North Korea Culture Vs American Culture

“Culture is the intersection of people and life itself. It’s how we deal with life, love, death, birth, disappointment… All of that is expressed in culture.” This quote was created by Wendell Pierce, an American who felt that we did not fully grasp the concept of culture. Culture is thinking, acting, and objects that are a part of an individual’s life. The two types of culture are material and nonmaterial, the physical things and ideas formed by people. To truly understand a culture, you must expose yourself to other cultures around the world. By doing this, you broaden your mind to the different lifestyles of the people around you. When exposed to an unfamiliar way of life you may experience a culture shock. Ethnocentric individuals are very

North Korea has a keen eye on its inhabitants, whereas America is looser with control. When laws are violated, North Korea tends to have harsher punishments compared to the U.S. They have prison camps in North Korea, where they mine, log, and complete other agricultural tasks. These tasks benefit the government by supplying them with materials to produce goods. Our rehabilitation is similar, we have our prisoners farm and weld so that when they leave they may be a proper citizen and benefit society. Those in North Korean prison camps are often political enemies, around 40% die from malnutrition while in these camps. In North Korea, if an individual commits a crime then their 3-generations is punished along with them. They do this to lower the chances that the people will revolt or disobey, since their loved one’s lives are at stake as well. This causes them to be more self-conscious about their actions and scared of the consequences. Since North Korea has 3 TV shows allowed, all of which are approved by their supreme leader, media does not have such a strong influence on their actions. Those who broadcast their own shows or watch foreign shows are severely punished, which is not the case in America. North Korea does not want their people to be exposed to the outside world’s culture and influence, so they filter the material that is carried into the country. This helps them remain “pure”, the leader may adopt any traditions or regulations that he wishes, and his people are unaware how this is perceived in other