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Yumi's Take on Being Korean

Yumi's comment about being Korean as "just another horrible encumbrance" demonstrates to us how present and large discrimination and prejudice were in Japan during this time period. Also, Yumi's comment in which she describes Japan as "a beloved stepmother who refused to love you" shows the complicated relationship that exists between Korea and Japan. This makes the readers think: should Japan look out for its more vulnerable bins of citizens and make sure they are integrated into society. The analogy of the stepmother who refuses to love you suggests that Japan is not doing its part to make sure that all of its citizens feel welcomed into the culture and community. A stepmother should care for her stepchildren, even if they aren't her blood because they are innocent and vulnerable and have nowhere else to turn.

Comments

  1. The beloved stepmother analogy is perfect because it not only represents the vulnerability of Koreans and refusal to support the by the Japanese, but also the yearn by Koreans to be part of the society. Just like the desire for the step child to be loved by the stepmother. But in both cases, that love, care, support is not given.

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