[WallaceLisa]

I found this article helpful in understanding the difference between how many older Koreans view the US and it's intervention/help in the Korean War and how the younger generation tends to view us.  It also reminds us of how, sadly, food is often used as a political tool and way to control people, and it happens globally. 

[WallaceLisa]

I found this article very informative.  I found the "ideal" facial proportions quite interesting and looked again at some of my favorite Korean actresses. I can see that in many of their faces.  I agree that the jaw surgery sounds scary!

[WallaceLisa]

I started watching K-dramas about 7 years ago, when my teenage daughter took an interest in BTS and other k-pop groups, and Korean TV.  I feel like I have learned a lot about Korean culture from them, as well as societal issues in Korea.  I love the depth of the stories, and the characters, and often find myself thinking about the stories even after they are done. So much to learn about and reflect upon regarding human nature and family.  Some are just plain funny and provide a terrific relief from everyday life burdens.  And I enjoy the music from the dramas as well.  I work out/ walk while listening to the fun ones, and find so many of the tunes beautiful and calming when trying to relax. 

[WallaceLisa]

This surprised me a bit, as I was unaware of the agenda behind these shows! I think there may be more effective ways of encouraging bigger families, starting with the view of motherhood in general, and then also companies being more supportive of hiring moms again if they took some off to raise their kids; if there was not that fear that your career is essentially over if you choose to be a mom....? 

[WallaceLisa]

Our Blues and Hospital Playlist are both excellent! Yes, I agree about food issues.  It's nice to see people regarding food in a healthy way, and as a way to connect with others...

[WallaceLisa]

In reading article no. 2, it struck me that I do not think what makes a good father can be reduced to one's upbringing as either Confucian/Oriental or Anglo-American. Part of being a good father, or mom for that matter, is to show empathy, be humble, listen more than you speak, and build trust with your children. This naturally leads to healthy respect of a parent.  This should not be reduced to a notion of East vs. West.  To be human is to show empathy and build meaningful connections with others and should be possible no matter your background, race, or life philosophy, or whether you're the main wage earner or not, etc. 
 

Regarding motherhood and how it is viewed in society, I remember watching Romance is a Bonus Book, and Forecasting Love and Weather, and in both shows, the issue of taking time off to be a full time mom seemed to be an impossible option as far as keeping your career moving forward. If you take that couple of years away from your job, it seems nearly impossible to get back into the workforce and keep others' respect.  Is this really how it is in Korea? Maybe in addition to helping Dads know how to be more involved parents, who are approachable and gain respect not from fear/shame, but from empathy and affirmation, and trust, there could also be an effort made towards wider acceptance of, and respect and support for moms, and the difficult job they do.  Society in general seems to view motherhood as a job that is just unappreciated work, and  that work outside the home is much more respected,

worthwhile, and meaningful. But both are important paths. 

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