Just watched a documentary on North Korea, through the lives of 2 girls who trained hard for the mass games i.e. NK's national day parade. They were gymnasts and their lives revolve arounds their family, school and training... Those who made the cut were selected to display their skill at the mass games. It's also from the interviews of these girls that I took a peek into the lives of the north koreans in Pyong Yang.
Every household is given a radio wired up by the govt and placed in the kitchen. The radio can't be turned off except by adjusting the volume. Messages about the great leader would be played 24/7. TV programs only come on for 5 hours a day and heroes of the land would be played over and over again. Even the cartoons were about young boys and girls wanting to join the people's army and serving the general. At school, one of the history lesson shown was about the great leader and his attributes which are, Great Ideology, Great LEadership - oops i forgot the last one. They openly talk about the US being the Imperialist and their greatest enemy. While they do not have CNN or BCC, the students were able to answer the teacher when she asked, who is the US attacking now? They unanimously replied, "Iraq". Talk about brainwash.
The girls were finally selected to participate in the mass games. The night before, the older girl had this longing look on her eye, wondering to herself, if the general would be there to see her perform. She said, if he can't be there, she would be very disappointed. Her grandma consoled by sayin, "The General may be busy with the affairs of the country, that is more important, even if he can't be there, don't be too disappointed." (paraphrased). Indeed, the General wasn't there for the performance and he didn't turn up at all for the next 20 days as these performers did their act twice a day for the next 20 days.
The adoration for their great leader was simply astounding. They lived for the General. Parents' hope for their children was that they could serve the People's army - if they are boys or serve the country in whatever capacity. If the government can't provide for them, they will not blame the government. Instead, they will learn to provide for themselves. Everybody is trained to think as a team and never as an individual.
It's also very surprising that you don't see pushing and shoving when boarding the bus despite the long queues. Everyone behaves in an orderly manner.
This ideology is deeply embedded in every NKorean. It's a socialism they are happy and contented with. It is spiritual as well. On a visit to the sacred mountain called paedu peak - where legend has it that the leader or country came from this mountain. The girl who visited this mountain said that by thinking of the scenes from the mountain, it has strengthened her will to continue to train hard for the mass games eventhough it was very tiring for her.
they only have one goal: live to please the general.
Every household is given a radio wired up by the govt and placed in the kitchen. The radio can't be turned off except by adjusting the volume. Messages about the great leader would be played 24/7. TV programs only come on for 5 hours a day and heroes of the land would be played over and over again. Even the cartoons were about young boys and girls wanting to join the people's army and serving the general. At school, one of the history lesson shown was about the great leader and his attributes which are, Great Ideology, Great LEadership - oops i forgot the last one. They openly talk about the US being the Imperialist and their greatest enemy. While they do not have CNN or BCC, the students were able to answer the teacher when she asked, who is the US attacking now? They unanimously replied, "Iraq". Talk about brainwash.
The girls were finally selected to participate in the mass games. The night before, the older girl had this longing look on her eye, wondering to herself, if the general would be there to see her perform. She said, if he can't be there, she would be very disappointed. Her grandma consoled by sayin, "The General may be busy with the affairs of the country, that is more important, even if he can't be there, don't be too disappointed." (paraphrased). Indeed, the General wasn't there for the performance and he didn't turn up at all for the next 20 days as these performers did their act twice a day for the next 20 days.
The adoration for their great leader was simply astounding. They lived for the General. Parents' hope for their children was that they could serve the People's army - if they are boys or serve the country in whatever capacity. If the government can't provide for them, they will not blame the government. Instead, they will learn to provide for themselves. Everybody is trained to think as a team and never as an individual.
It's also very surprising that you don't see pushing and shoving when boarding the bus despite the long queues. Everyone behaves in an orderly manner.
This ideology is deeply embedded in every NKorean. It's a socialism they are happy and contented with. It is spiritual as well. On a visit to the sacred mountain called paedu peak - where legend has it that the leader or country came from this mountain. The girl who visited this mountain said that by thinking of the scenes from the mountain, it has strengthened her will to continue to train hard for the mass games eventhough it was very tiring for her.
they only have one goal: live to please the general.
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