[KS] Contemporary Discussion

[Lance Kelly]

Is there any discussion list the talks about contemporary issues in
Korea rather
than this all this rather historical rhetoric.
I'm living in Korea and was hoping I'd learn about contemporary Korea in
this
discussion group. I find much of this discussion about history but
nothing really
talking about whats happening to this society and its various
reconstructive
habits.
Much of what I see as happening in Korea is largely not related to past
deriliction
but rather visionaries of bright future through overcomercialisation and
individualism.
I rather feel more concerned about the issues of environmental damage, 
English
western influences and technological societal devastation, and some
rather outdated
or outmoded concepts of what are issues for todays Koreans.

Could we perhaps generate discussion on the concepts of family structure
and the
challenges faced by young Koreans in a more open liberalistic society?

Environmental Vandalism
What about discussion of environmental vandalism bye large conglomerate
companies
and teh lack of government intervention in simple national park
management on the
Dong River and other areas which have now become so polluted that people
can no
longer swim them?
One of my students raised an issue the other day which has given me to
ponder. The
cellular phone sales in Korea last year topped 23 million. What are
batteries made
of ? Heavy metals Im told!! What happens to the used batteries of
millions of used
heavy metal?

The use of the English Language.
American society and its predominant influence on the English language.
I'm
somewhat miffed at the concept of many Korean's believing that American
English is
the one True English language.  The way in which language has been
taught in this
culture has been a total disgrace. Im in favourof Konglish as a new
variation on
the English language.

Society and Social Upheaval.
A gracefull society built on peace and harmony and social values is now
being
influenced by some very untoward western values which give rise to many
social
difficulties between the young and the old in this society.
Anyway that should generate some discussion I hope.
Regards,
Lance Kelly BSSc Ass.Dip.


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