The Powerless In North Korea

In North Korea, the Workers’ Party of Korea has been able to maintain control of power through the usage of controlled government institutions over the social construct of society. The core basis of this institutionalized power relies upon a fear based society that controls subordinates thought processes, which in turn supports the current dominations ideology. Likewise, reprogramming and reshaping the minds of the powerless is a key ideal in maintaining influence over the North Korean society. The powerless in this case has been diminished into a silent majority under the oppression of the party, secret police, and army, bound to follow rules onstage in front of power and obey officials rhetoric despite living conditions. Consequently, the

Character assassination is a fairly large part in this concept, mocking officials and questioning the current oppressor's ideology and rhetoric are a way the powerless resist oppressive rules. Public opposition is suicide, but this hidden transcript allows the oppressed to unify in resistance. Therefore, speaking ill of public officials, even the supreme leader, is being more of a cultural norm in this hidden transcript, the common people want a change from this failing regime that abuses the rights of its people. This opens up the conversation, individuals involved now are able to freely think, speak, and

As stated by Hyung-min Joo “those who think differently also begin to act differently, sooner or later” and this translates into disdain the Korean people have for the regime along with having a newly structured culture (Joo 2014). The North Korean people have had a rise in materialism that the government publicly perceived as an infection where individuals become betrayers of the government, willing to sell their country for a few dollars. On the other hand, the people, see this capitalist function as an ideology of survival in their societies cultural makeup. This new system brings light to the new social status created, wealth trumped party affiliations in the eyes of the common people. Next off, on a cultural basis the common people getting a taste beyond its borders. All media outlets in North Korea are fixed to government stations, however the process of un-fixing them are growing among the general population. The hidden transcript is the educational process the subordinate are trying to attain. In addition, illicit religious practices have been popularized such as traditional shamanism and the rise of underground churches. As expressed by Karl Marx “religion is the opium of the people” and the people are worshipping anything that brings good luck, fearing everything in its path. This hidden transcript perceived as the return of shaman gods returning with a