portrayals

the new york times is running an article about elite korean students seeking to attend us schools.


i wasn't impressed with their portrayal of the students as stuperstudyasians keeping in mind the fact that they actually DONT study all the time:

“But we’re not only nerds!” interrupted Choi Jung-yun, who grew up in San
Diego. Minjok students play sports, take part in many clubs and even have a
rock band, she said. Ambassador Vershbow, who plays the drums, confirmed
that with photographs that showed him jamming with Minjok’s rockers during a
visit to the school last year.

but admissions to top schools are based on more than just academics. although it's true that purely academic superstars get in too, the point at which these kids *are* doing extracurriculars is where i think a portrayal of them as kids that only study is unfair. furthermore, it plays into racial stereotypes that are comfortable for new york times readers - one where asians are smart, but lacking social skills (and unfulfilled).

on the other hand, the new york times loves publishing articles about the fall of america because of its educational system - the most 'threatening' thing would be smart koreans who are social as well. so maybe the article wasn't entirely wrong.


(sorry for the bad alignment, i can't fix it easily)