No idea what the previous comments were, but definitely want to comment on some things here.

Most younger Koreans don't see the peninsula as one nation. They feel that the North and South have diverged enough that they should just make peace and do their own things. The "mutual desire for unification" is not ubiquitous, and "unification" is better described as "conquest."

And acknowledging the current state doesn't invalidate history. We can acknowledge that the present is different from the past. We can acknowledge that there is a shared history and various collective struggles but that different people decided to go different ways.

Yeah, I realized that when I saw that news later. Not sure about the DPRK explicitly sending out propaganda, but it makes sense the it would get pro-DPRK folks active

Okay, your second paragraph confuses the hell out of me. It sounds like you're arguing against yourself. Can you rephrase it for me? I want to understand what you're saying.

Also, the US doesn't have an emperor. It may be imperialistic, but it's not an empire. But reading that makes me imagine it as an actual empire, which is fucking terrifying. Please don't? At least for me? That makes me wildly uncomfortable.

So... The US occupied the South until the ROK was established. This was kind of like Germany but for a much shorter time. When the North invaded the South, UN forces came to help. Yes, there was a direct line from Japanese occupation to US occupation, but US occupation ended very shortly afterwards. Say what you will about influence, but influence and occupation are very distinct. And yes, the US fucking with the PRK was terrible. I'm with you on that. But we're talking about South Korea today.

But going back to the original point, if the societal pressure results from the US, then why don't we see such pressure in the US itself? Your historical argument for this doesn't stand.

A simpler explanation is the rise of Neo-Confucianism during the Joseon dynasty. It was patriarchal, focused on hierarchical structures, and expected testing for advancement. This clearly leads to competitive behaviors. While you could argue the US has similar things, Neo-Confucianism cranked that up to 11. The Joseon dynasty after Sejong was pretty shit. Korea was like this before the US showed up, even before the Japanese showed up (the last time. They tried so many times before that).

That's a really good one! Especially with Lester, if I remember well

What's with all the Korea shit recently?

I live in South Korea. It's convenient, safe, and modern. I might be biased because I live in Gangnam, but I feel like people here have more spending power on average than people in the US.

The societal pressure is a fucking nightmare, but that's a uniquely Korean thing. Nothing to do with the US.

Calling the South under foreign occupation is utter nonsense. Obviously, it's hyperbole and propagandist, but it also acts like Korea doesn't have its own culture or resist American influence. Quit trying to be edgy and use your brain.

If you want to talk about occupation, read up on the Japanese occupation of Korea. That was foreign occupation.

For the benefit of readers who may not know Mr. Addams or understand why he's so great, should we list out the qualities?

I'll have first go, but would love supplemental info.

• Madly in love with his wife
• Romantic
• Quite strong (if I remember correctly)
• Shameless about his preferences
• Willing to admit when he's wrong (and gracefully)
• Supportive of his children while still challenging them
• Highly skilled in numerous areas
• Stylish af, though not trendy

Most of my observations are based on the cartoons. Gentlemen, we should all be like Gomez. Other qualities to attribute to this legend?

Basically, no. At least, not until everyone has the knowledge and resources to run their own compute, which is never.

Decentralized systems must be accessible and maintainable by the majority. Blockchain is neither of these. It's also why the internet moved to platforms rather than remaining as many niche forums.

Additionally, network effects and economies of scale make decentralized systems difficult. See Lemmy. Even here, World is the biggest because it's simpler and easier to do everything in one place. People don't have to make decisions. People don't have to do their own work.

Basically, human psychology and economics suck

That's the rub. Christian teachings are pretty damn good. Organized Christianity is manipulative hate nonsense, at least among many large US denominations.

I want to second the helpfulness of this. Thank you!

Possibly true, but it would be good to have a source for that.

But even if true, what genetic factors should and shouldn't count? If someone is clearly female to all observers but happens to have XY genes, how is that different from an XX female who has an abnormally high amount of testosterone but still appears female for all intents and purposes?

I'm basically saying it's a complicated problem that laymen like us without specialized knowledge should consider very carefully and possibly defer to experts' opinions.

It's worth adding another spin to this.

Think of it as "product placement" where you are the product. The kind of person you want to meet... where are they spending their time? Wherever that is, you should be there, so they can find you.

Think someone is really attractive when they're doing public speaking? Go to Toastmasters. Really love someone who is competitive but good-natured? Check out a board game group. Want a fit person? Hit the gym.

The key thing, again similar to the other commenter, is to say hi to everyone. It's tough, especially if social activity drains you, but you can make a pattern and habits out of it. Get to know a bunch of people. Make good impressions. When it eventually gets out that you're single, someone will be like, "so I know this person..."

In any case, you're awesome. Good luck finding your awesome other half

Edit: also along the lines of product placement, make sure you're an appealing product: good hygiene, good enough style/fashion, proper social behaviors, etc. Not saying I'm perceiving you having problems with this, but I've seen many people complain about not finding someone when they look, smell, and behave like they've been living in a sewer the past decade.