Pyongyang residents given fish in memory of Kim Jong-il

[jberryhill]

11. It's both

The folks in Pyongyang are the party faithful.

They would have no idea if they were faking it or not. They certainly can't talk to anyone about how they feel. Because every day, everybody feels the same way. They feel terrific that Dear Leader is directing them, and that they have the privilege of serving him.

When you see some bizarre Catholic folk ritual from an isolated town in Spain where they whip themselves, do you wonder if they really feel devoted?

I was in Mexico City once during some holy day or saints day or whatever, where every third person on the subways was toting around a statue of Jesus, or Mary, or some medieval nun who could see God in her pubic hair or whatever.

It's the reason why comedy shows have a laugh track.

You think it's funny just because you hear other people laughing.