Disgusting. That was the word that came to my mind and the word that lingered there throughout the whole documentary. I've always been uncomfortable with religion-especially with zealots who believe in their religion so fervently that they don't respect anyone who isn't included in their little ideological congregation. The arrogant thought that they are the only "chosen ones" selected personally by God (or any other types of god) who will survive throughout the end irritated me; the camp founder's psychopatical demonstration on the reason why believers(evangelicals, in this video) should be targeting CHILDREN made me want to vomit. Because the wretched enemy, Islams are doing so, because the children are impressionable and vulnerable, and because God ordered her to do so(?)-we should be TRAINING the kids from their youth... That sounded pretty gruesome, if you ask me.
However, maybe this was the exact kind of sentiment that the video intended to stimulate. We don't know if the content of the documentary accurately and fairly depicted the truth of Jesus Camp, and my hostility towards the institution might have been aroused just because of the techniques the moviemakers utilized to manipulate my feelings. The movie was produced in a way addressing the 3 main aspects of persuasion: ethos, pathos, and logos.
The short film first targeted the "ethos" of the audience: it illustrated the camp as a place where it tried to brainwash and mastermind its immature participants. The ethics of the people in their minds were deeply startled by this malicious image, and they were morally compelled to antagonize it. Secondly, it poignantly appealed to the "pathos" of the watchers as well: the extreme, vivid pictures of distorted examples of Christianity and the obsession over the religion spontaneously led people to feel "emotionally" enraged. Finally, the film also tried to appeal to the viewers' logos: by inserting factual statistics and the opinion of a renowned Christian radio DJ at the start and the end, it conspicuously showed the absurdity of the situation occuring in the camp.
Therefore, although I felt uneasy, or even, repugnant towards the "Jesus Camp" itself, I'd also say that the video may have portrayed the camp with some degree of prejudice-intention to generate a response (just like mine). We don't exactly know the "objective truth" of the "Jesus Camp"; the documentary applied techniques that appealed to the viewers' ethos, the pathos, and the logos-anyone would have yelled "JESUS!" after they had observed the camp through this documentary.
2011년 9월 19일 월요일
2011년 9월 11일 일요일
A Special Lunch with Gang-Poole (Real Ver.)
Today, I’m finally meeting one of Korea’s most famous cartoonists, Gang-Poole. He’s usually a very busy man, but just about a week ago when I called him to ask if I could interview him, he said that he luckily had the time for lunch on Choo-suk. He seemed like he wasn’t visiting his family on the holiday; I guess being a cartoonist wasn’t so easy after all. So anyways, he and I agreed to meet each other at a Korean restaurant near from the Media-Daum Corporation building.
I arrived at the meeting place 10 minutes earlier than the originally set time, which was 1’o clock. I kind of knew that he was going to be late anyways, but just in case (he might be on time, haha). However, as expected, he showed up near the building nearly 20 minutes passed one.
Gang-Poole: Hey, are you Hyung-Seok?
Me: Yes, and you must be Mr. Gang. I recognize you from your profile photos.
Gang-Poole: Haha, yeah. Sorry that I’m late. So, let’s go, shall we?
So we hurriedly entered the restaurant that served Korean beef-soup (육개장) and ordered after settling down. And our short, but forever-memorable and everlasting, conversation soon began.
Me: You know, Mr. Gang, I’m a huge fan of all your comics.
Gang-Poole (abbreviated as G below): Oh, really? What pieces have you read?
Me: EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM, of course! Probably more than three times each! I liked all of your toons, but my favorite was “Timing” and “26 years”.
G: Ah, I see! Haha, well, it’s nice to hear that I have an enthusiastic fan. Thank goodness that you’ve enjoyed them. However, seems like you tend to favor my comics that I drew a long time ago, not the ones I’ve finished recently.
Me (Guiltily) : Ha…haha…that so? No, o..of course not! I still like all the comics you’ve finished. You wouldn’t imagine how many readers online wait so desperately for the volume of your series to be uploaded. “Light Shop”-was it? The series that you’re working on right now?
G: Haha, yes. At least I can be sure that you’re still interested in me.
Me: You bet! Are you kidding? I bet like, a thousand people don’t go to sleep before midnight on Sundays and Wednesdays just to see your uploaded cartoons. You’ll know, too, since you’ve seen the 500 comments that are instantly made to your post as soon as you’ve sent the file to Daum.
G: That’s true. And I’m really grateful for the love and support my readers provide me with. Actually, that’s the pure motivation that energizes me; even in the most difficult times when I wanted to give up.
-The food is being served. The beef soup has some time left to come, but the side dishes are all placed on the table.
Me: Haha, ok, so let’s start the main interview, if that’s alright with you.
G: Sure, anytime.
Me: Would you briefly introduce yourself?
G: I knew that one was coming. Ok, I’m 38 years old right now, born in year 1974, and I’ve graduated Sang-Ji University as a Korean literature major. I’m married to my beautiful wife who’s 7 years younger than me, (we used to be 선배-후배 in our university), and I’m a cartoonist at Media Daum. Well…. I guess that’s about it? Haha.
Me: Sure. Mr. Kang, a lot of people are curious about your marriage, since it was so abruptly announced. Could you chip me in with a little bit of background, if that’s possible?
(Gang-Poole's Wife)
G: Gee, is that so? Well, I didn’t think it would be such a big issue. Alright, so, where do I start? My wife and I met each other when I was a graduate student and she was a freshman. I didn’t stay in touch with a lot of people around that period but she was an exception.
Me: And why was that?
G: Hahaha. Because she was pretty, of course! Gosh, this is embarrassing. Anyways, we soon found out that we had a lot in common, including our family background and financial status: our families both weren’t wealthy enough to pay for our tuitions, so we had to work day and night-living in poverty-to support ourselves. I guess that similarity really bonded us. And being intimate for more than about 3 years or so, we made it to our honeymoon!
Me: Aww, sounds really nice and romantic, too.
G (Blushing): Haha, well that’s how marriages are usually like.
Me: Ok, then, next question. When did you first decide to become a cartoonist? And especially, how did you come up with the idea of starting cartoons online?
G: Well, apart from what a lot of people assume, the motivation for me starting as a cartoonist wasn’t THAT special. Do you happen to know who 박용재 is?
(Park, Young Jae)
Me: Me? Oh, no, sorry. I’ve never heard of him.
G: Haha, that’s a shame! He used to be a really famous cartoonist and a political satirist around our time. When I was the member of the student council in Sang-Ji University, I was drawing simple, short cartoons for billings. At first, I was kind of embarrassed and amused with what I had done. Surprisingly, many people liked my comics and approved them. I was recognized as a skillful cartoonist back then.
Me: Haha, that’s surely interesting.
G: Yes, but during my brief “incumbency” as a college cartoonist, I coincidentally had the chance to see one of Mr. Park’s cartoons. They were-literally speaking,-an immense shock. His cartoons were symbolic, commemorating, and collective; the message Mr. Park had intended to deliver was resonating within my mind. Right then, I realized how arrogant and narrow-minded I had been. I felt the boiling urge inside me to become a professional cartoonist. I was truly stimulated at that time. So I came back home. Drew tons of cartoons, and applied to 400 different publishing companies to become a cartoonist.
Me: Whoa, that sounds like a lot. So, what happened?
G: I didn’t get into a single one. Haha, turns out that I really sucked and illustration, which I had partly realized. Even now, after years of drawing, I still have to invest 3~4 times the amount of time other cartoonists do on illustration to make something “comprehensible” to the readers. That’s the reason why I’m tardy a lot of the times when it comes to uploading. Although I hate to admit, I’m not a very talented illustrator to be qualified as a cartoonist.
Me: Oh, but still, there’s a unique attraction in your cartoons; that’s why readers tolerate your tardiness, most of the times!
G: Haha, thank you.
Me: Well, then what happened next?
G: So, in spite of my grand failure, I couldn’t give up drawing cartoons since I liked the job so much. So I thought, “Why not just make a publisher myself?” But since I didn’t have the proper funding to “establish” a real publisher, I chose to use my blog as the first online webtoon publisher in Korea.
Me: Aha, so that’s when you began to draw webtoons, and that’s why you’re called the father of webtoons?
G: Haha, well, I guess that’s partially true. I started off as unnoticed cartoonist who would draw cartoons on eccentric topics-short, but impactful. However, as soon as I became slightly famous, I jumped in for a new challenge.
Me: That must be the “Love Cartoon!”
G: Exactly. That was the first long-piece cartoon that would be uploaded in series. And that was when I started working with Media Daum. It was a whole new attempt, but recollecting now, that was the challenge that changed my life and brought this gigantic success.
Me: Certainly. You’re one of the most well-paid, renowned, and wealthy cartoonists in this country!
G: Haha, and now I even personally know Mr. Park. That’s the best part. Well anyway, I’m fully aware of the excessive popularity and love I’ve received, and I always think I’m very lucky. Always thankful to the readers, too, especially when I’m tardy.
Me: Does that mean you’re thankful to me, as well?
G: Haha, of course, why not!
Me: Well, the greatest favor you could do for me is to stay a webtoonist as long as you can.
G: Well, I surely want to. I keep drawing new cartoons because I don’t want people to say: “He’s finished.” I and some of my close colleagues have started an independent publishing corporation, too. I want to draw as long as I could.
Me: Does that mean you’re leaving Daum?
G: Oh, no. I’m planning to stay there forever. In fact, there were few places that offered me a lot more money than what Daum is giving me right now. But I refused all of their offers.
Me: Why?
G: Mainly because Daum is the most rational place you could wish for. They’re tolerant, understanding, and supportive. It’s already been awhile since I’ve worked with them without a contract.
Me: Haha, well, I’ve heard that you’re a very exceptional case.
G: Yes, I’m aware that many of my 후배’s don’t get paid properly. It’s pretty depressing. Once, I’ve tried to pressure Daum to increase the cartoonist fees by demanding an increase in mine (thought that would generate an overall increase). But it didn’t work. Only mine went up, ironically. I’m still pondering about what I can and should do.
Finally, the beef soup is served. We begin to eat our dishes.
G (Eating): Whew! I’m glad to see that. I was starting to get hungry.
Me: Me, too! Haha, so now that the main dish is served, can I ask you some main questions?
G: I didn’t know there was more, but sure, go for it.
Me: I want to talk a little about your pieces. You seem to comprise the two genres of “Horror” and “Mellow” at the same time. How’s that possible?
G: Well, that’s a mystery to me, too. Guess I’m just too talented for one…? Haha, just joking. Well, as you know, I have three seasons published right now for both realms – “미스테리심리썰렁물” and “순정만화”. The latter one was kind of obvious for me that I continue being devoted on it, since my first piece was “Love Cartoon”, but horror was a new tryout for me.
Me: Turned out as a humongous success.
G: Haha. Well, I guess a lot of people like suspense.
Me: You bet! I want to talk specifically about every single piece, but since we’re running out of time, I just want to bring up two of my favorites: Timing and 26 years.
G: Knew those would come up. They’re my personal favorites, as well. Timing was an innovative piece, a story about spirits and supernaturals that can control time; seems fun just to hear, isn’t it? Well, I’m glad that it gained so much popularity, and I’m planning to continue with its series until I can.
Me: Why do you think it gained so much fame?
G: Well, as I do for most of my webtoons, I think the most critical appealing characteristic is “familiarity”. My characters are always “ordinary” people that you’ll be able to discover in any “ordinary” background. Even the time-supernaturals? They’re exceedingly normal, just like one of us. The only thing that is a bit peculiar is, well, that they can stop, rewind, or see ahead of time. No big deal.
Me: Haha, I get it. So it’s the proximity the readers can feel.
G: Precisely.
Me: Okay, then what about the other piece?
G: As you know, that piece is about the tragic historical event that can never be erased from our memories-the 5.18 Gwangju Revolt.
Me: Yes, my parents are also from Gwangju. One of the reasons that made me so focused as I was reading it.
G: Yes, I wanted to express the ineffaceable wounds and the inexpugnable hatred of those who are left from the 5.18. Well, actually, the descendents of that incident. The sons and daughters who were wrongfully sacrificed-or slaughtered-by the ruthless violence under Jun-Doo-Hwan’s dictatorship. I wanted to point out that even though the autocratic regime had dissolved, the leaders who constructed the regime for their own purpose are still alive, unharmed and unscathed. Who granted them their impunity? Who was to forgive those unforgivable monsters? I wanted them-although I was explicitly indicating at one main character (전두환)-to remember that the wrath of the perished still lives on, and that they should always be sorry.
(Jun Doo-Hwan)
Me: Do you realize that some of your cartoons, including 26 years, has given you the nickname “좌빨 (left extremist)”?
G: I think that’s ridiculous. Although I am politically active and I won’t withstand something that’s unjust-something that I can make a point about-I’ve never been biased towards any political agenda. It’s that just this damned country is too dogmatically conservative that although I choose neutral, I’m labeled as a communist. I’ve been threatened and pressured a lot, too, through phone-calls and e-mails. Once, somebody just called me up and summoned me to 석촌 Lake. And I was like, “The hell I’m gonna go there!” LOL.
Me: Well, still, you’re undeniably a enormous success, bout all your toons published into books, made into musicals and plays, starred as movies! Say, I’ve heard that “Timing” was made into a mobile game and is going to be made into an animation movie?
(The Advertising image for Timing Animation)
G: Haha. Well, I don’t think I should say a lot about it, since once the publication right is sold of my piece, it becomes a totally new form of art. Though, I’ve received a lot of complaints from movie directors, frustrated, “Why the hell is your synopsis so complicated?”
Me: Hahaha, really? Oh, well. Hey, but since you’re rich, you won’t say that you won’t buy this lunch, would you?
G (Grinning): You impudent kid! Alright, I’ll pay for this. Just make sure you live up to your dreams.
Me: I sure will. I hope you do too. Thank you!
And that was the end of the special lunch I had with Gang-Poole, although my special tale is just about to begin.
I arrived at the meeting place 10 minutes earlier than the originally set time, which was 1’o clock. I kind of knew that he was going to be late anyways, but just in case (he might be on time, haha). However, as expected, he showed up near the building nearly 20 minutes passed one.
Gang-Poole: Hey, are you Hyung-Seok?
Me: Yes, and you must be Mr. Gang. I recognize you from your profile photos.
Gang-Poole: Haha, yeah. Sorry that I’m late. So, let’s go, shall we?
So we hurriedly entered the restaurant that served Korean beef-soup (육개장) and ordered after settling down. And our short, but forever-memorable and everlasting, conversation soon began.
Me: You know, Mr. Gang, I’m a huge fan of all your comics.
Gang-Poole (abbreviated as G below): Oh, really? What pieces have you read?
Me: EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM, of course! Probably more than three times each! I liked all of your toons, but my favorite was “Timing” and “26 years”.
G: Ah, I see! Haha, well, it’s nice to hear that I have an enthusiastic fan. Thank goodness that you’ve enjoyed them. However, seems like you tend to favor my comics that I drew a long time ago, not the ones I’ve finished recently.
Me (Guiltily) : Ha…haha…that so? No, o..of course not! I still like all the comics you’ve finished. You wouldn’t imagine how many readers online wait so desperately for the volume of your series to be uploaded. “Light Shop”-was it? The series that you’re working on right now?
G: Haha, yes. At least I can be sure that you’re still interested in me.
Me: You bet! Are you kidding? I bet like, a thousand people don’t go to sleep before midnight on Sundays and Wednesdays just to see your uploaded cartoons. You’ll know, too, since you’ve seen the 500 comments that are instantly made to your post as soon as you’ve sent the file to Daum.
G: That’s true. And I’m really grateful for the love and support my readers provide me with. Actually, that’s the pure motivation that energizes me; even in the most difficult times when I wanted to give up.
-The food is being served. The beef soup has some time left to come, but the side dishes are all placed on the table.
Me: Haha, ok, so let’s start the main interview, if that’s alright with you.
G: Sure, anytime.
Me: Would you briefly introduce yourself?
G: I knew that one was coming. Ok, I’m 38 years old right now, born in year 1974, and I’ve graduated Sang-Ji University as a Korean literature major. I’m married to my beautiful wife who’s 7 years younger than me, (we used to be 선배-후배 in our university), and I’m a cartoonist at Media Daum. Well…. I guess that’s about it? Haha.
Me: Sure. Mr. Kang, a lot of people are curious about your marriage, since it was so abruptly announced. Could you chip me in with a little bit of background, if that’s possible?
(Gang-Poole's Wife)
G: Gee, is that so? Well, I didn’t think it would be such a big issue. Alright, so, where do I start? My wife and I met each other when I was a graduate student and she was a freshman. I didn’t stay in touch with a lot of people around that period but she was an exception.
Me: And why was that?
G: Hahaha. Because she was pretty, of course! Gosh, this is embarrassing. Anyways, we soon found out that we had a lot in common, including our family background and financial status: our families both weren’t wealthy enough to pay for our tuitions, so we had to work day and night-living in poverty-to support ourselves. I guess that similarity really bonded us. And being intimate for more than about 3 years or so, we made it to our honeymoon!
Me: Aww, sounds really nice and romantic, too.
G (Blushing): Haha, well that’s how marriages are usually like.
Me: Ok, then, next question. When did you first decide to become a cartoonist? And especially, how did you come up with the idea of starting cartoons online?
G: Well, apart from what a lot of people assume, the motivation for me starting as a cartoonist wasn’t THAT special. Do you happen to know who 박용재 is?
(Park, Young Jae)
Me: Me? Oh, no, sorry. I’ve never heard of him.
G: Haha, that’s a shame! He used to be a really famous cartoonist and a political satirist around our time. When I was the member of the student council in Sang-Ji University, I was drawing simple, short cartoons for billings. At first, I was kind of embarrassed and amused with what I had done. Surprisingly, many people liked my comics and approved them. I was recognized as a skillful cartoonist back then.
Me: Haha, that’s surely interesting.
G: Yes, but during my brief “incumbency” as a college cartoonist, I coincidentally had the chance to see one of Mr. Park’s cartoons. They were-literally speaking,-an immense shock. His cartoons were symbolic, commemorating, and collective; the message Mr. Park had intended to deliver was resonating within my mind. Right then, I realized how arrogant and narrow-minded I had been. I felt the boiling urge inside me to become a professional cartoonist. I was truly stimulated at that time. So I came back home. Drew tons of cartoons, and applied to 400 different publishing companies to become a cartoonist.
Me: Whoa, that sounds like a lot. So, what happened?
G: I didn’t get into a single one. Haha, turns out that I really sucked and illustration, which I had partly realized. Even now, after years of drawing, I still have to invest 3~4 times the amount of time other cartoonists do on illustration to make something “comprehensible” to the readers. That’s the reason why I’m tardy a lot of the times when it comes to uploading. Although I hate to admit, I’m not a very talented illustrator to be qualified as a cartoonist.
Me: Oh, but still, there’s a unique attraction in your cartoons; that’s why readers tolerate your tardiness, most of the times!
G: Haha, thank you.
Me: Well, then what happened next?
G: So, in spite of my grand failure, I couldn’t give up drawing cartoons since I liked the job so much. So I thought, “Why not just make a publisher myself?” But since I didn’t have the proper funding to “establish” a real publisher, I chose to use my blog as the first online webtoon publisher in Korea.
Me: Aha, so that’s when you began to draw webtoons, and that’s why you’re called the father of webtoons?
G: Haha, well, I guess that’s partially true. I started off as unnoticed cartoonist who would draw cartoons on eccentric topics-short, but impactful. However, as soon as I became slightly famous, I jumped in for a new challenge.
Me: That must be the “Love Cartoon!”
G: Exactly. That was the first long-piece cartoon that would be uploaded in series. And that was when I started working with Media Daum. It was a whole new attempt, but recollecting now, that was the challenge that changed my life and brought this gigantic success.
Me: Certainly. You’re one of the most well-paid, renowned, and wealthy cartoonists in this country!
G: Haha, and now I even personally know Mr. Park. That’s the best part. Well anyway, I’m fully aware of the excessive popularity and love I’ve received, and I always think I’m very lucky. Always thankful to the readers, too, especially when I’m tardy.
Me: Does that mean you’re thankful to me, as well?
G: Haha, of course, why not!
Me: Well, the greatest favor you could do for me is to stay a webtoonist as long as you can.
G: Well, I surely want to. I keep drawing new cartoons because I don’t want people to say: “He’s finished.” I and some of my close colleagues have started an independent publishing corporation, too. I want to draw as long as I could.
Me: Does that mean you’re leaving Daum?
G: Oh, no. I’m planning to stay there forever. In fact, there were few places that offered me a lot more money than what Daum is giving me right now. But I refused all of their offers.
Me: Why?
G: Mainly because Daum is the most rational place you could wish for. They’re tolerant, understanding, and supportive. It’s already been awhile since I’ve worked with them without a contract.
Me: Haha, well, I’ve heard that you’re a very exceptional case.
G: Yes, I’m aware that many of my 후배’s don’t get paid properly. It’s pretty depressing. Once, I’ve tried to pressure Daum to increase the cartoonist fees by demanding an increase in mine (thought that would generate an overall increase). But it didn’t work. Only mine went up, ironically. I’m still pondering about what I can and should do.
Finally, the beef soup is served. We begin to eat our dishes.
G (Eating): Whew! I’m glad to see that. I was starting to get hungry.
Me: Me, too! Haha, so now that the main dish is served, can I ask you some main questions?
G: I didn’t know there was more, but sure, go for it.
Me: I want to talk a little about your pieces. You seem to comprise the two genres of “Horror” and “Mellow” at the same time. How’s that possible?
G: Well, that’s a mystery to me, too. Guess I’m just too talented for one…? Haha, just joking. Well, as you know, I have three seasons published right now for both realms – “미스테리심리썰렁물” and “순정만화”. The latter one was kind of obvious for me that I continue being devoted on it, since my first piece was “Love Cartoon”, but horror was a new tryout for me.
Me: Turned out as a humongous success.
G: Haha. Well, I guess a lot of people like suspense.
Me: You bet! I want to talk specifically about every single piece, but since we’re running out of time, I just want to bring up two of my favorites: Timing and 26 years.
G: Knew those would come up. They’re my personal favorites, as well. Timing was an innovative piece, a story about spirits and supernaturals that can control time; seems fun just to hear, isn’t it? Well, I’m glad that it gained so much popularity, and I’m planning to continue with its series until I can.
Me: Why do you think it gained so much fame?
G: Well, as I do for most of my webtoons, I think the most critical appealing characteristic is “familiarity”. My characters are always “ordinary” people that you’ll be able to discover in any “ordinary” background. Even the time-supernaturals? They’re exceedingly normal, just like one of us. The only thing that is a bit peculiar is, well, that they can stop, rewind, or see ahead of time. No big deal.
Me: Haha, I get it. So it’s the proximity the readers can feel.
G: Precisely.
Me: Okay, then what about the other piece?
G: As you know, that piece is about the tragic historical event that can never be erased from our memories-the 5.18 Gwangju Revolt.
Me: Yes, my parents are also from Gwangju. One of the reasons that made me so focused as I was reading it.
G: Yes, I wanted to express the ineffaceable wounds and the inexpugnable hatred of those who are left from the 5.18. Well, actually, the descendents of that incident. The sons and daughters who were wrongfully sacrificed-or slaughtered-by the ruthless violence under Jun-Doo-Hwan’s dictatorship. I wanted to point out that even though the autocratic regime had dissolved, the leaders who constructed the regime for their own purpose are still alive, unharmed and unscathed. Who granted them their impunity? Who was to forgive those unforgivable monsters? I wanted them-although I was explicitly indicating at one main character (전두환)-to remember that the wrath of the perished still lives on, and that they should always be sorry.
(Jun Doo-Hwan)
Me: Do you realize that some of your cartoons, including 26 years, has given you the nickname “좌빨 (left extremist)”?
G: I think that’s ridiculous. Although I am politically active and I won’t withstand something that’s unjust-something that I can make a point about-I’ve never been biased towards any political agenda. It’s that just this damned country is too dogmatically conservative that although I choose neutral, I’m labeled as a communist. I’ve been threatened and pressured a lot, too, through phone-calls and e-mails. Once, somebody just called me up and summoned me to 석촌 Lake. And I was like, “The hell I’m gonna go there!” LOL.
Me: Well, still, you’re undeniably a enormous success, bout all your toons published into books, made into musicals and plays, starred as movies! Say, I’ve heard that “Timing” was made into a mobile game and is going to be made into an animation movie?
(The Advertising image for Timing Animation)
G: Haha. Well, I don’t think I should say a lot about it, since once the publication right is sold of my piece, it becomes a totally new form of art. Though, I’ve received a lot of complaints from movie directors, frustrated, “Why the hell is your synopsis so complicated?”
Me: Hahaha, really? Oh, well. Hey, but since you’re rich, you won’t say that you won’t buy this lunch, would you?
G (Grinning): You impudent kid! Alright, I’ll pay for this. Just make sure you live up to your dreams.
Me: I sure will. I hope you do too. Thank you!
And that was the end of the special lunch I had with Gang-Poole, although my special tale is just about to begin.
2011년 9월 4일 일요일
A Special Lunch with Gang Poole
Who: A renowned and skillful cartoonist in Daum (webtoonist) Gang-Poole
Why: I adore his cartoons, which are not only insightful but entertaining as well. As far as I know, he is the best cartoonist in Korea right now, almost all of his pieces made into movies and all of his toons always being in the center of the focus whenever he starts a new series. He has finished 8 series that can currently be viewed at “Media Daum”, and he has won 5 national awards given to the most famous/popular cartoonists in three consecutive years 2004, 2005, and 2006. I respect him as a person, as a cartoonist, and as a social activist. Plus, I love his comics, too.
Where: At a nearby restaurant from “Media Daum” company building (I’ve never been to a publisher-an INTERNET PUBLISHER before).
When: During Choo-suk, because that’s normally when cartoonists have the most amount of free time. (Of course, after his visit to his family)
What: At lunch, I would like to just ask about his personal background and life-his motivations of becoming a cartoonists, hardships he had experienced and the biggest successes, the happiest moments of his life, and all that-to know him better and find out where is inexhaustible energy and bottomless quantity of ideas. Then, I want to share my opinions and views about his cartoons, and maybe suggest some points that could improve his stories and innovate his style (although I’m not sure if I could help). I’m pretty sure that by this time that the time allowed for a short lunch would come to an end, but if I have the time left I want to know about his future plans, as a cartoonist or maybe as a totally different social member (I believe he has the sufficient capability to do exactly so). All in all, I think I would definitely have an enjoyable and memorable lunch with my favorite idol, and if he actually does with me as well, I believe he could pay for lunch since he has made a HELLA LOT OF MONEY from his masterpieces.
His personal Fan-site: www.kangfull.com
Questions I might ask:
1. Are you planning to continue the series of "Timing"?
2. How did you start "26 years"?
3. How come you master both realms of "Romance" and "Horror"?
4. Do you like suspense better or mellow?
5. Until when are you planning to stay as a cartoonist?
6. When were your hardest moments, and when were your brightest?
2011년 6월 7일 화요일
Catfish-Can We Let It Go? Really?
First off, I apologize for my late CR response today. I think I was a bit excited after the SAT and lost track until today’s class. However, I do also think that the “lateness” of my essay certainly affected the content of what I would be talking about for the next few hundred words, due to the heated discussion we had in class together with the “Devil’s advocate” today. If you remember (hopefully….;;ㅠㅠ), I had vigorously argued in class that Catfish imposed more harms than good on every party that is involved with the production, release, and distribution of the film. I divided the parties mainly into three; the people who are actually starred in this film, the famous SNS Facebook, and our general society as a whole. And although we had a very fruitful and passionate discussion with the intense participation of both sides+the Devil’s Advocate, and even though the conversation has introduced to me some intriguing, fresh perspectives to think about, I am quite sure that my stance on this motion still stands firm; perhaps even more resolute because of the valuable ideas that were brought up by the Opposition which contributed on the elaboration of ideas of my own.
So, that’s it for the intro, and so let’s jump right into the issue why the creation and release of Catfish was a total disaster for everyone, starting with the individuals who were involved. There are several characters that come out in the film, including Yaniv, Angela, Yaniv’s friends, and so on. Well, even though there are issues that could be discussed with these people as well, since they say that it was OK to disclose the film and since this point was made very clear by the opposing house, let’s just forget about all the rest, and focus on the remaining two, Abby and Angela’s husband.
As for Abby, I think that there is no doubt that the distribution of this film will drastically affect her life, either directly or indirectly; positively or negatively. Yes, I do understand that “Abby” isn’t really the main character who gets the entire spotlight, and therefore it might be true that she won’t receive as much attention as she would receive if she were to be the protagonist. However, 1) still, she nevertheless took a vital role in connecting Yaniv with Angela, and 2) the main character may not be she, but IT’S HER MOTHER! And unfortunately, this is not some happy-high-teen movie where children who act take vigorous and enlightening roles; it’s a “Cyber Horror” documentary that eventually ferrets out the gigantic, creepy fraud of a woman who’s disguised her identity by creating 15 fake accounts in SNS, using multiple telephones and abusing the existence of her 7 or 8 year old daughter, all just to flirt with a man who’s 20 years younger than herself and establish a sexual attachment with him-to escape her miserable, boring life. Now, I recognize the fact that this movie could actually bring in the positive light-perhaps sympathy over Angela and her family. However, it is hard to deny that there will also be radical comments that come from the other side as well, obviously; what Angela did to the seemingly-sexy online partner is not what many people would do in ordinary life. Actually, if we just take out all the sympathy and the humane emotions that we might feel towards the subject family, and just examine the factual whereabouts, Angela’s actions are quite abnormal, insane, freaky, and even psychopathic! What she did was adultery, with a man who perhaps is half her age and even utilizing a fake identity of a woman she has never even met in her life (pretending to be her daughter.) This is, in common sense, beyond social taboos! Many of her actions could be considered illegal and worthy of being prosecuted, under the violation of several legal codes: cyber defamation, the misappropriation of identity, adultery, and maybe even fraud! She must have been deeply ashamed and profoundly embarrassed at the package of outrageous actions she had done, if she even had an ounce of moral dignity or social pride left. And my god, I’m sorry, but I do think she should be ashamed! But because, surprisingly, Angela seems to be ENJOYING the outcomes of this situation (ㅡㅡ; YUCK), I suppose we could let her be. It was her life, her decisions that she made, and the consequences are hers to bear.
BUT WHAT ABOUT ABBY. WHAT ABOUT THE POOR, INNOCENT LITTLE CHILD WHO SHOULDN’T BE HARMED BY THIS SERIES OF CRAZY EVENTS AT ALL. Perhaps right now, she’s not old enough to really grasp the meaning of being televised on an official film is, (and perhaps that’s how Angela cajoled her daughter to agree to the disclosure of the documentary), but undoubtedly and inevitably, the time will come when she understands what “Catfish” meant; about her mother and her family. And I think she will be pretty ashamed and embarrassed at what her mother has done, or even disgusted at such unusual deviations from normalcy of her mom. (I’m sorry, but if it was my mom who appeared and was completely mocked like that for two hours, I would have been undignified, infuriated, and deeply wounded) Furthermore, even if she manages to budge with the truth, what about the environment she would be exposed to in the future? Isn’t it kind of evident that there is a very high possibility of her being mocked, harassed, or even bullied by some irrational group of gossipers just for having Angela as her parent? If you’ve ever lived in a normal society existing in this world, at school, at neighborhoods, or at basically any place you could imagine, there are always those harassing bullies who love to pick on and meddle with the lives of the vulnerable. And often, children from families with “peculiar issues”, such as divorce, mental problems of parents, poverty, and etc. become the easy target for such “social violence”. I can say with 100% certainty, that once in Abby’s life, she will encounter an event where the film will be an issue, hurting her deeply; a person will come up to Abby, in the future, and say “Oh, you’re that kid from Catfish, the daughter of …….” And so on. My biggest problem with the film that makes me outraged is that the film of “Catfish” dug in, investigated, and revealed the very “private” issues that could have been dealt “privately” to millions of people. And because of that, the scars, the mental wounds and psychological stress of the poor little child which could have been minimized was on the contrary, exacerbated and expanded because of the greed of the filmmakers and the thoughtlessness of an immature woman. Abby had no say in this, although she would eventually be the one who would be most affected by this in various ways-probably negatively. They(the filmmakers and Angela), should be severely chastised for that, if nothing else.
Additionally, there doesn’t need to be an elaborate explanation on the emotional injuries Angela’s husband must have received; he witnessed his wife committing adultery, hitting on some guy who’s in the age of his son, and the whole process was televised internationally, worldwide (The movie was pretty popular, so a sufficient number of people must have seen it, I must say). It’s instigating enough to discover your wife to be disloyal to yourself, and SHARING that shocking and embarrassing revelation with millions of moviegoers (with some popcorn and soda, I suppose) seems extremely unnecessary. If I were in his position, I’d say things have gone out of control and beyond the line, and would want to hide myself to someplace isolated from any sort of interaction(of course, with a new wife).
Secondly, putting aside the emotional damages and scars the (ironically) popularity of the movie must have caused, even so, think of the unfair criticisms and biases Facebook would be subject to now. Now, as very intelligent students enrolling in KMLA, we all know that something always has its benefits and defects. This, of course, also applies for Facebook; we obviously notice that it has harms in the dark side, but that it also has beneficial functions that contribute on improving the welfare of the society. However, in Catfish, an extremely unusual, rare incident that radically illustrates the problems of Facebook was refined through the process of producing a documentary; dramatization, exaggeration, and the stirring-up-and-making-a-big-fuss-over-everything. I mean, healthy, constructive criticisms are always welcome, because they tend to be FAIR and OBJECTIVE. And it is always possibly through methods of education, reporting, and etc. However, “DOCUMENTARIES”-don’t you think what they do is a bit unfair? Very often, they usually try to pick out the most radical, extreme cases of the side they want to root for and demonstrate the events with magnificent details and specificity-to draw public attention with sensationalism. Because documentaries have to be shocking, entertaining, and stimulating in order to “sell”, and because many of the issues in reality aren’t that “dramatic” that can match a “fictional scenario”, they often “transform” the real life into something really fun, immediate, alert, and interesting. As for in this case, the Catfish, honestly, how many cases would there be in real life that a psychopath creates multiple accounts to hit on a guy using a fake identity of a model and disguising it as her daughters? Do you think events “THAT CRAZY” would occur on a daily basis? Well, perhaps, once in 2 or 3 years; certainly not very much. Just think of the notorious “Swine Flu” or other pandemics that swept through the nation as hot potatoes. Even before the objective information on the diseases was verified, the media, especially many “social documentaries”, were crazy on leading and claiming and assuming and warning everyone that an imminent, irresistible danger has neared. And the results are…? Less people died from all the infamous pandemics combined than people did from a normal flu. However, tragically, the numerous producers of livestock and restaurant owners who served the related animals experienced an unimaginable degree of decline in their sales, and they suffered greatly to the extent that they certainly did not deserve. What about Facebook? We can’t say he is completely innocent, but does he really deserve THAT PORTRAYAL? THAT IMAGE, THAT PERCEPTION OF USERS ASSUMING MANY ACCOUNTS ARE FABRICATED IN WHICH MANY CASES THEY ARE NOT? As the Opposition correctly pointed out, “Documentaries are all like that”, I think that criticisms through such sources are pointless and only damaging to parties involved (that usually don’t deserve that much of a criticism). They just like to make a big fuss about everything to make more profit.
Lastly and finally, the social impact of the film imposes the greatest threat and causes the largest problem of all. Since it is obvious that some extent of dramatization and exaggeration was included in making the film, the authenticity of the film is being questioned, as it rightfully should be. Taking in to account that the content of the documentary isn’t true so much, not enough to declare itself as non-fiction, we should also consider the detrimental consequences. If we let go of Catfish, this once, because it’s fresh and entertaining, because it’s popular, with the soul of tolerance and generosity, then what about next time? What about the next series of documentaries that would probably rely on the past records to seek for success? If we condone the dishonesty of Catfish this time, it might serve as a landmark that opens up the door for numerous future films to also be untruthful and earn the justification through popularity. And ultimately, if the social trend is directed towards accepting the fraud and lies that exist within films, then many more films that could have been frank with its viewers could choose to lie about events to make it more “exciting”, and that goes against not only the fundamental principle of documentaries-muckraking the problems of the society-but also the trust and the welfare of the massive numbers of viewers who depend on the filmmakers to actually dig on some realistic problems with realistic solutions to address.
So with all these detrimental problems evident, existing and clearly outweighing whatever minute benefits it might have, can we let go of Catfish? Really?
The answer has already been spoken.
THBT social documentaries do more harm than good
THW require all realistic films to attain full authenticity
THW prosecute Angela for misappropriation of identity
THBT Abby also has the right to prohibit the film from being starred (not her mother)
THBT Facebook should allow only one account to be made per person
THBT the media shouldn't portray the embarassing moments of life
THS federal censorship of movies generates unfair prejudice
Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVtIot3tpWE <--This is a video that demonstrates the reason why some children bully others. One of them, as clearly included in the clip, is because they judge the victim to be weaker than himself(perhaps because of family background) http://www.redorbit.com/news/video/health/4/flu_paranoia_sweeping_the_nation/29902/?src=mrss <--This is a video that effectively depicts the crazy paranoia over the swine flu, and shows how people were over-worried about just simply a disease because of the demagoguery of the media
2011년 5월 23일 월요일
Who you truly are
I must start today's critical response expressing utter disappointment. The woman in the video, Johanna, first comes out and introduces the topic she is going to talk about today. However, the problem is, I didn’t quite get what the topic, the focus and the purpose of her speech was- even till the end of the video! She starts off by talking about how inaccurate the old standards the media used to implement when categorizing and analyzing the demographics of the country, and talks as if she was going to explain the new standards, the new means to “truly” analyze the demographics-the information that really tells about what kind of person each individuals were. And to some point, she does discuss the newly emerging standards that are utilized nowadays in social media to categorize its users-the “interests” and “favorites” of the people-until she wanders away from the original topic and totally loses her focus. At the apex of her digression, she hurriedly wraps up what was remaining of her disorganized, unappealing speech with an ultimate feministic claim enchanting “Women are gaining more and more power, becoming much more important and influential. Now just imagine. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to think about a world where outdated gender stereotypes no longer have any sort of influence over the environment of the social media?” Well, yes, Mrs., I certainly do think it would be wonderful, even quite fantastic, but was that what you were talking about in the first place? I thought you were criticizing the old demographic measures that used to try to understand the mass with very rigid, statistical, and also inaccurate criterions, which included gender, and the whole later half of your speech preaches about the empowering females (Sounds quite contradictory to me)? For me, it was like hearing two separate speeches from one person at the same time, jumping from one topic to another, here and there, and that was why it was seriously confusing for me to interpret the content when searching for one concentrated theme.
Well, that’s it for my anger towards the disarrayed focus of the video, so let’s talk about some substantial stuff that could be discussed in today’s response. As a matter of fact, until Johanna lost her grip delivering fiery speeches on feminism, I do think that she had a good point on the truth that we’re experiencing-the social media are experiencing a major change in the yardsticks they use to analyze demographics. I actually do agree on the point that the old criterions that used to classify the population-age, gender, race, or economical prosperity-are quite useless on defining an individual and his or her life. Because everybody is so intrinsically different from their birth and we are living in a much more individualistic society than we used to tens of years ago, information like how old you are or what country are you from, became rather irrelevant on describing your true self. As Johanna correctly pointed out, people nowadays tend to group together based on their “interests” or “favorites”, which tells me much more about what kind of person somebody is than what his or her skin color is. And this realization that the interests of the people are what matters much more than the factual backgrounds had an enormous impact on the behaviors of large corporations-including social media.
Now, social media communities care about if you are a band-lover who is impressed by the music of Oasis or a hip-hop mania who is obsessed over Eminem. They care if you like Chinese, American, French, or Korean food. They want to know if you’ve ever been to the mountains or the seas, or if you like art or architectures; if you enjoy playing computer games at home or perhaps prefer playing a game of basketball with your friends. They are interested in your everyday favorites and excitements; they want to know what you want to see, hear, smell, taste, and feel- because that is the information that can help them make some real profits, to boost consumption and produce popular merchandise; that is the information that truly defines you.
Although it would have been much better if the speech’s theme was more focused, I still think Johanna is demonstrating a critically important change that our social media, and moreover, our world, is experiencing: the shift on the fundamental concepts of demographics and categorization of the population. Sure, age, ethnicity, gender, and all other factual, basic background qualities can tell SOMETHING about a person. However, firstly, that is not what the social media companies want to know and need to know about an individual; secondly and more importantly, that kind of information is not something that can truly describe who the person is. We the people are more accurately and genuinely defined by our interests, our passion, and our dream-and the social media that are responsible of “defining” us through demographics are realizing that fact. (Go see on Facebook; one of the most popular little activities people are just crazy about doing is “pressing LIKE, LIKE, and LIKE”!!) So perhaps, the day of the conceptual revolution is not far from yet to come. Now just imagine. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to live in a world where you are defined by your passion? As for me- I just simply cannot wait.
THBT the dissemination of personal information in SNS should be restricted
THS affirmative action for women in workplaces
THBT personal interest can tell more about an individual than one's personal data
THBT social media that administrates the user's personal information has the duty to prevent its commerical usage
This is a video that demonstrates how the most representative social media in the world, Facebook, analyzes its users by many demographic standards, but most importantly, by "likes and interests"
-->http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cJOlMjhfPk
This video talks about how personal interests of the people nowadays can actually affect the public interest, and benefit the nation as a whole by providing such individual information that is relevant when analyzing the demographics.
-->http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L2kquBCpnM
2011년 4월 27일 수요일
Some Debate Motions
Here are some actual debate motions that were used to train the WSDC national pool in Korea + some suggestable motions that could be easily debated about.
WSDC Motions
This House would make the development of clean industry a condition for receiving non-emergency aid
This House supports the international trading of pollution quotas
This House supports the international trading of pollution permits
This House believes that the Kyoto Summit didn't go far enough.
Motions
THBT awarding the 2022 World Cup to Qatar was a mistake
THW cut all aid to Japan
THW ban unethical treatment of animals
THW regulate the production of movies that deal with sensitive historical events
THW ban SSN in school campus
THW lower the voting age
THBT cultural relativism can justify customs that violate human rights
THW ban religious education in school
THW ban Coca Cola commercials on television
THW ban pornography in public places
THBT standaridzed tests do more harm than good
THW legalize drugs to drug addicts for the purpose of rehabilitation and treatment
THBT plants have rights
THBT condom education is better than education in sexual morality (purity)
THS media censorship on the broadcasting of war atrocities
THW carbon tax airlines
THBT honor killing is justified
THW execute war criminals
THW torture for terrorists are legitimate
THW monitor sex offenders with GPS
THBT the power of the UN security council should be reduced.
THBT teachers should not use profane language against students
THBT outsourcing should be regulated.
THW prohibit teachers from presenting their opinions about controversial subjects in class.
THW regulate the expansion of hypermarkets.
THBT the use of birth control pills should be prescription-free
THBT sex education should be made mandatory in the school curriculum
THW ban any scheme intended to “cure” homosexuality
THBT doctors should not be forced to perform medical procedures that are against their faith
THW give terminally ill patients the right to demand experimental treatment
THW give family members the legal right to forcibly commit drug addicts and alcoholics to rehab clinics
WSDC Motions
This House would make the development of clean industry a condition for receiving non-emergency aid
This House supports the international trading of pollution quotas
This House supports the international trading of pollution permits
This House believes that the Kyoto Summit didn't go far enough.
Motions
THBT awarding the 2022 World Cup to Qatar was a mistake
THW cut all aid to Japan
THW ban unethical treatment of animals
THW regulate the production of movies that deal with sensitive historical events
THW ban SSN in school campus
THW lower the voting age
THBT cultural relativism can justify customs that violate human rights
THW ban religious education in school
THW ban Coca Cola commercials on television
THW ban pornography in public places
THBT standaridzed tests do more harm than good
THW legalize drugs to drug addicts for the purpose of rehabilitation and treatment
THBT plants have rights
THBT condom education is better than education in sexual morality (purity)
THS media censorship on the broadcasting of war atrocities
THW carbon tax airlines
THBT honor killing is justified
THW execute war criminals
THW torture for terrorists are legitimate
THW monitor sex offenders with GPS
THBT the power of the UN security council should be reduced.
THBT teachers should not use profane language against students
THBT outsourcing should be regulated.
THW prohibit teachers from presenting their opinions about controversial subjects in class.
THW regulate the expansion of hypermarkets.
THBT the use of birth control pills should be prescription-free
THBT sex education should be made mandatory in the school curriculum
THW ban any scheme intended to “cure” homosexuality
THBT doctors should not be forced to perform medical procedures that are against their faith
THW give terminally ill patients the right to demand experimental treatment
THW give family members the legal right to forcibly commit drug addicts and alcoholics to rehab clinics
WSDC 2008 FINALS
The link below will direct you to the video of the WSDC 2008 Finals, New Zealand vs England-one of the most famous, legendary debates that are well-known to the majority of debaters who actively participate in the debating community. This will be a model example about how extremely good, extraordinary debates can be :) I hope I'd be able to debate like one of them one day.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2114489137963293139#
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2114489137963293139#
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