May 27, 2012

The Parable of the Singing Bastard

I went to see Marvel's The Avengers at a movie theater in Seoul. When I went to the ticket counter, the staff objected to my being there and began to gesticulate wildly. I did not understand what the commotion was about until a kind Korean gentleman behind me pointed out that I needed a ticket just to line up at the ticket counter. He walked with me and we retrieved a numbered slip such as the ones found at banks or visa offices. As there was no one else in the lineup, my number came up immediately and I was able to purchase my movie ticket. While we waited for the film to begin, the man and I made small talk.

Me: What do you do?
He: I am bastard.
Me: No, I mean what is your job?
He: Bastard.
Me: Umm...
He: Pray to God.
Me: Oh, you mean pastor?
He: Yes.

***

He: What you sing about Korea?
Me: I don't sing about Korea.
He: No, what you sing about Koreans?
Me: I don't sing... oh, you mean what do I think about Koreans?
He: Yes.