Asian Bikers - Are We So Different?

While fishing around the web, I stumbled on a blog by a Westerner currently living in Korea. In this particular post, the subject is Korean Motorcycle Culture. As I scanned through the text, it dawned on me that this fella (a rider himself I believe) must be of the “upper crust” of riding society. This conclusion came to me since his views, experience, knowledge, and understanding of the biker world, of bikers in general, were very limited. All the things he found “amusing…and completely different from …American culture” are actually quite common and “normal” here in the States. Anyone who’s ever been to a rally, bike show, poker run, etc. would have to agree with that. However, it was not what seemed like a limited understanding of the biker culture that got to me, it was the underlying cause of his bias, the belief behind his perception. I believe it was his prejudice that confined his view and clouded his understanding…his prejudice only permitted his eyes to see what his mind had already perceived. Below is the part of his post that struck me as most bias;

“Being a biker in America is the ultimate form of individuality and self-expression. Each bike is unique, and each rider is unique in his physical appearance, dress, style, and attitude. Although many may wear the same motorcycle club patch, each rider is a distinct individual..…….Like American bikers, Korean bikers are individuals outside of societal norms. However, in contrast to American bikers, who are separate from society and different from one another, Korean bikers tend to be separate from society and different in exactly the same way.”

And…of course, I had to “comment” his post. Here’s some of what I wrote;

“I’m not sure why you “see” an open vest, hairy chested, beer gut hanging, bearded rider here and “feel” his individuality though his looks are about as stereotypical as stereotypes are gonna get as far as bikers go. On the other hand, you seem to “assume” that just because the Koreans may dress similar, they are just being clones and surrendering their individuality…
Bottom line Jeff….they look funny and out or place, in your eyes, because they are Asians and you’ve been programmed all your life, directly or unconsciously, to associate Harleys/Cruisers/Bikers as an American “thing”.”

You can check on the blog posting yourself –

http://www.jsharrison.com/korea/2006/06/05/korean-motorcycle-culture/

I hope the few pics I’ve posted helps this guy expand his horizons a little. I mean, honestly, the whole issue of understanding and identifying with the “uniqueness” of the American Biker and the complete opposite feelings and lack of acceptance for the Korean Biker “clones” is just a LOAD OF SHIT! ....by the way, yes, I know not all bikers are dressed this way.

“same shit, different guy”

Asians - the driving experience!

Ever got cut-off by an Asian driver (usually older person) coming out of nowhere? Ever had one just come to a stop, put on their signal, and try to change lanes in “moving” traffic? Or have one ignore your proper attempt (signal and everything) to merge over to their lane? If you ever lived in or visited a densely populated Asian community here in the U.S.; Chinatowns, Vinatowns, etc. your answer would most likely be "yes", to at least one, if not all of the questions above.

Does this mean that Asians are naturally “bad” drivers? That Asians behind the wheel are callous and even rude? Do Asian drivers naturally think they “own” the road? For those of you who’ve been subjected to the Asian driving experience, as depicted above, I’m sure the accusations have crossed your mind and maybe even escaped your lips. Before we all jump at the opportunity to slam ‘those bad driving Asians’ with another stereotypical trait…let’s give the situation a closer look.


SEE VIDEO CLIPS >>>>>


Now, by no means do I propose that this is some sophisticated scientific study that produces substantial and indisputable facts…not at all. I’m just trying show a different perspective. Maybe, just maybe, some of these folks, especially the ones old enough to have lived a good part of their lives, up to this point, on foreign shores, are driving the only way they’ve known how. The clips clearly show rules of the road are quite different elsewhere…more like a survival of the fittest regiment.

True, true…they live here now and must learn to adhere to our laws and regulations. I agree wholeheartedly. However, until you’ve been placed in a foreign place, with foreign rules, foreign customs, and foreign peoples, assimilation is “just” a word, and as with most words, always easier said than done. Once again, I’m not looking to make excuses for these folks, I’m just trying to account for the “nature” vs “nurture” theory. The clips show that, if anything, Asians are pretty “good” drivers…to maneuver around all "that" and make it from point A to point B deserves a little recognition…no?


Here's another Utube clip to check out -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfSVAYEb0hg

HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR!!!

Year of the Rat

Celebrated in areas with large populations of ethnic Chinese, Chinese New Year is considered a major holiday for the Chinese and has had a strong influence on the new year celebrations of its geographic neighbors, as well as cultures with whom the Chinese have had extensive interaction. These include Koreans, Mongolians, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Vietnamese, and formerly the Japanese before 1873. In Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and other countries with significant Chinese populations, Chinese New Year is also celebrated, largely by overseas Chinese, but it is not part of the traditional culture of these countries.

wikipedia

The history of the Dragon Dance can be dated back to the Han Dynasty (180-230 AD) in ancient China and, like the lion dance, plays an important part in Chinese culture. The Dragon itself has always been regarded as a Sacred creature, symbolizing power, courage, righteousness and dignity amongst others. For this reason, the Chinese show great respect towards the dragon, and have always referred themselves as being Descendants of the Dragon as a sign of ethnic identity.

Dragons of the South

check out the lion/dragon international competion;

http://www.genting.com.my/en/live_ent/2000/liondance/video2000.htm

"may the sun shine on your face and the wind be at your back all through the year"