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1. Opening: "I thought I'd start with an icebreaker activity. I have here a box of cereal (hold up cereal box). Let's go around and introduce ourselves by stating our name and favorite cereal. I'll start... My name is Daewoo, and my favorite cereal is this Chocolate Puffs from Millville. (Go around and have students introduce themselves with their name and favorite cereal) 2. Transition to Main Presentation: "Thank you all for sharing. Just like we have different preferences for cereal, we all come from diverse cultural backgrounds that shape our experiences and perspectives. And of course, our individual and collective experiences and perspectives in return shape the cultures we belong to. Yes, I intentionally used a plural form culture as multiple, multilayered, complex, fluid, interactional and intra-actional beings. Even regarding one, single, and monolithic culture, we can view it as a dynamism of forces in which all ‘things’ are constantly exchanging and diffracting, influencing and working together. So today, I'll be discussing my journey as an English scholar and how my cross-cultural experiences have influenced my work." 3. Spam as a Metaphor: "To illustrate the concept of multicultural, intercultural, and even intra cultural interactions, I've brought something that holds different meanings and perceptions across cultures and peoples – Spam." (Hold up a can of Spam) "In South Korea, where I'm from, Spam is a beloved and popular food item, often seen as a delicacy. It is a commonly exchanged gift during holidays and special occasions. However, in the United States, Spam is often perceived as a cheap, processed meat product, and its popularity varies across different regions and communities." "This contrast in how Spam is viewed and embraced by different cultures serves as a metaphor for the diverse perspectives and experiences we bring to the table. Just as Spam elicits different reactions and holds different meanings across cultures, our cultural backgrounds shape the way we perceive and interpret the world around us." “And like I said that our individual and collective experiences and perspectives also shape the cultures in return, there should have been the historical, both individual and collective, contexts that influenced where Spam stand in South Korean and American cultures. So, Spam was introduced by Hormel, an American food processing company and it gained popularity during WWII because it was included as part of C rations as light, portable, and non perishable source of protein. However, its cheap, salty taste and most of all, its continuously overwhelming supply to soldiers on the front lines rather led to a decrease in popularity among soldiers, their families, and the general American public after WWII. In contrast, South Korea is the largest consumer of Spam outside of the United States. Understanding the history of Spam in South Korea requires looking back to the destruction of the Korean War. After the Korean War, which lasted from 1950 to 1953, the country was devastated, leaving its entire infrastructure in ruins. At that time, Korea faced significant food insecurity since agriculture was essentially at a standstill. American food aid played a crucial role in filling the gaps. According to a document written by an American diplomat in Seoul back then, South Korea was almost entirely dependent on the United States for food and consumer goods in the years after Korean War.” “Just like our own life experiences shape the cultures we're a part of, the historical backgrounds behind how Spam was viewed in South Korea and the U.S. show how outside factors can really impact what cultures prefer and their practices. After the Korean War, South Korea had to rely a lot on food aid from America. This aid didn't just help with hunger at the time, but it also created lasting connections between the two countries. Sharing that food laid the foundations for why Spam became so popular in South Korean culture. It's an example of how going through shared experiences and interacting across cultures can actually form new food traditions and parts of cultural identities.” 4. Share Personal Experiences: “As someone who has navigated different cultural landscapes, I've come to appreciate the richness and diversity inherent in the human experience. These encounters have not only broadened my understanding of literature but have also shaped the way I approach my research and teaching. From studying literature from various cultural perspectives to engaging with diverse communities, my cross-cultural experiences have enriched my academic journey in profound ways. They've taught me to embrace complexity, challenge assumptions, and seek out new perspectives. As an English scholar, I believe it's essential to recognize the interconnectedness of cultures and to approach literature with a nuanced understanding of its cultural contexts. By doing so, we not only gain deeper insights into the texts we study but also foster greater empathy and appreciation for diverse voices and narratives. So, as we continue our exploration of multicultural literature and its intersections with identity, belonging, and representation, let's remember the importance of embracing cultural diversity and recognizing the myriad influences that shape our understanding of the world.” 5. Encourage Open Dialogue: "I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences as well. (Facilitate an open discussion, encouraging students to share their perspectives and experiences.) 6. Closing Remarks: "As we've discussed, our cultural backgrounds play a significant role in shaping our experiences, perspectives, and interpretations. It is also true that our experiences and perspectives constantly shape the culture we are part of. Our backgrounds really shape how we see things. And it works both ways - our experiences also change the cultures we're part of. So, I think we can say culture is like a two-way street, always changing as we go along." "Thank you all for your insightful contributions. I hope this discussion has provided a glimpse into the richness of cross-cultural experiences and the importance of intercultural competence in our field of study and beyond."