YOUR Yellow Dust

Korea is a nationalist society. They are proud as can be about their people, their superstars, their culture, their food, and their traditions. So much so that they think that other nations are as impressed with the country as they are. Sure, they make some good food, but what do you really know about Korea?

If you'd asked me about nine months ago, I'd have said, "nothing".

To be fair, if you ask any other nation how much they know about Canada, you'd be hard pressed to find someone from, say, America, who could name the provinces (or even that we have provinces), our Prime Minister, and three flagship recording artists. When the Tragically Hip play here in Korea, it is only a small handful of people who bob their heads to the folky melodies. Herein lies the hilarity.

When Canadians are faced with an international human who knows nothing of his or her culture, the Canadian sort of makes fun of his or her own nation. Of course you don't know who the Barenaked Ladies are ("is that some nudie bar in New Jersey?") and that our capital is Ottawa ("no it isn't. It's Toronto."). And we're okay with that. In fact, if you do know about the fact that we have provinces, we are actually thankful that you paid attention in that one hour-long class about "international relations" in your high school history or government class.

Koreans don't do this, however. They ask, quite seriously, if I know who G-Dragon is or some even more obscure Korean pop artist. Uh, no. Because the music is smarmy pap that no one actually likes, but listens to because it's everywhere.

The most recent example of this laughable trait the Koreans have is in regards to the Yellow Dust. I have been asked about ten times this week alone if we have Yellow Dust in Canada. Um, Canada is the cleanest, most awesome place on EARTH (that might be stretching it, but I really like my home). So no, we don't have Yellow Dust. Because we don't have a desert nearby. Sure, we are polluted and Canada (ahem...Hamilton) is pretty gross at times, but come ON.

So no, Korea, we don't know who your singers are.
We'll learn, but we don't know fresh off the plane.
And no, we don't have Yellow Dust where we're from.
Not even close.
Good day.