I’m not really sure to begin with this post so here’s the main point: former Katusa soldiers are the angriest students I’ve ever taught. Some are blatantly rude and arrogant, others are just plain assholes. They adopt outlandish behaviour from dumbass 20 somethings and then think that that’s the appropriate cultural attitude when speaking in English.
I have a student that in the last few weeks has felt the need “to share”, as in he’s obviously way too comfortable in class because he feels secure enough to tell us that after finishing the Katusa program that he hated foreigners (his words not mine), so much so that he stopped speaking English and would avoid, if possible foreigners, if not than would get into fights with them… yikes. I asked him why he started to study again and he couldn’t give a clear answer. He said something about getting a better job but the bitterness is shocking.
AKA there was a serious sit down with this student to give him an attitude adjustment or to get out, because that shit does not happen in my class buster. I won’t say the specifics but you’ve got a young kid that is overly sensitive, angry, resentful, mix in some American sass and holy hell this is going to be a long class to teach.
Have you taught any Katusas? Reactions?
Posted by beloved on October 12, 2009 at 7:20 AM
I don’t know. I have never taught any Katusa students, but I have witnessed and heard about very horrible, racist behavior of American soldiers on military bases in Korea. I have to say I’m not at all surprised that Korean guys coming out of there would be bitter and pissed off. Add to that the culture of blunt honesty in Korea, and your student’s admission and behavior doesn’t surprise me either. Not saying it’s right, just not surprising. Good luck getting through the class!