Exploring Hershey’s Chocolate Beyond the American Borders and Subtler Nuances of Racial Dynamics

Have you ever wondered if the iconic Hershey’s chocolate bars are exclusively available in America? Or perhaps, the cultural context surrounding the consumption of these sweet treats reveals a lot about racial dynamics in military bases during the Korean War?

Racial Dynamics and Hershey’s Chocolate: A Taste of Comfort

The story begins in Korea, where during the Korean War, American servicemen were stationed along with kijich'on girls, who were Korean women who engaged in the sex trade. The consumption of Hershey’s chocolate in this environment brings to light the intertwining of racial dynamics and economic transactions.

“Try some candy,” Sookie said, unwrapping a bar. “It’s called Hershey’s.” She broke off a piece and popped it into my mouth, and a sweet explosion of dark, bitter chocolate surged through me, tasting both sweet and as raw and bitter as blood. Delicious, American. My mother said darkies are the kindest, the most grateful. They go with anybody who is lighter than them.

Taste and Cultural Significance

Hershey’s chocolate, a familiar treat from America, became a symbol of comfort and cultural exchange in the segregated environment of America Town in South Korea. Despite the racial divide, these sweet treats bridged an unexpected gap, allowing Sookie and her mother to cater to American soldiers and supply them with American goods like Hershey’s.

The Social Context of Racial Unrest

The segregated atmosphere in military bases like America Town posed significant political challenges for the U.S. Despite the espousal of democracy and equality, rampant racial discrimination in these town camps created a volatile environment. The U.S. military bases during the Korean War were still segregated, with distinct quarters designated for white and black soldiers.

Historical Unit of Analysis: Kijich'on Girls and the Art of Exchange

Kijich'on girls, often described as attractive young women, had a unique role during the war. They lured American soldiers, who at times were married or otherwise committed, into sexual encounters, only to betray their partners, often metaphorically changing back into foxes in the act. Their bodies, like the fox's ability to transform, became their most potent bargaining chip. Many preferred associating with white soldiers, deeming them of a "higher class." This practice led to the segregation of the girls themselves, creating separate communities based on the race of the soldiers they primarily engaged with.

The Economics of Race and Consumption

The economic factors of this situation also played a significant role. Since there were more white soldiers in Korea, there were more clubs and opportunities for business catering to them. This system of racial segregation not only perpetuated prejudice but also made economic sense for the girls, as they excluded themselves from future business with the potentially larger pool of white soldiers.

Conclusion

The story of Hershey’s chocolate in America Town mirrors the complex and often contradictory history of race, consumption, and economic transactions during the Korean War. By exploring these nuances, we gain a deeper understanding of the social and political dynamics that shaped daily life in these military bases.