How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Panel)
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.