North Korea & Hysteria, Madness

22 Pages Posted: 21 May 2015 Last revised: 10 Jul 2020

See all articles by Niccolo Leo Caldararo

Niccolo Leo Caldararo

San Francisco State University - Department of Anthropology

Date Written: May 19, 2015

Abstract

The symbolic value of North Korea in contemporary global politics is discussed in historic and cultural context. The relationship of Japan, China and invasions and trade relations is considered over the past 2000 years as well as in the past century. The role of Japanese and Chinese competition for the Korean peninsula is incorporated into the post-WWII anti-Americanism and anti-communism of the area especially post-WWII dictatorships in South Korea. The post-Cold War image of North Korea has become increasingly tragicomic and irrational. It is the essential “Other” today and reflects all that is not embodied the nature of a modern humanity. This characterization extends from the leaders to the people who are illustrated in the news, films and other media in the west as childish, animal-like or brutalized as if devoid of intelligence or humanity. The effect has only to continue conflict and isolation.

Keywords: North Korea, South Korea, World War II, Korean Conflict, Park Dictatorship

JEL Classification: N25, N45, P31, R50

Suggested Citation

Caldararo, Niccolo Leo, North Korea & Hysteria, Madness (May 19, 2015). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2608168 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2608168

Niccolo Leo Caldararo (Contact Author)

San Francisco State University - Department of Anthropology ( email )

1600 Holloway Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94132
United States
415-453-9064 (Phone)

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