Noa's Decision to be "Japanese"
For the open blog post this week, I just wanted to write out some thoughts I was having regarding Noa's plotline.
I think his storyline has given us a really interesting alternative perspective in this section, and there is a lot to dissect! Firstly, it reminds me of the conversation we had in class on Tuesday. We talked about how there are different reactions and ways of performing cultural assimilation, and now we see Noa on a very far end of the spectrum, where he denies his Korean heritage altogether.
His decision to do this speaks to the discrimination present at the time. While I was reading, I was wondering how the plotline would be different if he remained attached to his Korean identity. Would he still be able to get the position he currently works? If not, would there be an opportunity for something comparable or would all positions be closed off to him as a "foreigner"? Would his wife still be with him? Would her family allow it?
I also can't help but wonder how it would affect his life if his identity is revealed in the future. Will he be able to maintain his job? His family? His life in Nagano? I think Lee is making a point here about how the Japanese set up a society where assimilation was imperative for success. Based on this, I am interested but also dreading what will happen if Noa's Korean background comes to light (I don't want him to lose this life he created for himself!).
Hey Cassi, really cool analysis - thanks for sharing with us! I, too, am really intrigued by Noa's character. I feel like Lee has succeeded in sharing so much of his personal growth. I think your question of whether the plotline would be different if he remained attached to his Korean identity is quite interesting. I guess it's something we won't know, but I'm enjoying seeing how his story unfolds.
ReplyDeleteHey, Cassi! I agree with your post. I missed class today, but I saw a lot of commentary on cultural assimilation in Noa, specifically the model minority concept that we are familiar with today. While assimilation was necessary, I think ultimately, Noa should be able to be comfortable as a Korean. He sort of has this idea that he must escape labels, but that is weird to me. His family, his culture, his belonging cannot be denied like that in a healthy way. He should be able to feel comfortably Korean.
ReplyDeleteHey Cassi! It was impressive but also very worrisome to see Noa reject his Korean identity. Lee reinforces this decision by showing us Noa's entire upbringing and life, just to see him pretend none of it existed in this scene. I remember when Noa was a kid and he secretly wanted to be Japanese. I wonder if he would be proud of himself now, or just depressed at the secrecy and lies he must maintain just to have the life he wants.
ReplyDeleteHey Cassi! I totally agree with your thoughts on what Lee's point is. I think that she is trying to show how assimilation is a byproduct of colonialism and how that can be the best method of survival in dangerous times such as the ones in Pachinko. I also like your critical thinking questions regarding possible alternatives to the book if he remained rooted in his Korean roots. I imagine he would have an extremely difficult time finding a job which is why I think Lee is expressing that through assimilation, some success can be found.
ReplyDeleteHi Cassi! Noa's extreme approach to cultural assimilation in Pachinko definitely raises important questions about discrimination at the time and the consequences of denying one's heritage. I don't think that he would have the same position he currently has as, if I remember correctly, his employer didn't hire Koreans. So although his life would certainly be different and perhaps less prosperous, I wonder if he would be happier. It must me hard going through life under a false identity, never really feeling true to yourself.
ReplyDeleteHey Cassi, I agree that many of these Korean characters feel the pressure to assimilate into Japanese society because their success in life is largely based on their ability to assimilate. I also wonder if Noa's life would be different if he wasn't so secretive about his Korean heritage. I think that there is a strong possibility he wouldn't have the life he created for himself if his Korean heritage is revealed to a harsh, discriminatory Japanese society.
ReplyDeleteHi Cassi, I find Noa's complete assimilation was built upon the idea that he knew he had to so that he can become a person with status and respected by his peers. He knew to raise his family out of poverty, he had to fully assimilate so that he could get opportunities that he would not if he stuck with his Korean culture, as can be seen by his job at Cosmos Pachinko, which the owner was said to not hire Koreans.
ReplyDelete