In the classroom

Well I found all of the local pizza joints, so much for losing weight. The actual class portion of our trip has been really interesting so far. We have discussed many different ethical topics and how they compare between our two countries. In a nutshell we have discussed death, energy, and cloning so far. We went in depth on suicide and discussed the motives, methods, and consequences. This topic was rather sensitive because the former Korean president recently commit suicide by jumping from a cliff to save his family and himself from the shame caused by multiple bribery scandals. I am not an expert on this particular topic so I didn't say much, but all of the Korean students in the class disagreed with the president's decision, but apparently the older population supported it and consider him a sort of hero for doing so. It is a very interesting situation, because Michael Jackson recently passed away and he had been getting a lot of negative attention until his death. Now all I hear is praise for the "King of Pop." Both Michael Jackson and the Korean president made controversial decisions during their lifetimes, yet they were both revered in death. It appears we are not so different after all.

We also discussed assisted suicide and whether or not people should be allowed "death with dignity." The first euthanasia was also just recently attempted in Korea. The family had their grandmother on a respirator while she was in a comma and attempted to allow her to peacefully pass on by simply turning of the respirator. To everyone's surprise the grandmother did not die, but simply continued to breath on her own. Obviously this has contemplated the situation and left many questions unanswered. Is the grandmother in pain? Is she in less pain breathing on her own? Would she welcome death now? Did she even want to die? Was this a divine sign that she was not meant to die? Should people be allowed to die whenever and however they wish? Should people be allowed to determine when and how other people die? In my opinion these are all questions with no definite correct answer, but nonetheless good to consider. I believe more of these situations will occur in the future for both Korea and the United States, and the first few cases are very likely to determine the outcomes of the latter ones, for better or worse. This is why it is so important to pay attention to and play an active part in the world around us. Whether we like it or not our world is changed every day by religion, politics, and media, and if we chose not to learn and make informed decisions concerning what we watch, listen to, and believe some one else will. When and if it comes time for someone to chose whether I live or die, I want that someone to be. I am now going to go look for a waffle. Until next time- Josh