Blog 5

          I somewhat remember of a time in my past when I was a little girl. I was with my grandfather and grandmother in Korea. I remember them talking about something which I personally did not like the topic of. I heard them say that we as Koreans should not interact in any with the “those” Japanese. I was a little from the disappointment that overcame me at that moment. I remember there was a slight bitter taste in my mouth as I simply continued to sit there and say nothing. Their harsh and sharp words pierced through my mind and ears as I listened. There has been an unsettling scar upon the heart of Korea due to the tense relationship with Japan ever since the Japanese colonization and World War II. Of course, I suppose, that there would still be people who feel bitter about this issue and continue too despite the world moving on.  I do not wish to be restricted and fall victim to this bitterness that has been passed on through generations in much of Korean society.   My grandparents have been sheltered in their native country and their tight knit Korean community even in America.  I have had the privilege to have attended a diverse public school since a young age so I guess that has made me comfortable with diversity.  Diversity in an academic environment not only gives insight to individuals but also introduces respect and open mindedness.  I still have love and admiration for my grandparents but I do not wish to ignore their beliefs. I think that the past is the past and should remain there so that we as people can move on in the future.  I can understand where they are coming from and why but because I have not experienced the same experiences as they have I guess I can never fully understand. The generations between theirs and mine are much too different. But this is the present. The world moves on and I think people should too. People should let differences aside and try to get along with each other despite the differences and past experiences. Even though it probably isn’t my place to say these things this is just how I feel. I don’t think people should linger in the past especially if it consists of hate and wars. It doesn’t just have to be with Korea and japan but other diverse nations or people in general.  Although I think in the future as time moves on these issues might slowly but surely disappear, and then again maybe not. I hope there will be a time where people let bygones be bygones and set all differences aside. A pretty farfetched idea but still a hope.