Coming to Korea to teach English can be a daunting prospect. First and foremost you have to face the fact that you’ll be leaving behind all your friends and family. Sure, there’s always skype, email, facebook, myspace and a host of other social media and technologies that let people stay in touch, but nothing comes close to good old fashioned face to face time. The human connection that comes with being with people in the flesh can’t be beat, which makes saying goodbye for a whole year a pretty big leap.
It’s after leaving your support system behind that the second challenge hits you: the realization that a whole new all different life awaits you. We’re talking about a tidal wave of new food, customs, people and ideas to wade through without drowning. It can be too much for some. I’ve heard stories of people coming here to teach and then just going to work and back to their apartments without ever exploring the new world around them. Is it really a surprise that some pull a runner and head back to the comfortable familiarity of home?
With all that in mind it becomes a necessity for new arrivals to forge new connections in Korea. Its why, when Foreigners see each other in the street, they nod, wave, or say hello to each other even when they’re complete strangers. Its why, back in the states, when I went to University I would nod, wave, or say hello to other black people on campus. Seeing a familiar face in unfamiliar surroundings is reassuring. It makes you feel like you’re not so alone. Whether it’s with westerners, Packer fans, or black folks, coming together to form a community is a great way to bring a little of home to Korea.
It’s the reason behind Sha creating the Brothers and Sisters of South Korea group on facebook. The group has over 700 members. The purpose being:
an online community for black expats where we can socialize, network, support each other, give advice for others thinking of coming to the ROK.
The group provides a forum for people to take their ideas and run with it. This past weekend Danica Moore put together a movie screening of the Chris Rock documentary Good Hair. Folks from all parts arrived at the Hive in Itaewon for the movie and discussion afterwards. I found the film to be a lighthearted glimpse into the often tumultuous waters of identity, self-esteem, and economic power. I say glimpse because it never really delved into the issues it raised in any depth. Maybe that’s for another documentary? It’s one I would definitely go see.
The event was a total success with a large crowd and lively discussion. Plans are in the works to screen the movie Precious coming up next. Be sure to check out the group and drop in on the next big event happening.
Just in case many of you have early travel plans, I want to wish all of my expat brothers, a ‘Happy Father’s Day’ in advance. To all grandfathers, husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, and nephews who have/had fathers or father-like-ones! Here’s a gift to all of you from the state-side! Remain encouraged!
Luther Vandross – Dance With My Father!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBiYBCoovEQ
Chuck Brown – D.C.’s Godfather of Go Go!
This man is 70ish and is still rockin’ the house (doing it Go Go style), not a rocking chair!
Crankin’ madness!
Part I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne-jxIU3L0Y
Part II
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSfIDec_JqE&NR=1
D.C.’s Go Go Mickey and Sons
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAb1pqddDqc&NR=1
Enjoy!
Any D.C. Go Go expat music fans in South Korea? If so, hate to be the bearer of sad news, but Lil’ Benny, a Legend of Go Go music passed Sunday! Here’s a tribute to all Lil Benny’s expat fans!
Crankin’ it and takin’ it away!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4xY9BSAPvE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6y8NXnGoj0
This is dedicated to all the brothers and sisters who are keepin’ it real in South Korea! I wrote this succint for all of you and included some extra musical goodies! ENJOY and STAY ENCOURAGED!
Lineage!
Like sundried clay that withstood the kiln firing, we are our ancestor’s pure earthen vessels born from their heat of courage, in the face of fear. We are their hope revealed, strength, and dreams fulfilled. With beautiful tones from the lightest sandstone to black onyx, we are unforgettable, visual pheromones to all who look upon our poised grace. Our knowledge and confidence of whose we are and love for family is like slip that strengthens a potter’s piece and glaze that beautifies a finished vessel! -pearls
Rachelle Ferrell, Sista (Live)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX8m0q7KV2c
Angie Jones, Brotha
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcHMBJ5tEqw&feature=fvst
In all sincerity and respect for each and every one of my brothers and sisters who stand up (inwardly) to the challenges they're facing…no matter where we (as a people) go or where we live, we are the true lotus flowers! We grow beautiful and strong, no matter what color mud we’re planted in!
I found the following on the net at http://www.answers.yahoo.com:
Why a lotus flower grow in mud only?
Because God is very intelligent, he always keep beauty near the bad things. Because people mind is very bad, if they find it in open they will cut it out. So the God keep it in mud water.
I just finished reading Before Korea, your ‘Pet Peeves’ and I must say between you and the comments have really made my day! I can’t stop laughing, really! Especially, you might as well make the stereotype work for you and Amanda hailing a taxi for her hiding friend…OMG! Too much!
Wow you’ve gone way back! I haven’t thought of that in awhile, thanks for the reminder! 🙂
Here are some other sites that you may enjoy. Some share the same host of adramas/amovies, so you will see some duplicates. They are all english subbed:
iidrama.com (includes Thailand)
dramafever.com
dramacrazy.com
If you get bored with these and want a glimpse of home from time to time. If you can access YouTube.com, Veoh.com, and Tvland.com. The first two include adramas, and U.S. tv shows from the 50’s to the present. Tvland.com has nostalgia tv shows like I Love Lucy, Andy Griffith, etc, if you want/need a good laugh. Also, you can get In Living Color, Martin, and Sanford & Son full episodes on YouTube.com. I have to check out Veoh.com again. They discontinue videos from time to time. Enjoy!
Your website is excellent. As an AA in the U.S. I was curious about how many of us are in South Korea, other than the military or on business. Now I know! Also, I’ve recently become an adrama fan, and noticed you have MySoju as the selected website. It is #1 on my favorite website for adramas. I’ve found many others and a few that also include Thailand dramas and movies. When I have free time, I opt to watch them as opposed to American tv which is just too boring, now a days, with only few exceptions. Tyler Perry and Chris Rock to name a few. Koreandrama.org lists most of the new/upcoming kdramas synopsis where you can also read posted comments about them from other viewers or post your own. Also dramabean.com is a good website for synosis’, etc, to name a few. But, you all may know that already (smile)! For some reason, the people behind issuing of the copyrights of adramas/amovies subbing rights keep us adrama fans surfing the net quite often. At any given time, they’ll cease showing a great subbed video due to a third party infringement rights. Then you may only find it without subs. Anyway, so much about that. You all are very inspiring! Be Blessed!
Thanks for all the info! I didn’t know about koreandramas.com. Thank the net gods for sites like those otherwise it would be pointless for me to even attempt to watch a K drama. If I don’t know what people are saying I tune out quickly!
good post