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Life at Pyongyang University of Science and Technology:
1. You may not exit the compound
2. Life lived in a panopticon, constant surveillance that becomes internalized
3. lies and deception become instinctual and culturally valid
4. lack of access to the internet or other media that provide a window to the outside world disarms and infantilizes students to depend on authority
5. all the students are men, and all the women of their similar age are either guards or custodians
6. former relationshi ...more
1. You may not exit the compound
2. Life lived in a panopticon, constant surveillance that becomes internalized
3. lies and deception become instinctual and culturally valid
4. lack of access to the internet or other media that provide a window to the outside world disarms and infantilizes students to depend on authority
5. all the students are men, and all the women of their similar age are either guards or custodians
6. former relationshi ...more
It was both fascinating and sad to get a glimpse at this country cut off from the world. Very much like seeing 1984 come to life (incidentally, when I read 1984 a few years ago I kept picturing North Korea). Book did drag in a few places but that may have to do with the fact that it was so hard for me to find time to read and often had to settle for a few pages at a time. On days I did get to read a chunk, I was really able to get into it much more. Suki Kim was able to bring a unique perspectiv
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This is an amazing work, both in what it took to write it, and in what is presented from the other side of -yes, a physical border- but more importantly a cultural boundary that seems insurmountable. Kim gives the reader a taut, informative narrative, but one that tries to explore deep themes and the impact of the Kim Jong-il dictatorship. Her scope is necessarily limited. She interacted only with male students, and only with students from an elite class, and her movements were restricted. She b
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Dewey BPL 951.9305 K
Jul 16, 2014
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Dec 10, 2014
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Dec 16, 2014
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Aug 14, 2020
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Feb 21, 2023
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