The Marmot’s Hole

4 Comments

1. Al Pettit
   Posted October 24, 2003 at 11:34 pm | Permalink

   I cannot read Korean, so I have no clue what this is about, But I thought it was kinda cool that some Koreans still have good feelings towards us.

2. Wedge
   Posted October 25, 2003 at 2:02 am | Permalink

   It’s a morphing of the word “Daehanminguk” (Great Han People Country - i.e. Korea) to “Daehanmiguk” (Great Han Beautiful Country - a play on “Miguk”, what they call the U.S.). Unfortunately, my Korean doesn’t extend to what the last line in the filmette means - Marmot, a little help? Anyway, it’s given me an idea. If they want to be called Corea, they should call us Daemiminguk (Great Beautiful People Country). Quid pro quo, baby.

   Back to the piece, it’s sad to see the old folks get it, but not their descendents, and yet the kiddies have learned to hate the Japanese from their grandparents.

3. Da Pooper
   Posted October 25, 2003 at 1:53 pm | Permalink

   Interesting to read some of the readers’ comments to the piece. One noted that all Koreans have to do is wait for about 20 more years until the older generation dies off.

   Yup, and then there will be no one who dares to have even balanced views on the USA, let alone positive ones.

   Which maybe is not all that bad on the surface. The US and Korea go their own separate ways and I know at least I’ll be happier.

   But I think there are underlying issues of extreme nationalism and xenophobia at play that do not bode well for Korea’s future.

4. The Marmot
   Posted October 25, 2003 at 8:29 pm | Permalink

   Mr. Pettit: It is something to solice in, but as I’m sure you know, that wasn’t the point of the Flash movie, which was more along the lines of “Look at these stupid people - what nationality do they think they are?”

   Wedge: That last line is just the credits - you can thank Kwon U-seong for that masterpiece. BTW, I’m not entirely convinced that they learn their hate [of Japan] from the grandfolks - for that, I think the school system and the popular media is more to blame, with an assist going to the Japanese themselves, who are known for sticking their feet in their mouths on occasion.

   Da Pooper: Ahh… these young people. Think they know everything, don’t they? In 20 years, when they have jobs, families, and are saving their money to send little Chang-soo to Harvard, watch their politics take a sharp turn to the right - happens every time.

   Dae~han MIGUK!