North Koreans Trying BBQ

[Len Krieger]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0TYCEXmi90&feature=emb_rel_pause

 

Class, 

 

I was speaking with my brother who is a big time BBQ'er and griller here in our beloved Texas, and he knew I was taking this seminar, and he sent me this link of North Koreans trying different types styles of BBQ from America. There was one on South Koreans trying BBQ for the very first time as well, but this one really on NK really almost brought a tear to my eye. The reason why that is, is their outright joy and shocked facial expressions when they got the food. Barbecue is a luxury that I take for granted here in Texas is BBQ country and I sometimes forget not everyone is as privieleged to be able to eat things like barbecue or eat anything at all. Also am proud to say Texas BBQ was by the favorite 🙂 

 

Another reason why I enjoyed this video so much is because as the North Koreans eat the amazing que' they are given they are interviewed and you find some interesting information out such as: not a lot of machinery in NK and the ox can do the work of 7 people, if you are caught killing a cow it is punishable by death, also that their names had to be changed to protect their identity.

 

I strongly encourage you to watch this video if you have not already.

[Len Krieger]

Class,

I was able to incorporate what I learned from this video into my own classroom during a lecture on the Columbian Exchange. We were talking about how the Old World Animals brought to the New world were far superior work wise and food wise than the animals brought from the new world to the old world. One animal mentioned was the cow and a student asked why would a cow or bull be so important? I told them in certain parts of the world that are underdeveloped technologically such as North Korea a cow is considered sacred because they can do the work of 7 people and killing a cow without permission is a serious crime. I just thought I'd share this because it gave me ideas as to how I can better use NK and SK as conversation starters for topics I cover like: dictators, rivals, war, globalization, etc. and not just the cold war.

[Maria Blake]

Len--

This short video clip illustrated several new ideas about the culture of North Korea: the major role that agriculture plays in the country's economy that justifies the use of cows as labor force and, also, why cows are kept from being eaten because of what they represent in the economy. it was suprising to hear  that, as you oberved,  killing a cow for food is considered a misdemeanor that is punishable. This is another evidence of the propaganda in effect. It was shocking to hear, too, that dogs that are pets in South Korea are seen differently in North Korea. 

Overall, this short video clip was an interesting reality show snapshot on not just barbeque promotion but the symbolism of barbeque used to represent two things: first,  an economy that is more advanced than in places such as North Korea, and second, how barbeque can be a symbol for the ideal of unity between North and South Korea; in fact, one of the last participants in this kind of barbeque competition reveals how this barbeque experience could be the way to bridge the chasm between the two countries that exists because of  political differences. Food can unite versus divide people. Thank you for this interesting resource.  

[Len Krieger]

Food defintiely brings people together from all walks of life such as different races, creeds, genders, religions, and in this case countries. I just liked the utter joy and the feeling of gratefulness each person had. It really helped me realize I take luxuries like BBQ for granted and some people only can eat what they have available if anything at all. Thanks for the response to my post and am glad you ejoyed the video like I did.

[Author]

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