Protests, mid-terms, and travel

Hi everyone,

I was gone for the weekend again! Actually I spent Friday and Saturday in Daegu seeing friends and hiking a small-ish mountain with a teacher from my school. I wasn't all that excited to go with the teacher, but I did want to hike. However, it did turn out to be a nice day and I had a good hike.

Saurday night I left for Seoul and met up with friends at a jimjilbang- one of the public bath/sauna places. It was a really nice one and there was a nice place to sleep as well. It was 11,000 won (11 bucks)- much cheaper than trying to find a hotel/motel. It was relaxing and we hung out and woke up the next morning in search of the Olympic torch.

It didn't take us too long to find where the relay started. As we were sitting on the subway a bunch of Chinese students boarded our car. You might ask how I knew they were Chinese (and not Korea) but I knew because these individuals were decked out in red. They were carrying Chinese flags, wearing Chinese flags, and wearing the shirts for the Olympics as well. We pretty much just followed the crowd to get to the relay starting point.

The torch lighting ceremony was held at Olympic Park in Seoul- the Olympics were held here in 1988. There were lots of Chinese waiting to support their country. I thought there would be more foreigners or Koreans, but 98% of the crowd was Chinese. Some were holding sings that said "Tibet IS part of CHINA", "China wants peace", etc.

Now, at breakfast that morning, unbeknownst to me, my friend made herself a "Free Tibet" poster to bring to the relay. I was a little surprised, but didn't think much of it. It was only one sign and my friend was an activist in the states- she had done things like this many times. She kept saying things like, "In the states I have a gasmask to wear at protests" (so she doesn't get tear gased). "You're supposed to write the phone number of a lawyer on your arm so you can make your one phone call if you are arrested by the police." "They tell you to carry nail clippers in your pockets because sometimes the police will run out of handcuffs and use plastic ties- nail clippers will cut through it" and "If you don't have a gasmask you can use a towell/hankercheif soaked in apple cider vinegar to use if there is tear gas."

On the way to the starting point a few Chinese people made comments to her such as, "Tibet is FREE". She was also flipped off at least once and was called "a son of a bitch". However, as the torch lighting ceremony got closer and closer a small group of Chinese (most likely students) spotted my friend and her sign. They came over and started shouting "ONE CHINA!" and proceeded to try and cover up my friends' sign with their huge Chinese flag (by standing infront of her). Several people were taking pictures, video, and a few policeman on duty came over and stood by us (I'm not sure if they would have done anything if things had gotten out of hand...maybe) Soon one of the men taking video stopped to the small crowd. I commented that he wasn't tyring to disperse the bunch, he was telling them what he wanted so he could capture it on video. Sure enough a few seconds later the group was screaming "ONE CHINA" again. This time more people heard and decided to come over. I never felt all that threatened, but it was a bit disconcerting having about 30 people or so yelling at you. Some of my other friends were a bit uncomfortable and rather than having us leave, my friend with the sign moved. The crowd was very happy and cheered when she did.

Now, I have several problems about groups of people screaming at one person who did nothing, but hold up a sign. Hm, things like free speach come to mind. Or respecting/tolerating someone else's belief. And even, blindly following what your government tells you. Clearly Tibet is not free- otherwise you would not have the government cracking down the way it did and does everytime monks and others protest. I understand that although China does have relative free speech, young people my age still don't know about Tienamen Square (and yes I know this from experience).

Later during the relay more people were protesting and a few small fights broke out. Nothing too major though- although Korean newspapers reported North Korean defectors trying to immolate themselves. Not only were Koreans and some foreigners protesting about Tibet, but North Koreans who have defected were protesting because China sends the North Koreans that illegally come into their country back to North Korea where they are subsequently killed or put into work camps. China is continuing to do this while preparing for the Olympics.

I was debating whether or not to go up to Seoul this weekend solely for the torch relay, and am very glad I decided to go. It was a good experience all around and I got to see some friends I have not seen in awhile. I also was able to attend a Fulbright Forum in Seoul and listen to two Senior Fulbright Scholars present about teaching American history in Korean Universities- also very interesting to a history teacher at heart. :)

One last thing- over the weekend in the NYtimes and the International Herald Tribune an article was printed about Korean students getting into Ivy League Universities. It was an intersting article and fairly accurate about high school student life. If you are interested check it out: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/world/asia/27seoul.html?th&emc=th While up in Seoul I visited the Embassy and the people I worked with over winter break. It turns out that my office was one of the sources for the writer of the article. Also, a former Fulbright ETA taught at Minjok and he now lives and works in Korea you should check out his response to the article itself here: http://metropolitician.blogs.com/scribblings_of_the_metrop/2008/04/korean-foreign.html He talks about how the students are able to get into these Universities, but then struggle in the American educational system.

I'm headed to Pohang to see a friend tomorrow and will be away this weekend and early next week. I'm going to the southwest area of Korea- the last place in Korea I haven't seen. I'm super excited!

-me ^^

p.s. I'll be putting up pictures and some video of the Olympic relay and some pictures from the school's 5th year anniversary celebration today (that was a surprise for me!)