Tradition is practices, customs, beliefs, and events repeated throughout generations of a nation, or smaller groups. Tradition varies from something as small as a family tradition to a bigger nationwide tradition. An example would be ddongchim: attempting to poke an unsuspecting victim’s anus while exclaiming “ddongchim.” Ddong-Chim could be just a small tradition in Korea among children, but it shows the traditional identity. Poking an unsuspecting victim’s anus in America could be a crime, but it is just a joke for the Koreans. This kind of different traditional value could be frowned upon, but it shapes the identity of a certain group that can fulfill the need to belong. The article that I chose explains what ddongchim is, and its significance. Beyond the comedic value of ddongchim, this act of interaction confirms friendships and relationships in Korea. The author of the text was at first baffled by such an inhumane prank, but later managed to adjust to it. By accepting ddong-chim, the author was able to fit into a group and furthermore, assimilate within the culture. Without the concept of identity withholding this type of behavior, all Koreans would be just called uncivilized molesters. However, with the concept of identity, this type of behavior is classified as culture.
Source
Jacob Lewis, D. T. E. (2019, December 13). Dong Chim is the bizarre game where children are allowed to poke you in the bum. The Sun. Retrieved November 28, 2022, from https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/5476857/south-korean-game-dong-chim/