I thought all you out there in blogger land might like to know what exactly I do over here in Korea in terms of "cultural ambassadorship". Fulbright stresses (I'm pretty sure they bold the words "cultural ambassadorship" whenever it is in writing) this term like it's their job. I'm in Korea to teach children English, eat kimchi, and be a "cultural ambassador" (I'm much more fond of quotation marks to draw attention to certain words).
I'm not really keeping a checklist of all the fancy pants ambassador-y things I've been doing ... in all honesty I'm not exactly sure what this loaded term entails. Am I supposed to hand out American flags to Asians I meet on the street? Should I bring in some hot dogs for my co-teachers to snack on? Is my job to free lady journalists from years of forced labor by having a heart-to-heart with the leader of an Asian dictatorship?
So far I'm 0 for 3.
But I have been teaching my students about Michael Jackson and showing my host-family the wonders of peanut butter.
In all honesty, I have been taking my responsibilities of American citizen pretty seriously. When you're the go-to-person for all things 'Merican, you have to be on top of things. This is why my morning ritual (at school, when all the teachers have an hour of homeroom class) is to read a few Times articles and watch the Daily Show). In doing so, I stay fairly connected to American news and am aware of what celebrity died this week. RIP Patrick Swayze.
Anyways, I've been fielding questions about American culture, eating habits, government, etc. left and right. I'm pretty much the Sammy Sosa of cultural ambassadorship. (I'm not ashamed to say that Sammy Sosa is the only name that came to mind as I was attempting to think of famous MLB outfielders. Hello 2000.)
Early last week one of the physics teachers at Hwasun High School sent me an e-mail regarding the current situation of American health care, Michael Moore's documentary "Sicko" (which I have seen), and Obama's most recent address to Congress about health care reform. I was going to post this after I had had a chance to sit down and talk with Moon (I know, what a great name), but he has yet to find me, after I requested he do so when he was free to talk. Maybe he's a little scared that I might yell a hearty "You lie!" as he is attempting to argue his point.
Admittedly, I am posting this without Moon's consent ... although I'm sure he wouldn't mind me doing so.
Disclaimer: He is a self-proclaimed English beginner, although his vocabulary and sentence structure are not too shabby for someone who studied English only at the high school level about 20 years ago.
What follows is his e-mail to me, and his request for some cultural learnin'.
"Hi Lauren!
I am very happy because I work with you at Hwasun Highschool.
I want to know your country medical insurance system.
I have seen a movie 'sicko'
It was doccumentary flim about your country medical insurance system.
In 'sicko' Your country medical insurance system was very expencive and serious for the poor
Today's newspaper, Your President Mr. Obama address at congress about medical insurance system reform.
But Many Republican congressman opposed to Obama.
What is problem?
Please explain your country medical insurance system and reform next week.
Have a nice weekend!
From Moon"
So ... my job is to now explain to Moon our current American health care system, why it is so unjust and expensive, Michael Moore's place in the fringes of American society, and why Congress seemingly refuses to work toward a solution with President Obama. All, mind you, in very simple English.
Touche, Fulbright, touche.
I'll keep you posted if/when our conversation ever takes place.
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