| Smithsonian: Korean American Centennial Commemoration
With Terry Hong
Project Director, Smithsonian Institution
Friday, Jan. 17, 2003; Noon ET This year marks the 100th year that Korean immigrants came to America since the first Korean immigrants arrived in Honolulu Harbor in 1903. According to a recent Post article, For Koreans, Changes in Store (Post, Jan. 13, 2003), about 66,000 Korean Americans live in the D.C. metropolitan area, "a majority of them in Virginia's suburbs. Only Los Angeles and New York City claim more." This year the Smithsonian Institution will be sponsoring various seminars and events each month starting with a photography exhibit at the National Museum of Natural History. Terry Hong, project director for the Korean American Centennial Commemoration at the Smithsonian Institute's Asian Pacific American Program, was online Friday, Jan. 17 at Noon ET to answer questions. She is also the co-author of "Eastern Standard Time: A Guide to Asian Influence on American Culture from Astro Boy to Zen Buddhism" and has contributed to publications such as "Notable Asian Americans." As a freelance writer, her publications include American Theatre, The Bloomsbury Review, The Christian Science Monitor, AsianWeek, KoreAm Journal, and Curtain Up: The Helen Hayes Awards Theatre Guide. The transcript follows below. Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Terry Hong: Hi, everyone. Thanks for joining me today. My fingers are warmed and ready to go. A few quick things before we start:
Please mark your calendars for next Thursday, January 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Ring Auditorium in Hirschhorn Museum for our inaugural event of our year-long monthly series in 2003. The topic is Journalism and the Media, featuring three prominent Korean American journalists: K.W. Lee, the foremost Korean American print journalist, Jeannie Park, the editor–in-chief of People magazine and Alice Rhee, the producer of The News with Brian Williams. So hopefully, we’ll see you all there.
For more information about the Commemoration, visit www.apa.si.edu or call 202 357 2449, or send email to me at kacc.si.edu.
And I’ll be using APA for Asian Pacific American, KA for Korean American and KACC for the Korean American Centennial Commemoration at the Smithsonian.
Now on with the questions.
San Francisco, Calif.: I understand this will be the first major exhibit of Korean-American's work at the Smithsonian. What are your hopes for the future? Terry Hong: Yes, this is the first program on Korean Americans at the Smithsonian. It's also the first such sustained focus on any single ethnic group -- a whole year of monthly events. Which is both exciting and daunting. IF this program proves successful, then it will open doors to a lot more diverse programming at SI -- more reflective of our multicultural society today.
Bethesda, Md.: Terry,
Asian American, as a term, covers such a broad range of people -- Koreans, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, and more and more from the Pacific Rim. Add to that that the connection to source cultures gets diluted quickly over time, even in first generation Asian Americans, through the overwhelming influence of American culture, and the monolinguistic attitude that is so pervasive in the U.S. I'd love to see your forum be the beginning of a conversation addressing these complex issues among those of Asian descent in the American community. How can Asian Americans form any kind of coherent identity, when there is such a mix of cultural and historical heritages involved? How can Asian Americans who have never actually lived in Asian cultures build stronger bonds to their heritages? How can Asian Americans build an identity within this culture that brings their heritage to life, within a culture that honors diversity. Just a few questions to get the debate going.
Thanks! Terry Hong: Our program is indeed a beginning. We're hoping to be an open forum for further discussion. As for APAs forming any kind of coherent identity, I don't know that that's possible. Having said that, the APA identity, in some ways, is a construct created by the so-called mainstream society. We all have very distinct cultural heritages, but we also have similar experiences in this country by virtue of the way we look. We're hardly blonde haired and blue eyed. When you meet another APA, there's a short-hand almost of understanding to some degree our collective experience of being foreign, no matter where we were born. The common experience of "where are you really from" even if we're third or fourth generation, etc.
As for building stronger bonds, I think we can do that by seeking out others we identify with. In my old age, I'm SO surprised as to how many APA friends I have, that I gravitate toward. ANd all the APA activities I seek out. Whether in person or from a distance, there is a wealth of resources out there.
New York, N.Y.: What has been the highpoint of your work on this project at the Smithsonian? Terry Hong: I have SO enjoyed meeting Korean Americans across the country, connecting with them and looking forward to their participation in the program. I'm a groupie at heart ... and meeting some of my heroes has been such a tremendous experience! Come join us!
Oradell, N.J.: Could you please give an overview of this exhibit and the special events that will take place so that I can plan a family visit at a relevant time. Terry Hong: The whole program is available online at www.apa.si.edu. It's got all sorts of great information on there. Yes, DO come visit!
Austin, Tex.: How did you get to be so well connected within the Korean American Community. I find it hard to find others in my area? Terry Hong: It was a matter of connecting the dots. One person led to an organization which led to more people which led to other organizations. Also I do a lot of freelance writing, specializing in APA issues, so that's been a remarkable way to meet many APAs throughout the country.
I might suggest to you to check out what groups are available at UT Austin. I know there is a sizable population of APAs there. Then the world is your oyster!
Demarest, N.J.: Terry,
Hi. Lindy Gelber of Camp Sejong, where you spoke a few years ago after including us in one of your "A" magazine articles.
I'm specifically interested in what offering there will be around adoption. I am the exec. director of KAAN so will be part of the conference. Anything additional going to be offered? Great to find you again. Lindy Terry Hong: Hi, Lindy. I hope you'll join us for our July program, which is devoted to Korean adoptees. There is information both on the SI site, as well as www.kaanet.com and www.kaanconference.com. Our July program is a "pre-show" to the national conference here in DC.
Berkeley, Calif.: How do Korean Koreans regard American Koreans? Do they identify with their issues and achievements? Terry Hong: I had some interesting exchanges with a team from KBS, the major TV station in Korea, that is putting together a television series to "introduce" Korean Americans to Korea during the Centennial year. I can only speak from personal experience -- but there is certainly a bias against Korean Americans who might not speak Korean as fluently, or at all. Having said that, there is also a sense of pride of having an "American cousin" -- that would be me.
Washington, D.C. : Ms. Hong: I was born and raised in DC and have supported a number of Korean American businesses. I have great respect for Korean Americans, very committed and kind people. However, not sure if this question is appropriate, but is there a group in the D.C. area that provides support via fund raising or contributes to the community that supports their businesses? Thank you and congratulations. Terry Hong: KAC, the Korean American Coalition, has a local chapter. Check out www.kacdc.org. They are a fabulous resource. There is also LOKA, the League of Korean Americans. That's two to get you started.
Arlington, Va.: My mother who is Korean met my father in Korea while he was on assignment with the US Army. I have been brought up not knowing much about the Korean culture.
What an exciting program, I look forward to attending as many of the events as possible! Terry Hong: Thanks and bring all your friends and family!
Vienna, Va.: I worked with a South Korean back in the 1980s. He never talked about his family history except to say he started with nothing; but in American he could realize his dream. Anyway, I always wondered how a person from South Korea with no money can arrived in America and do these amazing things. I mean he managed to get an apartment with no income, he was able to attend college without high school transcripts. In addition to these challenges, he started life in America without even knowing the English language. I had always wished he would write his life's story. Terry Hong: There are actually MANY interesting life stories out there. Might I suggest a good starting point which JUST came out: Century of the Tiger: One Hundred Years of Korean Culture in America 1903-2003, from U of HI press. Also, Kori, edited by Heinz Insu Fenkl and Walter Lew, the first KA anthology. Those are both introductions to the KA experience.
Washington, D.C.: Do you ever see the day when the "where are you from?" question of 3rd, 4th, or 5th generation Asian Americans will be as irrelevant as the same question of current European Americans? Will we ever be that blind as a society? Should we be? Terry Hong: I don't know that we should ever be that blind -- it's our uniqueness that informs each of us. But being that blind in terms of accepting very kind of American is certainly a hope I have. And now that I have kids, it's definitely a hope and prayer I have to see in my own lifetime. One of the reasons I'm involved with this project is for the sake of my children, and all children, regardless of ethnicity. This program says (to me, anyway), that we KAs have been here for 100 years and that we belong here. I want my children to have a sense of entitlement, and I think all children should have that sense of entitlement, of belonging, of being included.
Spokane, Wash.: We often hear about the dominance of American culture around the world. In what ways has Korean culture influenced America? Are there foods or items of clothing or words that Americans use that we have no idea they came from Korea? washingtonpost.com: For Koreans, Changes in Store (Post, Jan. 13, 2003) Terry Hong: The first one that comes to mind is the fuzzless peach -- otherwise known as the nectarine. A Korean American farmer actually "invented" it. Something else that looms large is the printing press -- Koreans were printing LONG before Gutenberg produced his Bible.
San Bernadino, Calif.: Do you consider yourself Korean American, Korean or both? What makes someone Korean versus Korean American? How does the exhibit help people make the distinction? Terry Hong: I consider myself Korean AND American. Although I find myself often fighting to be able use that "American" part. There is still that sense of being "other." A Korean is someone from Korea, who is culturally Korean, who lives in Korea. A Korean American is a hybrid product of both countries and cultures.
This program at SI is perhaps different from the many other Centennial programs going on across the country -- and there are many! Which is fabulous news. But perhaps our program's emphasis is more on the AMERICAN part of the Korean American. That we've been here for 100 years, that we're a vital part of the larger society, that we will continue to be a part of it for hundreds of years to come. Again, that sense of entitlement that I talked of earlier. THat does NOT in any way diminish the importance of the Korean part ... because I certainly couldn't imagine life without kim chee. And I make sure that my children have exposure to their Korean background -- they go to Korean school, we go to Korea about every 1-1.5 years, we speak Korean in the home as much as possible, etc. etc. I really want to make sure they have that exposure.
Washington, D.C.: Hey Terry, this is Mark Keam in DC. Happy New Year, and happy centennial to all Korean Americans! Thanks for the plug about the Korean American Coalition (KAC), which is one of the most active national Korean American community-based service, education and advocacy nonprofits in the country. KAC is celebrating our 20th anniversary this year, and had a national convention in Hawaii last weekend in conjunction with all the Centennial commemorations in Hawaii. The DC chapter is very active, and we welcome anyone who's interested in getting to know the Korean American community. Check out the website: www.kacdc.org My question to you is, what can we look forward to in 2004 and beyond from the Smithsonian after all the celebrations are over in 2003? I hope Dr. Franklin Odo and others over there will continue to highlight the history, culture, accomplishments and people as we move into the second century of Korean American history. Thanks, and keep up the great work! Terry Hong: This is just the beginning!
Washington, D.C.: How do KA's feel about the developing situation with North Korea and the South Korean sentiment toward US troops in Korea? Terry Hong: I can't speak for all KAs, but I certainly feel a sense of anxiety and concern. After Pres. Bush included N. Korea in his "axis of evil" speech, there was certainly a fervor over how that would affect KAs. Post 0-11 "you're either with us or with the terrorists mentality" has spread like wildfire throughout the country. So there is certainly concern with the growing tensions throughout the Korean peninsula and beyond. My mother is North Korean originally (she and her immediate family escaped) and my father is South Korean -- it's a tragic history indeed.
Statesville, N.C.: The story of how Japanese-Americans were treated in American during WWII is well-known, but what was the experience of Korean-Americans in America during WWII? Did they encounter suspicion and discrimination as well, even though the Korean people themselves considered the Japanese as imperialists, having been conquered by the Japanese twice, if I'm not mistaken, in this century? Terry Hong: Japan annexed Korea in 1910 -- although the occupation started years before. It was a terrible time in Korean history -- and not much is known about it in the rest of the world. After 1910, Koreans were considered Japanese citizens to the rest of the world, so when WWII commenced, there was much concern about how KAs would be treated. Yes, there was certainly suspicion and discrimination -- for all APAs -- remember the signs in stores "We're not Japanese, we're Chinese," etc. There was fear among KAs of being interned along with JAs (120,000 Americans of Japanese descent were unjustly interned). An executive order, I believe, was actually passed that kept KAs out of the camps.
Also, KA history is a little different from other APA histories in a large portion of the KOrean independence movement was planned, formulated and implemented here in the U.S. during the Japanese occupation. So the direct ties back to the homeland were extremely strong.
St. Paul, Minn.: You mentioned a couple of good books that are collections about the KA experience. Can you suggest some fiction titles? Terry Hong: Nora Okja Keller's Fox Girl and Comfort Woman. Heinz Insu Fenkl's Memories of My Ghost Brother. Don Lee's Yellow. Chang-rae Lee's Native Speaker and A Gesture Life. Young adult titles by Linda Sue Park (who won the Newbery last year, the top Young Adult award, for A Single Shard). Frances and Ginger Park To Swim Across the World. An Na's A Step from Heaven.
Oh, and the two books mentioned above include some fiction as well.
And apologies to everyone else I left out. There are SO many out there -- which is fabulous. Send me email for more suggestions.
Washington, D.C.: It's great to see more and more KA writers, actors and artists. Most KA's you hear about are engineers, scientists and medical doctors aside from the shopkeepers. Is this a growing trend and if so, why? Terry Hong: I think it's definitely a growing trend and I think that has to do with immigration patterns. While the first immigrants came in 1903, and then continued to trickle in for the next 10-15 years -- more immigrants were prevented from entering due to strict anti-Asian immigration laws. The quotas fell to 0. The next wave didn't happen until post WWII, which saw the entry of war brides and war orphans -- laws had to be changed to let them in. Then with the lifting of those immigration laws, post-1965 saw the largest groups of immigrants.
When they first came, the immigrants' mentality was to survive. B/c of language barriers, etc., many immigrants could not work in their trained professions, so they found work in opening their own businesses. Dry cleaners, Mom and Pop stores, etc. And for their children, they had dreams of a much easier life, which they believed could be made possible with professional degrees -- like engineering, law, medicine. That was survival mentality. There was not much time for the more leisurely activities. But almost 40 years later, the newer generations are rediscovering the arts -- b/c they have the time and the means. Hence the growth in these fields.
Alexandria, Va.: Terry, this is Margie Perscheid of Korean Focus. First, my deep thanks to you and the Smithsonian for the fantastic program you have put together to celebrate the Centennial of Korean Immigration to the US. My question: How can we keep this energy alive between the community and the Smithsonian in the coming years? Terry Hong: By building audience and keeping the dialogue open. The power of the audience is tremendous. As I said, I DO hope this is a beginning that will lead to so much much more.
Washington, D.C.: How can Korean Americans seek to understand and support other minority groups and share experiences -- with other Asian ethnic groups as well as African American and Hispanic American groups? Being a relatively successful, educated and affluent ethnic group can have its advantages but can also lead to resentment and divisiveness. Terry Hong: There is such a danger to that Model Minority perception. THere is a historical reason for it -- at least in some part. The immigrants who arrived post-1965 were, for the most part, white collar professionals with advanced degrees. So many of those dry cleaners and Mom and Pop owners were probably the equivalent to your Harvard physics majors. They all went to the best schools in Korea, etc. So it's not surprising that from day one, the children were expected to achieve as they had in the home country.
As minorities in this country, I think we definitely all have shared experiences. And I think we will continue to for the foreseeable future. This program at SI, while the focus is KA, has the support of MANY other ethnic communities and groups, as well. We want everyone to be involved, and to be able to experience it.
Herndon, Va.: Have there been any studies on the thousands of Korean babies adopted by non-Korean U.S. citizens, dating back to the Korean War? In most cases, I would assume, full assimilation was the goal, with not too much attention paid to the children's ethnic cultural heritage. Terry Hong: I think that's definitely changing. When the adoptions first began, there were not the resources -- or the awareness -- that exists today. The whole mindset was different. Before, there was definitely the belief of having to saving these children and providing a good home. Which is very important. But more recently, providing a good home also includes ethnic awareness and exposure and celebration. There's a FABULOUS documentary by Deann Borshay Liem -- First Person Plural (check out www.naatanet.org for ordering information) that I think is one of the best films out there about transracial adoption.
Phoenix, Ariz.: Hi Terry! The program at the Smithsonian sounds terrific. I was wondering if you could comment on the similarities (if any) between Korean American and Filipino American concerns about "internal colonization" as it relates to Christianity and cultural imperialism in our cultures. In short, does a focus on Asian American experiences prevent us from theorizing and critiquing US colonialism and imperialism? This is a big issue for Filipino and Filipino American scholars. Thanks! Melinda
Asian Pacific American Studies
Arizona State University Terry Hong: That is SUCH an interesting question. And not something I've actively thought about. We're doing a program in August, actually, that focuses on the rise of Korean churches throughout the country -- apparently there are 3,000 in the DC metropolitan area ALONE. And when I was growing up here, we were hard pressed to see ANY APAs. Of course that was 30 years ago, but my how times have changed!
I don't think a focus on APA experiences prevents us from theorizing and critiquing US colonialism and imperialism. For KAs, especially now, there is certainly more awareness given the recent developments with N. Korea.
Perhaps that's the beauty of being hybrid, both Asian AND American -- we can maintain a foothold on both sides.
Fairfax, Va.: Hi Terri. This is Julie Park from KAC. Just wanted to say "Thank you" for all your efforts to bring out and highlight the KA experience through the Smithsonian Institution's Centennial Commemoration. I'm excited to share this information with the korean american students at korean saturday schools in the area. Thank you again. Terry Hong: Thank YOU. Tell EVERYONE. Bring them to the events.
Tallahassee, Fla.: What implications do the recent increase in tension between the U.S. and North Korea have on the Commemoration? Does the current political climate change the emphasis or objective of the program? Terry Hong: The program was planned long BEFORE the recent developments. So the actual programs will not change. However, I do think that with the Korean peninsula so constantly in the news and on people's minds, that the actual event -- what is said, what is questioned, what kind of dialogue will come out of it -- will be effected. And certainly, there is more awareness of Korea as a country now.
McLean, Va.: Please comment on the differences between evolution of culture of Koreans who came to America and those who remained in Korea? Were the cultural observances and customs frozen in time for those immigrants who came to the U.S.? How did this affect the evolution of spoken language? Terry Hong: Like many ethnic groups, I think immigrant groups in general end up "frozen in time." Our family's language, especially, -- the Korean that we speak on a daily basis -- is a mishmash of Northern and Southern from the 1960s because that's what I learned and retained from my parents. Our trips back to Korea point out each time how anachronistic some of our Korean-ness actually is. Korean friends and family are often making comments about "oh, we don't use THAT word, anymore," or "where did you get that phrase?" -- they're much more in the know. At least my kids will get a hipper Korean in their Korean school. I hope, anyway.
Chicago, Ill.: Terry, Congratulations to you and everyone else on all your hard work putting this exhibit together. My question is do you expect this exhibit to attract more non-Koreans or Koreans and in what ways can we encourage more people from both groups to attend? Thanks, Songbae
Terry Hong: We want EVERYONE to come. I think we'll have many Koreans and KAs in attendance -- and I think they'll walk away with a sense of pride. But our target audience is actually anyone and everyone who has any interest in the Korean American experience, and by default, the immigrant experience. In which case, that would be everyone, b/c we're an entire country of immigrants, which some might tend to forget. Except for the Native Americans, of course. Although, I suppose, you could argue, that they, too, "immigrated" over the Bering Strait to N. America ...
Thanks for your support!
Washington, D.C.: How do KA's feel about the dominance of Japanese culture in the U.S.? Many Americans know little about the 50 year Japanese colonization of Korea and its atrocities. How can Americans be informed that much architecture, pottery techniques, art etc. originated in China and Korea, without it sounding defensive or divisive? Terry Hong: That's a REALLY good question. I think KAs today have a very different reaction to JAs -- mainly b/c we're have such similar experiences here in the U.S. in many ways. And many of us don't even know that part of the history. My Name is Keoko by Linda Sue Park is a young adult title and one of the VERY first books to even deal with the subject of the occupation, especially in English.
When I co-wrote Eastern Standard Time: A Guide to Asian Influence on American Culture from Astro Boy to Zen Buddhism, we were amazed in our research that things considered Japanese, were actually originated elsewhere. In addition to the architecture, pottern etc. that you mentioned, even the two of the most "Japanese" things are not actually Japanese in origin: sushi is actually based on a Chinese preservation method, and tempura is based on the Portuguese word, "abura" which means oil.
Building awareness is key ... how exactly, I'm going to have to get back to you about. But having programs like this in major museums is certainly a good start. Thanks for making me think.
New York, N.Y.: Hi Terry: What are you most interested in in terms of Korean-American art in the U.S.? Thanks. Terry Hong: I don't know if you mean fine art, but hopefully, you mean all arts. My obsession in life is theater. I'm nuts about it. And finding Korean American voices in theater is always a fabulous bonus. Check out our February program which will feature two one-acts by Sung Rno, one of my favorite playwrights, regardless of ethnicity. He's got such an amazing, powerful, unique, quirky, imaginative voice.
I'm also extremely interested in (and involved in terms of writing about) APA film and literature.
Washington, D.C.: How was a whole year of exhibits for a relatively small ethnic group like KA's funded and approved by the SI? Did you have many donors from the KA community? What kind of philanthropy do most KA's support, especially the more well to do 30-40 something's out there. Terry Hong: As one Hawaii KA told me, pure STAMINA and SPIRIT.
Yes, we had sizable donations from the KA community. We certainly could have not been able to do it with them. And Franklin Odo, my boss at APA Program, is one tireless supportive soul. Talk about HERO. He's been incredibly generous in giving me free reign -- although he does occasionally throw in a dose of reality. But we dreamt big. And hopefully, those dreams will come true.
I just want to make it to Dec 5, 2003. And then I'm going to retire, eat bon bons all day and watch ALL of Im Kwon-tae's films -- I think there are almost 100 of them!
Washington, D.C.: Terry, Did you know that there will be a book published on Jan 23 called "The Korean Diaspora in the World Economy"? from the Institute for International Economics? It should be of interest to quite a number of Korean-Americans with an interest in economics. I've provided the link:
http://www.iie.com/publications/pub.cfm?pub_id=362. Terry Hong: Thanks for the information. I'm looking forward to seeing the book.
Portland, Ore.: The Washington Post article asked the question, "what it is to be Korean: Is it a bloodline or a mind-set?" If it's the latter, how might you describe that mind-set? What are some of the major mental frameworks that separate, say, "real" Koreans from those who have grown up here? washingtonpost.com: For Koreans, Changes in Store (Post, Jan. 13, 2003) Terry Hong: Hmm ... a mindset. I think it's a matter of exposure to culture. Growing up in the DC area, we went to Korean church for awhile, but it was VERY VERY far away -- 45 min was a LONG time for a child. THe priest there was as Korean as Korean could be. He walked, talked and thought like a Korean. He just didn't LOOK Korean with his light hair, light eyes and pale skin. He was a multi-generational missionary from Korea -- you could say he was an American Korean. And he so missed his homeland (Korea) that he requested to be sent back. And we missed him terribly after he left, which was impetus for us to give up our Sunday commuting and go to the local Catholic church 5 minutes away.
Bethesda, Md.: Hi. Do you feel it is safe to go to Seoul in next several months as a Korean American with no Korean language skills? Especially since all this anti-American sentiments? Just worried how folks are going to perceive me as. Terry Hong: Let me try and answer it this way: as an Korean American with sort-of fluent language skills, I would feel fine with going to Seoul in the next several months. HOWEVER, if my daughter were going there alone (and she was old enough to do so, which she is not now), I would be mighty nervous.
Since the incident of the two girls being killed by the U.S. tank (and the subsequent non-consequences of the military), the anti-American sentiment has not receded. I read in one of my web-posts that Americans were even being barred from Seoul restaurants.
And with all the recent developments, it's only getting worse. Might I suggest that you wait a few weeks to see how the latest developments pan out ... from the point of view of a mother, I wouldn't want you to anywhere near there right now. How's that?
Terry Hong: Thanks so much to everyone out there from all over the world. I'm SO touched at the response! Overwhelmed, even! Sorry couldn't get answers to all your questions. We even went WAY overtime!
Don't forget to check out ALL the upcoming events. And next week, Jan 22, the National Museum of Natural History opens "A Korean American Century" in Baird Gallery, which runs through June 2003. The exhibit was curated by Paul Taylor and Chang-su Cho Houchins and features photos documenting early U.S.-Korean contacts and images of Koreans in America, 1903-Present.
Continue to check out www.apa.si.edu for added events. We'll keep posting new information.
Most importantly, DO come out to the programs. Come with your questions, come with your criticisms and praises. Come ready to dialogue.
See you at the Smithsonian. Thanks again.
washingtonpost.com: That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the discussion.
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