Ajuma!

It's about time I mentioned a certain character type that I unfortunately have to deal with often in South Korea. They go by the name of 'ajuma'. Now technically an ajuma is distinguished by the fact that she is a married woman (and 'agassis' are married men). But because most Koreans get married, and generally later in life, the name is almost synonymous with older woman.

The hilarious thing is that they are easy to spot since 95% of them sport short permed hair and visors. The unfunny fact is that many of them have horrendous public transportation manners. You may be the most polite boy ever and would certainly hand over your sitting rights for an elderly lady, but ajumas do not consider this. They scuttle at high velocity, with a low centre of gravity, and an immutable tenacity. Plus, given Confucian priority of respect to age, they exercise all of their privileges while shoving you with both hands out of their way. All the while without so much as a hint of regret. Even if you're not vying for the same seat as them, they have been known (ask Tyler) to body check you if you're along their beeline. And they can be quite strong. Do not be surprised if you spot an ajuma wheeling a GIGANTIC pull-cart brimming with it's startling load. Many elderly folk here continue to contribute to the manual labour force.

It is so weird - not that Canada is without it's share of nasty old women (or men). It's that because of Confucianism no one younger has the right to challenge their behaviour. So they get away scotch free. That is unless a Westerner is feeling fed up at the moment. I like to believe that Canadians have a certain respect for their elders too, but it ends where rudeness begins. Does it surprise you that the pimps of Korea are females, not males?

Age is so important to Confucianism. So much that you can only call people your own age 'friends'. Otherwise they are your 'older brother' or 'younger brother' with accompanying roles and responsibilities. For instance, my 'older brother' feels obligated to pay for the meals we share. Secretly this tarnishes quantity bonding because it would quickly make an older brother poor. So you're bound to your own age until your thirties when this more social norm becomes more lax.

All this being said, Korean culture is under tremendous transformation pressures from the influence of Western views on a traditionally conservative and monolithic society. A great rift exists between the young and old in their ideas. Thankfully respect permeates most relations and keeps a remarkable peace on this land.