After writing the first blog post about Yumi's struggle to become integrated into Japanese society, I decided I wanted to focus my topic on the issue of identity in Pachinko. Many characters in the novel are insecure about their Korean roots as they live in a Japanese society that views Korean blood as dirty or impure. In Pachinko, we see characters who refute their Korean ancestry because they feel insecure and worthless in a society that is anti-Korean. In particular, when Noa finds out that his real biological father is actually Hansu (who is Korean), he is upset because he believes his blood is dirty since society suggests that Hansu's blood was dirty. All of this demonstrates to us that many characters struggled with their identity in a society that promoted discrimination.
It is clear to me that gender plays a large role in Pachinko. Sunja has many social pressures that consume her life. Most of these social pressures are a result of her being female. For example, when she gets pregnant while being single, she is pressured to leave her life in Korea behind to find a man to marry and provide for her so that she is not judged by society. This demonstrates that society is not supporting women to live independent lives and/or pursue an education. The only expectations for women include being good mothers and good wives. Another example of gender roles playing a big role in Pachinko is women as part of the workforce. In Japan, it becomes apparent that women aren't encouraged to work. In fact, Yoseb takes it as a hit to his ego as a man when Sunja and Kyunghee tell him they wish to work. He is insulted because in Japan, a man is supposed to provide for women.
Hi James! Insecurity about one's identity is definitely a common thread among pretty much all the Korean characters, except Hansu whose status and ability sort of negate a lot of the issues any other Korean would face. It certainly stems from the way they are treated rather than some intrinsic difference they believe in.
ReplyDeleteThe insecurity and rejection of identity you write about puts those Koreans in a unique position. They aren't accepted by Japanese society, but they do not accept their Korean identity. So where is there home, where are they accepted, and where does this leave them in society? They are in a strange limbo between the two groups, but not inherently a part of either.
ReplyDeleteHi James, good thoughts! Identity is definitely at the center of this novel. I am still grappling with Noa's story arc and coming to terms with the causes and effects of his death. It is clear that his struggle with his identity which he battled his whole life was a consequence of colonialism and a heavily contributing factor in the tragedy that befell him and his family.
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