"Would always believe that he [Noa] was someone else, that he wasn't himself but some fanciful idea of a foreign person; she would always feel like she was someone special because she had condescended to be with someone everyone else hated" (307).
I found this quote extremely interesting, as well as Noa's reaction to Aikiko's actions and thoughts in this section. I think that this quote gives an important insight into the relationship between Korea and Japan because it shows the strain and tension between the two companies. The way I read this quote is that Akiko is proud of herself for associating with a Korean person and not treating him the way other Japanese people do. She feels as though she is able to see the good in him, and that that makes her a good person.
Additionally, the specific quote that Akiko "Would always believe that he [Noa] was someone else, that he wasn't himself but some fanciful idea of a foreign person" rubs me the wrong way.... To me, it's implying that she doesn't even necessarily see Noa as an actual person, only the fact that he is Korean. I think this reminds me of the themes we've seen in colonialism where one group of people considers themselves a savior of sorts. In this sense, Akiko thinks that by helping this Korean man she can not only help him but also adopt a savior complex in the process.
Good point, Audrey! I think Noa's position as a Korean in Japan makes him a model minority. Akiko represents this sort of dynamic, with the way her love is so shallow and surface-level. It sort of serves to make Noa realize that his desire to be Japanese is misguided, and that it may be better to escape labels all together. Of course, I think this may be a bit misguided, too. He should feel comfortable as a Korean, but seen as only a Korean.
ReplyDeleteHey Audrey, I find your point to be intriguing. While it is good that Akiko can look past her partner being a minority, her reasoning is not perfect. It is problematic that she believes herself to be a savior of some sorts for Noa just because he is Korean. Akiko should love and respect her partner for who he is, not where his lineage is from.
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