Our (big) boss visited the Korea field office last week, and
we made a special trip to the DMZ. While
we were visiting the Joint Security Area or JSA (the famous blue houses behind
us), we noticed a group of North Koreans atop the building behind us looking
our way. I couldn’t help but wonder what
they were thinking?
 |
| At the South Korean DMZ - Sept 2013 |
Our tour guide (a U.S. Army soldier) told us that he’s only
seen North Koreans gather like this once or twice. He explained that the border isn’t open to
ordinary North Koreans – for good reason.
They’d all attempt to flee. Only high-ranking officials within the DPRK visit
the North-South border. I would have
loved to have been a fly on the wall during their visit. What were they talking about? Were they showing the people how much better
off they have it compared to the South?
It was a very curious sight.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIndoctrination is part of the human condition. We are all exposed to it in varying degrees. It's especially sad for North Korea because they have very limited access to the necessary information that would allow them to reach an objective view point.
ReplyDeleteStudies in the sciences of cultural and social anthropology show us that no society is immune to the impact social influence has on ones perceptions. As such, objectivity is a position scarcely achieved. (confirmation bias)
Hi Eddie,
DeleteYou are quite correct, indoctrination is natural. After all, most people in most cultures look askance at those of us who go our own way, don't they!
Thanks for commenting!