Honestly I had a different understanding of the word in the past. I used to interpret nationalism as somewhat of a blind loyalty to the state. After having read about Korean nationalism in detail however, I came to have a very understanding of it. If you’re interested in Korean nationalism, this is a book I strongly recommend:

Ethnic Nationalism in Korea by Gi-Wook Shin, Stanford University Press

I won’t say I know about every single cases of violent demonstrations in Korea, but I’d say I have much knowledge and experience with them as I was particularly interested in the events. As I see it, most of these violent demonstrators were really desperate people who had their livelihoods on the line. Anti-FTA rioters are usually farmers and other affected groups who are not competitive enough stay in business if FTA comes into effect. In case of farmers, the government tried various subsidiaries and financial assistance to prevent these farmers from taking another job or going bankrupt, but the farmers only ended up with more and more debt. Personally, I used to loathe these people in every aspects, but I have changed much after having a long conversation about anti-FTA protests with someone who used to be a farmer. These people are really desperate. I don’t condone their violence, but I understand why they’re being so violent and desperate.

As for political extremsits, I meant extremist political groups like Hanchongryun. These communists or whatever may use nationalistic rhetoric to appeal to the public, but these people in the end are pro-NK extremists and such.

As for the anti-Japanese protests in China, they were nation-wide nationalistic protests, not protests of a few political extremists. Much like how anti-US protests on the US army tank incident can’t really be considered political extremism.

Patriotism, to me, is a form of loyalty to a certain collective group, such as a nation or a state. Patriotism and nationalism are not the same concept on different degrees of extremism.

Also, if after a Sino-Japan war ensues as Baduk predicated. What will be the outcome? Do you think China, after having acquired Japan and most likely “absorbed” Korea, will be satisfied at that or will she try to take it to the next step? What will be the next step?

first china takes north korea. they then have access to the sea as well as the resources therein (oil, fish, gas hydrates). then they start marrying into the population (as there are already 120:100 male to female population in china) and begin using the dprk labor force as the prc will be the most rapidly aged population at that time.

if they haven’t spent all of their war chest on keeping things stable domestically and taking over north korea, then they either move into the hinterlands or south, into the rok. this will probably be the time when japan gets involved.

either that, or the communist leadership tries to quell domestic instability by uniting the populace against japan. chinese nationalism will surely unite in order to put an end to the century of humilation no matter what may be going on domestically.

Okay. That was funny…

Hahaha…actually, Italians do that too sometimes…the older ones, especially from southern Italy (Naples, Sicly, etc.). My grandmother used to carry a styrofoam box sometimes to buffets. It embarrassed everyone in my family, especially my sister and me.

Also, I saw my Korean friends’ mom do that before when we were growing up. Except they would stock up on ketchup more than napkins. Of course, this was back in the 70’s and 80’s.

However, I find that Koreans don’t do that anymore. Maybe Koreans have reached a point to where they will look at someone mooching napkins from a Mickey D’s with disdain.

However, you are right. Chinese in both mainland and in Hong Kong…boy if it’s free, you might as well kiss it goodbye.

I’ll make you an offer. Whenever you get the itch to comment, email the comment to me first, I’ll edit it into something more palatable, and then the other commenters can focus on your ideas instead of your caricatured identity.

This is a serious proposal. Email me at pawis.conscience@gmail.com. I’m here to help.