2019-09-20 Why freedom is essential

The winner of TNKR's 10th English speech contest today donated the prize money she received from the speech contest (1.09 million won, about $835) to TNKR.

Chaeeun's fundraiser: https://give.lovetnkr.com/en/fundraisers/Why-freedom-is-essential

Yes, that's what I wrote, and that's what happened! A North Korean refugee studying in TNKR just donated 1 million won to TNKR.

There are three main reasons I want to share this donation publicly. 1) So often we have people tell us, "You need to have testimonials from North Korean refugees." Somehow, *actions* by North Korean refugees are less impressive to people than words written up by a marketing specialist with soft music in the background and the right camera angles and video editing. Instead of staged videos, what kind of actions by North Korean refugees in TNKR am I talking about? --Referring other refugees to TNKR. We have not had to recruit refugees to join TNKR since our first year and we always have a waiting list no matter how many sessions we hold. --Returning to TNKR as often as possible. Some refugees contact us from abroad to let us know when they will be returning and some others call us as soon as they return! --Setting up fundraisers. We now have 11 North Korean refugees who have set up fundraisers for TNKR. That's even though we rarely discuss it with them. --Donating to TNKR. --Trying to connect us with others. But apparently those many actions still aren't as good as a 2 minute video testimonial written by a marketing genius with the right camera angles and music. 2) I have heard from more than one person that North Korean refugees join our speech contest because they are desperate for the opportunity to earn the prize money. Of course, my response is: "if that is true, why aren't more refugees joining the speech contest?" We have had 10 contests, most refugees join once or twice, for the challenge of speaking before an audience or the opportunity to say something. We have had 424 North Korean refugees study in TNKR, but only about 50 of them have joined the public speaking program and the speech contests. 3) Her donation can inspire others. A lady born in North Korea, where there is basically no concept of civil society, now married with two children, has decided to donate 1 million won to TNKR. I'm sure she could have bought many baby diapers and toys with that money instead. She has studied with 13 tutors and speech coach mentors in TNKR.

She says that her English has improved so much and that we provide the opportunity for North Korean refugees to share their thoughts, that she is so inspired by TNKR. She has referred many North Korean refugees to TNKR, and so many of them have told her about the great experience they have had studying with tutors and speech coach mentors.

Many people ask us "how are you going to spend the money?" Chaeeun didn't ask. I guess she can see how valuable TNKR has been for her and other refugees. **** Chaeeun's donation (and to be clear, she did not ask for us to highlight this, but agreed when she realized it would be valuable for TNKR and is cheering for it now) Chaeeun's fundraiser: https://give.lovetnkr.com/en/fundraisers/Why-freedom-is-essential

Excerpt from her speech at my "Voices from the North" blog at the Korea Times:

https://koreatimes.co.kr/www/opinion/2019/09/728_275537.html

Korea Times article about the speech contest:

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2019/09/113_274994.html

"Yoegi Anjuseyo!"

* I have a short reflection in today's Korea Times about an encounter with an unfriendly looking Korean man on the subway. It was a reminder not to be too quick in judging people in Korea. 09-13-2011 16:47 'Yeogi Anjeuseyo!' By Casey Lartigue Jr. The recent incident in which an American English teacher bullied an elderly Korean man and other passengers on the bus reminded me of a more pleasing incident from years ago. I was on the subway, taking the train outside of Seoul for a work assignment. I have the habit of standing on the subway to strategically position myself near the doors in case my stop magically appears. On that particular day, there was a Korean man STARING at me. Not just looking at me, but intensely staring at me. He had an incredible frown on his face. Not just for one stop, but for several stops the guy just kept staring at me. If I had known more Korean then I would have been able to curse him ...

Michael Breen discussion at 10 Magazine

Yesterday I attended a discussion with writer Michael Breen, hosted by Barry Welsh. Very often, when I attend a speech or discussion about a topic I know a lot about, I often think about ways the speaker/facilitator/discussant could have done better. But I didn't feel that way about Breen, it was one of those times that I really felt like I had a lot to learn and should listen more than talk. He's been in Korea for three decades, working as a reporter, commentator, communications specialist. He reminds me of Andrei Lankov in that his analysis seems to be based on observation of how things work rather than trying to get the world to fit his biases. I don't know him, so his friends may say he is a raging ideologue, but that's not the impression I had yesterday and based on his writings. Michael Breen (L) and Casey Lartigue I first read his book The Koreans about a decade ago. It was a delightful read, that was both warm to Koreans but also critical at times. Yes...

Rich talking back

The rich are talked about very often in negative terms, but how often do the rich respond in kind? Australian billionaire Gina Rinehart, who inherited most of her money but apparently has also done very well with it, recently railed against class warfare and had some advice for the non-rich : "There is no monopoly on becoming a millionaire," she writes. "If you're jealous of those with more money, don't just sit there and complain. Do something to make more money yourself - spend less time drinking, or smoking and socializing and more time working." She complained about politicians raising taxes, regulations that slow investment, and other anti-business policies that harm the poor. "If you want to help the poor and our next generation, make investment, reinvenstment and businesses welcome."

Inspiration from a lousy visitor (The Korea Times, December 31, 2013) by Casey Lartigue, Jr.

2013-12-15 It was a great occasion yesterday. A group of us held a Christmas party in the cancer ward of severance hospital. So many people to mention. The man who inspired it all: Nick Adams. It was his trip to Korea last month that inspired me to organize the party. He had cancer when he was a child, and he insisted that as part of his itinerary that we stop by the hospital. I was so moved that I contacted the best party planner I have ever known. The man behind the motion: Edward M. Robinson! As I've said several times: If you are looking for someone to hold an incredible party for kids, then contact Eddie! I look forward to big things from HOPE now that he has taken an even more active role with the organization (and was smart enough to name me an International Adviser, for example). The staff members at Mulmangcho are still talking about the incredible Halloween party he hosted, and they are looking forward to the Christmas party he has planned this weekend! The lady behind t...

Humanitarian with a guillotine (Korea Times, February 1, 2013) by Casey Lartigue, Jr.

Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan said the nine most terrifying words in the English language are, `` I’m from the government, and I’m here to help .” For many well-intentioned activists, politicians, and intellectuals, that should be updated as: ``We are here to help you. You’re under arrest.” For example, ``sex workers” around the world oppose anti-prostitution laws. Prostitutes may not know the theoretical arguments but they do know in reality that prohibiting prostitution means they lack protection in dealing with abusive pimps and madams, violent patrons and crooked cops. Locally, a Korean woman busted for prostitution recently appealed to the courts pleading , ``I cannot survive without this job. I don’t want to be treated as a criminal for making a living the only way I can.” How should someone who genuinely wants to help her respond? If you say ``arrest her” then you are qualified to be a “harmful humanitarian.” In your desire to help, you have elimin...

The Casey Lartigue Show!

Search This Blog