The Effects of the Korean War - Essay Example

You’re Name Professor Course 06 June 2006 The Effects of the Korean War and how it Divided a Country: Personal Reflection Although the Korean War was way before my time the resounding affects of it can be felt to this day in the country of Korea. It was this very war that officially finished dividing the country into the North and South. Also, some Koreans state it is the reason why these two sides are such bitter adversaries in present day. The war in itself changed so many lives in Korea, placing many people at odds, as I have heard down through my own generations within my family. Its been stated that North Korea was the first to make the initial tactical movement of military forces against South Korea and therefore created the reason for the United Nations to bring in other countries to back up South Korea’s military defenses. The United States was of course one of the Nations that came to South Korea’s aid. I’ve learned through historical accounts and very old relatives that once the call was made to come to South Korea’s defense it marked a huge turning point in history for my homeland and the world for that matter (Parr 1952, p. 352). Relations between these two sides of Korea have never been the same since the Korean War. However the International relations between the United States and South Korea has been a long standing one since this war initially started and ended. In fact, as I have stated previously the United States forces still dwell within South Korea, some Koreans viewing them as a safety net and protector while others view them as intruders who refuse to leave. This in itself has split the population in South Korea down the middle as to individual feelings of the continuing occupancy of the United States in the country. Furthermore, the changes from the Korean War allowed for the development of an alliance between the United States and South Korea which has created innumerable cultural changes in the country, bringing in more Americanized ideas and beliefs into many South Koreans homes before they were ever aware it was occurring. North Koreans look at South Koreans as an Americanized and culturally oppressed Korean group. Thereby many Koreans state that we have allowed America to dominate and control us and in many ways brainwash us into thinking American ideas and values are better than our own. The differences between North and South Koreans are obvious as the lifestyles, government, and economics are totally opposite one another with South Korea’s being more democratic politically, and the North’s being communist. Also, even though South Korea still has traditional beliefs, these have been changing as well as more and more I have personally witnessed an abundance of South Korean immigrants moving into the United States with high ambitions and dreams, believing that the US will offer them more than their own country. This is just a small example of the changing culture taking place among South Koreans that I myself am a witness too as I am even a part of it. After all I left my country to come to America as well, believing the same things as many of my fellow Koreans have believed, that the US will provide more sustenance and a better living environment. But what about the past and the rich culture that we use to have? This is something I constantly look back upon and then wonder how exactly things have changed so rapidly over such a small expanse of time. Of course I believe that a great percentage of the changes can only be blamed on the effects of globalization and the mass marketing of foreign ideas that have gradually been taking place all over the world. For example, I can remember when South Koreans had a strong and empowering cultural identity but now, as I stated global marketing is eradicating many of those past familiar customs (Global Policy Forum 2005). One foreign idea that has grown to an idea of mass marketing proportions is fast food. Now many South Koreans don’t follow the traditional ideas that meal time has presented in the past. Preparing meals in South Korea use to form strong interactive bonds between mother and daughter as it is the women that prepare the meals more often than not. Now however the country has evidence of Americanized fast food restaurants such as McDonalds and Pizza Hut popping up all over the place. Some say this is due to the occupation of the Americans who prefer this type of food but regardless of that it has entered the community homes of South Koreans everywhere. McDonalds makes tons of money off of my cultural group and in exchange my own cultural orientation is dribbling away a little bit at a time (Gibson-Prince 2002). What those who bring these ideas into the country fail to realize is that not all South Koreans want to eat McDonalds or see it being advertised across their TV screen more than once a day. This is because, just this one simple foreign idea impacts the traditional socializations within my country, driving them to switch to a more American lifestyle which is obvious as many are migrating from the country to the United States as I have stated. From what I know and what I have witnessed, in the not to distant past the unique cultural of South Koreans was highly distinguishable as I lived in the country and I know this for a fact. Now however, the effects of mass globalization are beginning to take their toll on the people in regards to a number of social aspects centered on everyday life. There is no doubt in my mind that Western thought is invading my country like the White Plague killed thousands upon thousands of people. It is slowly destroying all of the values that I used to idolize and hold dear. I feel soon that the individualistic ideals will soon be a normal pattern of life in South Korea and all that was familiar before will be just a tendril left amongst all the other social changes with nothing that anyone can do to stop it from happening (Global Policy Forum 2005). This makes me very sad as these foreign consumer values and social beliefs are eradicating the cultural life that I once found a great deal of comfort in by being a part of. It makes me wonder how severely the traditional family values and friendships are going to be after globalization has finished its job. Also, I ask what will the social interactions and community relations be like 10 years from now? Will South Koreans even be visible amongst the Americanized image that is taking over now? I personally don’t have the answer to that but I do fear that the old ways are going to be washed away forever, as I have been pointing out. I know that South Korea is not the only country that is dealing with this issue but I do personally believe that when a country has an occupation of a foreign force within their country for year after year then eventually it begins to take its toll and the characteristics and traits of those people soon engulf your own nativity. The only way to move forward through it is to seemingly accept it since it is not something you can simply pull away like a blanket, it is what it is and globalization is a powerful force that can cause people to feel like strangers walking amongst their own country men within their own borders. Despite this somewhat negative views there are positive ones to be found as well, I can say that. Since the war and due to the help that Americans have given my country we are a more open society than what we once were. Furthermore, as I have stated previously, we are a very religious group with multiple religions being allowed in our country but Buddhism being the most prevalent out of all of them. Also, in South Korea education is used to teach the cultural heritage of the country and to also promote a more democratic system of thought and political action among the people and in an international context as well. The educational and religious background of South Koreans has always been viewed as vital to our lifestyle and beliefs and although globalization has changed many things it has not touched this aspect of Korean life. Another point since the war is that our economy has grown to excellent proportions, making life improvements noticeable everywhere within our lands which are something that South Koreans will always be thankful for. For example, within the last five years the business sector of South Korea has increased up to 5% which is a great increase compared to where before there was barely any international business in the country. Technology seems to be advancing as well, with satellites now being put into space, nuclear power plants being constructed, telecommunication systems developing and expanding, and also the building and utilization of high speed railways for travel and importing and exporting as well. The country is definitely thriving and to many they would say so what if globalization is bringing new thoughts and traditions, it is benefiting the country and the people in far better ways than ever before. But then there are also the more stilled views that do not like the encroachment of foreign beliefs coming at them so fast and suddenly, yet there is nothing that they can do about it. It is one of the technicalities of progress and expansion, many state. Nevertheless, all of these changes that are being pointed out are due to globalization as I have stated repeatedly. There is no denying its affect in the country of South Korea or any other country for that matter. In the book, “Managing Globalization in the Age of Interdependence” by Lodge and Tiampo (1995) they point out that “globalization is a fact and a process. The fact is that the world’s people and nations are more interdependent now, more than ever before and are becoming more so. The measures of interdependence are global flows of such things as trade, investment, and capital, and the related degradation of the ecosystem of which all life depends, a degradation that constantly reminds us that we are all passengers on a spaceship, or, more ominously, a lifeboat (p. XI). However, when I was reading some of this book I couldn’t help but think of the positivism that emanates from the words of it as well. Globalization is not an evil entity, I have pointed this out. The only way that it can be assumed to be that is if people are simply unwilling to change. There are some South Koreans that yearn for different cultural ideas which is why so many leave to go to other countries but then at the same time there are others who view this progress as a stoning onto their personal interpretations of what life they want for themselves. I know it is those ones individualized out of my cultural group who are hurt the most by these cultural bodies changing many South Korean ideals and values within the family. However, I view some aspects of globalization as being a promise of efficiency in spreading the good things of life to my country men. I don’t see it as a bad or adverse life altering element in that regard. Also, it helps those who need help and sometimes gives them the power to start life new. Nevertheless, even though I might not see some of these thoughts as bad many others do and they feel it is only a menace in the country. Some South Koreans state it is only going to disintegrate what is left of a culture that was once rich in fortitude and healthy lifestyle habits. This is because the convergence and integration of it is going to bring conflict and upset the old ways of life by challenging the past culture, religion and the system of belief of the South Korean people. In a way I agree with this and in a way I am opposed to it. It can only hurt the South Korean people if they allow it too. If they adapt to the new ideas and transformations taking place all around them then it can change lives in a positive way forever, but as soon as I say this I realize that some things must be lost in order to gain these new ideals. Again however, that is a part of life that has been taking place all over the world. War always brings great transformations to a land and the Korean War has actually done more for the South Koreans than before it ever took place. Sure there were many hardships that were endured during that period of time of which I have been told about but as a person looks back and then turns to look forward, the progress that has been created since that era is remarkable. It’s true that the cultural tone is changing and it’s true that some do not like it but again it is inevitable that they will learn to adapt or be lost in the midst of it. It is something that one must learn to accept to move on and change as well. If anything South Koreans can learn more through a richly diverse culture than simply staying isolated and ignorant to any new found foreign ideas. The world is a huge place meant to be explored from what I have learned. In conclusion, as I have said South Korea has had its fair share of hardships and turmoil but now in present day it is at a turning point. Many ethnicities live among other South Koreans in the country bringing unique ideas and thoughts into the homes of the people there. Although some elements of the past are still honored and cherished there is room to allow for more knowledge and to interact with different social thoughts and ideas as well. Music, movies, clothing, food, everything has become globalized in my country and the younger people love it but the elders are still trying to adjust. Everything takes time and I’m sure that one day all of the South Koreans will learn to accept what they can not change as I myself have had to do. Then they will see the good that has developed out of everything bad that has happened in the country. Simply living in one country does not mean that you are a stranger to other cultures as the world has now changed to allow for a blending of all cultures everywhere around the globe. Works Cited Global Policy Forum. “Globalization of Culture.” 2005. Global Policy Forum. 7 June 2006. http://www.globalpolicy.org/globaliz/cultural/index.htm Gibson-Prince, Etta. “The Burger They Love to Hate.” Jerusalem Post (2003): 1. Lodge, George & Tiampo, Josefina. Managing Globalization in the age of Interdependence. San Diego: Pfeiffer Publications (1995). Parr, Joan. “Korea-It’s Place in History.” The Political Quarterly 23 (1952): 352-367. Read More