I am also weary of people who talk of “superiority”, Korean or no. I believe in Romans 3:23, which is God’s way of telling the world “basically, you ALL suck”.

But I am equally weary of those who gratuitously attack Korean identity and dignity.

For them, Korean nationalism is not something to be condemned on its own terms….but, simply….competition.

And there’s a big difference.

The quote wasn’t necessarily promoting the idea of Korean supremacy, but rather uniqueness in history and culture… just like every other culture groups around the world. I suppose I’m not one of those people who want a homogeneous culture on Earth… I’m more of a biodiversity kinda guy.

Did I not qualify my statement by saying it’s not enough? My point was that even the biggies would have a tough time if not for the government and corporate support they receive.

I agree with you totally about the pernicious influence of the NEA on education in the US. And, for that matter, regarding the music industry’s failure to support music education in the schools. On the other hand, however, considering the crap they peddle, would educating young people on what good music is be in their best interest? Unlike SYMS, I don’t think they can honestly say that “An educated consumer is our best customer.”

The US Government has failed greatly when it comes to the standards of education, especially considering the steady downward march of standards at the NEA (National Education Association) and their historical willingness to dumb down educational standards so as not to leave students behind, but much cause of failure, IMHO, comes at the local level when such-and-such a school decides that they need to fund a football or basketball team more than fine arts education, amongst other subjects. Such things are the very things that helps to build a culture, unless one actually thinks that football is a cultural asset.

Also, as I said earlier, the music industry has failed to lobby government for supporting the very education that would help drive its future business because they never stopped to think that far ahead or just what they were doing. As of this moment, they still do not get it either.

…like the U.S. little understanding of it or support for it from business or government sectors.

(emphasis added)

Wow. That might come as a surprise to the New York Philharmonic, the National Symphony, the Boston Pops, and just about every other fine arts performing company in the United States, who subsist on grants from the NEA, NEH, corporations, and generous individuals. It’s not enough (of course, would any amount ever be considered “enough” by the recipients?), but the fine arts wouldn’t exist in the U.S. if not for the support you characterize as “little.”

As for pop culture, it’s created by the business sector. As such, it appeals to the least common denominator, ergo it sucks. It has none of the refinement of fine art, and none of the charm of folk art. I, for one, will lend my wholehearted support to asinine nationalism or any other force that can hasten the demise of this deplorable form of “culture.”

Finally, while this might not be strictly related to the topic at hand, your comment does bring up an interesting question. Should the United States government, in view of its limited enumerated powers, be in the business of patronizing the arts? (I speak here of the federal government). My vote is no, but I’d be curious to see others’ take on the issue.

There is so much potential in Korea when it comes to the creative arts but, like the U.S. little understanding of it or support for it from business or government sectors.

1) the us is in iraq fighting a war. bad, bad country.
2) korean men have small penises.