One of the most interesting cultural differences between Korea and the USA (and most of the rest of the world) is how the teachers carry around sticks. Sticks that they call “love sticks”. Sticks that were given to them by parents. Parents who encourage the teachers to hit the students.
I understand that there are things about Confucianism that are hard for me to understand. When I was contemplating living in Korea and conducting some preliminary research, I came across the corporal punishment issue and I was a little afraid because it is not something that I have ever been exposed to, as my parents didn’t really strike me when I was younger, and that sort of thing does not go on in schools in the USA. Surprisingly, though, I have fared quite well in the sense that I have never been brought to tears and I continuously think that it is astounding how the students act when they are going to get hit. I can’t describe it in words very well, it is almost like they want it, like they are expecting it, like it is a necessary rite of passage in development, in punishment.
This brings me to my point. In the American culture, we solve problems by talking about them. During childhood, I often conversed with my parents when I behaved badly, and it was more than them just chiding me for acting the way that I had. I mean, yes there was a lot of lecturing on their part, but there was also a discussion about how I made them feel, and this is something that I have always done when I am in an argument with anyone. I can’t tell you how many times my mom has told me to “think of the consequences of my actions."
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