Nationalism

The highly anticipated Beijing Olympics are underway. Michael Phelps' pursuit of eight golds dominate the storylines, as well as the pageantry of the opening ceremonies. There are rags-to-riches stories as well as athletes exceeding expectations. The Olympics have the special ability to bring together the world in competition, even in the midst of war and conflict. It's amazing to see how countries of all sizes rally around their athletes as they compete for a medal.

That's been the case for Koreans. Park Tae Hwan became the first Korean to medal in a swimming event in the Olympics when he won gold in the 400m freestyle. Immediately, every Korean beamed with pride as the eighteen-year-old rose to the podium to receive his gold. The small country came upon a new hero right from the start, stirring up even more nationalism.

As a Korean-American, I'm torn as to which athletes to root for. On one hand, I feel an affinity towards South Korea, the place of my birth. On the other, I've been raised most of my life in the United States. Perhaps this is the heart issue for most, if not all, immigrants to America. Does one stay loyal to his/her country of origin/heritage? Or embrace the country to which they have come to live in?

When I watch the Olympics these days, I've learned to embrace both aspects of my culture, as a Korean and as an American. I cheer on the Korean archers as they dominate the bow and arrow; I cheer on the American basketball team as they trounce helpless teams. But if ever the two countries would go head to head, I believe I would have to rally behind the Koreans. Perhaps it's because Korea is the Davids among the Goliaths; perhaps it's because my parents have succeeded in indoctrinating Korean pride. I don't know what it is, but Korea is where my heart is when it comes to international sports competition.