Beyond Internal Competition

• Power struggles within the 'narrow well' of the Korean community are limiting our standing and the future of the next generation
• Learning the power of openness and solidarity from other ethnic communities that have emerged as responsible citizens in mainstream society
• Moving toward an 'open diaspora' that overcomes exclusionary nationalism to stand tall as a leading force in Canadian society

When we first stepped out of the airport after receiving our Canadian permanent residency, the overwhelming emotions we felt were likely a mix of liberation and fear. We were leaving behind the fiercely competitive lives we had lived in Korea for so long, and now had to navigate life with the new label of "ethnic minority." Seeing our once-young sons and daughters grow up wonderfully within Canada's public education and social systems to become fully contributing citizens, and watching them live confidently as members of mainstream society, we realize that the most precious achievement of immigration lies not merely in "settlement," but in "integration." However, when we turn our gaze back to our own community, we still observe some who remain trapped in a "frog in the well" mentality, building walls against the outside world.

The greatest insularity we must guard against is the complacency of settling for a "league of our own." Within the Korean community, there is fierce competition over who becomes a leader, who bought a bigger house, and who has the most impressive network. Yet, how much are we actually participating in the political, economic, and cultural discourse of the mainstream Canadian society where we have put down our roots? In city council public hearings or the important decision-making processes of local communities, the voices of Koreans are relatively low in visibility, and our participation is sometimes limited. Some studies have pointed out that voter turnout tends to be low among immigrant groups overall during the early stages of settlement, and it has been noted that our participation in mainstream volunteering systems or donation cultures has not expanded sufficiently.

Here, we must objectively reflect on how other ethnic communities in Canada have overcome insularity to grow into core partners of mainstream society. Consider the Jewish community (Jewish Federation). Rather than building walls around themselves, they are recognized for expanding their connections with the outside society based on strong internal solidarity. They tie their advocacy for Jewish rights to "universal Canadian values." By building hospitals, donating to universities, and taking the lead on human rights issues, they make mainstream society perceive the well-being of the Jewish community as synonymous with the well-being of Canadian society itself. Their leadership is known to focus comparatively more on policy participation and expanding influence in the public sphere, rather than obsessing over internal titles as is sometimes seen in the Korean community.

The examples of the Italian and Portuguese communities are also highly suggestive. They elevated their enclaves from mere commercial districts like "Koreatown" into Canadian cultural assets such as "Corso Italia" and "Little Portugal." In this process, they interacted with other ethnic communities over a long period, establishing their culture as a pillar of Canada's multicultural policy. In particular, the emergence of multilingual broadcasting like CHIN Radio can be seen as the accumulated result of their efforts to communicate with mainstream society while preserving their own languages.

On the other hand, what about our Korean community? In some cases, we still see repeated turbulence caused by outdated authoritarianism and a rigid hierarchical culture. Our children, raised with Canadian public education, feel a sense of distance from these "fights inside the well" of their parents' generation, and in some cases, hesitate to participate in or distance themselves from the Korean community. This is a danger sign that could erode the future of our community. This is also why we need to build a "cyber museum that accurately records the history of Korean immigration to Canada." Recording our history is not simply about reminiscing about the past. It is about proving the history of our mutually beneficial exchanges and how we have contributed as members of this vast society called Canada. When our records do not remain confined within the Korean community but are translated into English and French and shared with mainstream Canadian society, only then do we acquire the narrative of being "active constituents" rather than "outsiders."

True civic consciousness begins with fulfilling our responsibilities before claiming our rights. If the Korean community wishes to be recognized by mainstream society, we must first share in the pains and concerns of that society. Koreans must actively participate and make their voices heard in local environmental issues, support for marginalized groups, and the process of establishing multicultural policies. Gathering among ourselves and shouting, "We are a superior people," is nothing but an empty echo. We must make other ethnicities see our contributions and say, "Koreans are indispensable citizens in Canada." The 1.5 and second-generation children respect the values of Canadian society while maintaining their Korean identity, competing and collaborating within it. To avoid becoming a parent generation that these children are ashamed of, we must now step out of our narrow well. We must discard the narrow-mindedness of obsessing over petty internal power and reputation, and look at the world with a broader perspective.

It is time to rewrite the definition of the term "Korean community." It must not be a closed, blood-based community, but an "open solidarity" of Canadian citizens with Korean roots. We must be reborn as a mature community that respects the laws and order of mainstream society, confidently advocates for our rights within it, and simultaneously fulfills our social responsibilities. Let us stop tearing each other apart inside the well and step out toward the vast landscape outside. That is where our children's future lies, and where the truly proud standing of Koreans can be found.

Criticism may sting, but it is a vaccine for growth. Until the day we stand proudly on stage as leading actors in this beautiful multicultural society called Canada, we must take the initiative in innovating our thoughts and attitudes. If we are the senior generation who first set foot on this land, that is our final and rightful calling.