On the 24th of July I arrived in Pyongyang in a travelling party with five others, including Dr Tim Anderson, lecturer in Political Economy at USyd. At the jet bridge we were greeted by Tammam…
I genuinely think everyone should watch it. I need to recommend it to more people who'd be receptive to it, and urge anyone else reading this to do the same. If not Blowback, then at least something else that paints a sane, appropriately sympathetic picture of the DPRK's struggles.
Remember to meet people where they're at when possible, even if they'd rather read/watch/listen to something less radical first. But encourage them to keep learning, and point to resources like Blowback, docs like My Brothers and Sisters in the North, and videos like Boy Boy's trip to the DPRK for a haircut.
There's also an encouraging amount of online videos from Chinese tourists and non-American diplomats of many ranks and qualifications visiting the country (often outside the supposedly more "developed" cities like Pyongyang) and showing casual, in-depth, less guided experiences which are hard to find from American perspectives. It's all incredibly refreshing, and can completely alter someone's perspective and tear down unconscious biases if they're willing to listen. I've been there, as a communist who was once "on the fence" abt the DPRK but hopped off that pedestal once I found this kind of media. Like I said, it's just a matter of meeting people where they are. Be patient with people you want to help educate, but let these resources challenge their beliefs so they can develop and strengthen them.
EDIT: After finally watching it, I can also recommend Loyal Citizens of Pyongyang in Seoul. If the people you reach out to could be put off by the politics or the speculation (some call it "conspiratorial" but this only makes sense without knowing the history of Korean politics and western interference), bring them up to speed on those issues first and then point to this doc. The actions of the US, South Korea, and their various think-tank corporations make it a frustrating watch, but keep in mind that this information is essential to those who aren't informed on the anti-DPRK propaganda machine. The fact that it was made and released so competently feels inspiring in itself.
I genuinely think everyone should watch it. I need to recommend it to more people who'd be receptive to it, and urge anyone else reading this to do the same. If not Blowback, then at least something else that paints a sane, appropriately sympathetic picture of the DPRK's struggles.
Remember to meet people where they're at when possible, even if they'd rather read/watch/listen to something less radical first. But encourage them to keep learning, and point to resources like Blowback, docs like My Brothers and Sisters in the North, and videos like Boy Boy's trip to the DPRK for a haircut.
There's also an encouraging amount of online videos from Chinese tourists and non-American diplomats of many ranks and qualifications visiting the country (often outside the supposedly more "developed" cities like Pyongyang) and showing casual, in-depth, less guided experiences which are hard to find from American perspectives. It's all incredibly refreshing, and can completely alter someone's perspective and tear down unconscious biases if they're willing to listen. I've been there, as a communist who was once "on the fence" abt the DPRK but hopped off that pedestal once I found this kind of media. Like I said, it's just a matter of meeting people where they are. Be patient with people you want to help educate, but let these resources challenge their beliefs so they can develop and strengthen them.
EDIT: After finally watching it, I can also recommend Loyal Citizens of Pyongyang in Seoul. If the people you reach out to could be put off by the politics or the speculation (some call it "conspiratorial" but this only makes sense without knowing the history of Korean politics and western interference), bring them up to speed on those issues first and then point to this doc. The actions of the US, South Korea, and their various think-tank corporations make it a frustrating watch, but keep in mind that this information is essential to those who aren't informed on the anti-DPRK propaganda machine. The fact that it was made and released so competently feels inspiring in itself.