Yesterday I was reminded what a strange juxtaposition of the 3rd world and modernity there is in Korea. As we went on our field trip to the outskirts of town, we passed thousands of modern buildings jam-packed along the river, fronted by blaring neon signs and transparent sheets of glass. Shiny cars zoomed by, the GPS screens and cell phones glowing from inside.
As we left the main part of the city, the river became speckled with herons, cranes, and women doing their laundry. Flowers, overgrown shrubs, and men lying on blankets lined the sides of the river. The men watched women wade into the river to catch their lunch. Add in a few kids skinny dipping and it could've been a scene from my stay in Guatemala.
Later, as we searched for shade along a little canal, I was shocked to see a woman shamelessly pooping in the tall weeds. She then went back to her little work area on a rock. Then not so surprisingly, there was a man peeing on the underpass - these were all in full view of the road, nearby businesses, and busloads of little eyes.
People are still washing clothes in the river, while most 9 year olds are carrying cell phones. Lots of people are growing their own food and catching food in the river, while others are shopping in mega-marts and 7-11's.
Probably at least once a day, I see a man publicly urinating. In alleys, on busy streets, in little parks, on buildings, you name it, I've probably seen it. If I leave any mark on the little boys I've taught, I hope they remember that public urination is crass and uncalled for.
They probably won't since another teacher told a little boy relieve himself on the sidewalk after lunch.
No comments:
Post a Comment