Amanda Bredenkamp answers “Would Korean people really react to...”

Jen asked this question about The Vegetarian:

Would Korean people really react to someone becoming a vegetarian as if it were unhealthy and incredibly weird?

Amanda Bredenkamp There is a big unspoken outcry towards anyone who does not fit the bill or stick to the norm. Koreans like to abide by rules in the public eye. So bei…moreThere is a big unspoken outcry towards anyone who does not fit the bill or stick to the norm. Koreans like to abide by rules in the public eye. So being set apart from the norm makes you an outcast and no one wants to be an outcast. Likewise no one wants to have a family member who isn't normal because then they themselves lose face. It is so bad that mental health is not an actual thing in Korea. People just drink soju to get rid of stress. Men can be extremely forceful towards women. Especially older men. Korean culture teaches you that you have to obey your elders, no matter what they ask of you. Off course that makes rape and domestic abuse a big thing in Korea but it is simply swept under the carpet. Most households are held together by children. Men all have girlfriends and it's an accepted part of society that people don't speak about in the hopes of it going away. Housewives are often desperate for the affection of a men who aren't their husbands, because they often don't get it at home. People are required to date and marry people of their own age group, which isn't always so easy. So yes, the culture that has been portrayed in this book is quite spot on. (less)

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Jen Thanks Amanda for the different take on the issue.
Aug 29, 2018 04:59AM · flag

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