How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Panel)
Quote #1
Never make jokes about the Great Leader or the Dear Leader. Show respect. (1.32)
North Korea forces its citizens to respect its leaders. Can it even be considered patriotism if it’s forced? And can we make jokes about Fearless Leader?
Quote #2
In every room, on every floor, in every building throughout North Korea, portraits of Papa Kim and his son hang side by side on one wall. (2.65)
Yikes. It’s a little creepy having these two staring at you everywhere you go. It’s almost like having flags hanging everywhere to celebrate your patriotism... except the flags have eyes.
Quote #3
It’s all standard fare, with a few samples of “triumphant socialism.” Broad chest, square jaw. (4.41-4.42)
Guy is trying to figure out how merit is decided for the artists who have their work on display. It seems that the more empty patriotism they display for their country, the better. It has nothing to do with actual quality.
Quote #4
Despite my insidious questions, my guide and both my interpreters were always steadfast in their loyalty to their country and beloved leader. (4.55)
Guy accompanies this quote with an illustration of his companions all wearing “I <3 Kim” T-shirts. We have to wonder if this is all a front put on for the foreigners. What do they talk about when it’s just them in a room together? Probably not much. As we’ve seen, people are actively discouraged from discussing anything even remotely dangerous.
Quote #5
“What a great and generous man!” (7.42)
Captain Sin is excited about the International Friendship Exhibition, designed to make it seem like “the entire planet is glued to [Great Leader’s] every move” (7.41). Sin says “What a great and generous man!” We’re left to wonder, though, if he really believes this, or if it’s just what he’s programmed to say.
Quote #6
We’re invited to end the visit by paying our respects to the father of the nation who, as I’m told ahead of time to avoid any confusion, is represented by a stunningly realistic life-size wax replica. (7.45)
Wax replicas are scary enough without any help from North Korean leaders. We’re so scared we’re going to just move on now.
Quote #7
There’s a banner on every building, a portrait on every wall, a pin on every chest. That’s a lot. I should try counting the number of effigies of the Dear Leader that I come across in a day. (9.1)
We wish Guy had counted the pins. It would be interesting to compare the number of these symbols with the number of other patriotic symbols that show up in different nations.
Quote #8
“Nothing is impossible with the guidance of Kim Jong-Il.” (9.8)
Some of the people Guy encounters will spout stuff they hear without giving it any thought. We wonder if there is some kind of compromise that can be reached between patriotism and critical thinking. It doesn’t look like it will happen soon in North Korea, anyway.
Quote #9
“There are [no handicapped people]. We’re a very homogenous nation. All North Koreans are born strong, intelligent and healthy.” (9.48)
We just can’t believe that Mr. Kyu actually believes this is true. He must have seen a disabled person, or a person who had trouble with something—anything. If Mr. Kyu does know what actually happens to people with disabilities, it’s no wonder he so tight-lipped in general. We’d be afraid, too.