Hello!
still unable to submit my work for the film review. Here it is in PDF.
This course has been very interesting and I’ve really enjoyed learning about Korean culture. Using pop culture as a way to understand societies is a really fascinating approach and I think it will translate well into my ethnic studies curriculum. I want to incorporate many lessons about Korea but I think the concepts that will resonate with students include food, music, and beauty. I think the lesson I will create will actually include all of these topics and then some, but also then include a comparison to another culture, ideally that represents the students identity.
I think the issues/ideas raised in the seminar that are of the greatest relevance to my students are the concepts of beauty standards, and also food. While really anything we learned can be so relevant in ethnic studies class, I think these topics will be of great interest to my students. Particularly the idea of beauty standards and how that impacts people of Korea (and the world). Most of our students understand the standards for beauty here in the US and their negative/toxic consequences, so to compare that to Korean beauty standards and their impact on the people of Korea would be quite interesting. Food, on the other hand, is something that everyone experiences in some capacity around the world and I think students are generally very interested in learning about various cuisines but don’t often stop to consider the histories behind them. I think a “food tour” would be interesting, where students learn about Korean dishes but also the history behind them.
Overall I really enjoyed learning about Korea through popular culture, and I’m excited to integrate concepts we studied in the course into my own ethnic studies curriculum.
Hi Crystal,
I would like to earn the CEU's!
Thank you!
I love the idea of esports teams being sanctioned by CIF to be in schools. This really means potential inclusion for everyone - so many more students involved and not limited by genetic factors outside of our control. I agree that looking at it as passion and sport is also quite rational, there's so much that goes into playing and being successful at esports!
Hello!
I also can't post new content so here's my website review.
This is a great idea - I like the idea of the use of technology but I also wonder how the tech tool is taught? Is it something easily accessible to students (free to utilize and user friendly?). I'm sure there's other methods, but just wondering how much training of the students is involved as we only have our students for one semester so even more so, time is of the essence!
Kara, I was also considering how Esports have created a space for students not interested in or unable to participate in physical sports to have some sort of outlet. I'm not sure if our school has a club, but I wouldn't be surprised about it. I have really noticed a rise in competitive gaming in recent years, whether it be playing or spectatorship.
This actually stood out to me a lot as I was reading this article too. I found it very interesting it was referred to as a scientific problem. Additionally, that the science was helping to determine the perfect face. I remember questioning "well who decides what is perfect?" but it seems the belief here is that it is science (at least with that one doctor highlighted).
I must say I did appreciate though that when people brought in celebrities photos, they actually steered them away from achieving someone elses face and went with a more "scientific" approach that would fit that specific person. Still, it makes me sad people feel the need to do this to achieve certain beauty standards.
In the description of beauty standards and the beauty market, I actually find it quite refreshing that men are essentially held to the same standards and that there ISNT the same toxic masculinity we find here in the US. While I realize it was mentioned that especially for aesthetic surgery that there's really not much data on men, still I find it quite nice that men (anyone for that matter) can take care of themselves to the extent they want without really the judgement men would (or do) face here.
that being said, how far is too far? The British influencer who is trying to look specifically like Jimin of BTS actually is something my students have talked about before and wondered is it cultural appreciation or appropriation? Very interesting nonetheless.
I found it interesting that at least one of the doctors in the study discussed cosmetic surgery more about science and the "perfect face" rather than achieving "western beauty". The rhinoplasty bit was interesting to me as well in how it's really no longer as popular as jaw surgery, even going so far as recommending UNdoing a rhinoplasty.
as for jaw surgery, I agree it sounds truly horrific. It makes me wonder too, these are surgeries that really only allow for the elite to access so what happens to those trying to achieve this standard of beauty without the funds or access?
I enjoyed reading your perspective on the child like presentation of the games. I hadn't actually considered the privileged class looking down on the players like children though it makes complete sense. Also agree that the "shock" factor is absolutely something that hooked me - it really kept me wondering what would happen next. And even with the expectation of things that would shock me, I was still left so surprised at the decisions made during some episodes, particularly during the marbles game.
I agree with Jerrica here. Centering student voice is SO powerful, but can actually be quite damaging if the student is put on the spot and asked to speak for an entire group. I think speaking to them individually to explain the importance of their stories and how you'd love to hear their voice in class would be super powerful. I also agree that if you do it for one group you should highlight all groups.
I completely agree that I found it so incredibly wild that there were multiple shows that highlight dads simply being dads. I suppose given the traditional gender roles it's not totally surprising, but rather shocking that it's something focused on in multiple shows. I think I find it discouraging that it's so "celebrated" (I'm not sure that's the word I really want to use) for men but women being mothers is just expected as the norm.
I was intrigued by the Squid Games article because as someone who initially was actually turned off by the concept of the show, I ended up being so fascinated and drawn to it for reasons stated in the article. I remember watching the first episode and just not understanding why the show was spreading like wildfire. I took quite a long break actually because I personally was turned off by the darkness of the show. It wasn't until quite a few students (I teach HS) and friends told me to stay committed I attempted to watch again and actually it became something where I really needed to know what was going to happen.
Like the article states, I was completely drawn to the characters and the relationships they had with each other. I remember being so heartbroken at all that transpired at the marbles game not only because of being drawn to the characters but also because of the shock at what happened. It was both heartbreaking and infuriating to watch. Additionally, the presence of the VIP's reminded me of the members of the capital in The Hunger Games - preying on people for their own entertainment, literally putting them in life and death situations until only one remains.
While I don't exactly want to put into words the serious plot twist regarding Player 001 - it was that type of incredible shock and twists that truly kept me glued to what many perceive as such a dark show - it was fascinating. I will say, I'm not sure how I feel about a second season but I will certainly be watching.
I agree with you that this was actually quite surprisingto me. We see here in the U.S. our celebrities have ZERO privacy, and I'm wondering if this actually helps these artists feel like they have SOMETHING to themselves that the public can't/won't know about. Also, to your bringing up the BlackPink documentary- for those who haven't seen it it's very interesting to see the inner workings of a K-Pop group and what they have to go through in order to maintain their roles as the total package entertainers.