Thoughts [3.15.09]

Pi day is now gone.

1. I realized that one aspect of pride I have yet to get over is Asian Pride. Not like, "Yay Korea, go Asia!" I'm talking about the pride that is the consequence of our hierarchical social structure. You know, where respect is received from those under (younger than) you and given to those above (older than) you. I guess in some ways, it has its pros relative to the individualistic Western culture, where we demand respect from everyone.

I guess it just peeves me in a way when younger people treat me like....their friend? That sounds bad, but sometimes when they joke around with me, there's that moment when I feel like, "wait. who do you think I am? I'm your "형/오빠/elder"" Man, so many levels of pride to face. And especially when I think about how I treat my elders sometimes, as I kind of cross over the line, even while respecting them, makes me see how much of a double standard I hold. Although... I would watch my words a little more than some of these guys do.

Is it just a cultural thing that's embedded in me? How do I get it out? Should I get it out? I mean, with that hierarchical structure also comes that feeling that I have a responsibility towards the younger kids. Do I have to keep that and throw out this pride? Aren't they related in some way?
Sigh. Tough issue.

2. Crazy thought that occurred to me during the conclusion of thought 1. Maybe, just as Samson was absolute strength and Solomon was absolute wisdom, Jesus was absolute humility. I mean, looking at his human side. I dunno, I just thought it sounded cool.

3. I guess humility is also more multifaceted than I thought. Guess that makes sense since pride is so multifaceted.

overnOUT