A North Korean sacrifice?

By David Tizzard

Edmund Burke once observed that society is not to be made merely for the convenience of the living. Rather, it is a sacred pact between the dead, the living, and those not yet born. In our world of power and instant gratification, it would seem that we sometimes lack a little historical understanding while also failing to contemplate those who will come after us.

This past week has seen my family paying tribute to important women in our lives. A ceremony for my mother-in-law who passed away 3 years ago was held here in Seoul, and then we travelled to England to attend the funeral of my grandmother who recently left us. There, I was tasked with giving a speech in front of the family and loved ones who had gathered.

Thinking upon how my Nan had affected me, I could not escape the notion of sacrifice. The countless times when she travelled long distances, attended events, devoted time, money, and energy to our lives to ensure that we grew well. And the whole time without complaint or umbrage.

Having then to turn back to my work and studies, the world of politics and international relations, I was still gripped by this concept. How, if at all, can abnegation be utilized in this domain?

With a twitter-feed filled with people celebrating and lamenting Brett Kavanaugh's appointment as a Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court in nearly equal measure, I looked on in dismay as the two sides in America double-down on their own positions. With each blaming the other and promising retribution and sterner actions in the future, language failing Godwin's Law at near every turn, many have said that they see little hope for the future of the American system.

Without a particular horse in this race, I offer a rather outlandish suggestion. Would Brett Kavanaugh have been able to lessen the divide and offer hope for the future had he turned down the position once it had been offered to him and sought reconciliation between the two parties?

"Thank you for appointing me. I am very proud to have been given this position. However, because of the ramifications of what may follow, I am willing to give up this role and work to bring the two sides closer together."

Seems unthinkable, does it not? And from both sides. This notion of abnegation, sacrifice of one's own position or status for a greater good, is somehow being lost. We are constantly asking others to relinquish their things for our pleasure or gratification but doing little in return.

Turning our attention to inter-Korean relations, could sacrifice remedy this situation? Conservative voices will complain that President Moon Jae-in has already sacrificed much in the hope of fostering a more peaceful atmosphere on the peninsula. But they are talking about national resources being sacrificed. My point is more about the personal steps that people take vis-à-vis the idea of sacrifice. For example, will Kim Jong-un be willing to renounce?

Would he ever consider stepping down from his position and allowing people to reunite across the border? Is not the Kim family's rule in the North the ultimate obstacle to the happiness of 70-odd million people? Or is it something else that prevents this?

A deification has taken place in North Korea. Three men, Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, and Kim Jong-un, have been elevated to the position of near gods. Their statues, images, and presence fill the hearts and minds of the citizens.

In many religious traditions, the notion of sacrifice plays a pivotal role. Christianity has its story of Isaac and Abraham, as well as the words found in John 3:16. Buddhism tells of a young prince who was so moved by the suffering he saw around him that he renounced all of his worldly possessions and his social position and instead sought inner peace and enlightenment under a tree.

These stories and everything that surrounds them fill cultures. They come with us as people whether we willingly bring them or not. Tom Wolfe suggested that they are the lining in our coats. The greatest stories and folk-tales of our past suggest that we are capable of great things for others should we be willing to do so.

I wonder whether such stories are possible in North Korea. In a world seemingly without such traditions but instead the glorification of generals and defenders against imperialism, maybe sacrifice is a value that is not readily available in the collective consciousness and will never occur to Kim Jong-un as a way to truly increase the power and happiness of millions. Yet maybe I misunderstand North Korean culture and sacrifice is indeed a value that is espoused and possible among leadership.

As noted above, we cannot ask others to make sacrifices for us. We have to be willing to do it ourselves. I question my own ability at times. Certainly I am willing to sacrifice all for my family and loved ones. I like to think I would be able to do it for both of the countries in which I live as well, were the appropriate circumstances presented. Would those in power be willing to follow suit?

David Tizzard (datizzard@swu.ac.kr) is an assistant professor at Seoul Women's University and host of TBS eFM's cultural radio show "A Little of a Lot." The show can be heard every Sunday from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. on 101.3 FM or downloaded via online platforms such as iTunes and Podbang.