often nonsensical arguments, and spout opinions that are hateful and harmful on their face."

Among the many pathologies of American culture, one of the most insidious is that any idea, however stupid, misbegotten, or ass-backwards, is worthy of a response in the name of "balance."

White Violence

Kashana Cauley's title says it all -- America is defined by "A Culture of Violent White Guys":

"It may seem weird to tie this idea of encouraged violence to a culture called 'white guys,' because white guys don’t necessarily identify as white guys—they often see themselves as just guys. But culture is both a set of positive affirmations about the value of one’s self and one’s group affiliations and a set of negative rules about what people shouldn’t do if they want to continue belonging to society. Blackness, as an example, is defined as much by someone’s skin color or the history of black contributions to the world as by the things that black people are culturally discouraged from doing, like openly carrying guns. If culture is, in part, what you can get away with, then violence is a part of white culture.

So it’s sadly not surprising that we occasionally end up with guys like [Austin letter-bomb terrorist] Conditt, or Timothy McVeigh, or the Unabomber, who step beyond the norms governing violence in this country. Especially in an era where the president has indicated that domestic terrorism, which is largely committed by white guys, isn’t an enforcement priority. We have to teach our white guys who feel angry or sad that violence isn’t the answer."

Stating the obvious here, but circa 2018 it's telling that a white Christian conservative dude literally blowing up black people cannot be called a terrorist, he is merely misunderstood.

To Meat, Or Not To Meat

South Koreans love meat.  As a teacher, when I ask my beginner-level students what their favorite food is, the answer is often immediate -- "meat!"  Then I try to explain how this sounds very strange in English, like something a dinosaur or a rabid dog might say, and I confuse them to no end and earn my Bad Teacher Badge for the week.

But is change possible?  Can vegetarian or even vegan lifestyles make a dent in arguably the only country in Asia that doesn't maintain some semblance of a meat-less lifestyle tradition?  Maybe, but it won't be easy:

"Many vegans in Korea are often forced to make up lies just to get through various social gatherings. 

According to the raw food instructor Kim, people from her monthly vegan gathering are often forced to come up with some smart moves to prevent awkward situations while eating out with others, especially with colleagues.

'Some of them told me that they either lie that they’re taking oriental medicine as an excuse to avoid eating meat or continuously flip over the meat being grilled so that nobody notices that he or she is not eating it,' said Kim. 

'This happens because vegans are often regarded as people who need to be attended to, and both sides don’t want that to happen every time they eat together.'

Regarding the social pressure, Prof. Chun Sang-chin, who teaches in the department of sociology at Sogang University, said, 'Korean society has a strong social pressure to be in sync with others rather than tolerating an individual’s choices. This trend is not only seen among people of older generations, but also among young people in their 20s and 30s.'”

The rule of thumb in Asia, if you want to find a vegetarian meal, is to find either Buddhist temple-style restaurants or an Indian joint.  Alas, this won't work in almost all of South Korea.  The article mentions that at least in Seoul you might have some options, but outside of the capitol vegetarianism is either misunderstood, treated with suspicion, or more likely met with both confusion and derision.  I've even encountered situations where a waiter will swear up and down that a menu item is vegetarian, then return -- mixed vegetables!  On a bed of fried rice containing big chunks of ham!  Vegetarian perfection!

As someone trying to eat less meat these days, but still far from a full-blown vegetarian, I'd love to see this trend take hold outside of Seoul as well.  Daegu does have a few nice Indian places, as well as a Loving Hut.  But the latter is problematic.  First, I'm not convinced their menu is "all organic" (frozen, microwaved dumplings rarely are).  Second, you're easing your conscience regarding animals at the expense of supporting a gosh-durn cult.

Honestly, if you're moving to South Korea and take your vegetarian or vegan lifestyle at all seriously, be prepared to cook 95% of your meals for yourself.  (Fresh fruit and vegetables are easy to obtain, once you find a good local grocer.)  But expect plenty of awkward meals, especially with co-workers, where you'll be stared at like the killjoy you are as you nibble on small bites of plain white rice.

(Even kimchi, as healthy and delicious as it is, isn't vegetarian.)

March For Our Lives

I'm cynical by nature, and this is obviously not an era of optimism in America, or anywhere else in the world.

So I'll take my moments of inspiration as they come.

This Is Why They Pay Me The Big Bucks

Passive voice was taught today.

Stating The Obvious

Trump is going to fire Mueller and Republicans will do nothing.

Register to vote for this November. "Good" Republicans will not save us from Trump.

— Stormy Jamesiels (@wetcasements) March 21, 2018

Nature's Revenge

The film version of Annihilation is truly excellent, with a rare performance by Natalie Portman that I actually enjoyed.  (For me, she's usually just kind of there without really bringing much to her parts).  In fact, the cast overall is a good one (Jennifer Jason Leigh brings a lot of layers to her performance as well), and the pacing is pretty much perfect with a genuinely uncanny ending that won't leave you any time soon.

Other things I appreciated -- based on the first novel of a trilogy, it would have been in keeping with the times to set up the second and third books for future cash-grabs sequels but no, Alex Garland settled on making a sci-fi opus that comes in under two hours but tells just as much of a story as necessary.

It's a shame that in a world of endless comic-book spin-offs (many of which I enjoy!  honestly!) a truly great, thoughtful, intentionally slow-paced, and relatively low-budget sci-fi flick literally can't make any money.

If you enjoyed the film, do yourself a favor and read the books which are a lot different in terms of characters and plot, but pretty similar in mood and themes.

#MeToo

#MeToo has arrived in South Korea:

"The Me Too movement has received endorsement by President Moon Jae-in, who on Sunday reiterated his support as he pledged to eliminate sexual misconduct and gender-based discrimination. 

'Recently, our society, along with the Me Too movement, is in the midst of a crucial change,' Moon said in a congratulatory message for a ceremony commemorating the March 8 International Women’s Day in central Seoul.

'The Me Too movement is leading Korea toward becoming a society in which sexual equality and women’s rights are realized and the dignity of all people is respected.'"

And while the movement is a breath of fresh air in a highly traditional society, two suicides involving men accused of sexual abuse have already occurred.

What Have You Been Listening To, Teacher James?

Park Ji-ha, "Sounds Heard From The Moon"

I've been digging into the music of Park Ji-ha via Youtube and a recent Pitchfork review.  It's remarkable stuff, as she plays a blend of Korean and Western instruments in a minimal, hypnotic style.  Sometimes she sings, but as far as I can tell she usually doesn't.

I'm off to downtown to do some shopping, and I'm going to definitely try and pick up some of her music while there.  Also, some Indian / Nepalese food at Balaji because that's how I roll.

Humble

I don't like to brag or nothing but I taught the shit out of the present perfect continuous tense this morning. #ESLthuglife

— Stormy Jamesiels (@wetcasements) March 13, 2018

Ramen!

While the semester has gotten off to a mostly smooth start, a minor prayer of mine was answered when an honest-to-jeebus Japanese style ramen restaurant opened up near my office.  I tried it last weekend and it came pretty close -- close enough -- to the real thing.  (The place downtown is better but also more expensive.  So be it.)

Thing is, I guess I'm not the only one jonesing for ramen.  The place has been packed, with a line out the door, ever since it opened.  And believe me, this is about as sleepy of a Daegu suburb as can be.  But it's also a college neighborhood, and 4,000 won ramen (not much more than three bucks) is hard to turn down.

It's even got the Japanese-style ticket vending machine by the door, which I find cool and off-putting at the same time.  Human contact is for losers.

Opinions, On The Internet

I have very little to say about The Florida Project other than that it's an excellent film that will absolutely gut you at the end.

Food Of Love

Over the weekend I finished Ann Powers' Good Booty: Love and Sex, Black and White, Body and Soul in American Music.  It's a quick enough read and while it doesn't break entirely new ground, she does a really good job of tying together trends between modern and 19th century music.  And if you're looking for a serious (but not quite convincing) argument as to why Britney Spears is a feminist icon on the level of Madonna or Beyonce, this is the book for you.

"the missiles will just fly over us"

A great piece of food writing from from the border area between North and South Korea:

"Kim Chang-seop tells us that we can take photos on the left side of the bridge (river, forest) but not the right (military base), adding casually, 'The soldiers are probably watching us right now.' Growing up inside the sparsely-populated CCZ, there were only five children in his elementary school. He has fond memories of hanging out with the soldiers, who would share their hardtack provisions with him. They assured him that he wouldn’t have to join the military because the two countries would be unified by the time he was old enough to be conscripted. 'It’s been 15 years since I finished my service,' Kim Chang-seop laughs.

He’s since left the village and has a family of his own, but returns regularly to help his parents out. He’s also not particularly bothered by recent growing tensions between the North and South. 'We’re so close to the border, the missiles will just fly over us,' he says. It’s unclear if he’s joking or not, but he, like many Koreans I know, comfortably wears this shrug of indifference, an easy, pocket-sized nihilism.

Back at the restaurant, the dining room is now full with locals in layered work clothes, a middle-aged couple, and soldiers with the skull and crossbones stitched onto their uniforms. (A tour bus sometimes stops at Jeonseon Hyugaeso, offloading groups of security tourists, but none are visible.) Rumor has it that each side chooses the handsomest soldiers to serve on the front lines, as propaganda that places each nation’s best face(s) forward. The soldiers here are good-looking, and they are also so young. Everyone, locals and soldiers alike, is huddled over the steaming pots of maeuntang."

Read the whole thing, and don't miss the excellent pictures.

As cynical a bastard as I am, and as dangerous as times as these are, it's always worth remembering that people are trying to live their lives and will continue to do so despite the ravings of madmen with bad haircuts and nuclear arsenals.

Humble Thoughts On North Korea

Trump and Kim Jong-un are going to meet.  Some thoughts:

1)  If you are a dictator, build a nuke ASAP.  Saddam and Qaddafi didn't or couldn't, and now they are dead.  Kim Jong-un gets a face-to-face with the President.  Trump will bluster and look to "win" the meeting but in fact, Kim and North Korea have already won.  Bigly even.

2)  The U.S. currently does not even have an ambassador to South Korea.  At a time when a solid, consistent message is crucial, Trump with change his mind every damn minute and treat the meeting, as he does all things, as another episode of a reality show.

3)  South Koreans aren't dummies.  They realize Trump is a wildly inconsistent egomaniac.  Bringing KJU's sister to Pyeongchang was a bold move (despite a petulant and childish Mike Pence) that led to this thaw.

4)  Trump and Kim are both going to declare themselves victorious after the meeting.

5)  The meeting will make very little difference towards long term peace on the Korean peninsula.

6)  "Cautiously optimistic" is a cliche but hey, why not be cautiously optimistic?  Maybe, just maybe, Kim is sincere in wanting to cool things down.  And why not?  He's basically already won (cf. point one).

Important Announcement

sex is great and all but have you ever budgeted yourself 50 dollars to buy office and stationary supplies at the beginning of a new semester of teaching?

— Stormy Jamesiels (@wetcasements) March 8, 2018

Delight And Instruct

Red Velvet, "Bad Boy"

This week we did introductions with my college students for the first week of class.  In my highly unscientific study of their favorite music acts, Red Velvet are apparently the hottest group in South Korea right now.

I dunno.  This isn't actively grating on me like a lot of K-pop can or does.  It's kind of a decent for R&B inflected pop.

Just Another Day In America

Who among us hasn't been sued by a pornstar for not following through on terms of our mutual hush-money contract? #tcot #MAGA

— James. Just James. (@wetcasements) March 7, 2018

"to see the world without us"

Tim Kreider on the state of America post-Parkland:

"One of my students once asked me, when I was teaching the writing of political op-ed essays, why adults should listen to anything young people had to say about the world. My answer: because they’re afraid of you. They don’t understand you. And they know you’re going to replace them.

My message, as an aging Gen X-er to millennials and those coming after them, is: Go get us. Take us down — all those cringing provincials who still think climate change is a hoax, that being transgender is a fad or that 'socialism' means purges and re-education camps. Rid the world of all our outmoded opinions, vestigial prejudices and rotten institutions. Gender roles as disfiguring as foot-binding, the moribund and vampiric two-party system, the savage theology of capitalism — rip it all to the ground. I for one can’t wait till we’re gone. I just wish I could live to see the world without us."

A-fucking-men.

Because Korea

It's been a while since I've complained about idiot building managers in South Korea, thankfully.  But hey, it couldn't last forever.

I came home a few nights ago and discovered my electronic key wasn't working for the building entrance.  Luckily I was able to track down the manager and he let me know that he'd reset the locks.  Without telling me.  Meaning I was locked out of both the building and my apartment.

You should be proud of me though.  I didn't throw a fit, even after I asked if he had my phone number and could easily have called / texted me at any point that day to let me know about the change.

Ugh.

There really is some kind of Object Permanence issue regarding foreigners with these guys -- like, you do realize I sleep, eat, and exist within this building don't you?  No?  Why not?

Peak English?

With China's rise as a superpower and America's obvious decline under Trumpolini, is the preeminence of English as the global language of choice doomed?  Glad you asked!:

"It is hard to credit the vulnerability of a language such as English – which has spread, unbidden and unplanned, far beyond its homeland, and is even claimed to be the “language of freedom”. But this in itself is nothing new. Transnational lingua francas, once established, always give off an aura of permanence. Yet when circumstances change, they fall. And the change is clearly coming.

And so the natural expectation will be that after the new powers, such as China, India or Brazil, establish themselves economically, politically (and probably militarily), their linguistic and cultural influence too will come to be felt, among those who want to do business with them, and then with one another. But as with all newly dominant languages, there will be a lag."

All well and good, but there are some definite hurdles for Chinese to become a global language.  For starters, not having an alphabet presents real problems, even for native Chinese speakers.