How S. Korea sees outsiders
Re “Foreigners hope to teach S. Korea dangers of bias,” Feb. 24
The Times fails to provide sufficient perspective on South Korea, which is historically one of the most ethnically homogeneous nations in the world.
Only recently have large numbers of foreigners arrived on the Korean peninsula. Americans have had more than 200 years to adjust to large waves of newcomers, and even here, with each new influx has come discrimination.
Clearly any nation has a right to get information about newcomers who plan to stay and work for a period. And with economic uncertainty, growing unemployment and increased tension between the Koreas, it is understandable that some Koreans view some foreigners “as unwelcome strangers.”
It will take time for the Korean people to become more tolerant of diversity and to build institutions to treat people as equal citizens.
Mary Connor
San Marino
The writer is the president of the Korea Academy for Educators.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
