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I want to explain the strong negative sentiments against the DPRK bc it used to be me.
I believed the conventional narrative, haunted by images of MY people being held hostage by an evil regime. Of course I was angry and wanted to fight anyone supporting that.
Here's my path...
I believed the conventional narrative, haunted by images of MY people being held hostage by an evil regime. Of course I was angry and wanted to fight anyone supporting that.
Here's my path...
Lightbulb #1. Ppl on 'my side' only interested in bashing Kim Jong Un and bashing NK as a whole for being a "backwards and starving country". Even without supporting the DPRK, that reeked of a lack of depth and empathy. These people didn't bring up North Korea because they cared.
Lightbulb #2. When focusing on supporting defectors, which I did for several years thru LINK, I was shown "Loyal Citizens of Pyongyang in Seoul". Even to the most adamant anti-DPRK person, this is a crack in the argument that everyone living in NK is dying to leave. Google it.
Lightbulb #3. I read a detailed history of nearly 70 yrs of US-Korea relations. This is NOT a pro-NK book; it's as impartial as possible. But even when told from a neutral voice, it's undeniable how much North-South relations and potential partnership was hobbled by US meddling.
Lightbulb #4. I also gained a more three-dimensional view of NK's original leader, Kim Il Sung. I thought of the letters my mom received from our family in NK, and for the first time I questioned if "Kim Il Sung helped us" was really a message of propaganda written out of fear?
The final illumination for me was the COVID-related hate and learning that the attacks on Asians are a historical pattern! The US throws racist slander at groups and countries it wants an excuse to occupy or attack. AsAms, please read up on Orientalism, *extensively*.
I am thankful to all who illuminated my path. I followed that path to a great sadness, seeing the immensity of the barrier that keeps our people divided. Even we diaspora still yearn for unification, like Chon-ji we may not ever see but we can hold in our minds and hearts.
Accounts to follow if you rly want a nuanced view on North Korea. They aren't 'tankies' so you centrists can cool your jets. Tho I don't believe any centrists are bothering to look at my shit anymore anyway.
And just as important, here are accounts to steer clear of. They spew harmful propaganda. Notice one of them is a white dude in Japan but apparently can't resist running his mouth on other Asian countries too.
