[KS] RE: party pooper

[Koen De Ceuster]

REPLY sends your message to the whole list
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While I can see the point of Anders' remarks, one could point out that
at least Korean democracy had matured to such an extent that it was
possible to elect Kim Dae Jung as President. In this respect, the Korean
people have cause to celebrate. But all is not well yet, as Koreans will
discover following the celebrations. But then again, nothing is ever
well, anywhere, is it?

-------- Original Message --------

If allowed (after all I am from Sweden), I would like to take a slighty
different perspective on the Nobel Peace Prize. Of course it is a great
honour for Kim Dae Jung and if I were in the position I would like to
congratulate him. I also understand that this brings joy to his
followers and those who have worked with him. But I have difficulties in
understanding the fireworks and national celebrations. Isn't the
background of this prize really Korea's quite sad modern history
(authoritative regimes and division)? The Peace Prize is given to people
who work in troubled areas of the word. So in that sense giving it to
Kim Dae Jung confirms that Korea is still a troubled spot in the world
(the prize this time not only being a reward for past accomplishments
but also carrying with it a wish for a future positive effects). I know
that South Koreans have been very keen on a Nobel prize, but I have
difficulties in seeing how this is a national honour. Where is the
honour in it for areas such as the Middle East and Northern Ireland?
Furthermore, for me, unfortunately, national celebrations for the
president (and the construction of a Nobel Peace Park in his hometown)
brings to mind earlier periods in Korean post-liberation history.

Happy, but ...
Anders Karlsson
SOAS

Allow me to add a wry comment on the debate regarding the moderated
list.
Looking at the flurry of messages dealing with the Nobel Prize, I
thought it
pathetic to see some list-members add their uninformed voice on the
rightfulness of awarding the Prize to Kim Dae Jung without even
bothering to
check the motivation of the Prize Committee!

Koen De Ceuster