For my first post, I have decided to respond to a comment and article that my new friend Marshall shared:
“Just ran across this incredibly interesting article about bringing surfing to North Korea. Could promoting surfing in North Korea “create a peaceful relationship with North Korea and the rest of the world”, or is it just another opportunity to exploit surfing by painting a pretty picture of exploration in order to ignore social injustices within a country with an ideal coastline? Many people have already commented on the article finding it impossible to implement “surfing diplomacy” in a country like North Korea. Others have suggested that the power of surfing could play a beneficial role since it is a unique sport that can dilute divisive social borders. Further, some people have left comments saying that surfing and politics should not be mixed. Curious to hear your thoughts.” -Marshall Grossman
Thank you, Marshall, for sharing this article and your comments! This illustrates an interesting conundrum that I have been thinking about. On one hand, I think that oppressed people (e.g. North Korean citizens) meeting people from more democratic countries (e.g. travelling surfers) will surely advance peace to some extent. Surfers make pretty darn good ambassadors, and I struggle to think of a downside to promoting freedom. I think individuals make big differences all the time, and would aspire to do so more often if impacts were measurable.
On the other hand, the North Korean government is so oppressive that it seems like all interaction is orchestrated to the point where it would be nearly impossible for a genuine connection to be forged. I also have to question why the North Korean government would allow foreign surfers to visit in the first place. How is the government hoping to benefit? Do we want to support this motive? After all, we are talking about “leaders” who regulate haircuts. http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/02/25/these-are-north-koreas-28-state-approved-hairstyles/
Marshall’s line about “exploiting surfing” really struck me. I had previously thought of indigenous people and the environment as being exploited, but never the sport of surfing itself. It seems to me that surfers (and the culture which they hail from) are the ones doing the exploiting, but as always, I am open to debate. 😉
The comment that “surfing and politics should not be mixed” reveals a naive perspective. Whether you do something or do nothing, you are making a choice. If a person chooses to be ignorant and avoid thinking about repercussions, this does not mean the person’s actions/inactions will not have real affects. This applies within ones’ own country and abroad.
I am so interested to know what everybody else thinks!
Kate
Finding the Good 