Writing in Korean

The Olympic Cheer Test

"When does a Korean person become an American person?" This is a question of deep philosophical significance. Do you become an American at citizenship? I don't think so. Do you become an American after twenty years in America? Probably not. I know a lady who has been in America since 1960. She still eats kimchee everyday and speaks very little English. Is a person with 100% Korean blood always a Korean? Not necessarily. I know some full-blooded Korean kids who don't have a clue about Korean language or culture. So how can one tell when a person is Korean or American? I have a thought test to evaluate whether you --the reader-- are a Korean or an American. I call it "the Olympic cheer test".

For this story to make sense, you need to know a little about my family. I am a second generation American. My parents were born in the U.S., but all four of my grandparents were born in Poland. They came to the new world about 1915. My wife was born in Korea and came to America in 1974. She became an American citizen in 1979. Our older son was born in America is 1975 and our younger son was born in 1977.

During the summer of 1992 all four of us were watching the Barcelona Olympics on TV. Specifically we were watching the marathon. (For purposes of the thought test, you can seat yourself next to us). The last mile of this race was really exciting. Three competitors were running neck and neck. The lead runner was an American. In second place was a Polish guy. Close behind was a Korean runner named Hwang Young-Cho. My wife wasn't paying close attention, but when she heard the name "Hwang Young-Cho" her ears perked up. She had never heard his name before and didn't know much about the marathon, but when she saw Korean flags waving she started cheering excitedly "Go. Go. Go." When Hwang pulled out ahead she was jumping up and down. "Run. Run. Run." Suddenly, the American ran ahead again. My two sons began cheering "Go. Go. Go." My wife's face got red. She yelled "you're Korean. Don't cheer for him". They said "we're not Korean". I offered a compromise "Let's all cheer for the Polish guy." The three of them stared at me so I kept quiet. After another minute of shouting at the TV, Hwang Young-Cho passed the finish line first. Ecstasy possessed her body. I couldn't believe how passionate my wife could be about sports. (Understand. This is a woman who won't even touch the sports section of a newspaper). What explains this? After all, she is an American citizen.

How did you do on the thought test? Were you on the side of my sons, cheering for the American runner? Ha! If you are reading this the Korean language, you were jumping up and down along with my Korean wife. When will you be transformed into a 100% American? When you cheer for the American in the Olympic test.