By
Michelle Tanaka
April 25, 2008
A group of students at a rally outside the HUB challenged the UW administration to divest from military contractors supporting U.S. troops in South Korea yesterday. The anti-racism student group March 1st Solidarity (M1S) organized the protest.
“South Korea must be free. Down with white supremacy,” chanted the organizers and student supporters echoed.
After speeches on the steps of the HUB, the protesters marched to Gerberding Hall to demand a list of UW investments with military contractors. Protesters walked up the stairs to UW President Mark Emmert’s office, where voices were heard but questions were left unanswered.
Emmert was not in the office. However, M1S requested to hold a public debate with the UW administration.
“We challenge the UW administration today. We are going to say, ‘We want to debate you in public,’” protest organizer Shemon Salam. “We are not going to do any discussion of this issue behind the scenes.”
On April 7, M1S formally submitted a proposal to demand the UW withdraw its investments from any contractors involved with the U.S. military in South Korea. However, the organization does not know whether the UW has invested in these companies because the administration has not responded to its request for a list of investments.
Instead, the UW administration opted to invite M1S to a private meeting. Group members, however, wanted the issue debated in public.
M1S claims the United States Forces Korea (USFK) is responsible for several offenses against South Korea, including suppressing movements for South Korean democracy and independence, stealing land from South Korean farmers and fueling the sex trade in Asia. Additionally, the group asserts the USFK has its weapons pointed at other Asian countries, besides North Korea, and is supplying aid in the occupation of Iraq.
Christine Tran, a speaker at the protest, attempted to contextualize the protest within the history of economic ties between South Korea and the United States.
“South Korea has been titled as an Asian Tiger, a model minority nation that has broke[n] out of its rebellious third-world origin,” she said. “South Korea receives economic stability and aid from the U.S., but this came at a price.”
Additionally, Tran claimed the United States’ policy in Korea is based upon racism.
“This Asian Tiger was kept on a short leash, and in return for aid it was obligated to support the U.S. and its white supremacist politics,” Tran said.
M1S is named for March 1, 1919, a famous day in Korean history when South Koreans rose up against Japanese colonialism and fought for autonomy, Salam said.
The USFK military force was stationed in Korea following the resolution of the Korean War more than half a century ago. The nation remains divided between North Korea and South Korea, and the USFK is supposed to act as a defense against a possible North Korean threat.
However, the USFK has made a public statement saying that it does not consider North Korea a threat anymore, Salam said.
56 Comments
#1 Realist
on April 25, 2008 at 2:22 a.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
How long will it take North Korea to declare war on South Korea once the US military withdraws? If the protesters think the US presence is oppressive, I'm sure they would love Kim Jong Il.
#2 Racism?
on April 25, 2008 at 8:17 a.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name)
Regardless of whether or not US troops should be in S. Korea, how is the issue race-related? The arguement is framed more as a case of unwanted imperialism/occupation. Where is the racism angle?
Just because two groups of different races (in this case Asian and predominantly-white) have a conflict does not mean the conflict has anything to do with racism. If a white person ran a red light and hit a car driven by an Asian person, is that racism?
I'm not saying there ISN'T racism involved, it's just that the case hasn't been made in this article (either by Ms. Tanaka or the protesters) for why they're calling it racism, and I don't know enough about the conflict itself to be sure.
#3 Racism?
on April 25, 2008 at 8:45 a.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name)
Actually, my car-accident analogy wasn't too apt, as such an incident would be accidental. Consider instead if a white man robbed an Asian man at gunpoint. Is that racism if the only reason he did it was because he wanted the money? Obviously it's an injustice, but calling it "racism" takes away from true racial struggles and makes solving the true nature of the conflict more difficult.
Perhaps the article just did a poor job of explaining the issue, and left out information the protesters gave that explains why they consider the occupation to be racially motivated rather than imperialism based on control and money.
#4 Jacob Casey
on April 25, 2008 at 9:25 a.m.(Bellevue, WA | Unverified Name)
I think it's silly to pretend that US/western European hegemony and imperial expansion has not also been predicated on racism.
Winston Churchill said this in 1937 to the Peel (Royal Palestinian) Commission, "I do not agree that the dog in a manger has the final right to the manger even though he may have lain there for a very long time.
I do not admit that right. I do not admit for instance, that a great wrong has been done to the Red Indians of America or the black people of Australia.
I do not admit that a wrong has been done to these people by the fact that a stronger race, a higher-grade race, a more worldly wise race to put it that way, has come in and taken their place."
It seems to me that war on the Korean peninsula is as likely to happen today as nuclear holocaust was to happen during the detente period of the Cold War.
I agree with many advocates in many countries who are calling for a reduction or elimination of US troops and bases placed in their countries as legacies of WWII or the Cold War.
America needs to reassess its role in the world. I'll admit that if the proverbial poopoo hits the fan, the US does represent the 'defender of the free world.' However, we are not despite popular perception and our government's best efforts World Police!
#5 Goretex and Polypro
on April 25, 2008 at 9:28 a.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name)
Given the actions of the North Korean government in starving their people, denying freedom of speech, creating a repressive and Orwellian dictatorship, and spreading nuclear technonology to nations like Syria, I'm amazed that the M1S group is protesting the United States. Were it not for the US response to the invasion of South Korea, and American losses of 36,000+ dead, that nation wouldn't even exist. I'd think they'd be a little more concerned about the North Korean government.
#6 BigBallaJ
on April 25, 2008 at 9:38 a.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
Yes, let's withdraw our troops and see what happens.
#7 Fellow Student
on April 25, 2008 at 10:26 a.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name)
the main issue seems to be keeping the University accountable for its role in the relationship between US and South Korea. So when discussing the role of the US in South korea, racism has a definite pertinent role in the discussion.
My contention with this organizing is that it seems that this particularly organization could've done more to reach out to other students who also might have a personal and political interest in this particular topic.
My other contention is, if we're talking about the US and South korea, where are the Korean American women in this picture?
I think the group's actions started certain discussions that most definitely need to be started. But I can't help but wonder how much support this organization has from the community, particularly the larger Korean populations in Seattle. My parents came as immigrants in the 70s and their views drastically differ from those projected by the student activists in the article.
Just some thoughts...
It does take a lot of courage and vision to do this as well.......
#8 Tashtego
on April 25, 2008 at 11 a.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name)
I too fail to see any hard evidence suggesting the presence of US troops in Korea is a racist endeavor.
I simply don't buy into the notion that a country with an already terribly strained military and a tremendous deficit would spend the time, money, and resources to have a military presence in S. Korea based solely on racism. It is clear that protecting Korea is in the interest of the U.S. but from a strategical standpoint, not a "racist" one.
Further, as Goretex said, with the increasingly hostile and provocative actions in Pyongyang, I also wonder why M1S isn't protesting N. Korea's threatening presence. If I had a crazy neighbor to the north who was bent on the obliteration of my country , I would definitely want the U.S. to be on my side. If either of the Koreas want the U.S. out, it is North Korea.
Finally, it is absolutely ridiculous to blame the UW administration for the foreign policy of the U.S. whether you agree with it or not. It is probable that the UW's innovative technology has made its way into the cutting-edge machinery of the U.S. military. What the military chooses to do with it is certainly not President Emmert's fault. This technology is protecting the lives of every one of us, including these delusional protesters.
While it certainly takes a ton of courage to stand up for what you believe in, I think that these students should take a deep breath, look at the big picture, and stand up against their real enemy.
#9 Bob
on April 25, 2008 at 11:28 a.m.(Puyallup, WA | Unverified Name)
Racism? is right... what does the issue of removing troops from South Korea have anything to do with white supremacy?
You dont see Iraq protestors saying "Iraq must be free, down with white supremacy"...
This protest makes no sense and is a complete waste of time.
#10 GiantSteps
on April 25, 2008 at 11:30 a.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
Tashtego,
"It is clear that protecting Korea is in the interest of the U.S. but from a strategical standpoint, not a "racist" one."
Allow me to point out what I take to be a theoretical flaw here: I don't think that behind US Foreign Policy is a conscious strategem based on a belief in genetic determinism, or whatever. When people use the word "racist" they're describing a set of practices that clearly favor those of certain stock against others; the label of racist fits /after/ you add-up a given person or institution's way of going about things, not before.
To be sure, the label of "racist" often does more obscuring than it does clarifying, but when it's used in this instance, there's a reason; the group is calling attention the biased allocation of resources ("four tigers") and a patriarchal global arrangement whereby people of color have their politics compromised by larger, more muscular nations.
Maybe we don't have to use the word "Racist" to describe what goes on, but poison goes by many different titles.
When you tell people to "look at the big picture, and stand up against their real enemy", you seem 101% disingenuous; you criticize the attempts of the group as such, but then don't point anybody in the direction of who these "real enemies" might be. On the other hand, the group has identified US Foreign Policy, a rapacious military, and a complicit University.
#11 Bob
on April 25, 2008 at 11:30 a.m.(Puyallup, WA | Unverified Name)
#5: Goretex and Polypro
Good point, if the US didn't get involved in 1950 (which they didn't have to)... there would be no South Korea today.
Lots of the older generations of Korean have appreciated the US presence and in fact I'm sure if you look at polls, most Koreans want to keep the US military in Korea.
#12 jj
on April 25, 2008 at 11:36 a.m.(Puyallup, WA | Unverified Name)
"However, the USFK has made a public statement saying that it does not consider North Korea a threat anymore, Salam said."
Salam is very misinformed, USFK has, on several occasions said NOrth Korea is a threat.
#13 Joji Kohjima
on April 25, 2008 at 12:01 p.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name)
A world system in which the US can invade a country resulting in 2 million deaths, prop up dictatorships which kill and torture their own people for 40 years, then finally acquiesce to the Korean democratic movement and turn around and say that Koreans owe them a debt of gratitude for saving them from the communists:
If this is not White Supremacy, I don't know what is. What if the Japanese had stayed in power, allowed Korea to have a democratic government in 1960, and helped Korea achieve huge economic growth while keeping a large permanent military presence in the country supposedly to protect against the Soviets? Would that not be a system of Japanese racism, Japanese supremacy? If yes, the US occupation of Korea is definitely imperialist, white supremacist, racist.
I would never allow somebody to claim that Japan "sacrificed" thousands of troops for the sake of the Korean people, so we shouldn't let Americans make the same claim. Props to Michelle Tanaka for a great college journalism piece.
#14 Bob
on April 25, 2008 at 12:41 p.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
Playing the race card seems more like a poorly contrived way of attracting attention than a legitimate complaint. Maybe their next slogan should be "Asians against AIDS” or “Asians against lactose intolerance”.
#15 JEF
on April 25, 2008 at 12:43 p.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name)
I've read the article; I've read the comments and I still don't really understand what the point of this protest is. The students believe the US troop presence in S. Korea is detrimental. I think they're wrong, and I think the evidence presented in this article is weak and inadequately informs people about the issues, but that's really beside the point. If you have a problem with an aspect of US foreign policy, then you form an organization and lobby the government to change that policy. If you're a group of college students who don't have the resources they you ally yourselves with a group of like-minded adults who does.
But insisting that the UW administration meet with you in public to examine financial record for the most tangential sort of connection to military contractors who sell items to the Government who sends them to the troops in Korea---that's emphasizing a really silly petty issue.
If you really care about something, broaden your focus beyond the university and be willing to do the grunt work of mailing letters to supporters and researching briefs for lobbyists to give congresspeople, instead of the more glamorous protesting.
#16 Insight
on April 25, 2008 at 1:41 p.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name)
I wonder how much North Koreans are paying these silly protesters?
#17 phil
on April 25, 2008 at 2:19 p.m.(Beaverton, OR | Unverified Name)
hahahahahaha
#18 harisu
on April 25, 2008 at 3:40 p.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name)
im ashamed of being korean. koreans would be a third world country, and could've been subjugated by north korea without the aid of the us. even after the us assisted south korea with monetary aid to expedite its modernization.
and to think that american foreign policy is based on white supremacy ideals is even more ridiculous, considering america is the most ethnically diverse country in the world. america's behavior is naturally abusive given its political and militaristic powers, but doesn't mean it is racially motivated.
if anything, koreans are the most nationalistic, disdainfully prideful people, and exhibit more racism than americans do.
#19 anon
on April 25, 2008 at 3:51 p.m.(Bellingham, WA | Unverified Name)
I am a European American against Yellow Supremacy, which I experienced first hand as a student at the UW. I will be all for ending Western presense in Asia--in exchange for ending Asian presense in Western countries. It's interesting that the former is regarded as imperialism, while the latter isn't.
The UW is as yellow as a dandelion, and having any form of "Asian Student Union" at the UW is analogous to having a "Caucasian Student Union" at the University of Iceland. It is appalling that an institution built and funded by European Americans is so Asian-saturated, and instead of showing any gratitude, they spit in our face.
By the way--if you're going to call yourselves "Asian Americans", please refer to us as "European Americans", rather than lower-case-w "white". (Unless, of course, you prefer to be called lower-case-y "yellows.")
#20 Joe Blow
on April 25, 2008 at 8:01 p.m.(Seoul, Korea, Republic of | Unverified Name)
Thanks M1S for exposing the fact that that UW may invest in Contractors in South Korea. I have been a contractor living and working in South Korea for 19+ years and was not aware UW might invest, I'll be sure to track that down and see how we can get in on it.
BTW, your protests are 10 years too late....The Korean Republicans are in charge now. BTW2, if any members of your group are Korean, get your ass out of the states and back to Korea and protest.
#21 cass see
on April 25, 2008 at 11:25 p.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
wow, man..talk about white supremacy. its posted all over in these comments. you people prove the point the protesters are making!
LOL, keep up the good work!
#22 anon
on April 26, 2008 at 12:34 a.m.(Bellingham, WA | Unverified Name)
Actually, we're responding to the Yellow Supremacy exhibited by members of the so-called "Asian Pacific American community" at the UW. (Or yellow people, so as to achieve parity with the term white people.)
Hey cass see, could you please tell me an Asian country that a European American could move to, gain citizenship, and then attend a tax-subsidized university? I would also like to hold rallies on their campus and accuse them of "Yellow Supremacy." In particular, I'd like to go to Tsinghua University in China, and hold a rally to protest the Chinese government's support of Mugabe's regime in Zimbabwe, which is slaughtering people of European descent.
Citizenship in Asian countries is purely based on ancestry and race. Korea, Japan, and Taiwan are all first world countries. Why don't they take in as many refugees from the third world as the Netherlands (which has a similar population density)? The answer is Yellow Supremacy.
#23 Joe Blow
on April 26, 2008 at 4:03 a.m.(Seoul, Korea, Republic of | Unverified Name)
U idiots missed the point, american asians are Banana's, yellow on the outside, white on the inside.....blah, blah, blah, ......it's all BS, eamil me at bobm2@hotmail.com if u don't believe
#24 Your mother
on April 26, 2008 at 11:30 a.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
I should have worn my Class A Uniform and stood in the middle of the HUB. America was the best damn thing that ever happened to Korea since sliced bread. The irony: some of these asian students are protesting that U.S. should leave because of this "racism". They would not even have the privilege to protest in America if it wasn't for American assistance in the middle of the 20th century.
regardless...I consider myself a fair, curious person. I would like to hear more about what their protesting about.
By the way, Im Korean-American and damn proud of it
#25 Proud American/Friend of a Proud Korea
on April 26, 2008 at 5:33 p.m.(Tacoma, WA | Unverified Name)
I do believe that the average American GI isn't as culturally empathic as we would like them to be, but this whole thing is just silly.
I always thought it was funny that opinion polls in Korea have consistently shown that the majority of Koreans want the US to stay in Korea, and then this minority of Koreans comes out and pretends it speaks for all Koreans.
Kim Jong il and the moderately-liberal South Korean president Kim Daejung agreed in their 2000 meeting that US troops could stay in Korea after unification, as a stabalizer of East Asia. Other top leaders in North Korea have admitted that they feel more secure with America in South Korea - as a buffer against Japan.
As per the "economic development came at a price" complaint. Yeah - it was pull yourself up by your bootstraps hard work. And I think Koreans should be darn proud of it! What kind of country develops rapidly by not working hard?
If the school actually did come out and debate... HA! that would be funny. I can just imagine the faculty of the Korean studies department...(Ph. Ds who have devoted their whole life to the study of Korea) totally whipping a bunch of emotional and barely informed group of students in a debate.
#26 Joe Blow
on April 27, 2008 at 2:35 a.m.(Seoul, Korea, Republic of | Unverified Name)
Opps, wrong email address...
bobmm2@hotmail.com
#27 korean rodney king
on April 27, 2008 at 11:46 a.m.(Los Angeles, CA | Unverified Name)
Ca.. ca.. can wee.. wee.. we aa.. aa.. all ge.. ge.. get along?
#28 Cracker Chink N!gger Wop Beaner
on April 29, 2008 at 2:43 a.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
Wow! I would like to comment statement made by Anon 19 "The UW is as yellow as a dandelion, and having any form of "Asian Student Union" at the UW is analogous to having a "Caucasian Student Union" at the University of Iceland. It is appalling that an institution built and funded by European Americans is so Asian-saturated, and instead of showing any gratitude, they spit in our face." If that isn't ignorant and racist i really don't know what is.
Apparently the 30% asian population makes UW "yellow as a dandelion".And being a minority at a University is a "privilege" that a White person has bestowed. This kind of ignorant thinking is exactly why racism still exists in America and is stronger than ever.
I'm an Asian American myself and don't necessarily disagree on the "Yellow Supremecy" arguement, but using that as an excuse to attack the Asian population at UW is ridiculous, ignorant, and racist. I come from a middle class white suburban area made up of prodominantly caucasian people. I have also dealt with a lot of racist bullsh!t caused to me by white folks, but you don't see me singling white people out and whining about it. Guess what buddy, it's just a matter of time before everyone in the world is some type of ethnic hybrid, so get over it. It's just a matter of time before your son or daughter is going to f-ck my son or daughter. Then what would we do? Oh no! Anything, but that? Please don't scare of me of such things as genetic mixing, although, it is scientifically proven that mixing genes is good for the gene pool. Forget science, this is about keeping my white kids white, and yellow kids yellow. Seriously get over it who really gives a f-ck if UW is yellow, black, or brown. I'm just here to get a degree, get a job, and live my life. Get over your anglo/european supremist views and suck it up. Ah, that was a nice rant. I feel much better now.
#29 daniel
on April 29, 2008 at 7:26 a.m.(Wake Forest, NC | Unverified Name)
the comment posts from #1-#28 went from pensive, to frustrated, then there was a lucid, mature and intelligent post or two in the middle, then it went to complete crap afterwards.
This is how most of these internet message boards progress, and it's ... disappointing. I wanted to respond to a lot of the posts in the earlier half and agree with some in the middle, but you people at the end make me feel like I'd be drilling a hole in water.
#30 john
on April 29, 2008 at 11:01 a.m.(Los Angeles, CA | Unverified Name)
you should try reading the article before commenting on it.
"M1S claims the United States Forces Korea (USFK) is responsible for several offenses against South Korea, including suppressing movements for South Korean democracy and independence, stealing land from South Korean farmers and fueling the sex trade in Asia. Additionally, the group asserts the USFK has its weapons pointed at other Asian countries, besides North Korea, and is supplying aid in the occupation of Iraq."
Seems to me that the issue is not whether or not a U.S. military presence should exist in South Korea. It's fairly easy to argue that such a presence would be beneficial. The issue is that currently, this presence is doing really terrible things to the Korean people, and needs to be held accountable.
#31 Word
on April 29, 2008 at 4:30 p.m.(Redmond, WA | Unverified Name)
john nailed it in the coffin. re-read the article people, and stop trying to make this an issue about racism in america
#32 Vic
on April 29, 2008 at 6:07 p.m.(Discovery Bay, CA | Unverified Name)
US Military bases around the world must cease to exist. The cold war is over. The threat about North Korea attacking South Korea is illogical. South Korea can now defend herself against a North Korean invansion. As long as the US presense in the world and the 730 military bases around the world, there can be no world peace. The fact that there are US military influences throughout the world is impeding peaceful resolution to these problems.
Racism is at the heart of US and Western dominance in world affair.
#33 Pragmatism
on April 29, 2008 at 7:38 p.m.(Williamstown, MA | Unverified Name)
To the students of UW, you guys are a bunch of dumbasses. No wonder you go to UW.
#34 Tony
on April 29, 2008 at 8:27 p.m.(Alameda, CA | Unverified Name)
I can't say that I'm an expert on Korean issues, but these protestors make me laugh. And I say this as a Korean-American.
The fact is, the ROK wants Uncle Sugar to stay. Most of the USFK consist of support services that the ROK armed forces cannot replicate without a substantial investment. Look at the operational control issue. Short version: Korea asked for wartime operational control of its armed forces back. The US was ready to hand it back by 2009. The Roh gov't, its BS called, asked for 2012. Now the current gov't is seeking to delay handoff to 2015. Morever, the Korean government indefinitely delays relocating the Yongsan Garrison in Seoul to Camp Humphreys. So the Korean gov't gets an enhanced security umbrella with comparatively little outlay.
And it's not like things are comfortable for those serving in the USFK. The previous Roh administration came to power in part by exploitng anti-American sentiment over the accidental deaths of two school girls by an AVLB. In 2004, 34% of the Korean Military Academy's incoming cadets identified the US as the main enemy (33% ID'd North Korea). Punishments are rarely meted out to Koreans who attack US servicemen, ex. Pfc. Nicholas Acosta, the 2004 Shinchon stabbing incident, and the 2002 subway incident (resulting in the kidnapping of a US soldier). Most tours of Korea are unaccompanied, meaning leaving spouses and children back in the States for a year or more.
In the meantime, the South Korean gov't subsidizes the North with rice shipments, the Kaesong trade zone, and the Gumgangsan tours. And let's not forget the $500 million bribe that got Kim Dae Jung the Nobel Peace Prize. Or the continued blindness to things like Yodok or Camp 22. Or expressed attitudes that, for North Koreans, "political freedom is a luxury, like pearls for a pig."
So, hey, let's pull out the USFK - I'd love to see what happens. But I find the comparison to Japanese colonial occupation odious and insulting, not least of which to the memories of the almost USFK personnel who have died on the DMZ since 1953.
#35 Tony
on April 29, 2008 at 8:30 p.m.(Alameda, CA | Unverified Name)
Sorry, last sentence should say "almost 100 USFK personnel". Look up the names David Hilemon, Mark Barrett, or Arthur Bonifas.
#36 JS
on April 30, 2008 at 1:20 a.m.(San Diego, CA | Unverified Name)
Found this article through a blog.
Glancing through the comments, I saw something really funny. There was a comment on how there should not be contestation on the US military presence at the 38th parallel partly because Japan might try to take on the Korean peninsula again. Japanese military aggression... after WWII? What kind of joke is that?
As a fellow college student, I'm a bit disappointed after reading these comments. These comments indicate that some students need to read more books. Please, go read a few books about domestic and global white privilege and supremacy as well as books on the formation and struggles of the Republic of Korea/Democratic People's Republic of Korea BEFORE you jump to conclusions on what this student is doing. I shall do the same, as a student, and as someone who has had the blessing of learning the value of- well, learning.
The article isn't very clear about exactly why the students did what they did, but i think it's laudable that they did anything at all. It shows that they're learning things in class, synthesizing their observations of their environment, and critically assessing that combination. Some comments seem to indicate that the rally was laughable or thoughtless, but it's clear to me that it was in fact, quite the opposite.
#37 Jack
on April 30, 2008 at 12:15 p.m.(Alamo, CA | Unverified Name)
To post #22 -
I must missed the part where America is now officially a white country. This is the exact reason why racism is alive and well in the good old USA.
The feeling of entitlement of some of those racists like anon #22 is pretty sickening. Let's face it, white people are immigrants. White people took over America by force from the real Americans. White people are no different than any yellow, brown or black or whatever. EVERYONE has the right to be in America. Just because the entire system in USA was developed by whites to favor whites (Hollywood, job etc.), it does not mean this is a white country. Comparing this to policies of Asia is ridiculous.
Perhaps people should read the article and try to understand USA policies in South Korea. It is not just the presence of U.S. military, it is some of its polices that are rooted in racism.
#38 charlie brown
on April 30, 2008 at 1:07 p.m.(Denton, TX | Unverified Name)
N Korea's military buildup is a response to invasion and occupation of the peninsula by Japan and the U.S. Ever think of that?
The Japanese invasion and the American invasion were more than enough to convince Koreans to arm to defend themselves and deter attackers.
The US military is undisputed most powerful army in the world. Imagine having that army sitting at your gates. Maybe a paranoid militaristic state is the only logical response?
Extreme vigilance and nuclear weapons are the only proven ways to deter the attackers.
#39 racism is right
on April 30, 2008 at 1:18 p.m.(Jersey City, NJ | Unverified Name)
People who dont know the situation in korea cannot fathom presence of racism. The commander of US military in the region has ultimate control the Korean military. This is colonialism which by definition is based on racial discrimination. People think its harmless but they dont see the collateral damages. The sex trade industry is fueled by the military presence and it spreads throughout asia. Know anyone who's been to bangkok? Trust me its not for the beaches. Its for the underage sex trade. There are more americans and western white middle-aged men than the state of New Mexico.
#40 Jaeho
on May 2, 2008 at 9:43 p.m.(Seoul, Korea, Republic of | Unverified Name)
#39 and others -
To blame the Asia sex industry on the American military is to suppose that it did not exist prior to American military presence in Asia, which we all know is far from the truth. As a current resident of Korea, I can attest to the presence of a sex trade targeted at the US miliary but, quite frankly, it is dwarfed by that targeted at Koreans. While both industries have shrunk over the past 25 years I've been in Korea, it is quite ubiquitous.
In short, it is disingenuous to blame any internal flaw on outsiders.
#41 young kim
on May 6, 2008 at 1:37 a.m.(Sammamish, WA | Unverified Name)
joji, do some research before you open that ignorant mouth. i'm gonna look for you.
#42 cass see
on May 7, 2008 at 9:53 p.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
hey young kim,
i hope u are looking for joji to talk to him and not anything else. what u wrote up seemed ambiguous in its intentions.
#43 American Roundeye
on May 8, 2008 at 6:50 a.m.(Pasadena, MD | Unverified Name)
These Asians are lucky people to have the luxury of living and studying in some other people's land, and then to denounce those people in their own country over some imagined "supremacy." I think what they really object to is white-western cultural dominance. Well, this is a white western nation built and defined by white western people. Something wrong with that? Does anyone go to Korea and criticize Korean supremacy in Korea, the "Korean-ness" of the place? Or Japanese supremacy in Japan? How about Japanese supremacy in Korea, that worked once, didn't it? Wasn't that the genesis of US involvement in Korea, and not "white supremacy"? My God, how quickly and totally they forget. Yes, we should bring our troops home, and send "Danny" Choi and all the rest of his kin back to defend their own country's borders. But then, people like "Salam," as always, would shriek about that.
#44 ex serviceman
on May 9, 2008 at 5:52 a.m.(Daejeon, Korea, Republic of | Unverified Name)
Judging from the photos, it was a very small protest. Why defend those who do not want to be defended?
#45 beentheredonethat
on May 9, 2008 at 10:30 a.m.(Hanoi, Vietnam | Unverified Name)
I lived in South Korea for a few years. There is a lot prostitution that goes on there but mostly it is Koreans servicing other Koreans. So a few US soldiers decide to participate in this popular Korean past time- but why should they be blamed for "fueling the sex trade"?
The current government of South Korea thinks that the presence of US troops is necessary. So the people who are in a much better position to judge whether or not US troops are necessary disagree with these students.
These students who protest demonstrate why a little knowledge is a dangerous thing and I'm not sure what racism has to do with the issue. I guess when you don't have much of an argument you can always play the race card.
#46 Cheonho Jogger
on May 9, 2008 at 11:40 a.m.(Mc Donald, TN | Unverified Name)
When I lived in Korea as an English instructor, there were between 50 to 55 brothels between my apartment and the school where I worked. A Canadian co-worker and I counted them along the 12 minute walk after work one night. I NEVER saw a foreigner go into any of them.
Amazingly, this wasn't even the red light district! The Cheonho red light district was nearby with Korean police at the front of the red light district itself! I included it in my jogging route many times and I'm the only foreigner I ever saw in the whole red light district.
For these students to blame the prostitution on anyone other than the pimps, prostitutes, customers, and police who allow it to happen is racism in and of itself.
#47 Brock
on May 9, 2008 at 11:06 p.m.(Miami, FL | Unverified Name)
korean men use hookers, without condoms, every friday night. Their wives know it, their kids know it. That is how things roll in Asia.
You. Don't. Know. What. You're. Talking. About.
#48 LOL
on May 10, 2008 at 2:12 p.m.(Seocho, Korea, Republic of | Unverified Name)
LOL! THIS IS SO HILARIOUS!
Like, get real. Without the US guarding South Korea, North Korea would invade and enslave South Korea.
US the bad guys? Nope. Let's remember that the US saved South Korea from total
enslavement during the Korean War.
Thousands and thousands of Americans gave their lives so that South Koreas could live in freedom.
Where is the "thank you"? Where is the appreciation? These uneducated hippies are just a bunch of spoiled brats!
#49 Angry Korean-American
on May 10, 2008 at 2:28 p.m.(Seocho, Korea, Republic of | Unverified Name)
As a Korean-American student at UW I feel ashamed and embarrassed that other Korean-American students and other Asian-American students would do such a stunt based on lies, stupidity and selfishness.
My grandfather and uncles fought against North Korea during the Korean War and they, and the rest of my entire family, are very thankful for the help of America, especially all those Americans that gave their lives for South Korea's freedom, in that war, and for America's continued military presence in protecting South Korea from North Korea.
I was born in Korea but at the age of 2 we immigrated to America. I am a proud American and am angered by this unAmerican stunt by these f---ing hippies.
South Korea owns the US nothing but thanks for what America has done for South Korea, and what is it continuing to do for South Korea -- protecting South Korea from North Korea.
In fact, if it weren't for the US, maybe North Korea would just nuke South Korea. Think about that you f---ing hippies!
These students are liars, idiots and traitors and need to get an education.
Yours,
Angry Korean-American UW Student
#50 LanderBoy
on May 10, 2008 at 2:41 p.m.(Seocho, Korea, Republic of | Unverified Name)
This protest just goes to show you that the stereotype that Asians are smart is way false! LOL! Hahahaha
#51 Peter in Seoul
on May 10, 2008 at 11:26 p.m.(Seoul, Korea, Republic of | Unverified Name)
I'm a Korean American who has lived in Seoul for many years, and well, these Asian students have nothing better to do (instead of study) than to do crap like this.
The U.S. is planning to leave South Korea, just it's a matter of timing. When Washington a few years back sounded serious about leaving, that was greeted by a change of heart real fast in South Korea.
#52 DickNailer
on May 11, 2008 at 12:41 a.m.(Santa Clara, CA | Unverified Name)
Send me some of these hot little Asian girls and I'll show them some Supremacy !
#53 weiguk-in
on May 11, 2008 at 2:36 a.m.(Asahi, Japan | Unverified Name)
As a white person who lived in Korea, I think Koreans have no right to speak about racism. Nearly everyday I had racist comments directed at me and if I was with my Korean girlfriend she was subjected to comments of "whore" and "slut" because she was with a non-Korean.
As for USFK "fueling the sex trade in Asia", that is a laugh. I lived in Busan where there are brothels and room salons on ever corner and not a single US military base near the city. The sex trade is being filled by sexist, racist Korean men who will ask every blonde woman they see if she is a Russian prostitute in hopes of getting a quickie.
Koreans, look inside yourself before you start pointing the finger. Maybe you've been eating too much American beef and are going mad?
#54 brian flynn
on May 11, 2008 at 3:07 a.m.(Pusan, Korea, Republic of | Unverified Name)
I have lived for the past ten years in Asia, specifically Korea, Japan and the Philippines. I've also been fortunate enough to visit all of the countries in the region with the exception on Brunei.
I wonder if any of the three either quoted or in the picture have been to their ancestors' country. How many Hyundais do you see in the States as compared to Fords in Korea?
In terms of prostitution, the Philippines and Thailand are definitely places where people go to engage, but Korea is a brothel. There are literally places in every neighborhood.
Finally, something must be written about journalism practices in Korea and how racist it is towards foreigners, especially Americans.
I was in Korea during the 2002 World Cup. Unfortunately, two school girls were run over by an American tank. It was an unfortunate accident, but the Korean media would not let it go.
Last year, another unfortunate incident happened, this time in the U.S. at Virginia Tech. A troubled Korean-American student went on a shooting spree and killed some students there. The Koreans here in Korea were worried about what the ramifications would be for him, simply based on how the Korean media had treated Americans in Korea in the past.
What happened was that the American media mentioned the man's name without mentioning his nationality.
#55 American Roundeye
on May 11, 2008 at 1:18 p.m.(Pasadena, MD | Unverified Name)
Yes, and imagine the outcry of shrieks and chest-pounding that would have happened if an American (or any Westerner) had done that in Korea. "Ah-ee-goo!" as they say, huh? Fact is, we Americans are so captivated by our own culture, media, and lives that we as a nation are almost apathetic to this kind of atrocious injury by some nutty Korean, let alone the constant slander by a nought-**** wee-dog country like Korea that is always delighted to bark at the big dogs. A couple US TV prime-time documentaries on how our Korean charges treat us in their country, and what they're up to in our own, would set the lot of them to some serious reconsidering. It'd be a quiet day in Seoul. In the meantime, let your congressman know that bringing our troops home from overseas is a grand idea, and let's start from the ROK.
#56 Supergbp
on January 18, 2009 at 7:20 a.m.(Madison, WI | Unverified Name)
I do believe that Americans liberated the Korean from the Japaneses and later from communist rule. The Koreans are lucky they are not communist.
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