July 11, 2005
The America Complex
Yikes. I knew that I'd be living in one of the richest PiA countries, but I wasn't really prepared. The contrast here in Seoul would be nothing compared to what Sally is seeing. Getting a post in the richest city in an almost-developed country makes me feel pretty damn guilty compared to her, actually.
To carry that further, I am acutely aware that, even though I'm making less than what I could make even as an English teacher, I'm still making much more than the average GDP per capita of this country. And I'm what, 21 years old? That's ridiculous.
Which makes me realize something I've never wanted to admit: I am rich. I've always tried to deny it. My family background and national background (land of opportuniy, egalitarianism, etc) both encouraged me to think of whatever money I had as legitimately earned.
But here in Seoul a nagging feeling that I've had for years finally snaps into focus: I don't earn nearly all of what I make. At least half of it my background earns for me.
This is one of those things that are patently obvious to everyone else and worthy of the exclamation "Duh." But, I don't really know what to make of this dilemma yet (a euphemistic way of saying that I'm not ready to give up my cushy lifestyle yet). Perhaps watching other Princton-in-Asia fellows deal with it in a much more visceral way than I will may help.
Posted by b-applegate at 11:20 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack