I am an American English teacher in Korea.During the morning opening exercises to the Korean flag when they play the music or at other times during other meetings when Koreans put their hands on their heart I dont do that.I just put my arms down and hold my hands at my mid-section area.I feel funny pledging to another flag but I dont want to offend the Korean people.Can anyone help me on this?I will appreciate other Americans input on this and also Koreans input.Do you Koreans think I am rude for not puting my hand on my heart or is that ok or it doesn't make a difference? I was brought up by my parents to show good manners.
2007-06-13 00:24:52 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I think you should put your hands straight down and stand at attention. That's what teachers of other nationalities do at my school.
2007-06-13 01:53:05 · answer #1 · answered by Hardrock 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This is a tricky question, and involves a lot of cultural concerns that are not easily resolvable in an abstract way. As Americans, we are taught to do the same when we pledge to our flag, but most would not consider it rude for a foreigner to to not do the same, as long as they stood respectfully. In fact, it might even seem a bit weird for a non-citizen to pledge allegiance to our flag.
I would expect the same understanding in Korea. I would, however, be careful to make sure I was standing respectfully, or at attention--i.e. perhaps arms to the side, and making sure you aren't slouching or anything. This would be the best way to show respect without actually putting your hand over your heart.
Other than that, I'd suggest asking a Korean colleague--it is possible that Koreans attach a special significance to their pledge that would require even a foreigner to salute, and as someone who isn't Korean I really couldn't say. Just explain your concern and I am sure that they will give you a helpful answer on what the expected protocol is.
Also, you should be aware that different Korean individuals might have different perceptions--just as some Americans might be offended if someone refused to salute the American flag even though I am sure most wouldn't, it is always possible that you will offend one or two people. But I wouldn't worry about that--you can't always make everyone happy.
2007-06-13 00:33:32 · answer #2 · answered by Adam M 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I am shocked at some of these answers. This is not a tricky question...it is very simple.
If you pledge allgience to the American flag with truth in your heart, you could not possibly pledge to another flag. It would be very inapropriate for you to place your hand over your heart for their pledge.
Apropriate would be to stand and be respectful, but not place your hand.
If the Koreans are offended by this, then they have no allegience to their own country or pledge to it.
It should actually be offensive if someone from another country was to pledge, without conviction, to our flag. That would be more like mocking it.
2007-06-13 01:19:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
An American is first and foremost an American. We do not make pledges to any other flag.
We should, HOWEVER, show respect to other nations, especially where we are guests or foreign workers. Respect for the Korean flag in Korea would mean standing up and acting in a reverend manner. It is your choice as to whether you want to place your hand over your heart.
I would be quick to say that I would avoid, at all costs, any behavior that Koreans would deem offensive or disrespectful. Remember, you are employed as a teacher of English in Korea, and must act respectfully in their country.
2007-06-13 01:13:55 · answer #4 · answered by Mark 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That is a crock of bull that was started by the conservatives.. They felt the only way to defeat him during the election was through spreading hate and fear. It didn't work, maybe they will someday learn that hope trumps fear every-time. By the way, the "famous" picture that was taken was at a bbq. If you look at the picture you will see the flag is actually a big backdrop. The other "candidates" placed their hands over their hearts, but did not face the flag.. Also it was NOT during the pledge of allegiance, it was while someone was singing the national anthem.
2016-05-19 00:34:46 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it is not rude for you not to put your hand over your heart, this is an American Tradition, it would be disrespectful to the American Flag if you are an American to honor another Countries Flag in the same manner that you honor your own, it is acceptable by most host countries in showing respect to another countries flag to stand erect, hands folded behind your back during the recital of their national anthem or their pledge to their flag, this from an older American Ex-Marine, Now helping our soldiers in arms in Baghdad, Iraq;
2007-06-13 01:52:22 · answer #6 · answered by CW T 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. I recommend that you should do not pledge allegiance to another flag. Moreover, it is not true "allegiance" if you are not a citizen of that country. I think it is more rude that anyone should expect you to pledge allegiance to their flag. I live abroad, and have not encountered the situation, but regardless of where I am or how I feel about my government, I will never pledge to a nation in which I am not a citizen. I have known foreigners that were expected to do this in the United States, but I believe that the pratice of pledging to a foreign flag is wrong on all sides.
2007-06-13 00:46:59 · answer #7 · answered by Ronaldinho 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You already pledge your allegiance to the American flag. Unless you're Korean you shouldn't do it. I've had a lot of Russian friends that did the same as you during a National Anthem or Pledge and only one person (a Vet) was offended. When it was explained to him that she wasn't American the Vet was fine with it and all was well.
2007-06-13 00:35:22 · answer #8 · answered by turd burglar 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You should absolutely not place your hand over your heart to salute and pledge loyalty to a foreign flag unless you have gained citizenship in that country. You have sworn allegiance and faithfulness to the American flag. If you are still an American citizen, then you should not salute another nations flag in this manner. It is perfectly acceptable to place your hands at your side, or at your waist. It is improper for you to place your hands within your pockets or to fidget or otherwise disrupt the flag ceremony.
Your doing exactly as you should, the Koreans will not be offended as they understand that you are not one of their countrymen.
2007-06-13 01:21:58 · answer #9 · answered by peache68 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wouldn't making a "pledge" you don't really mean be worse?
What you describe yourself doing sounds fine to me (I have lived in other countries, and do pretty much the same) ... you are showing well-mannered respect for a flag that is not yours.
You might want to ask a Korean teacher at the school ... but I can't see that they would see a problem.
.
2007-06-13 01:22:39 · answer #10 · answered by abetterfate 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am neither American nor Korean but I believe there's nothing rude about not putting your hand over your heart during other countries' flag ceremony.
Putting your hand over your heart during the ceremony shows you are pledging your allegiance to that country. It's fine not to do this if the flag that is being pledged to is not your country's because your allegiance is to your country (unless you are already a citizen of that country).
The best way to show your respect to the flag, the ceremony & the people of Korea would be to behave yourself and remain quiet throughout the ceremony. People appreciate such simple manners.
2007-06-13 00:38:19 · answer #11 · answered by Gie 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋