September CP #4 Jiangmin Ko Jan 21, 2016

Jeongmin Ko, January 21, 2016 10pm - 11:15 pm
FAB ceramics lab.

Since I had received the following questions from Ramin, I geared this 3rd conversation more towards cultural things where as Ko and I had previously focused on his school work.

1) What did you learn and share with your conversation partner(s)?

Ko and I talked about his family dynamics.  He is the third child of 4, and according to him he is the favorite.  He has two older sisters and one younger brother, so it is a typical thing in Korean culture.  The oldest son is the favorite.  I experience that in my own relationship.  My boyfriend is from South Korea and he is the oldest son.  They do not want him to date me because I am white and substantially older than he.  He is the golden child expected to produce male offspring that are 100% Korean.  

Ko had a birthday on January 17th.  His parents didn't even call him.  We discussed the differences in birthdays  and how they are celebrated.  My family celebrates in a big big way; his doesn't.

He told me that his name is unisex and means "beautiful."  I told him that my name means "the ninth month of the year."  He thought that was funny.

2) How did the CP session inform your awareness of other cultures?  

I have been studying Korean language and culture for the last year since I started dating my BF from S Korea, so there were no revelations- simply confirmations.

3) How did the CP session inform your awareness of your culture? 

 I am not certain that I am a good candidate to be equated with American culture.  I am hardly a typical American.  I grew up in Mexico, Switzerland, Cameroon, Chad and Texas.  I bounced around a lot and have 3 intrinsic cultures ground into my psyche like a 5 pepper blend in a mortar and pestle. I find my differences with other people rarely have to do with American VS (insert other culture here) but rather, values.  Heart values.  Should I tell the truth or should I lie because I don't want that person angry with me?  Should I do what is best or what is easiest?  Should I cheat or not?  Should I degrade people who do not share my opinion on science, politics, sexuality and religion?  I do not in any way hate people that disagree with me on these topics, just couldn't see myself best friends with anyone who doesn't line up with my core values.

4) How could you apply what you learned to your teaching practice? 

 I am continually on a conquest to become more open minded, tolerant and accepting of all people no matter the culture.  This quality will go a long way in this business.  Growing up in countries where I was often a minority and functioning in a second language, I can certainly sympathize with what my students will be going through, especially if they are learning English in an English speaking country rather than their home country.