Recently, KBS television station and the Travel Broadcast Station to participate in programming regarding the expatriate experience in Pusan approached us. In the case of the KBS station, extensive amounts of time and energy were expended to film various aspects of expatriate life and the making of "The Expatriate" for a magazine type news show. Many hours were spent in the radio booth at TBN pre-recording a show comparing public transportation around the world. Once both shows were completed, the management decided that broadcasting shows regarding foreigners or containing extensive amounts of English were inappropriate given the current economic situation. So, the television show has not been broadcast, and the English was edited out of the radio show. 

So, how many times have you been approached by Koreans and told that you do not properly understand the economic situation here? How many times have you experienced other forms of discrimination and outright violence against your person? We have heard of people spit upon, told to "go home," and been refused service. What should we, as expatriates, do in response to the stress and increased animosity that the current economic situation presents? We do not think that an eye for an eye approach is helpful or appropriate, but one of patience and understanding is more productive and acceptable and in line with Western notions of decorum and humanitarianism. 

Afterall, we have been known to perform extreme acts of violence against foreigners during times of economic down turns, as well. We all have suffered from a knee jerk reaction to affronts to our pride as a people, nation, or society. As guests in this country, as difficult as it may be, try to have a modicum of empathy of what Koreans are experiencing based upon our own experiences during times of national distress.