Published in the Korea Times, Joongang Ilbo and Yahoo-Korea January 21, 2011

Today is the third Monday of January therefore a Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Across the globe, Luther King Jr. has often regarded as a hero of civil rights in America alongside Rosa Parks and Claudette Colvin. On the same day this week, I was privileged to sit among ‘panelist of color’ to discuss a rather hot radio show topic of racism in Korea hosted by E-Busan Fm and Busan Ilbo. ( Check Busan.com)

While my four year stay in Korea does not make me an expert on the issue, it could be however sufficient to for me share my experiences as an African outside Africa. With two Black Americans English teachers, a Korean Political Scientist, and a Filipina from the Philippine-Korea cultural house, we observed that there had been little talk, if any, about racism in the Korean public domain. It was also comprehensible that no culture is free of bias, prejudice and stereotype features. In fact, it is only their degree that vary with some being particularly racist-potential. Nonetheless, whether historical, scientific, or institutional, prejudice of any kind must be condemned as demeaning, hurting and unjust to the targeted groups.

My excitement to join the discussion panel arose neither because of my expertise on the subject nor from the basis of being the most victimized individual but from the openness with which the radio station approached the issue. Effective communication must always be open, balanced and respectful. At the same breath I abhor gossip as an unfair, hurting and character assassinating tool.

In Korea, the case of Hines Ward, a son of a Black American and Korean mother is well known among Koreans. In 2009, a Korean man was fined in a first case of a racial insult to an Indian professor. It could be guessed that prejudice cases of subtle racism are neither reported nor cited yet its challenge cannot be avoided.

Many have argued that Koreans are not racists. There are those who believe that the concept of racism in Korea is foreign and was only planted from the West. Others hold the view that Korea’s case is a matter of genuine curiosity owing to the fact that, historically, Korea was not exposed to longer period of cultural diversity compared to countries say like Japan, the Philippines or even Kenya.

But curiosity or no curiosity some dark colored people have wondered why some Koreans would not sit with them in the bus seat or take the same elevator. Even with the speculations, I know of many blacks who have had a great share of hospitality among the Koreans. I personally have numerous open minded friends who have encouraged me to eat their foods, sleep on their marts, speak their language and dance their tune – and it has been exciting!

In the radio show, I particularly appreciated the discussion on the question of what factors reinforce the concept of racism among young educated Koreans. Historical nature of the Korean society notwithstanding, examples of educational materials and mass media are probable features. Picture this: One Korean English dictionary was found to contain weird connotations about the black race. For instance the definition illustrations in the dictionary included: America – American made a car, Africa – Lions live in Africa, Beautiful: She is beautiful girl (with a picture of a girl that looks Korean).

As an educationist, I argue that no educative processes are neutral. Education can serve any end – prejudice or freedom, war or peace, success or failure. Education is in fact not only informative but also formative hence shapes one’s perception of reality. Education curricula and even teachers are open for evaluation to determine worldviews they disseminate.

As for the mass media, film industry until recently has portrayed the black race as antagonists. Even to date most documentaries about Africa aired by international media still focus on poverty, disease and conflicts yet giving a wide rebuff to the continent’s achievements and aesthetic.

Thankfully, Korea is becoming multicultural society by the day thanks to the growing numbers of foreigners in the country. Such organizations as Seoul Global Centre, Busan Foundation for International Activities and others with foreigners-oriented activities deserve appreciation.

Meanwhile as Martin Luther King Jr. advised, let us hope that the dark clouds of any racial prejudice will forever pass away and the radiant stars of love and brotherhood shine with all their scintillating beauty.

Author’s note: ‘Life in Korea’ posts are written for the newer expats here in Korea. If you have a more experienced perspective to offer, comments are open!

UPDATED 17 Jan 2011 to include additional information about ART + SEOUL, received via e-mail.

Expats in Korea are quite fortunate to have several English-language magazines – freely available and found across the country. While they have different focuses and locales, all are worth picking up – and all are looking for contributors.

In the interest of trying to be informational while informative, I present these in alphabetical order:

Art + Seoul: Still in its infancy, the first issue will come out in February. It will be printed in limited edition in Korean and English. Right now, they claim a “wide range of contributors that includes artists, photographers, and writers.”The website is bare-bones to say the least, and it’s unclear one might go to pick one up. Keep your eyes open for now, and hopefully we’ll see some more from them in the future.

Daegu Pockets: This paper magazine highlights the best of Daegu, and is also viewable online. Put together by long-term resident Craig White, the magazine doesn’t worry with what’s going on around Seoul or elsewhere in Korea – Daegu has more than enough going on to fill the pages. A new Android and iDevice app let you read the magazine and peruse a map for free – search the respective markets for those. Pick this up in a couple dozen places around Daegu.

Eloquence Magazine: aimed at those with more fashion than the rest of us, Eloquence’s photo-heavy theme is great to flip through. The website is well-designed, and almost more informative than the magazine. If you’re looking for current news or political commentary, you’re in the wrong place – check here for entertainment, events, food, and some travel.  Find this at some of the more fashionable bars and clubs around Itaewon in Seoul.

Groove Magazine: featuring a little bit of everything, Groove has partnered with Hi Expat to combine the former’s off-line presence with the latter’s on-line presence. Covering everything from news to travel to the techno music scene, Groove serves the English teachers in Seoul with some great photography and good articles. While visiting business professionals might not be as interested in party pictures from some concert, the young-at-heart will stay amused.

Neh Magazine: ‘Not Everyone’s Hangookin’ is the slogan, and Bucheon is doing well with its own bimonthly magazine. Although not entirely focused on Bucheon, CJ Koster-Allen keeps the magazine light-hearted without being too serious. While the printed magazine is nicely put together, the website still feels like it’s being put together. With each issue fitting a certain theme, this still-new “belligerent pirate” is the new kid on the block with a bright future.

Seoul Magazine: the only government entry on the list is also the cleanest and least controversial. Edited by Robert Koehler and featuring some excellent photography by Ryu Seunghoo, the magazine features a look at places, people, restaurants, and what’s going on around Korea’s capital. With few Korean references and little previous knowledge of Korea assumed, SEOUL feels more like a ‘get-to-know-Seoul’ magazine than a guide for those already there. You’ll only find some articles online, so pick up a paper copy at the Seoul Global Center near City Hall.

10 Magazine: Perhaps the most likely to be found at a five-star hotel or fancy restaurant, 10 Magazine combines expert information with excellent photography and the biggest monthly event calendar. There are times when every other page features an ad, but they blend in well enough. There’s enough variety for readers, whether you’re living in Korea or elsewhere in the world. Pick one up at any of their dozens of sponsors or the aforementioned fancy hotels and restaurants.

Work’N'Play Magazine: one of the newest entries into the crowded field, Work’N'Play brings their expertise to bear with a well-balanced mix of entertainment, people, fashion, and more. January marks it’s third issue, although the bugs have already been worked out by their professional team. As of this post’s publishing date, I haven’t seen many references to the printed magazine on the website – perhaps they’re coming soon. You’ll need to subscribe – or contribute – to this magazine to see a copy.

Disclosure: Chris in South Korea is a regular contributor to the Groove Magazine, has contributed to 10 Magazine in the past, and has a future contribution to Work’N'Play’s magazine. © Chris Backe – 2011

This post was originally published on my blog,Chris in South Korea. If you are reading this on another website and there is no linkback or credit given, you are reading an UNAUTHORIZED FEED.