Age Isn't Just a Number

For those of you who read the link I included in my last entry, you'll understand that age is perceived somewhat differently in Korea. (If you missed it, here it is again.)

In Korea, age is very important. There are three variations of the Korean language, one used when speaking to someone younger than you, one used when you are speaking to someone older than you, and one used when speaking to those the same age as you are. If you've ever studied Spanish, this is comparable to using an usted form when showing respect to someone older than you rather than the tu form of the verb. In English, it's a bit like referring to someone as "Mrs. Smith" rather than by her first name because you want to show respect or you may not know her on a personal level. This is why, as I mentioned in the last entry, it isn't impolite to ask someone how old they are. Those who are older and/or married are shown the most respect and are greeted with a bow. Your age indicates your ranking within the hierarchy of Korean society.

The Korean staff at my school have asked me a lot of questions concerning my age, which was strange for me. It hasn't mattered much to me since I turned eighteen, other than the whole drinking alcohol law. In the US, if, at a young age, you have graduated from college and are successful in a career (not that I am, just as an example), you would receive admiration for your ambition. At least, I really respect the people my age who already have internships or jobs at very renowned companies or are taking the fast track through pharmacy school. Age doesn't seem to hold the same importance in our societal ranking as how much money you make or what position you hold in whatever company. I'm pretty sure that most people would show a lot more respect to a 25-year-old Donald Trump in-the-making than to the 40-year-old who cashes them out at the gas station. I'm not saying this to be offensive; this is just how I believe American society works.

I by no means have a comprehensive understanding of the Korean society. (I've only been here four days.) However, from what I've learned about it so far, it has its pros and cons in comparison to the American system. For one thing, I hate it when kids are bratty to their parents or people much older than them for no apparent reason, and I'm almost positive that would never fly in Korea. Also, it's a bit tragic how we look at the elderly in the US. Sometimes we complain about having to be around "old people" or having to work with them in various industries. We also put the elderly into nursing homes, which can be a good and bad thing. It's good because these people often need medical attention around-the-clock and we have to work. I just think it would be lonely; what an awful feeling to be kept away from the rest of society and only receive occasional visits from your family.

I wonder how much one's accomplishments factor into this whole rank-by-age system in Korea, though. That seems important to me, too. I guess I'll have to do a bit more research to find out.