The Multiple Facets of a History Maker

The Multiple Facets of a History Maker

On December 19, 2012, Park Geun-Hye made history. Madam Park became the first female president as well as the first child of a former president to be elected in South Korea. Madam Park is the first woman to lead a country where Parliament, the cabinet and corporate boardrooms are predominantly male and the gender income gap is the widest among member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. She emerged as the president despite being in a heavily male-dominated community and country.

From before she was elected in to the news that exploded after she was elected, the media approached Park Geun-Hye’s presidency from several different points of view.

Milestone for Women in Positions of Power

Even before she was elected, there was constant discussion on what Park’s potential win would mean for women in South Korea. Multiple sources discussed Park’s role in transforming women in power. Park Geun-Hye used her gender as a pitch for her campaign. The Globe and Mail author MacKinnon mentions the three words that most often appeared in her advertisements were “ready female president.” The various sources acknowledge the impact that Park’s potential win could have on gender in the country and in the globe. The Washington Post claims that if Park wins, it would “represent a major symbolic breakthrough in a region underpinned by Confucianism, a Chinese-born philosophy that says women should be obedient to their husbands.” Similarly, The Globe and Mail in Canada declared, “Should she win, Ms. Park will blaze a new trail for women in a deeply patriarchal country” (MacKinnon). Park could help “normalize the idea of women holding positions of power.” Beyond the government, The Washington Post declared that this could open opportunities for women even in the corporate world or at universities. The International Tribune asserts the impact because of the incidence of gender inequality in Korea by stressing the facts. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, South Korea ranks 108 among 135 countries in terms of gender inequality (Choe).  

Exceeding a transformation on solely a national level, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and Africa wished that Madam Park’s election “mark another milestone for women leadership in the world.”  The Korea Herald lists the other female leaders around the world. They include German chancellor Angela Merkel, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra (Lee). In the All Africa Newspapers (Monrovia), the writer discusses President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s message of congratulations to Madam Park Geun-Hye as the first female president of the Republic of South Korea. Sirleaf recalled her moment of victory as the first elected female President of Liberia and Africa. President Sirleaf contended, “I appreciate the remarkable opportunity as well as the enormous challenge that now confront you.” She hoped that Park could serve as a “shining inspiration” to women and girls around the world and encourage them to “work towards making meaningful contributions to the progress of their societies.” 

The Korea Times discusses gender equality from a different approach. It is curious to examine the new questions that arise with the election of a female president.  The Korea Times chose to address one query that arose which was how to address the new president. This dialogue does not often occur for it is usually clear how to address a superior. People debated whether they should address Park as ‘Madam’ or ‘Ms.”.  The Korea Times consulted with scholars, ambassadors, and businesspeople. The unanimous decision: ‘Madam’ is most appropriate. Jung at The Korea Times chose to acknowledge the fact that she is the head of state at age of 61 and unmarried.  Kathleen Butterly Nigro, a gender studies professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis disclosed, “Madam is an honorary title… when Madam is used, the prestige of the position is what gets highlighted rather than an individual's personal traits.” The Korea Times builds credibility through its use of references and links to other sources to stress the power of a title. According to Collins COBUILD Dictionary, “Madam is a very formal and polite way of addressing a woman… who is of a superior rank.” In addition, it can imply that the woman is “powerful, self-possessed, and self-determined in her own right.”  

Mother of the Country

Park Geun-Hye is seen as a symbol of a girl who grew up before the nation's eyes to become a national mother figure. While The Daily Telegraph seems to find the appeal in Park as a mother figure, The International Herald Tribune seems much more cynical in her view of Park. The Daily Telegraph simply explains how the approach of the President to gaining the hearts of the people is to call them her family.

The article quotes Park, “I have no family to take care of and no children to pass wealth to. You, the people, are my family and your happiness is the reason that I stay in politics.” The campaign appeals to the emotional senses of Koreans. She is reaching out, trying to capture the hearts of the people, drawing in those who value family. South Korea is a country that upholds strong family standards and values. Damien McElroy, The Daily Telegraph author in London, construes the launch of Park’s presidential bid as a paternalistic “National Happiness Campaign.” The article seems to be geared towards the fans of Park as McElroy. The author makes sure to mention that Park reassured her voters that although her she launched a specific campaign, democratic values were the principle of her politics. This was also mentioned to draw in people who may not agree with her approach to campaigning, but agree with her party and the policies that correspond to it.

The International Herald Tribune author Suki Kim describes how Madame Park looks “eerily reminiscent” of her mother, whom South Korean history books have cast as the nation's “ultimate first lady - a martyr.” This causes the readers to think about how Park not only reflects her father, but also mirrors the image of her mother. Adversely, Suki Kim at The International Herald Tribune writes in a negative tone. She downplays Park’s campaign by saying that Madam Park “borrowed a page from that script.” Kim insults the authenticity of Park and how much she really feels what she is campaigning.

Legacy as Former Dictator’s Daughter

Controversy and discussion on now-President Park stretches beyond the lengths of gender issues. Several news sites focus on gender but furthermore, make a turn and zoom onto Park’s past and her “legacy.” This topic was widely debated during the race.

The Globe and Mail author Mark MacKinnon writes, “Gender issues are on the sidelines of this race.” He refers to the election as a “referendum on the legacy” of Park Chung-Hee, Park’s father.  Much of her core support derived from fond memories of the rule of her father. Her father, Park Chung-Hee, led South Korea for 18 years before he was assassinated.

The Globe and Mail mentions that a main factor in the election was the candidate approach on how to fix the economic situation. Suki Kim in The International Herald Tribune speaks for South Koreans and affirms, Park’s “first duty is to rescue their slowing economy.” Because of the precedence of her father, his legacy was crucial during the election. The way in which her father renewed and completely rejuvenated South Korea’s economy in the past was an encouraging concept for the people to remember with Park Geun-Hye.

Choe Sang-Hun writes in The International Herald Tribune about the history of Park Chung-Hee. Although he is regarded as a “repressive autocrat,” he is also considered the “genius” who helped transform South Korea from an “economic backwater into one of the most affluent places on Earth.”  The article is centered around the impressive accomplishments of Park Chung-Hee and provides facts supporting the argument. Under his leadership, South Korea turned from a country where per capita income was just $100 a year into what is now a global economic powerhouse whose smartphones, cars and ships are exported around the world. The Daily Telegraph praises Park’s father as well in the declaration that he transformed Korea’s economy into the fourth largest in Asia.  

Mark MacKinnon reveals the emotions and perspectives of Park’s older, more loyal following. He describes the story of Lee Yeon-Hee, a 65-year old grandmother. She reveals” When I was young, I had nothing to eat and couldn’t go to school. Park Chung-Hee gave us our daily meal… Park Geun-Hye is his daughter. She has the leadership skills to help South Korea recover from the economic situation we're facing.”  The Globe and Mail author conveys Park in the way that he sees those who support Park Geun-Hye.  He talks of her “legacy” and her “genius” of a father. He also states that Park is seen as having inherited her fathers “legendary toughness.”  While The Globe and Mail author continues to offer support for Park, the International Herald Tribune opens up a fresher, surprising viewpoint from the older generation. Her own parents supported Park’s election but for different reasons. Kim declares, they “expressed the collective sentiment of the 50-60 generation when they explained to me why: they feel sorry for her and indebted to her, because she has been all alone.” She brings a new angle by introducing a motive that is probably not spoken out loud very often: pity.

Moreover, Suki Kim herself takes yet another position by offering her own opinion. She refers to Park Geun-Hye as a “modern-day princess,” but she does not fail to inform readers that although her father elevated South Korea's economy, he is not innocent. Kim is reluctant in hopping on the bandwagon of trusting in Park’s “legacy.” She does not use Park’s father’s successes as justification for the horrors he committed. She reminds the readers that he was an oppressor who tortured dissidents and changed the constitution to remain in power.

Choe Sang-Hun details Park Geun-Hye’s struggle. Unlike her father, who had kept South Korea orderly, Madam Park must fight to win back younger and liberal South Koreans who “have no fear of speaking out against her.” Several comments were made in the blogosphere against her including both her past and the present. They openly called her election a “return to the past” and argued that many of the country’s current problems were a direct influence of her father. In addition, she was accused of “glorifying his dictatorship.”  Contrasting The Daily Telegraph, in the International Herald Tribune, the author discloses how Park named Queen Elizabeth I as her role model and, as a result,  many “[berated] her sense of entitlement.” In The Daily Telegraph from London, the author also mentions Queen Elizabeth I as her role model, but does not mention anything against this declaration.

Tension between the Koreas

The story of Park Geun-Hye continues to the policies she will implement with key issues. An issue that will follow her through her presidency and has currently appeared in several places is the tension with North Korea. The International Herald Tribune contains various articles on Park Geun-Hye and how she will react to North Korea. In Choe Sang-Hun’s article, Jo Dong-ho, a professor at Ewha Women’s University in Seoul, declared, “[Park Geun-Hye] was born to be a conservative and security-minded… When she first heard of her father's assassination… the first thing she did was to ask whether everything was all right along the border with North Korea.” In addition, Choe reveals that there is an existing family rivalry that may worsen relations between the Koreas. Under Park Chung-Hee, her father, a staunchly anti-Communist conservative mainstream took root in South Korea. The current North Korean leader is Kim Jong-un, the grandson of the North Korean founder, who sent 31 commandos in 1968 in a failed attempt to attack the Blue House and kill Ms. Park’s father.

Madam Park was elected right around the same time that North Korea performed its third nuclear testing. Choe offers his opinion on Park’s next move. The International Herald Tribune author writes, “Whatever move she makes, the stakes will be high.” He testifies that there is a “growing frustration over decades of U.S.-led efforts to end North Korea's nuclear weapons development,” and many are calling for a more active role by South Korea. This is directed towards the Korean citizens who are curious to know what the best move is for Park. Higher emphasis is placed on the impact of her presidency in the relations. It will help “set the pace and tone of the policies of other regional powers.” Mr. Bong states, “Everyone is watching her, including North Korea.” Other International Herald Tribune writer, Shin Gi-Wook, interprets what Americans are considering in this situation. The critical questions are whether Park Geun-Hye will be “both a strong leader and a good partner in dealing with the increasing North Korean threat.” Shin declares that Park comes “with some weighty baggage.” It is a very casual, informal way of discussing the president’s position in the conflict, but places a stronger emphasis on her history. However, Shin compensates for his “weighty baggage statement” by stating, “But like other daughters of charismatic Asian leaders, such as Indira Gandhi and Megawati Sukarnoputri, Park is formidable in her own right. She rescued her party twice from the brink of collapse, earning her a reputation as the ‘queen of elections.’”

            It is unclear what will happen with the North Korean conflict, and how South Koreans and the world will react to Madam President Park Geun-Hye’s decisions. The stakes are high and there really is no definite direction she is currently heading in. There are strong tensions, and whatever decision she makes could be either monumental or detrimental. 

WORKS CITED

Choe, Sang-Hun. "Daughter of a Dictator, Leader of a Democracy." The International Herald

Tribune 26 Feb. 2013. LexisNexis. Web. 27 Feb. 2013.

"First Elected Female President of Korea Applauded." AllAfrica Newspapers (Monrovia) 28 Dec.

2012. LexisNexis. Web. 27 Feb. 2013.

Jung, Min-ho. "'Madam is More Appropriate'." Korea Times 6 Jan. 2013. LexisNexis. 27 Feb.

2013.

Kim, Suki. "South Korea's National Mother Figure." The International Herald Tribune 25 Feb.

2013: 8. LexisNexis. Web. 27 Feb. 2013.

Lee, Joo-Hee. "Korea Gets First Female President." The Korea Herald 20 Dec. 2012. LexisNexis.

27 Feb. 2013.

MacKinnon, Mark. "Dictator's daughter looks to make history." The Globe and Mail

(Canada) 19 Dec. 2012. LexisNexis. 27 Feb. 2013.

McElroy, Damien. "Assassinated Dictator's Daughter Becomes First Female President of South

Korea." The Daily Telegraph (London) 20 Dec. 2012, 2 ed. LexisNexis. 27 Feb. 2013.

"Ms. Park's Role in Korea's Women's rights Still Disputed." Korea Times 19 Dec.

2012. LexisNexis. 27 Feb. 2013.

Shin, Gi-Wook, and David Straub. "A Tough Woman in a Tough Job." The International Herald

Tribune. 21 Dec. 2012.LexisNexis. 27 Feb. 2013.

Reflection: Fin.

This is our last blog post of the quarter, which I think is quite sad, because I enjoy writing blog posts in this format. It's much more open and free in comparison to previous writing classes that I've taken, but more structured than if I were to write a blog pots on my own.

I think this class has given me a different view of writing. I've learned to look at reading and writing in a different manner. I never really expected to spend so much time thinking and discussing how writing is adapted across various mediums, whether it be blogs, videos, images, or news websites. The same goes for news. Before this class, I never stopped to think about how in reality, I get at least half of my news by hearing it from someone who heard it from someone else (aka word-of-mouth).  In a way, I feel like it's opened my eyes and given me a broader perspective. Sure, I knew that all these thing existed, but I didn't ever put them together, reading, writing, news, and the web. The connections that we can make are endless.

How has my reading and writing changed? I have learned to create a balance between my voice and writing academically. Granted, our blog posts are much more casual than our formal essays, but our essays aren't exactly just flat out research papers either. It was interesting to read and talk about the unique styles, voices, and formats of the writing of my fellow classmates. A lot of us agreed on certain points and articles, but a lot of us didn't. It was nice to so easily access viewpoints from peers that sit in class with me twice a week. Plus, it was fun writing comments and getting comments on blog posts. The class also helped me to actually keep up with news. I didn't spend hours looking at news, but I found myself much more 'plugged-in' and updated on the campus and on the world. I wasn't someone who always checked the news, but now, I'm much more likely to go and see what's going on around me. Perspective. Interpretation. It was extremely fascinating to open my eyes to how each person has their own schema and bias when reading, writing, speaking, etc. etc.

I have to say, I've had a good time. I don't think I'll ever take another course like this again, which is probably good, because no one class should be exactly the same, what would be the fun in that?

History Maker - Extended Essay #2 Draft

The Multiple Facets of a History Maker

On December 19, 2012, Park Geun-Hye made history. Madam Park became the first female president as well as the first child of a former president to be elected in South Korea. Madam Park is the first woman to lead a country where Parliament, the cabinet and corporate boardrooms are predominantly male and the gender income gap is the widest among member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. She emerged as the president despite being in a heavily male-dominated community and country.

Milestone for Women in Positions of Power

Even before she was elected, there was constant discussion on what Park’s potential win would mean for women in South Korea. Park used her gender as a pitch for her campaign. The three words that most often appeared in her advertisements were “Ready female president” (MacKinnon).

The Washington Post said that if Park wins, it would “represent a major symbolic breakthrough in a region underpinned by Confucianism, a Chinese-born philosophy that says women should be obedient to their husbands” (Ms. Park’s Role). Similarly, The Globe and Mail in Canada declared, “Should she win, Ms. Park will blaze a new trail for women in a deeply patriarchal country” (MacKinnon). It would be a transformation of norms when thinking of occupations based on gender. Park could help “normalize the idea of women holding positions of power.” Beyond the government, The Washington Post declared that this could open opportunities for women even in the corporate world or at universities (Ms. Park’s Role). According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, South Korea ranks 108 among 135 countries in terms of gender inequality (Choe).  

Exceeding a transformation on solely a national level, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and Africa wished that Madam Park’s election “mark another milestone for women leadership in the world.”  Other female leaders around the world include German chancellor Angela Merkel, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff and Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra (Lee). In the All Africa Newspaper (Monrovia), the writer discusses President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s message of congratulations to Madam Park Geun-Hye.  President Sirleaf congratulated Madam Park on her win as the first female president of the Republic of South Korea. She stated that she received the news with “profound pleasure.” Sirleaf recalled her moment of victory as the first elected female President of Liberia and Africa. President Sirleaf contended, “I appreciate the remarkable opportunity as well as the enormous challenge that now confront you.” She hoped that Park could serve as a “shining inspiration” to women and girls around the world and encourage them to “work towards making meaningful contributions to the progress of their societies.” 

‘Madam President Park’

It is curious to examine the new questions that arise with the election of a female president. One conversation that spurred was what to call the new president. The Korea Times checked to see what title is most appropriate for President Park Geun-Hye. The unanimous decision: ‘Madam.’ The Korea Times consulted with scholars, ambassadors, and businesspeople alike. Concerning appropriateness, given her position as the head of state at age of 61 and unmarried, they decided ‘Madam’ (Jung).

This dialogue does not often occur for it is usually clear how to address a superior. However, there was much question on whether they should address Park as ‘Madam’ or ‘Ms.” and which is more appropriate.  The conclusion ended with ‘Madam.’ Kathleen Butterly Nigro, a gender studies professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis disclosed, “Madam is an honorary title and is appropriate to recognize her position in the government… The title ‘Ms.’ … carries social implications that are irrelevant.” The latter title is more informal and personal, but that is not what the paper is aiming for. When Madam is used, the “prestige of the position is what gets highlighted” rather than “an individual's personal traits” (Jung).

            Madam was previously used when referring to a married woman but is now a title of respect. According to Collins COBUILD Dictionary, “Madam is a very formal and polite way of addressing a woman… who is of a superior rank.” In addition, it can imply that the woman is “powerful, self-possessed, and self-determined in her own right.”

Most of the female leaders around the world are addressed as Madam President. Canadian Ambassador to Korea agreed and noted, in Canada, she will be referred to as Madam President Park Geun-Hye. Although ‘Miss’ or ‘Ms.’ are titles that should be accepted as well and are technically correct for the leader because she has never been married, it is inappropriate.

Mother of the Country

Park Geun-Hye is seen as a symbol of a girl who grew up before the nation's eyes to become a national mother figure. Madame Park looks “eerily reminiscent” of her mother, whom South Korean history books have cast as the nation's “ultimate first lady - a martyr” (Kim).  Park’s approach to gaining the hearts of the people was to call them her family. She stated, “I have no family to take care of and no children to pass wealth to. You, the people, are my family and your happiness is the reason that I stay in politics.” She launched her presidential bid as a paternalistic “National Happiness Campaign”, but made sure to reassure voters that democratic values were the principle of her politics (McElroy). The International Herald Tribune also mentions that during the campaign, Madam Park “borrowed a page from that script” by reminding voters that she, having never married or had children, had “nobody to mother except the people” (Kim).

Legacy as Former Dictator’s Daughter

Controversy and discussion on now-President Park stretches beyond the lengths of gender issues. Several news sites focus on gender but additionally, make a turn and zoom onto Park’s past and her “legacy.” This topic was widely talked about during the race. MacKinnon writes, “But gender issues are on the sidelines of this race.” He refers to the election as a “referendum on the legacy” of Park Chung-Hee, Park’s father (MacKinnon).

Much of her “core support” derived from fond memories of the rule of her father. Park Chung-Hee led South Korea for 18 years before he was assassinated. Although he is regarded as a “repressive autocrat,” he is also considered the “genius” who helped transform South Korea from an “economic backwater into one of the most affluent places on Earth.”  Under his leadership, South Korea turned from a country where per capita income was just $100 a year into what is now a global economic powerhouse whose smartphones, cars and ships are exported around the world (Choe). During the 18-year dictatorship, South Korea’s economy was transformed into the fourth largest in Asia (McElroy). Lee Yeon-Hee, a 65-year old grandmother reveals” When I was young, I had nothing to eat and couldn’t go to school. Park Chung-Hee gave us our daily meal… Park Geun-hye is his daughter. She has the leadership skills to help South Korea recover from the economic situation we're facing” (MacKinnon). The Globe and Mail author describes Park in the way that he sees those who support Park Geun-Hye.  He talks of her “legacy” and her “genius” of a father. He also states that Park is seen as having inherited her fathers “legendary toughness.”

Suki Kim offers a new perspective on the support from the older generation. She describes how her own parents supported Park’s election. They “expressed the collective sentiment of the 50-60 generation when they explained to me why: they feel sorry for her and indebted to her, because she has been all alone” (Kim).

A main factor in the election was whether or not the people felt the candidate could help the country come back from the economic situation. “South Koreans say her first duty is to rescue their slowing economy” (Kim). This is why her father’s legacy was so crucial in her election. The way in which her father renewed and completely rejuvenated South Korea’s economy in the past was an encouraging concept for the people to remember with Park Geun-Hye.  However, Suki Kim reveals an even different viewpoint:

I find that strange - nostalgia whitewashing the past. Park Geun-Hye has never rated pity; she is a modern-day princess born to privilege inherited from a ruthless dictator. Yes, her father elevated South Korea's economy. But he also tortured dissidents and changed the constitution to keep himself in power. He left South Koreans thirsting for democracy, and while they were building it in the 1980s and '90s, they largely dismissed him as an oppressor - until his daughter returned, pulling on their heartstrings. We can only hope the dynamic will be different now.

Moreover, unlike her father, who had kept South Korea orderly, Madam Park must struggle to win back younger and liberal South Koreans who “have no fear of speaking out against her.” Several comments were made in the blogosphere against her including both her past and the present. When she named Queen Elizabeth I as her role model, many “[berated] her sense of entitlement.” They openly called her election a “return to the past” and argued that many of the country’s current problems were a direct influence of her father. In addition, she was accused of “glorifying his dictatorship” (Choe).  

After her win, in downtown Seoul, Park said before a cheering crowd of supporters that her win is “a victory brought by the aspiration of the people to overcome crisis and resurrect the economy.” She vowed to be a president who is “devoted to the public livelihood” and “keeps her promises” (Lee).  

Tension between the Koreas

Jo Dong-ho, a professor at Ewha Women’s University in Seoul, declared “[Park Geun-Hye] was born to be a conservative and security-minded. As a young woman, when she first heard of her father's assassination, she did not cry or ask how he died, but rather the first thing she did was to ask whether everything was all right along the border with North Korea” (Choe). There are strong tensions on the North Korean front, and in addition to this, her presidency adds a family rivalry into relations between the two Koreas. Under Park Chung-Hee, her father, a staunchly anti-Communist conservative mainstream took root in South Korea. The current North Korean leader is Kim Jong-un, the grandson of the North Korean founder, who sent 31 commandos in 1968 in a failed attempt to attack the Blue House and kill Ms. Park’s father.

Madam Park was elected right around the same time that North Korea performed its third nuclear testing. She starts her term amid a “growing frustration over decades of U.S.-led efforts to end North Korea's nuclear weapons development,” and many are calling for a more active role by South Korea. “I will move forward step-by-step on the basis of credible deterrence to build trust between the South and the North,” the President said. The International Herald Tribune author, Choe Sang-Hun, writes, “Whatever move she makes, the stakes will be high.” It is important for her to be careful in her steps because it is the start of her term. It will help “set the pace and tone of the policies of other regional powers.” Mr. Bong states, “Everyone is watching her, including North Korea.” Other International Herald Tribune writer, Shin Gi-Wook, reveals what Americans are considering in this situation. The critical questions are whether Park Geun-Hye will be “both a strong leader and a good partner in dealing with the increasing North Korean threat.” Shin declares that Park comes “with some weighty baggage.” It is a very casual way of discussing the president’s position in the conflict, but places a stronger emphasis on her history. However, he counteracts his “weighty baggage statement” by stating, “But like other daughters of charismatic Asian leaders, such as Indira Gandhi and Megawati Sukarnoputri, Park is formidable in her own right. She rescued her party twice from the brink of collapse, earning her a reputation as the ‘queen of elections’” (Shin).

            It is unclear what will happen with the North Korean conflict, and how South Koreans and the world will react to Madam President Park Geun-Hye’s decisions. The stakes are high and there really is no definite direction she is currently heading in. There are strong tensions, and whatever decisions she makes could be monumental or detrimental. 

WORKS CITED

Choe, Sang-Hun. "Daughter of a Dictator, Leader of a Democracy." The International Herald

Tribune 26 Feb. 2013. LexisNexis. Web. 27 Feb. 2013.

"First Elected Female President of Korea Applauded." AllAfrica Newspapers (Monrovia) 28 Dec.

2012. LexisNexis. Web. 27 Feb. 2013.

Jung, Min-ho. "'Madam is More Appropriate'." Korea Times 6 Jan. 2013. LexisNexis. 27 Feb.

2013.

Kim, Suki. "South Korea's National Mother Figure." The International Herald Tribune 25 Feb.

2013: 8. LexisNexis. Web. 27 Feb. 2013.

Lee, Joo-Hee. "Korea Gets First Female President." The Korea Herald 20 Dec. 2012. LexisNexis.

27 Feb. 2013.

MacKinnon, Mark. "Dictator's daughter looks to make history." The Globe and Mail

(Canada) 19 Dec. 2012. LexisNexis. 27 Feb. 2013.

McElroy, Damien. "Assassinated Dictator's Daughter Becomes First Female President of South

Korea." The Daily Telegraph (London) 20 Dec. 2012, 2 ed. LexisNexis. 27 Feb. 2013.

"Ms. Park's Role in Korea's Women's rights Still Disputed." Korea Times 19 Dec.

2012. LexisNexis. 27 Feb. 2013.

Shin, Gi-Wook, and David Straub. "A Tough Woman in a Tough Job." The International Herald

Tribune. 21 Dec. 2012.LexisNexis. 27 Feb. 2013.

Images in Stories

In the New York Times, the article “Children in U.S. Are Eating Fewer Calories, Study Finds” discusses the recent federal analyses which show that children in the U.S. “consumed fewer calories in 2010 than they did a decade before.” From 1999, calorie consumption per day for boys decreased about 7 percent and for girls, decreased about 4 percent. The author reveals reasons why this may be true and how this might influence obesity rates. In recent years, obesity rates for children in the U.S. have been flat. However, some cities seem to show a decline in obesity rate. Experts say that “The new evidence of a lower calorie intake for children may also foreshadow a broader national shift.”

The article includes two different photographs that help enhance the ideas and key points. The images were placed shrunken down on the left side. The first photo is above the other. Both have the capacity to be enlarged. The placement and shrunken size show that the images are not a huge part of the article, but are there as a supplement to it. The images may have had more of an impact if they were made larger. They are very small in relation to the text and do not take up a large amount of space in the article. Having them larger might make them more effective although both can be enlarged.

	Ruth Fremson/The New York Times Balanced meals at the Blue School in Lower Manhattan. A drop in carbohydrate consumption drove the decline, research showed.

The first image has the caption “balanced meals at the Blue School in Lower Manhattan. A drop in carbohydrate consumption drove the decline, research showed.” The image shows a young girl in a cafeteria eating a school lunch. There is a tray placed in front of her and she is eating a banana. It refers to the chunk of the article that considers the potential correlation between carbohydrate consumption and obesity. Also, it presents the idea of children eating more “balanced meals” which in turn may have fewer carbohydrates than in the past.

	Jessica Kourkounis for The New York Times A salad for lunch at the William H. Ziegler Elementary School in North Philadelphia. The calorie drop surprised researchers.

The second image has the caption, “A salad for lunch at the William H. Ziegler Elementary School in North Philadelphia. The calorie drop surprised researchers.” The image is a photograph of a young boy mid-bite while eating a salad. This refers to the general idea of the article that children are consuming fewer calories as a whole.

            Both pictures contain simple, straightforward captions. Each of the captions has two sentences. The first part of the caption labels the picture and gives it context. It offers general background information on the location of the photograph. The first image was taken at a school in Lower Manhattan while the second image was taken at an elementary school in North Philadelphia. The second part of the caption describes how the picture is relevant to the article. With these two sentences for the caption, the author makes it easy to understand the photographs and why they are there in relation to the article.

            For the most part, the two images will stir emotion from people who like children. Those who have their own children or have adoration for children may find the images to be emotionally appealing. The first image contains a young girl and her friend during a regular meal at school. It appears that they have similar meals and are having lunch at this school. The second image is zoomed in on the single boy eating his salad with chocolate milk. The images are likely to draw a parental or child-loving audience because of the appeal. These audiences are more likely to be interested in the article and find the images to be “cute.”

A large portion of the article discusses fast food, but neither of the images references the idea that the amount of fast food consumption has a strong relationship with obesity rates. A photograph of this relationship would have been helpful. Additionally, a chart or graph with statistics on decline of calorie intake over the years may have been a more effective image for expressing the purpose of the article. However, the images work well in the article as a way to see what types of meals children are eating today that equates to a smaller calorie intake this decade. Although other images may have been more effective, both images help enhance the and relate to the main points of the article.

Link to article: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/21/us/children-in-us-are-eating-fewer-calories-study-finds.html?ref=health&_r=0

Out of Context

In the New York Times, Errol Morris discusses the relationship between images and statements in “Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire." He begins by explaining that each image is either "true" or "false." He declares, "the issue of the truth or falsity of a photograph is only meaningful with respect to statements about the photograph."  The statements that we make about a photograph is what indicates truth. In this way, he feels that a photography without captions is really... meaningless. "All alone — shorn of context, without captions — a photograph is neither true nor false." Morris says that practically, a  photograph should stand alone. "They are only true or false with respect to statements that we make about them or the questions that we might ask of them." 

I don't know if I fully agree with the way that Morris describes the meaning and significance of photographs. I never really thought about photographs that way. Sure, you can't tell if a photograph is "true or false" in his terms without context, but I see photographs in a much more artistic setting. Rather, I observe the beauty of photographs. The lighting, the quality, etc etc. Granted, I am no photographer, but I feel that photographs can hold truth when by themselves. At times, there is the necessity for a photograph to be labeled and explained, but many times, a picture alone is not just a picture, it tells a story. It can be left up to our interpretation, just as art is. Just as writing is. Artists, and in this case, photographers, have their own goal for creating a piece, but for the most part, beyond a simple title, the meaning of a work of art is often left to the viewer's discretion.  
However, I understand Morris's point on the significance of labels and context. There are times where a picture just doesn't make as much sense without a caption. The caption offers a meaning, a description, a clarification. 

Take these photographs for example. What do they mean to you? 
Most likely, they mean nothing. They just look like random pieces of art. 

However, when I see these photographs, it has a very strong significance. To me, this is a compilation of my own art pieces. These are my works that I created in my pottery classes throughout my latter three years of high school. 
The first is a fountain that we made (without water, but it can actually function as a fountain). The second on the middle top is... well it's sort of just a tube. It was an extruder project, it pushes out clay in shapes, in this case a cylinder. The third is a koala. Koalas are my favorite animal. The left bottom picture is of a lion. The bottom middle was for a sphere project. The designs are random, it's glazed. The last is from a project where we had to create a stick-man. These are only my pieces from Pottery 1 and Pottery 2, and they are not all my favorites. They mean a lot more now, don't they? I think you could have figured out most of it, you just saw them differently from me. Now you understand how I see them. 

Now look at this photograph. I think it can stand alone. Sure, it would be nice to know the location of the photograph, but it doesn't really change the beauty of it. It doesn't really change the way we see it. 

I guess it can go both ways. It depends on who is viewing the photograph, whether the photograph is personal or off the web, whether it is a portrait or a landscape... so many things go into a photograph. I think Morris has a very narrow, limited view when saying that an image without context is not true or false. 

Adapting A Perspective

In Joseph Harris’s Rewriting chapter “Taking An Approach,” he discusses yet another way of adaptation in writing to make it your own. Harris defines “Taking An Approach” differently than forwarding because it is not using a passage or idea from a previous text, but rather it is rewriting another writer’s mode or style of working. To Harris, rewriting in this manner “offers a sense of what mots drives the work of intellectuals and writers.” In this process, the comprehension and feedback is not in the text but is in the writer. You are supposed to observe and analyze the attitude of a writer, the influences that transform the writing, and the constraints that are acknowledge and responded to.

There are three main types of taking an approach: acknowledging influences, turning an approach on itself, and reflexivity. Acknowledging influences is using a writer’s work as a model. This includes recognizing deep influences, defining how these influences direct your work, and showing how your approach diverges from that of the author. Turning an approach on itself is asking the same questions that a writer asks of others. In order to do this, you must first come to terms with the text, counter it, and then take an approach of your own in order to forward your thinking. When thinking, you must alternate between thinking like the writer and seeing the problems of his or her thinking and then appreciating this use or holding a skeptical view. Reflexivity is noting and reflecting on choices in constructing text. The writer must reflect on the choices that he or she has made in taking a certain approach. It is important to recognize and acknowledge all of the other kinds of influences on your writing. This includes bias which is normally shaped by values and past experiences. 

1. Vulnerability - 2. Finding Strength
An example can of "taking an approach" can be seen in these above two articles. 
In the first article, the writer explains that "by showing people who you are (flaws, quirks and all), and ‘letting them in,’ you’re demonstrating vulnerability in a positive light. You’re asking to be seen." She then uses the the story of Sahil Dhingra, whose article she describes as having a similar theme. She is asking the same questions that he is asking. They both come to the same conclusion on the impact of opening up. They both answer the question of how vulnerability can strengthen you, although they answer it in different ways.