National Identity Pride

Our school directed by Kim Myeong-Joon is a film about the oppression of Koreans living in Japan. This korean documentary explains how some Koreans are also born in Japan but the Japanese government using different ways oppresses their relationship with their national identity the Korean one at least. The High School depicted in this documentary is a small high school where the elders of 2nd and 3rd generation Koreans want to help the children to keep their national identity. One way in which the Japanese government shows their oppressive nature is dealing with the sports teams. Each year there is national competition between different schools in Japan and the Korean High School is not allowed to compete with the rest of the Japanese schools, there is no given reason but I’m sure we can all figure out why not. Although this school is constantly pushed down by the government they still have their pride of being Korean and they show it through the fact that the girls wear the traditional clothes no matter the weather, they keep themselves tidy. Mr. Park is one of the teachers who is the closest with the students. There is a scene where Mr. Park is outside talking to senior boys telling them that they should concentrate on keeping themselves looking pristine. The pride that they have to represent themselves as Korean is so great to see even though when they walk outside those walls its all Japanese culture, language and tradition. Another time during the soccer game. The emotion after they loss tells the viewers that it was not just about the game they played but them losing shows that they again have lost their chance to compete with other schools in the competition. 

They are all strong in their spirit although the japanese government doesn't seem to be too happy they they are there. Their pride about their national identity is what counts the most. Our school is a wonderful example of being pride about one’s national identity.