I heard a story about an older Korean man who rebuked a young Korean man who was making derogatory comments about Americans. The older man reminded the young man about how Americans came to help them fight in the 1950s. But then I was reading this morning about the new Korean movie "The Host," and how badly Americans are portrayed in it (it's an American who puts the chemicals in the Han river which cause the mutations that create the monster). I've also seen anti-Americanism in movies like "Typhoon" (in which an American ship fires on a raft of immigrants).
Does anyone have any insights into this? What are the reasons for it?
2007-03-09 04:06:31 · 11 answers · asked by Who Knew? 4 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Korea
it was just an act. asian people hate white people, and every other color people. Also they hate each other a lot too.
2007-03-09 04:09:25 · answer #1 · answered by grasshopper 3 · 0⤊ 6⤋
Yes. The older generation remembers what the US and its allies (The Combined Forces Command of the United Nations) did to save them in the 1950s and develop/support their economy since then. The younger generation, used to affluence and a fun life style, feel the US military has outstayed its welcome.
Last year, I was in Korea when CNN, BBC, etc. carried anti-American demonstrations on a daily basis. What was not shown were the counter demonstrations of mostly older people sincerely thanking the US.
The monster in "The Host" was supposedly caused by a chemical spilled into the Han River; it was based upon a real event in which a VERY SMALL amount of formaldehyde (used also in color protection of fabics) spilled from a US Army funeral facility. The chemical is harmless, but enflamed the anti-American, ignorant, young people.
In the 1990s, there were sometimes violent demonstations against the US. After one ended, I went to the college campus to speak with some of the students - I found they had no understanding of geopolitics, finance, government, economics, etc. In some cases, the "student" leaders were proven to have been paid by North Korean agents. But, they found a willing audience of young people who know and understand little about their own country and the US.
2007-03-10 00:58:51 · answer #2 · answered by Rick 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
There is a huge generation difference between the older Korean people and the young, spoiled college and high school students.
The older Korean people who remember the Korean War continue showing their gratitude for the Americans and other countries who came to defend the country.
They remember the North Koreans from 50+ years ago. They want no part of going through that again.
The younger generation nowadays are always whining and complaining that America is keeping South and North Korea from being reunited.
Nothing can be farther from the truth; it is a now-proven fact the South Korean Government does not want reunification.
Some facts to ponder -
South Korean economy is ranked #11 in the world.
North Korean economy is ranked #74 in the world.
Just imagine the South Korean economy suddenly having to absorb 22+ million unemployed people from the North. The South Korean population is o/a 44 million at the moment.
This 22+ million would devastate the South Korean economy almost overnight, also included would be 22 million people who are starving; a strain on the food supply.
During my years living in South Korea, I have had older people thanking me for defending their country back then.
They were very sincere; I attempted telling them I was born after the Korean War, but they thank me anyway for being here defending them.
2007-03-11 23:45:26 · answer #3 · answered by Living In Korea 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I saw that movie (called Kaymul, or Monster, in Korean) with my friend (who was American also) I remember us finding it hilarious that almost ALL the antagonists in the movie were American. Think about our James Bond and action movies, I remember quite a few Asian "bad guys." Does that mean that in America we are anti-asian? No, I think it means screenplay writers are lazy.
Since I came to Korea in August, I have met less than a handful of Korean people who may have been rude to me. I find the people in Korea to be very nice. Older people have started conversing with me on the Subway, to practice their English, and children like saying "hello" to me too. I think that's really a friendly action rather than negative. I feel very comfortable here.
2007-03-11 10:54:55 · answer #4 · answered by J'ai une question... 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Maybe the older Koreans are more respectful in general. But like a previous poster said, it depends on the person. I have found Koreans hard to get to know, but once you do, they are very kind and loyal friends.
2007-03-09 15:08:57 · answer #5 · answered by Li 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Their is more than one Korean, and more than one American. How Koreans view Americans generally is that we are Americans. We are judged by things we broadcast.
Their are people from different places that have told me that all of their views on Americans came from our soap operas.
Another said their views of Americans were that we were fat and pig-headed, because that is how they saw our politicians.
If we change our broadcast we will change the view of the general population (with the exception of North Korea, only due to their isolation.
2007-03-09 12:13:56 · answer #6 · answered by sunscour 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Older generation many have a but view on western especially Americans due to culture diffrences and some family member who had been to a war. but the new generation Korean it "OK" with Americans due to modernization.
2007-03-11 21:24:31 · answer #7 · answered by anderson 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Thats films for you, how many films from the USA have involed a bad guy from a country at the time of filming or at least have a bad guy that is American in them. I'm sure theres a few films in which koreans are played in a bad light as well.
2007-03-11 06:18:46 · answer #8 · answered by Mr Hex Vision 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
since I'm a Korean I think I know this.
many Koreans strongly dislike Americans. especially the young ones.
however, Koreans want to live in America. (what a hypocrite!)
the reason why Koreans don't like Americans is because of the stupid college professors and pride.
Koreans think that U.S. is hindering the chance of unification of the north and the south.(which isn't true!)
2007-03-09 22:59:37 · answer #9 · answered by inane person 2 · 3⤊ 3⤋
When I lived in Korea (ARMY) the only place that treated us bad was in Seoul - that was mainly because of the young college students. Other than that I found them very nice and glad that we were there.
2007-03-09 12:09:50 · answer #10 · answered by Diane A 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
don know
hollywood is dish out movies with no realities anyway...who cares bout movies
thanks to bush there's already enough anti american views globally. can't get any worst i say
2007-03-09 12:11:00 · answer #11 · answered by willow 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋