Insensitive or ignorant?

Insensitive or ignorant?

Black Face happens to be a prominent retailer all over South Korea. Although the company appears to be trying to play off the name of their much larger competitor (North Face), they obviously failed to do any research. Over the past five months, I've even seen a Red Face and White Face. The first time I saw the store sign, I was literally stunned.

In terms of ethnic background, Korea is one of the most homogenous societies in the world. The population is 99% ethnic Korean. Aside from the sprinkling of foreigners, it is virtually impossible to observe ethnic diversity in this country. 

Ironically, most of my students assign Barack Obama's name to all black people (male or female). I frequently use personal pictures in my Power Point presentations for class. Any time I show pictures with any of my black friends, the students say, "Thomas and Obama!" Um... no... not quite the same person.

In a way, South Korea's EPIK (English Program in Korea) is doing good by making people culturally aware. Their history has made them culturally unaware and subsequently ignorant. However, Korea is one of the most connected countries in terms of internet access. Therefore, I must say that their ignorance is borderline insensitive.