I have always been aware of my stance within my own culture. I am a 1.5 generation Korean American. My parents came to this country as immigrants, and so did I. First generation Koreans still hold traditions from Korea, while many 2nd generation Koreans have adapted to “American” customs. I am still within a transition of balancing both eastern and western cultures.
Last week (by the time this letter runs, if it even runs) I attended my very first Korean Student Association meeting. It was by all means, uncomfortable and uninviting. After a year of standing stagnant as a Northeastern student, not involving myself in anything at all, I felt the least I could do was learn something about my heritage. What I learned was something I already knew-a sharp divide still exists between different facets of Korean American students. An unspoken, unhealthy, counterproductive pact has been made between what one student categorized as “twinkies” and “F.O.B.s,” referring to those who have either accustomed or rejected “Americanism.”
We as Koreans, cannot stand for this type of self involved discrimination. The silent war between Korean Americans and Koreans must end. The self denigrating “war” between Koreans is frivolous, immature, and deconstructive to ourselves. Observing other Asian groups, I began asking myself “Where has the KSA been and what has KSA done within the Northeastern and Boston community?” The KSA has done absolutely nothing as an organization because unlike other Asian communities who work together, we work against each other.
Rumors have surfaced of a Korean American Student Association being created because of the divide which exists within our own community. Another Korean organization would be redundant and anything but affirmative. KASA would continue to acknowledge, accept, and alienate the division in the Korean community at Northeastern.
With newly elected and appointed E-board members, KSA must make an effort to unite the Koreans at Northeastern. In doing so, they must also engage themselves as a professional and productive organization, and not just a social club. The time has come to get up, clean up, and conduct ourselves as active members of the Northeastern and the Boston community.
Monica Yi c/o 2009 graphic design [email protected]
