What does it mean when US Post office recognizes Dokdo?
I have been fascinated by the beauty of Dokdo for many years: the rocks, the shapes, the colors, and the inherent splendor. As a teacher, I have led discussions on this topic in class and it always leads to a highly emotional conversation. Clearly, Koreans are sensitive about this issue, and with good reason. As it is well known, the Japanese used Dokdo as a naval station when they invaded Korea. Also, Japanese politicians continue to use Dokdo to stir up the masses at voting time.
Still, all of this political rhetoric overshadows the wonderful rocky textures and natural beauty ― which is what Dokdo should be celebrated for.
Korea has long sought international recognition as the true owner of Dokdo, and today Korea is in control of these islands. A lot of money has been spent on billboards and newspaper advertising in an attempt to get Americans to recognize that Dokdo truly belongs to Korea.
My hobby is landscape painting, and a few years ago I painted a series of works celebrating the idea that Dokdo belongs to Korea. I combined one of my paintings with the Korean flag, softened the edges and submitted my design, titled "Dokdo is Korea," for consideration as a U.S. postage stamp. Recently, this stamp was approved and can now be bought and used to mail letters in the United States.
The stamp can be purchased and used just like any other U.S. postage stamp. It comes in two styles, one with Roman characters and the other with Hangeul. The Romanized version can be viewed here: http://tinyurl.com/lnh8e5z.
But if you want Hangeul, you can see it here: http://tinyurl.com/lhvpvkp.
So the question is, since the U.S. Post Office has approved this image for a stamp, does that mean the U.S. government recognizes Dokdo as Korean territory?
Reggie Hart, aka the Thrifty Painter, has worked at Korea National University of Education for the past 12 years.
I have been fascinated by the beauty of Dokdo for many years: the rocks, the shapes, the colors, and the inherent splendor. As a teacher, I have led discussions on this topic in class and it always leads to a highly emotional conversation. Clearly, Koreans are sensitive about this issue, and with good reason. As it is well known, the Japanese used Dokdo as a naval station when they invaded Korea. Also, Japanese politicians continue to use Dokdo to stir up the masses at voting time.
Still, all of this political rhetoric overshadows the wonderful rocky textures and natural beauty ― which is what Dokdo should be celebrated for.
Korea has long sought international recognition as the true owner of Dokdo, and today Korea is in control of these islands. A lot of money has been spent on billboards and newspaper advertising in an attempt to get Americans to recognize that Dokdo truly belongs to Korea.
My hobby is landscape painting, and a few years ago I painted a series of works celebrating the idea that Dokdo belongs to Korea. I combined one of my paintings with the Korean flag, softened the edges and submitted my design, titled "Dokdo is Korea," for consideration as a U.S. postage stamp. Recently, this stamp was approved and can now be bought and used to mail letters in the United States.
The stamp can be purchased and used just like any other U.S. postage stamp. It comes in two styles, one with Roman characters and the other with Hangeul. The Romanized version can be viewed here: http://tinyurl.com/lnh8e5z.
But if you want Hangeul, you can see it here: http://tinyurl.com/lhvpvkp.
So the question is, since the U.S. Post Office has approved this image for a stamp, does that mean the U.S. government recognizes Dokdo as Korean territory?
Reggie Hart, aka the Thrifty Painter, has worked at Korea National University of Education for the past 12 years.
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