mad cow madness in South Korea

I really hope some of my Current Events English students take a look at this article about South Korean hysteria re: American beef. The main reason for this hysteria is, in my opinion, a strong current of anti-FTA sentiment in the general population as certain Korean producers fear market penetration by foreign competition. Competition would, of course, reduce prices (why are peaches over $3 apiece in Korea?) and allow the average consumer a better menu of options.

Deeper than the anti-FTA sentiment, however, is an entrenched ambivalence about America itself-- its power and its influence. Many Koreans resent the omnipresence of American culture in their country (even while embracing Coke, jeans, and hip-hop), and the sight of US troops on Korean soil is, nowadays, a bitter reminder that South Korea isn't free of its past. Personally, I agree with Korean resentment at the presence of foreign troops: how would I feel if French soldiers were patrolling the streets of DC? But some Korean negativity is based on irrational thinking, and the Korean press (along with the Netizenry) often takes advantage of irrationality to spread the sort of hysteria we're currently seeing.*

A little more calm and objectivity would be nice. Imagine if Americans began boycotting Korean products en masse (electronics, cars, food, etc.) for flimsy, ad hoc political reasons. How would this look from the Korean perspective? Ridiculously immature? Of course it would.

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*I'm not saying all Koreans are irrational. On the contrary, many are more rational than Americans! But Koreans have a reputation, somewhat justified, as a passionate, emotional people who don't always view situations with sang froid.


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