Dear China

Dear China,
Hey, it's me Jinuk. I've got to tell you, I really try liking you. I really, REALLY do. I mean, come on now, practically everything I own is made by you! Sometimes it's hard to like you though. Why? I'm an English teacher in Korea and let me tell you something, you have caused absolute chaos in my life!

Now I have I was really forgiving in college when I took all of those Chinese history classes. Let me tell you, sometimes it was hard to forgive ya because reading some of those books, learning those names, remembering ALL OF THOSE YEARS AND DYNASTIES... whoo.. it was rough. I moved on though, I got over it. I continued to like you.

You're not always so nice to Tibet and do some jacked up things in Africa but that's okay. Sometimes its hard to like everyone and to be nice to everyone. It's understandable. Totally forgivable.

And the Olympics? Okay, maybe you cheated, maybe you didn't. Whatever it is you have some freakin good gymnasts. It is okay by me. Cheat or don't cheat, it all looks good.

BUT recently is where you've crossed the line and this is a line that should never EVER BE CROSSED.

As everyone in Korea knows, snacks are a HUGE part of the Korean diet. Delectable goodness such as Chocopie, Kkancho, Pepero have all been staples in the diets of Korea's youth for years. Until, say, 3 weeks ago, eating snacks wasn't an issue. Then MELAMINE from China snuck its ugly little head into chocolates in Korea and the country has gone crazy since.

How does this effect a 22 year old English teacher?? Any English teacher in Korea can attest for me and say that in between classes children munch of snacks like they haven't eaten for years. They also love sharing their snacks with their teachers. I love this about Korean children. Sharing really is caring. Lately, though, snacks have been a little strange. Lately all of these childrens snacks have been homemade. Homemade is generally good, right? Probably, however, I don't know if Korean moms know how to bake things properly. Cookies come out like hard, tasteless cardboard. Strange concoctions like Saltines and ketchup have been making appearances. It is all a little terrifying..

So China, for the love of God, the love of Capitalism, and the love quite possibly one of your only supports in the Republic of Korea, please please please stop this melamine madness. It is not only hurting you. It's hurting me too..

With Love,

Jinuk!