How Jews and Koreans Are Alike And What They Can Teach You To Survive In This Economy.

Posted on | April 12, 2009 | 6 Comments

[Warning: I take some of my political correctness off in this entry. So please, no hate mail. Oh wait, I was never politically correct to begin with!]

I have always joked that Koreans were the Asian versions of Jewish people. They share very similar characteristics that helps me draw this comparison.

Of all the ethnicities and cultures that have come to this country and thrived, I would say that Koreans and Jews are two cultures that are at the top of the list. Jewish people have done very well in this country and are well represented in many aspects of private and public sectors. The same goes for Koreans. I would say that they, more than any other Asian Culture, have succeeded in penetrating mainstream America. They are relatively well represented.

And now, we can learn from them and apply similar traits to succeed as well especially during such tough economic times. I can name two traits that come to mind.

First, Jews and Koreans are known for being notoriously cheap er frugal. When I delivered pizza as a part time job back in college, my fellow pizza drivers would always joke that we knew we were not going to get a good tip if the last name on the pizza box was a Lee or a Goldberg. I can still remember the remarks, “Damn Dean. 30 dollar order and you’re lucky if you get $2 from Mr. Park.” Most times, but not all, they were right. Ah, those were the days. We thanked the Pizza Gods that we only had to deliver to a Kim or a Feinstein a couple times a night.

But you know what? In this economy, you need to save your money as much as possible. So stop spending so much on needless things that won’t get you anywhere. Learn to prioritize and realize that that jacket from Neimen Marcus isn’t going to help you survive in this economy. Be financially disciplined. Know your priorities. Mr. Oh sure does.

Second, the other trait that has helped Jews and Koreans (or Joreans or Kews) get ahead in society is their ability to support each other. There has been a double-edged perception to them though. Some of us see both cultures as preferring to being to their own kind and being rather reclusive. While others have simply seen them as supporting their own kind. I suppose the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

Regardless, of how you see it, they have built a robust community where they support their own. Remember the Virginia Tech rampage shooting from a couple of years ago? The killer was a Korean. I thought it was so weird that the entire Korean community came out united and were so apologetic for one of their own having committed such a heinous act. They really didn’t have to considering it was not their fault. But I thought that was very touching they would accept some personal responsibility during that time.

In some regards, you can say that these two cultures truly understand successful networking principles. They understand they it takes a village to raise a child. They are there in support of each other. By supporting their own, they have created a viable and sustainable ecosystem that helps them gain a competitive advantage in this country.

Are you there for your own? In this economy, you need to understand effective networking principles. It’s not just about furthering your endeavors, but also learning to support your network’s endeavors. Remember- If it’s win/win then we’re all in (Deanism). You need to give to get. What can you do to support your network? How can all of us support each other through tough these economic times? We need to understand that united we stand, divided we fall. We are not an island unto ourselves. This is the networked economy.

Hey, say what you want of both cultures, but they’ve done very well for themselves in this melting pot that we call the U.S.A. Learning to be more financially disciplined and developing powerful relationship building skills that are supportive of each other are timeless traits that any person should learn.

Now if you excuse me, writing this entry has caused me to develop a craving for some bulgogi.

Category: Relationships

Comments

6 Responses to “How Jews and Koreans Are Alike And What They Can Teach You To Survive In This Economy.”

Ed
April 15th, 2010 @ 9:13 pm

Good comparison Dean. I’m Korean. However, I disagree with your notion that “they support each other,” at least for Koreans. Koreans are notorious for playing the prima donna. They’re selfish and will backstab each other for their own selfish gains.
glen
March 3rd, 2011 @ 6:42 am

I agree with Ed. I am a korean, and I have long experience of seeing koreans NOT supporting each other. Probaby they had, in the past, been supportive, but I haven’t heard much good stories of them these days.
Louisa y
June 11th, 2011 @ 2:47 pm

There’s a shared value system, folks!!!A parallel perspective on life, as well! Different language; different culture…yes, but Koreans and Jews cut from the same bolt!!And often disliked for the same reasons..

Now,off to top my gefilte fish with kimchee!!
jason
August 8th, 2011 @ 4:09 am

i am japanese, and i work in a korean owned restauraunt with nothing but koreans…and it kinda gets me mad how jewish they are…i mean i like all the koreans, its just that they are so racist and mean to other cultures, and they only support their own kind. we lose so much money because my boss gives free food and alcohol to all the koreans who stop by the restaurant, just because they are korean…and it pisses me off because he is still paying me minimum wage plust overtime andi work 12 hour, sometimes 14 hour shifts and they come in, not knowing each other and get this shit for free.
they also only buy korean brands for EVERYTHING they own. its retarded because anything american is more expensive and you get your moneys worth out of it. they are the asian jews im telling you…this word needs to get out! sugaseyo bitches!
Mike
October 8th, 2011 @ 12:11 am

Haha this is so true about how Koreans and Jewish people are alike. Growing up as a kid i was always around Jewish people and i know that we are alike. Jason, every asian out there hates each other, you can’t just say that ONLY KOREANS hate the others. Also not all koreans are racist. Its not our fault the Japs had to invade Korea and do all the nasty shit to us. Why do you think koreans hate you guys?? Also who fucking cares if they eat for free, its not like your the owner of the business. As long as your getting paid stfu. We pay you minimum age cause we are smart with our money. If you dont like it quit im sure there are other places willing to pay you.
Daniel Nakatsu
January 20th, 2012 @ 8:33 pm

Haha I’m Japanese american and I’ve been into their K-rock/pop/rap/R&B music industry and some of their awesome computer games. Had a couple Korean freidns that I can truly trust known them for 6 years and I can already tell this. In this world, there will always be some good and some bad, so I cannot generalize and say Koreans are selfish and blah blah. Rather, it’s got to do with individual personalities not race. I’ve RATHER been wishing Japanese Communities was a lot more supportive like the Korean Communities. Without fail, almost everyone Korean folks that I’ve came across had an amazing personality, open minded, not as picky or racist as some of us Japanese / Chinese communities located near in San Francisco / LA areas. Been listening to the 2NE1 and the old korean R&B / Soul bands called “Brown eyes” and “Brown eyed soul” with my girlfriend lately… very soothing and makes me want to go get a coffe like right now.
Go Koreans! Don’t forget there are also plenty of nice japanese americans that are very favorable of Korean stuffs. Hope the some billoney-like features of the Japanese politics require a huge make-over.. lol I’m sure as the time passes those extreme Japanese like us in the US will eventually realize what really needs to be done and get things all straight up. Korea Banjai! c: