Another N. Korea post

[karinothing]

So, I am sure everyone has heard about the controversy where the S. Korea flag was shown before the N. Korean woman's soccer team played and they stormed off in protest.

So, I had no idea N. Korea sent people to the Olympics. Don't these folks see that the world isn't like their Great Leader says when they travel all over the world? Do they not care becasue they are treated well in N. Korea? Are they that brainwashed that they think it is all a lie? Do they not tell anyone what they saw when they get back to N. Korea?

I am just fascinated by this.

ETA: Wiki says this Although North Korean athletes stay at the Olympic Village, they do so in a "private compound", and are required to stay inside except during practice and competition. They are forbidden from sightseeing in the host country, or from interacting with athletes from other delegations, however they do participate in the Parade of Athletes at the opening ceremony, and witness the closing ceremony.[1]


But still even with locking them in their room, they must see something right? Or are they just blindfolded at all other times? So crazy.

[IIOY]

I'm not entirely certain what they are told about the Olympic environment but they really are that brainwashed. If you are raised with certain beliefs that are reinforced constantly by your family, friends, neighbors, and government, literally 24 hours a day, you can't help but to believe. That level of brainwashing is a huge factor in why escapees have so much difficulty adjusting to lives outside of NK.

One other thought - athletes have better living conditions so there probably isn't quite the same extent of culture shock.

[rosiedozie]

I thought the same thing while listening to the radio this morning.

[Deleted]

You all reminded me that I am getting Nothing to Envy today!

[karinothing]

It just really amazes me! I mean even if they are secluded in their private hotel, surely they see something on the way from the airport? No? I wonder what they think ti is? All an elaborate illusion?

[karinothing]

Jul 26, 2012 13:21:03 GMT -5 @littlemoxie said:

Hmmm, during the women's soccer match today, someone said that all the people were in the same hotel in Glasgow and that the US women's soccer team was playing pool with North Korea.

Maybe it has changed with the new leader? Intersting. Maybe the new leader will end up being good? He did admit to a food shortage, so that is impressive (for them anyway).

ETA: He was educated in Switzerland, so maybe being out of the country for all that time was a good thing?

[caden]

I'd like to think that seeing everyone else free to roam around while they're locked down like convicts would register to them that something is amiss. But with the brainwashing who knows.

[mominatrix]

Years ago, it was this way with all the Soviet bloc athletes. It made the olympics really fascinating.. Jim McKay on ABC would do these profiles of them, it was wild.

..via mobile.

[EloiseWeenie]

I'm curious what the N. Korean athletes think of their allotted condoms.

[noonecareswhoiam]

Jul 26, 2012 13:38:27 GMT -5 mominatrix said:

Years ago, it was this way with all the Soviet bloc athletes. It made the olympics really fascinating.. Jim McKay on ABC would do these profiles of them, it was wild.

..via mobile.

And they would defect given half a chance. Like Cuban baseball players. Which s probably the real reason they're on lockdown.

[marie427]

I'm sure the athletes are not stupid - what else are they supposed to think when they see people roaming around happily and freely besides thinking how messed up things are in North Korea in comparison? They may be on lockdown, but they aren't blind or deaf.

[dylanite]

Jul 26, 2012 13:08:14 GMT -5 karinothing said:

It just really amazes me! I mean even if they are secluded in their private hotel, surely they see something on the way from the airport? No? I wonder what they think ti is? All an elaborate illusion?

My anecdote tells me it's possible they can land at the airport, then not see the light of day from that metro station to the one at the Olympic grounds.

[basilosaurus]

There was a match a few years back, maybe world cup? They were astonished to lose so badly bc they think they're the best.