War of Words

Well, someone said today that it was inappropriate for non-natives to be commenting on the Screen Quota issue in Korea right now. No one put me on a hit-list now, but can’t say I completely agree. For certain, we could never fully comprehend all the nuances and repercussions of these acts on lives of those involved (but then, even locals cannot possibly predict what will really happen to the industry if the cuts take place, and domestic opinion polls are evenly split down the middle). As an outsider, I think if you have a good understanding of the issues, there’s nothing wrong, however, with expressing a sound opinion and generating a healthy discussion. I think it was the 2nd time in a week that this charged issue has brought some family to butt heads a little. All issues aside, each time it appeared to be just a simple misunderstanding of communication. Please, please – you know me by now – I have no intentions of being condescending at all, but is the English comprehension of some fans that bad? Or is it something else? Interestingly, the two writers whose comments generated the reactions were both excellent English speakers and communicators, and frankly, I didn’t even think twice about what they wrote. The language used was not impolite at well. I was quite surprised at the reactions, though.

You know, we talk all the time about how warm and sweet and close this “family” of ours is. Yet at the most minute misuse of words or misunderstanding, people seem so quick to pounce and over-react. This, I feel, has a lot to do with one’s mindset when entering the equation. Like when my doctor says to me, “Mishio, for your health’s sake, you should try to lose some weight.” I go home thinking what a great MD he is to take the time to care. Then, when a (not so likeable) friend says, “You should lose some weight.” – I 'll give her the biggest mouthful and tell her to scramble off.

To those we like or love, we always tend to give them that extra bit of leeway, don’t we? When we are emotional and defensive, then we tend to misconstrue everything. I guess what I’m saying if one comes into the discussion truly believing the premise the family is this united loving, caring and forgiving place, then one should not immediately jump to fast conclusion and suppose that the other sister is slamming her. If you assume or believe that the other party is basically supportive, please take a step back, read and RE-READ the words, and think about it a little before putting your emotions on the line.

I guess I felt the need to say this because I joke around excessively and even in my short fan days, I've managed to piss a sis or two off. All because people read too much into a line. So very silly.

Yes, there’ll always be disagreements between us – after all we are such a diverse group. But let’s not create disharmony when there was none intended in the first place.
Araso-yo?