|
|
If it is at all possible to be a part of a culture and not know it as well as you think you should, well, then I guess I am the example. I used to think that being without a culture, and being a international citizen was something I should be proud of. But now I have realized that there is more to be proud of.
After having left Korea at the age of six and roaming overseas, I was never able to be a real Korean, but rather I felt like I was just like everyone else around me, an expat, a global citizen. I thought that everything else was not as great as being international. But I was wrong.
When I arrived in Korea two weeks ago to spend my summer vacation here, I was shocked at what I saw. I had assumed the World Cup would have a slight effect on the people here, until I saw the cheering and the enthusiasm portrayed here. For each match that the home team had played, there has been over 3 million people on the streets and in the stadiums nationwide cheering. Every one of the 3 million people wore a red shirt, the uniform....
It is hard to imagine what it would be like having close to 400 thousand people gathered in one place, shouting the same cheer for hours on end. In fact, the whole thing is a shock. The enthusiasm, and the unity I have seen in Korea for the World Cup made me realize that this is the nation I am a part of, and for the first time I was genuinely proud to be a part of it all.
Many people wouldn't know what it feels like to have found a part of yourself, your culture, but let me tell you, it is an enlightening feeling. From this I realize that we can't assume we know who we are or where we come from, because in the most unexpected moment you discover who you really are.
|
1
Tags
You must be logged in to add tags.
|
Writer Profile
Hye-Jin Lee
This user has not written anything in his panorama profile yet.
|
Comments
I am happy for you :) Eugene Hyun | Aug 1st, 2002
I wish i was there in Korea during the World Cup. Must have been once in a life time experience. You are so lucky !!! I'm happy for you that you've found a part of yourself and that you enjoy the rest of your stay in Korea. KOREA FIGHTING!
You must be a TakingITGlobal member to post a comment. Sign up for free or login.
|
|
