We are all descendants of immigrants, and our ancestors, at some point or another, experienced migration from other regions. For many, this history may be so ancient that it no longer holds any meaning. However, for others, this past still profoundly influences how they are perceived by society, the circumstances that shape their lives, and, most importantly, how they perceive themselves
The most powerful tool in human history to justify oppression and inequality is social stratification. When those in power create neat classifications based on arbitrary characteristics like past history, ethnicity, religion, race, and language, these classifications not only form the basis of the present but also determine the circumstances of those yet unborn. Ultimately, they stigmatize minorities as inferior, thereby making them feel inferior themselves.
The crucial point is that there is no specific gene for race. Skin color is simply determined by the distance between where you live and the equator. However, even if the concept of race lacks a biological basis, it is a real concept. It is deeply rooted in most societies and shapes the circumstances and self-image of individuals. This is particularly interesting when considering the phenomenon of diaspora and how the identities of individuals or groups change when they are forced to migrate.
Photographers with ties to the Korean Peninsula can begin by telling stories that illustrate how their identities are constructed. The concept of "identity" often appears in project introductions. Who are we, or are they, and where do we come from? Do we identify with the region or community that shaped us, our genes, our birthplace, our experiences, our abilities, and so on? These questions stem from childhood anxieties that we experience from the moment we realize we are alive, and we may never find the answers to them.