At the beginning of every class, I take roll. Each student answers with their choice of "yes," "here," or "hello." If a student is absent, I choose a student who is present to run a registry slip with the absent student's name, the date, my name, and the class to the office on the fourth floor of our building, so the ladies who do all of the administrative work can immediately register them. At our school, we call the administrative area info. The Korean students call it "eenpo." Among third and fourth graders, taking the absent slip to info seems to be a job that is in high demand. Even if it only takes a minute, or two, the younger students seem to be excited about getting out of class, and doing something different.
I always know which students will be absent before I ever call roll, because as soon as I walk through the door to enter a classroom, the students will proclaim, "Teacher! Teacher! So and So is absent! I want go to eenpo!"
Then all the others would chime in, "Teacher! I want to go to eenpo!! Teacher! Teacher! I want to go to eenpo!"
I would then have to establish order, "Okay, okay, okay!! Let me take roll first!!" I would then call the first student's name louder than the others, "Such and Such!!" The students normally calm down after the first name is called.
As soon as roll would finish, all the students would continue, "Teacher! I want to go to eenpo!!"
When I first started, I tried to avoid being accused of playing favorites, so I would hold a mini paper rock scissors tournament, but they would sometimes get out of hand, and take up too much time, so two months into it, I cared less about it, and would simply choose a student.
Now, upon completing roll call, whenever someone is absent, I usually choose a student who I feel hasn't taken the slip in a while. I normally walk to the chosen student's desk, place the slip on it, and give him/her the instructions, "Such and Such, write So and So's Korean name on the slip."
Upon hearing me say the chosen student's name, the entire class, in unison, would give me a big, "AWWWWWWWWWW!?!!!!"
Then some would chime in, "Bad Teacher... Mean Teacher..." I can't help but laugh every time I hear it.
"Teacher... You only like Such and Such! You always choose So and So!"
Sometimes the "You only's" can get pretty funny, "Teacher... You only like students who are small!!"
"Bad Teacher... You only like new students!"
"Mean Teacher... You only like students who are tall!"
I laugh everytime I hear the latest, "Teacher! You only..."
But in reality, I choose the quietest students more than the others. For some reason, I've never heard, "Teacher! You only like quiet students!!"
They crack me up. Teaching can be a lot of fun.
With that being said, I would like to wish all of you a happy new year. I wish you many blessings in 2012, and may it, up to this point, be the best year of your life!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Differences in Korean and Japanese Women
I would like to start by stating that I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas, and I hope all of you experienced the love of Christ at some point during the season. After all, isn't that what we are supposed to be celebrating?
My mother sent me money this Christmas, instead of sending me presents. I took it as an opportunity to take a trip to Seoul, and complete my winter wardrobe. I left on the Friday before Christmas. I did most of my shopping in Myeongdong, the largest and most prominent shopping area in the city (to my knowledge). Myeongdong has a Polo store, a North Face store, an authorized Apple dealer, and countless other stores that sell brand name items that Christmas shoppers would be inclined to purchase.
The most prominent group of shoppers in the Myeongdong area during my visit seemed to be the Japanese. To the untrained eye, "all Asians look the same," but after being in Korea for over seven months, it's rather easy to distinguish the difference between them and Koreans.
Korean women are rather elegant in their dress. They prefer to wear modest tops, as they never show even a hint of cleavage. They prefer short skirts, dresses, and high heels, which is rather attractive. During the winter, they still love wearing them, so the preferred article of clothing used to keep warm are navy blue pantyhose. They are attractive, feminine, and apparently warm because of their thickness.
Most Korean women are rather modest in the application of makeup, as they choose cosmetics that make their faces appear whiter. They are also modest regarding the alteration of the color of their hair, as the only color they seem to dye their hair is dark brown. Korean women have a variety of hairstyles, and many seem to include bangs. The shoulder length perm is also quite popular, and is rather nice to see. Korean women are extremely feminine in their hair accessories, as many wear bows and clips of all types, as well as hair bands.
As I've stated earlier, to the untrained eye, "all Asians look the same," but that is definitely not the case. Generally speaking, there are two differences in facial structure. Japanese women tend to have a slightly different eye shape, as their eyes seem to be slightly rounder. They also seem to have a rounder more compact facial structure than Korean women.
Regarding eye shape, many Asian women go to great lengths to make their eyes appear rounder and larger. Some wear color altering contact lenses, along with other applicable accessories. Many even have plastic surgery, called double eyelid surgery. Many Japanese women are known to come to Seoul to have such surgeries, because of the lower rates, and that may be a contributing factor to this particular difference. But nevertheless, Japanese women seem to have slightly rounder eyes than Korean women.
Japanese women wear more makeup. This could be another contributing factor to the notion that their eyes appear rounder. A theory that I have is that while the goal of Korean women, when applying makeup, is to make the face appear whiter, the goal of Japanese women in the application of makeup seems to be to make the eyes look bigger. They seem to apply eye liner much more liberally than Koreans, and they seem to wear eye shadow, a cosmetic that not many Koreans wear. And if it is worn by Koreans, it is done more conservatively. Japanese also apply pink blush extremely liberally to their cheeks, while it is rare to see Koreans wear it.
Japanese women are more liberal in the alteration of their hair color. Many had a hair color that was a much lighter shade of brown than what I would ever see on most Koreans. The hairstyles are also noticeably different. It's difficult to explain, but they seemed to be less elegant, and traditional than Korean women. Japanese women seemed to go for a more "modern" look with their hair. Japanese women seemed to prefer not to wear hair bands, bows, and other feminine hair accessories that Koreans wear.
Japanese women definitely have a different fashion sense than Korean women. In Myeongdong, they seemed to be slightly more casual. Their sense of style in the winter seemed to be geared more toward comfort, while still maintaining an elegance. It was difficult to find the attractive combination of miniskirts, navy blue pantyhose, and high heels on Japanese women.
My Korean friends, along with western friends who have visited Japan, tell me that Japanese women take a more individual approach to their sense of style, while Korean women tend to follow the latest trends. I definitely noticed that while in Seoul. Many Korean vendors display pictures of Korean celebrities wearing a particular accessory, or article of clothing they are trying to sell. Korean women tend to prefer the classic look, while Japanese women are more likely to to take risks regarding their style. The goal of Korean women seems to be to appear more elegant, while Japanese women seem to want to appear more hip.
Another way to tell the difference between Koreans and Japanese is by listening to the language. Japanese seems to be a little more rhythmic. It has sort of a cuteness to it. And nowhere is the cuteness more evident than in how they say Mcdonalds. Koreans say, "Macdonardsu." I can't quite explain it like my Korean friends, but Japanese people struggle with pronouncing consecutive consonants, so they say, "Magudonarudo." It's endearing, and I laugh every time I hear it. Saying it is as addictive as smoking cigarettes. For the past week, I've been unable to stop saying "magudonarudo."
While in Myeongdong, I wanted to stop some Japanese people, and ask them, "Do you know where the nearest Mcdonalds is?"
I would have done so only to hear them answer, "Magudonarudo?!?!" I sat in front of the Mcdonalds in Myeongdong for around ten minutes hoping to recognize a Japanese person for the soul purpose of hearing them say "Magudonarudo." Isn't it funny how when you are not looking for something, it seems to be everywhere, but when you need it, and begin to actively search for it, it seems to be nowhere in sight? That's how it seemed when I wanted to hear, "Magudonarudo" from the "horse's mouth," so I had to settle for hearing it from my Korean friends, which was still funny.
Generally speaking, I find Korean women to be more attractive than Japanese women. Korean women are more elegant and feminine in their style. I prefer women who embrace their femininity and wear things such as dresses, skirts, cute hair accessories, bows, and pantyhose. And Korean women definitely do that. While Japanese women may embrace their femininity in a different way, they seem to do so less regarding their personal appearance, and their sense of style.
If you haven't noticed, the last two posts have been on Japan. The reason for that is that I find Japanese culture to be more exotic simply because I was never around them in New Orleans, while I was always around Koreans, so naturally, I am fascinated by Japan.
Update: Please Read
My mother sent me money this Christmas, instead of sending me presents. I took it as an opportunity to take a trip to Seoul, and complete my winter wardrobe. I left on the Friday before Christmas. I did most of my shopping in Myeongdong, the largest and most prominent shopping area in the city (to my knowledge). Myeongdong has a Polo store, a North Face store, an authorized Apple dealer, and countless other stores that sell brand name items that Christmas shoppers would be inclined to purchase.
The most prominent group of shoppers in the Myeongdong area during my visit seemed to be the Japanese. To the untrained eye, "all Asians look the same," but after being in Korea for over seven months, it's rather easy to distinguish the difference between them and Koreans.
Korean women are rather elegant in their dress. They prefer to wear modest tops, as they never show even a hint of cleavage. They prefer short skirts, dresses, and high heels, which is rather attractive. During the winter, they still love wearing them, so the preferred article of clothing used to keep warm are navy blue pantyhose. They are attractive, feminine, and apparently warm because of their thickness.
Most Korean women are rather modest in the application of makeup, as they choose cosmetics that make their faces appear whiter. They are also modest regarding the alteration of the color of their hair, as the only color they seem to dye their hair is dark brown. Korean women have a variety of hairstyles, and many seem to include bangs. The shoulder length perm is also quite popular, and is rather nice to see. Korean women are extremely feminine in their hair accessories, as many wear bows and clips of all types, as well as hair bands.
As I've stated earlier, to the untrained eye, "all Asians look the same," but that is definitely not the case. Generally speaking, there are two differences in facial structure. Japanese women tend to have a slightly different eye shape, as their eyes seem to be slightly rounder. They also seem to have a rounder more compact facial structure than Korean women.
Regarding eye shape, many Asian women go to great lengths to make their eyes appear rounder and larger. Some wear color altering contact lenses, along with other applicable accessories. Many even have plastic surgery, called double eyelid surgery. Many Japanese women are known to come to Seoul to have such surgeries, because of the lower rates, and that may be a contributing factor to this particular difference. But nevertheless, Japanese women seem to have slightly rounder eyes than Korean women.
Japanese women wear more makeup. This could be another contributing factor to the notion that their eyes appear rounder. A theory that I have is that while the goal of Korean women, when applying makeup, is to make the face appear whiter, the goal of Japanese women in the application of makeup seems to be to make the eyes look bigger. They seem to apply eye liner much more liberally than Koreans, and they seem to wear eye shadow, a cosmetic that not many Koreans wear. And if it is worn by Koreans, it is done more conservatively. Japanese also apply pink blush extremely liberally to their cheeks, while it is rare to see Koreans wear it.
Japanese women are more liberal in the alteration of their hair color. Many had a hair color that was a much lighter shade of brown than what I would ever see on most Koreans. The hairstyles are also noticeably different. It's difficult to explain, but they seemed to be less elegant, and traditional than Korean women. Japanese women seemed to go for a more "modern" look with their hair. Japanese women seemed to prefer not to wear hair bands, bows, and other feminine hair accessories that Koreans wear.
Japanese women definitely have a different fashion sense than Korean women. In Myeongdong, they seemed to be slightly more casual. Their sense of style in the winter seemed to be geared more toward comfort, while still maintaining an elegance. It was difficult to find the attractive combination of miniskirts, navy blue pantyhose, and high heels on Japanese women.
My Korean friends, along with western friends who have visited Japan, tell me that Japanese women take a more individual approach to their sense of style, while Korean women tend to follow the latest trends. I definitely noticed that while in Seoul. Many Korean vendors display pictures of Korean celebrities wearing a particular accessory, or article of clothing they are trying to sell. Korean women tend to prefer the classic look, while Japanese women are more likely to to take risks regarding their style. The goal of Korean women seems to be to appear more elegant, while Japanese women seem to want to appear more hip.
Another way to tell the difference between Koreans and Japanese is by listening to the language. Japanese seems to be a little more rhythmic. It has sort of a cuteness to it. And nowhere is the cuteness more evident than in how they say Mcdonalds. Koreans say, "Macdonardsu." I can't quite explain it like my Korean friends, but Japanese people struggle with pronouncing consecutive consonants, so they say, "Magudonarudo." It's endearing, and I laugh every time I hear it. Saying it is as addictive as smoking cigarettes. For the past week, I've been unable to stop saying "magudonarudo."
While in Myeongdong, I wanted to stop some Japanese people, and ask them, "Do you know where the nearest Mcdonalds is?"
I would have done so only to hear them answer, "Magudonarudo?!?!" I sat in front of the Mcdonalds in Myeongdong for around ten minutes hoping to recognize a Japanese person for the soul purpose of hearing them say "Magudonarudo." Isn't it funny how when you are not looking for something, it seems to be everywhere, but when you need it, and begin to actively search for it, it seems to be nowhere in sight? That's how it seemed when I wanted to hear, "Magudonarudo" from the "horse's mouth," so I had to settle for hearing it from my Korean friends, which was still funny.
Generally speaking, I find Korean women to be more attractive than Japanese women. Korean women are more elegant and feminine in their style. I prefer women who embrace their femininity and wear things such as dresses, skirts, cute hair accessories, bows, and pantyhose. And Korean women definitely do that. While Japanese women may embrace their femininity in a different way, they seem to do so less regarding their personal appearance, and their sense of style.
If you haven't noticed, the last two posts have been on Japan. The reason for that is that I find Japanese culture to be more exotic simply because I was never around them in New Orleans, while I was always around Koreans, so naturally, I am fascinated by Japan.
Update: Please Read
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Observations on the Views of Koreans Regarding Japan
Lee Myoung Bak is the president of Korea. I've gotten the impression that most of the people from Gwangju adamantly dislike him, and his policies. My students, especially my 6th graders, are particularly vocal in their distaste. In order to get a pulse on how the people of Gwangju feel about him, I assigned the essay topic, "Do you like Lee Myoung Bak? Why or why not?" The political views of most sixth graders are merely a reflection of their parents, so I knew that these essays would provide insight on the views of many of the citizens of Gwangju.
The students wrote well, and unabashedly displayed their sentiments. I assigned the topic to two of my upper level sixth grade classes, and every essay, with one exception, began with this statement (There was slight variation in wording.), "I dislike Lee Myoung Bak for many reasons. The first reason I don't like him is because he is from Osaka, Japan."
For those of you who are unaware of Korean history, the Japanese occupied Korea for several years prior to World War II. Koreans were treated horribly, and many of the atrocities were unspeakable, so naturally, Koreans have a strong hatred towards Japan. A question on a writing test for my fourth graders was, "What place would you not like to visit, and Why?"
Around half of the answers were some some form of, "I don't want to visit Japan, because I hate Japan. And I hate Japanese people." Many of my Korean friends, in casual conversation, have told me that they hate all things Japan. I get the impression that this view is fairly widespread throughout Korea, so the accusation from Koreans of their own president being Japanese is a fairly strong insult.
Korea is now a thriving economy, much like Japan. Korea has Hyundai, and Kia. Japan has Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. Korea has Samsung (Did you know Samsung manufactures cars?), and LG. Japan has Sony, and Panasonic. The rivalry is fairly evident. Soccer matches between the two nations receive high television ratings. The most replayed sporting event here in Korea seems to be Korea's victory over Japan in baseball to win the Gold medal in the Beijing Olympics. I've seen that game numerous times.
I sence sort of an inferiority complex from Koreans towards Japan. Nowhere is that more evident than in the dispute between Korea and Japan over Dokdo, a small Island off of the coast of Korea. Both Japan and Korea claim the island is theirs. Koreans hold fast to their sovereignty over Dokdo, not because it's an island of abundant natural resources, but because they absolutely refuse to give in once more to their Asian rivals. One of my sixth graders said in her essay, and I paraphrase, "Lee Myoung Bak is from Japan, and he became president to give Dokdo to them." Sovereignty over Dokdo is a major issue for Koreans that fuels their hatred towards Japan. I've yet to meet a Korean who has taken the stance that Dokdo should be under Japanese sovereignty.
The earthquake and tsunami in Japan cooled Korean sentiments slightly, and I emphasize the word, "slightly." Make no mistake about it, many Koreans possess an inherent hatred towards Japan. It's both sad and fascinating. America is one of the most multicultural societies in the world. As an American, I, along with most others, don't have an inherent hatred towards a particular nation. Different ethnic groups may dislike, and maybe even hate each other, as racism does exist. And many Americans possess a slight allegiance towards the nation of their ancestry, in addition to their allegiance to the USA. Korea, on the other hand, is the other extreme. It's one of the most homogeneous societies in the world, and obviously the pain and embarrassment stemming from Japanese occupation of Korea has transcended generations, because the feelings are obviously strong even in the children.
Korea is now a thriving economy, much like Japan. Korea has Hyundai, and Kia. Japan has Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. Korea has Samsung (Did you know Samsung manufactures cars?), and LG. Japan has Sony, and Panasonic. The rivalry is fairly evident. Soccer matches between the two nations receive high television ratings. The most replayed sporting event here in Korea seems to be Korea's victory over Japan in baseball to win the Gold medal in the Beijing Olympics. I've seen that game numerous times.
I sence sort of an inferiority complex from Koreans towards Japan. Nowhere is that more evident than in the dispute between Korea and Japan over Dokdo, a small Island off of the coast of Korea. Both Japan and Korea claim the island is theirs. Koreans hold fast to their sovereignty over Dokdo, not because it's an island of abundant natural resources, but because they absolutely refuse to give in once more to their Asian rivals. One of my sixth graders said in her essay, and I paraphrase, "Lee Myoung Bak is from Japan, and he became president to give Dokdo to them." Sovereignty over Dokdo is a major issue for Koreans that fuels their hatred towards Japan. I've yet to meet a Korean who has taken the stance that Dokdo should be under Japanese sovereignty.
The earthquake and tsunami in Japan cooled Korean sentiments slightly, and I emphasize the word, "slightly." Make no mistake about it, many Koreans possess an inherent hatred towards Japan. It's both sad and fascinating. America is one of the most multicultural societies in the world. As an American, I, along with most others, don't have an inherent hatred towards a particular nation. Different ethnic groups may dislike, and maybe even hate each other, as racism does exist. And many Americans possess a slight allegiance towards the nation of their ancestry, in addition to their allegiance to the USA. Korea, on the other hand, is the other extreme. It's one of the most homogeneous societies in the world, and obviously the pain and embarrassment stemming from Japanese occupation of Korea has transcended generations, because the feelings are obviously strong even in the children.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Best Friends
Hiromi is a sixth grader, and is one of my more rambunctious students, but I like her. Some of my other wilder students are less likable, and I kind of enjoy laying the hammer on them, but that is not the case with Hiromi. She is so charismatic that the bahavior of the rest of the class will be solely dependant on her's. When Hiromi is quiet, the rest of the class will be that way. When she becomes difficult, so will the rest of the class. Although I love her enthusiasm and her zest for life, having control of the class is more important, so the reigns on Hiromi are rather tight. I like her, because she is obviously highly intelligent, but she is not particularly hardworking. Hiromi always seems to know enough to answer intelligently. Her best quality is her amazing smile. Her eyes are rather squinty, so when she smiles, they look as if they are completely closed. It's beautiful.
Hiromi is in one of the upper level sixth grade classes, so she and most of her classmates are fluent in English. In phone interviews with my upper levels, I usually converse with them, and talk about what is going on in their lives. Her best friend, Cassie, is in the same class, and through those interviews, I have learned that she and Cassie do everything together. In the beginning, I thought it would be unspeakable for the two of them to sit next to each other in class. They would constantly look across the room, turn towards each other, and speak to each other silently, reading each other's lips. It would drive me nuts, because other students would see it, then feel free to speak to each other more verbally. There was no separating the two girls, even though they were across the room.
I moved Hiromi, as I do with all of my other rambunctious students, to the back to the class. Cassie, who sat in the front, would constantly feel the need to turn around with her back towards me to communicate nonverbally with Hiromi. One day, I decided to move Cassie to the back next to Hiromi to see what would happen, because the class was becoming rather difficult to manage. It couldn't possibly be much worse than what it had already become. As I walked into class on that particular day, I said, "Cassie! Move next to Hiromi." I pointed my finger at the particular seat where she was sitting in the front, then I moved it towards the empty seat in the back next to Hiromi. Hiromi flashed me her amazing shut-eyed smile.
Cassie couldn't believe it, "But Teacher! I can't sit next to her! Korean teacher won't let me!"
I repeated, "Cassie! Move next to Hiromi." And again, I pointed my finger, and moved it from where Cassie was sitting in the front to the empty seat next to Hiromi in the back.
"But Teacher...!!" I kept pointing, and moving my finger from the front to the back.
The other students were stunned. They knew the implications of the two friends sitting next to each other. I think they genuinely believed the class was going to explode. Then other students began chiming in, "Teacher! Can I move next to so and so!?"
"Nope. Only Cassie can move."
Another student would chime in, "Teacher! Can I move next to such and such!?"
"Nope. Only Cassie is allowed to move."
I thought Cassie was going to get on her knees, and kiss my feet. The Korean teacher for that particular class saw it as unspeakable for the two to be next to each other in a classroom setting. She tried to forbid the two to sit next to each other in my class, but I was determined to see if it would work. And surprisingly, it did.
The reigns remain tight on the two friends. I have to be more strict with them than I am with other students, because, again, Hiromi is so charismatic, that if she gets out of hand, so will the rest of the class. The two friends no longer have to disturb the other students by looking across the room to communicate, because they are next to each other, out of sight in the back of the class. And I have sort of endeared myself to the two friends, because I am one of the few teachers to allow them to do the unspeakable.
Another Korean channel surfing stopper is a beautiful woman who goes by the name, Soo Ae. She stars in a drama called, A Thousand Days Promise. On TV, she has sort of an elegant plainness that I find to be incredibly striking. She is also a spokesperson for a company selling women's apparel here in Korea, so her pictures are everywhere. I don't mind seeing them, and I don't mind seeing her on TV.
Hiromi is in one of the upper level sixth grade classes, so she and most of her classmates are fluent in English. In phone interviews with my upper levels, I usually converse with them, and talk about what is going on in their lives. Her best friend, Cassie, is in the same class, and through those interviews, I have learned that she and Cassie do everything together. In the beginning, I thought it would be unspeakable for the two of them to sit next to each other in class. They would constantly look across the room, turn towards each other, and speak to each other silently, reading each other's lips. It would drive me nuts, because other students would see it, then feel free to speak to each other more verbally. There was no separating the two girls, even though they were across the room.
I moved Hiromi, as I do with all of my other rambunctious students, to the back to the class. Cassie, who sat in the front, would constantly feel the need to turn around with her back towards me to communicate nonverbally with Hiromi. One day, I decided to move Cassie to the back next to Hiromi to see what would happen, because the class was becoming rather difficult to manage. It couldn't possibly be much worse than what it had already become. As I walked into class on that particular day, I said, "Cassie! Move next to Hiromi." I pointed my finger at the particular seat where she was sitting in the front, then I moved it towards the empty seat in the back next to Hiromi. Hiromi flashed me her amazing shut-eyed smile.
Cassie couldn't believe it, "But Teacher! I can't sit next to her! Korean teacher won't let me!"
I repeated, "Cassie! Move next to Hiromi." And again, I pointed my finger, and moved it from where Cassie was sitting in the front to the empty seat next to Hiromi in the back.
"But Teacher...!!" I kept pointing, and moving my finger from the front to the back.
The other students were stunned. They knew the implications of the two friends sitting next to each other. I think they genuinely believed the class was going to explode. Then other students began chiming in, "Teacher! Can I move next to so and so!?"
"Nope. Only Cassie can move."
Another student would chime in, "Teacher! Can I move next to such and such!?"
"Nope. Only Cassie is allowed to move."
I thought Cassie was going to get on her knees, and kiss my feet. The Korean teacher for that particular class saw it as unspeakable for the two to be next to each other in a classroom setting. She tried to forbid the two to sit next to each other in my class, but I was determined to see if it would work. And surprisingly, it did.
The reigns remain tight on the two friends. I have to be more strict with them than I am with other students, because, again, Hiromi is so charismatic, that if she gets out of hand, so will the rest of the class. The two friends no longer have to disturb the other students by looking across the room to communicate, because they are next to each other, out of sight in the back of the class. And I have sort of endeared myself to the two friends, because I am one of the few teachers to allow them to do the unspeakable.
These pictures were found via a search through google images. They are not mine.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
LSU vs. Alabama
Every year, LSU-Alabama seems to be a huge game. How could it be any other way? Louisiana and Alabama are both annually loaded with top caliber high school football talent, and the top players from the respective states annually choose to play for LSU and The University of Alabama. Both teams are well-coached and always seem to be loaded with NFL caliber players. Both schools have recently won national championships. Both schools have football-crazed students, alumni, and fanbases. Both schools possess a mutual respect for each other. But it ends there.
Both schools' students, alumni, and fanbases hate each other. The hate seems to be stronger from the LSU end. A big reason is that up until the last fifteen years, Alabama has dominated the series. Another reason why the hate isn't as strong from the Alabama end is that there are two schools that they hate more than LSU, in Auburn and Tennessee. But make no mistake about it, the feeling is mutual. The people who support the University of Alabama hate LSU.
My first real memory of LSU football was when I was a little boy around the age of four. Our family was sitting in the living room of our little old house in South Slidell on a Saturday watching the LSU-Alabama game. I remember previously comprehending LSU football. I remember comprehending them as the "good guys." I remember comprehending them as protagonists. I remember comprehending them as the "heroes." I was old enough to comprehend that the game was big and important, and I was able to sense the excitement and the intensity. I don't remember exactly what I asked my Dad, but it was something to the nature of, "Who is LSU playing?"
My Dad answered, "They are playing Alabama."
"Who's winning?"
"Alabama."
It was then that I began to associate the men in the crimson uniforms with the numbers on their helmets as "the bad guys." I began to associate The University of Alabama as "the villains." I began to see them as evil. These villains in the crimson uniforms from Alabama were beating our heroes from LSU. I vividly remember my disappointment and perplexity, because heroes are supposed to win. I remember, as a four year old, feeling a hint of anger while sitting in our living room.
Afterwards, when wanting to insult children my age, I would tell them, "Naa! Naa! Na-naa! Naa! I'm from LSU. You're from Alabama."
The hate didn't end. I remember how angry I was, as a high schooler, watching Shaun Alexander break the NCAA single game rushing record in Tiger Stadium against LSU. I remember my disappointment walking out of Tiger Stadium, again as a high schooler, after watching Andrew Zow torch our Lou Tepper coached defense, and hearing the familiar chant from Alabama Fans, "HEY TIGERS! HEY TIGERS! HEY TIGERS! WE! JUST! BEAT! THE! HELL OUT OF YOU!!" My hate for Alabama football grew.
I was in Tiger Stadium for last year's win against Alabama. Apparently, I'm not the only person from Louisiana who hates them. I remember a particularly vocal middle aged LSU fan sitting behind me. He was dignified in his dress. He was tall, handsome, and probably successful in whatever he did. I remember the intensity in his face throughout the game. I remember after the outcome of the game was no longer in doubt, he stood up and began the familiar chant. He did so in the manner that could only be done by a stiff white middle aged man. His face became redder, and his eyes got bigger. I thought they were going to pop out of his head when he began to mockingly shout the chant owned by Alabama supporters, "HEY ALABAMA! HEY ALABAMA! HEY ALABAMA! WE! JUST! BEAT! THE! HELL OUT OF YOU!!" He authoritatively pointed his finger at the Alabama section of Tiger Stadium with each chant.
I realize that the game is more than a week away, but it is the biggest game in the history of the series, and one of the biggest games in the history of LSU football. LSU is ranked #1 in the country, and is undefeated. Alabama is ranked #2, and is undefeated as well. Both teams have consistently dominated their opponents, and the excitement is evident in both fanbases. I am excitedly looking forward to the game, because I am confident that the Tigers will walk into Tuscaloosa, AL and beat The Alabama Crimson Tide. And no win feels better than a win against Alabama.
Both schools' students, alumni, and fanbases hate each other. The hate seems to be stronger from the LSU end. A big reason is that up until the last fifteen years, Alabama has dominated the series. Another reason why the hate isn't as strong from the Alabama end is that there are two schools that they hate more than LSU, in Auburn and Tennessee. But make no mistake about it, the feeling is mutual. The people who support the University of Alabama hate LSU.
My first real memory of LSU football was when I was a little boy around the age of four. Our family was sitting in the living room of our little old house in South Slidell on a Saturday watching the LSU-Alabama game. I remember previously comprehending LSU football. I remember comprehending them as the "good guys." I remember comprehending them as protagonists. I remember comprehending them as the "heroes." I was old enough to comprehend that the game was big and important, and I was able to sense the excitement and the intensity. I don't remember exactly what I asked my Dad, but it was something to the nature of, "Who is LSU playing?"
My Dad answered, "They are playing Alabama."
"Who's winning?"
"Alabama."
It was then that I began to associate the men in the crimson uniforms with the numbers on their helmets as "the bad guys." I began to associate The University of Alabama as "the villains." I began to see them as evil. These villains in the crimson uniforms from Alabama were beating our heroes from LSU. I vividly remember my disappointment and perplexity, because heroes are supposed to win. I remember, as a four year old, feeling a hint of anger while sitting in our living room.
Afterwards, when wanting to insult children my age, I would tell them, "Naa! Naa! Na-naa! Naa! I'm from LSU. You're from Alabama."
The hate didn't end. I remember how angry I was, as a high schooler, watching Shaun Alexander break the NCAA single game rushing record in Tiger Stadium against LSU. I remember my disappointment walking out of Tiger Stadium, again as a high schooler, after watching Andrew Zow torch our Lou Tepper coached defense, and hearing the familiar chant from Alabama Fans, "HEY TIGERS! HEY TIGERS! HEY TIGERS! WE! JUST! BEAT! THE! HELL OUT OF YOU!!" My hate for Alabama football grew.
I was in Tiger Stadium for last year's win against Alabama. Apparently, I'm not the only person from Louisiana who hates them. I remember a particularly vocal middle aged LSU fan sitting behind me. He was dignified in his dress. He was tall, handsome, and probably successful in whatever he did. I remember the intensity in his face throughout the game. I remember after the outcome of the game was no longer in doubt, he stood up and began the familiar chant. He did so in the manner that could only be done by a stiff white middle aged man. His face became redder, and his eyes got bigger. I thought they were going to pop out of his head when he began to mockingly shout the chant owned by Alabama supporters, "HEY ALABAMA! HEY ALABAMA! HEY ALABAMA! WE! JUST! BEAT! THE! HELL OUT OF YOU!!" He authoritatively pointed his finger at the Alabama section of Tiger Stadium with each chant.
I realize that the game is more than a week away, but it is the biggest game in the history of the series, and one of the biggest games in the history of LSU football. LSU is ranked #1 in the country, and is undefeated. Alabama is ranked #2, and is undefeated as well. Both teams have consistently dominated their opponents, and the excitement is evident in both fanbases. I am excitedly looking forward to the game, because I am confident that the Tigers will walk into Tuscaloosa, AL and beat The Alabama Crimson Tide. And no win feels better than a win against Alabama.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
A Gift
Natalie is a wonderful student of mine. She is a fourth grader, my favorite grade level to teach. I was coming out of a class on a random day, and she saw me, and began jumping up and down, while waving. She motioned for me to come over. I did, and she handed me a lollipop, along with this note... Needless to say, it made my day.
Meeting my Cousin
I met my first cousin, DongWook, for the first time two weeks ago. It may sound strange to those of you who are more family oriented, but being that I grew up in the States, and he grew up in Korea, and that flights over the Pacific are extremely expensive, we simply haven't had an opportunity to meet until recently.
We talked on the phone a few times before meeting, and the only pictures that I have seen of him are the ones that were taken when he was a little boy, so I was clueless regarding his appearance. My first impressions of him when I first answered the door during our first meeting was that there is no doubt he is my first cousin. He strikingly resembled my little brother, Jon, in the face. His mother is my mother's older sister. I've seen recent pictures of my Aunt, and she looks like an older version of my mother. Dongwook strongly resembles both of them. He is three years older than me, as he is 32.
I was fortunate that he is naturally outgoing, and easy to talk to, so I immediately felt comfortable. I really don't have much to write about on this topic, but to say that he is a delight to be around, and the two times we saw each other, we stuffed ourselves with food until we couldn't move. The first time we ate Sashimi, and for the second meeting, we ate grilled Eel, along with an eel stew, which was among the best things I ate while being in Korea. The eel was obviously alive and freshly filleted seconds before being put on our grill, because upon being placed on the hot surface, the meat began to twitch. The hearts were left on the fillets, and they were still beating. I've never seen anything like it. The meat had such a smooth taste, and was extremely delicious.
I pride myself in my ability to eat with chopsticks. I've heard numerous compliments on my ability from several Koreans. I believe that I can pick up absolutely anything with my chopsticks. And for some reason, I struggled with the sashimi, and the eel. Dong Wook wasted no time making fun of my perceived lack of ability with the utensil. Whenever a piece of fish or eel would fall from my chopsticks, he would hold up his spoon, point to it, and in a humorously sarcastic tone, say in a Korean accent, "This is a spoon... It's a very useful tool... Even I need it sometimes." His English was very good.
We mainly talked about our two families, and laughed a lot. Both meetings were wonderful, and it was as if I had known him my whole life. It was amazing that we had that comfort from the outset, despite meeting for the first time after all these years. I guess that's the power of blood kinship.
I ordered food via delivery for the first time yesterday. My Korean has improved, and I am now able to say my address with little trouble. I attempted to order fried chicken, which Koreans do extremely well, as it tastes just like it does back home. Apparently, all types of food are delivered here in Korea, and it is relatively fast, and efficient.
Each day, several menus are taped to my door, and one particular menu for a restaurant serving fried chicken caught my eye. I prefer dark meat, and on the menu, there was an option for drumsticks only. It read in Korean, "Stick." I saw a picture of wedge fries, and said to myself, "This looks delicious." These were labeled in Korean, "Wedge." I felt courageous, so I dialed the number, and upon hearing a greeting a boldly ordered, "Wedge hangae (one), Stick set hangae, Juseo (give me please)."
"Easy enough," I thought to myself.
Then I heard, "Alsdkfla laskdfsalifjsad kmksdfjoasijeowinf. Laskfhoiw auehf lsakjdfn lskdjfosnosnd???" That wasn't exactly what he said, but it may as well have been that.
I froze. The only thing i could think of saying was, "Neh (yes)."
And once again, "Lskdfosijfow kenfldskhfo weif. Hlskdnfowa ienf lskdnfoiwe nflksdnfoweinfwl eknfoiwneafow. Lenfoiwenfoei wwoeifnowiejfo iwejfoiwejfoiw enfoiwejfoiwej foiwejfoiwejf???"
"Uh... Neh."
And yet again, "Kasjf lskdjflsdjfoiwejf, soidfjoiwejfeksdmf lsfijweoijfoiwejf. Jsfioiwejh wliefjoiwejf owiefjoiwe nfuehfwjenfeuhr???"
Awkward pause followed by, "Neh."
This went on for what seemed to be a very long time, until finally, I heard a price. I told him my address, and we hung up.
After that, I was worried that it may not even come, so I would have been happy with anything, much less the correct order. After less than 30 minutes, my doorbell rang, and the attendant handed me a box full of chicken. It wasn't what I intended to order, but it was still good. I was a little disappointed that the order didn't include the potato wedges, but it was still delicious, and I felt a little more confident in my ability to order delivery here in Korea.
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