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© 2024 by Difficult Conversations Movement
Article Series


Not an Insult: Establishing Feminism in a Country Still Afraid of It
Feminist’ flags waved on International Women’s Day in downtown Seoul, South Korea, March 8, 2024. Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP, published in Le Monde . In South Korea, a nation globally recognized for its technological innovations, cultural influence, and rapid recovery from war and foreign occupation, one word continuously ignites hostility: feminism . It should be fairly simple – as feminism is a belief in and an advocate for gender equality – but in the sphere of the Korean
Seohyun Kim
4 days ago6 min read


The Trap of Simplicity
The idea that the "simplest" explanation is best has a long pedigree. From the Latin maxim "simplex sigillum veri" -simplicity is the seal of truth-to Ockham's razor and George Pólya's praise of elegant solutions in mathematics, we have been taught to equate simplicity with honesty, clarity, and even virtue. A neat argument seems more trustworthy than a tangled one; a single cause feels more satisfying than a messy web of factors. But in matters political, historical, of iden
Jisung Kim
5 days ago3 min read


When Silence Stops Being Neutral
Silence is often framed as a sign of caution, professionalism, or even wisdom. We are taught that not everything needs to be said, that restraint is maturity, and that calm surfaces prevent unnecessary conflict. Especially in institutional settings such as schools, organizations, workplaces, silence is frequently praised as stability. Speaking less feels safer than saying the wrong thing. But in difficult conversations, silence rarely remains neutral. More often, it becomes a
Eunseol Jo
6 days ago3 min read


Media Distrust and Polarization
“Infographic: The Echo Chamber Effect” Political polarization has been growing in many two-party systems such as the United States, which can partly be attributed to growing distrust of the media. Surveys show that fewer Americans believe news organizations report accurate and unbiased information. With media organizations being affected by incentives and political agendas, Americans are more reluctant to accept information from sources that disagree with their preexisting po
Jaewon Hwang
Nov 283 min read


“Is community service actually helping… or just for college apps?”:The Ethics of Performative Volunteerism
Community service can be thought of as an act of generosity—a way to show compassion, give back, and help others. But with the rising competition for college admissions, a new question begs to be asked: is volunteering truly about making a difference, or has it become just another line on a resume?
Soeun Park
Nov 263 min read
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