NORTH KOREA

North Korea: A Study of Conformity and Control

Overview of Conformity

  • In North Korea, conformity is enforced as citizens are expected to think, look, and behave the same way, leading to the suppression of individuality.

  • The ideology emphasizes that personal benefits must align with the greater good of society; if an individual’s needs don’t support the state, they are disregarded.

Surveillance and Fear Tactics

  • Citizens live under constant surveillance, knowing they are always being watched.

  • The government instills fear through threats of imprisonment or harm to family members for dissent or non-conformity.

Current Political Landscape

  • North Korea is considered the most isolated nation, ruled by Kim Jong Il, often referred to as the "dear leader," who leads a highly militarized regime.

  • Kim Jong Il was the second Supreme Leader, following Kim Il Sung, and his governance continues with Kim Jong Un, who became the new leader in 2011.

Isolation and International Relations

  • The documentary discusses the border situation between North and South Korea, highlighting the militarized nature of the divide, and the North's perspective of the U.S. as imperialistic.

  • North Korea spans an area comparable to Greece with approximately 23 million people, all under the tyrannical rule of Kim Jong Il.

Daily Life and Humanitarian Issues

Medical Conditions

  • The documentary follows the efforts of an eye surgeon, Dr. Sanjeev Ruet, aiming to provide cataract surgeries in North Korea, where there is a dire lack of basic medical facilities.

  • Patients suffer from neglect in medical care leading to high rates of blindness.

The Hospital Experience

  • Facilities are often under-equipped, and the documentary aims to reveal the condition of hospitals typically hidden behind state propaganda.

  • Dr. Ruet hopes to perform over 1,000 surgeries within a short timeline, emphasizing the urgency given the high number of blind citizens.

Government Control and Propaganda

  • The North Korean government controls all media, ensuring that citizens only receive information that glorifies the regime.

  • Propaganda is pervasive, trying to portray a facade of normalcy and prosperity, which contrasts sharply with dire actual conditions.

  • The documentary documents that the hospitals, while showcasing advanced equipment, lack trained personnel.

Cultural and Historical Context

Historical Tensions

  • The Korean War (1950-1953) left the peninsula divided and created lasting animosity, with no formal peace treaty signed.

  • The legacy of the Japanese colonization and subsequent control by superpowers has influenced the North Korean psyche, emphasizing self-reliance through the Juche ideology.

Juche Ideology

  • Juche or self-reliance is a philosophy established by Kim Il Sung, advocating for independence from external forces, even amid starvation and hardship.

  • This ideology, while promoting national strength, is used to justify the regime's oppressive tactics and disregard for human rights.

The Reality of Life in North Korea

Perspective on Leadership

  • The film explores the personality cult surrounding Kim family members, detailing how citizens are indoctrinated to revere them.

  • Many North Koreans live without awareness of their lacking conditions, as the regime controls all resources and information.

Human Rights Violations

  • Concentration camps exist, where dissenters and their families face inhumane treatment. Camps are often large, holding thousands.

  • Access to basic necessities is controlled, and the humanitarian crisis manifests through widespread malnutrition among children and adults alike.

Conclusion

  • The documentary serves as a critical lens into North Korea, revealing the profound impact of conformity, propaganda, and human rights abuses on the population.

  • The success of individual missions, like Dr. Ruet’s surgeries, highlights the potential for aid amidst a backdrop of dire conditions.