Myth-Busting: The Real State of North Korea in the Western Media

For years, the western media has been overblown and exaggerated in its portrayal of North Korea. The idea that anything western media manufactures to smear North Korea is worse than the actual state of the country is a common misconception. Whether we like it or not, a significant portion of what the Western media reports about North Korea is based on limited and often biased information. Let's debunk some of these myths and examine the reality.

The Purpose of the US in Smearing North Korea

The United States does not stand to benefit from “smearing” North Korea through propaganda. As a global power, its objectives are primarily political and strategic. Changing the regime in North Korea is not a straightforward task, and media manipulation alone would not achieve this. The United States has not taken a significant role in a propaganda campaign against North Korea, as countries like South Korea have, who regularly send media information to North Korea secretly. The emphasis on regime change is not the driving force behind the western media's portrayal of North Korea. Instead, it is more about maintaining a narrative that fits within geopolitical dynamics.

Inaccuracy in Media Reporting

It is crucial to recognize that much of the negative reporting about North Korea is based on the information available to the media. Because of the country's closed borders and limited access, the Western media often relies on reports from unreliable sources, such as defectors or tourist experiences. This has led to an exaggerated portrayal of the country's repressive nature.

A Neutrality Perspective from a Mexican Youtuber

A Mexican Youtuber named Alex Tienda provides a unique perspective through his videos, offering a neutral and unfiltered view of North Korea. His experiences suggest that life in North Korea is not as dire as portrayed in Western media. While the country is undoubtedly poor and has a military dictatorship, it is far from the image of a "peasant filled circus run by a fat clown."

Tourism and Everyday Life

Tourists visiting North Korea often highlight aspects of everyday life that contrast with the portrayals in Western media. Alex Tienda's videos show that North Koreans can appear normal, even in contexts where it would be easy to present a false image. For example, in rural areas and on the subway, the people seem to interact naturally. However, certain aspects, like the circus trip, are distorted to fit a certain narrative rather than being natural.

Grading the Reality

In comparing the quality of life in North Korea to countries with similar economic challenges, it is clear that while life is not ideal, it might still be better than in some underdeveloped regions. Life in an underdeveloped sub-Saharan African country or in countries that the US has bombed might be even worse. This comparison raises important questions about the global attention North Korea receives. Does it deserve the level of scrutiny it faces from the international community?

Conclusion

The portrayal of North Korea in the western media is a complex issue. While it is essential to acknowledge the negative aspects of the country, it is equally important to recognize that life in North Korea is not as bleak as it is often made out to be. As the world continues to grapple with geopolitical and economic challenges, it is crucial to approach subjects like North Korea with a balanced and informed perspective.

Keywords

myth-busting North Korea western media propaganda

References

Overblown and Exaggerated Reporting Limited Access and Media Bias Fake Public and Tourism Experiences Quality of Life in North Korea