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It was useful to face a new term- racial melancholia, which is a phrase that describes depression/grief from the historical movements. In this case, the Korean War. It was interesting to follow the story through the paintings that were in order. Where different emotions were shown through paintings and their own stories within history.
In addition, I found it fascinating to listen to how the story was well connected with psychology, which is understandable because everything leaves a “footprint” on our mental health and behavior. So, in this case, I liked how it was mentioned that while moving to another country, people often might lose themselves, and in terms of Ego with a “high level of conflict, by submitting by the unity, you are losing connection with the native language and friends” (speaker), which leads to your Ego splitting apart. I found it similar to myself, when I moved to America and after time had to struggle with adapting to different cultures and their mentality while having changes in myself as well.
I agree with you, while we try to assimilate, adapt, and find our own identity in a new country we feel overwhelmed by ego. However, we now know that it is temporal. Also, while adapting to a new country, we adopted some behaviors and customs. It helps us to feel that we are part of this country.
“Racial melancholia” as a term is still something new for me. I’ve never heard of this statement before the session. In my opinion, this term can be use as a term that showcases grieves or losses that remains unsolved and at the same time, radicalization happens too. In the context of the Korean Diaspora and the aftermath of the Korean War, the racial melancholia happens to the Korean community. Ms. Min showcased this “trauma” is by using one’s body as the canvas to the art. Not only that, but also the words and numbers symbolizes important information regarding the event. It was very fascinating and something that is new to me.
I like the way you explain the ego being split from your own experience, sometimes it feels like you are two different people in the two different cultures or more you may experience. We are often taught to embrace both sides but it can be hard, especially as an immigrant when you are being told you don’t belong or if there is a language barrier you can have even more difficultly feeling that way because the language itself can feel like proof you don’t. Perhaps a way to embrace these identities can be by integrating them with each other, I’m sure for instance those that understand Spanglish feel pride in having proof of merged identities.
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