Weekly Discussion

What do you think prompted so many Koreans into direct action against Japanese colonial rule? How much of it do you think was the language of the March 1, 1919 Declaration of Independence, and how much were other factors that Shin mentions? Answer this question by thinking about what might prompt you into actions at some moments and not at others. Have you ever felt compelled to act in ways that surprised you?

I think the main reason for Korea’s upraise against Japanese colonial rule is the desire to build a prosperous country. They have to reach political independent in order to achieve this goal. In the history of East Asia, Korean barely maintain the independence in politics. Korea had a long time tribute relation with China, after China loses the Chinese-Japanese war, Korea was forced to be a colony of Japan.

This submissive relationship no doubt hurts the interest of Korean people, because the colonist would make rules best to their interest instead of Korean people. In the lecture, the professor mentions that, Japanese Fertilizer company treated Korean workers in an inhumane by ignoring their health in the production, and paying them unequally. The “1919 Declaration of Independence” also mentions that Korean was a victim of foreign agony and they must be independent to ensure the development of human dignity and prosperous.

If I was a worker at the fertilization factory, I would no doubt have the hatred for my Japanese bosses, who paid me poorly and requires me to put my life at risk for the benefit of him. As a result, I wish that my country is independent, so that my interest is protected. When I was a child, my parents forced to do a lot of extra homework, and constantly told me off for the my mistakes in the problem set. One day, I can’t hold it any more, and I yield at my parents and run away from my home for 3 days. I never thought I have the courage to act against my parents, but their “ suppression” compelled me to fight for my “ independence”.