How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Panel)
Quote #4
Marble floors, chandeliers, sculpted columns. [The subway is] a subterranean palace to the glory of public transit. Everywhere, garish murals transfigure a reality that just seems drab to me. (2.83-2.84)
Again we see North Korea pouring what little wealth it has into the complete wrong place. This time, they are literally dumping it into a hole in the ground.
Quote #5
It’s always a pleasure in these countries to pay $5 for a lousy cup of instant coffee. (3.17)
We’re not surprised that the hotel extorts the foreigners. That’s why they come to North Korea: to spend money. And Guy, dude, it’s not like you have to drink it.
Quote #6
“The lights are on... and lights mean foreign delegations, and foreign delegations mean light all day and fruit every morning.” (6.42)
North Korea will go to great lengths to flaunt the wealth it does not have to foreign delegations. How different would the country be if it focused this wealth on its own people, instead of people who are there temporarily? And by the way, do any of these foreign delegations actually believe that North Korea has this kind of wealth? Have they been living under a rock since 1948? Maybe they’re just playing along with Dear Leader because it’s good for economics.