The Cleanest Race: How North Koreans See Themselves and Why It Matters

The Cleanest Race examines North Korean state propaganda and national mythology to reveal the core ideological principles driving the DPRK regime. Through analysis of internal media, children's textbooks, films, and official statements, B.R. Myers argues against the common view that North Korea follows a Communist or Confucian model. Myers presents evidence that North Korean ideology centers on a race-based worldview positioning Koreans as morally pure and childlike, requiring protection from foreign corruption. The book traces how this narrative emerged from Japanese colonial propaganda and developed into the DPRK's central belief system. The work analyzes how North Korea's leaders have maintained power through a maternal state model, with rulers cast as parental protectors of a virtuous but vulnerable people. Myers supports his thesis with translations and interpretations of materials rarely seen by Western readers. This study of North Korean self-perception challenges standard Western assumptions about the country's motivations and behavior. The implications for international relations and diplomacy extend beyond academic interest to practical policy considerations.

Readers view this as an alternative analysis of North Korean ideology that challenges common assumptions about the regime's communist foundations. The book presents North Korea's racial nationalism and maternal state mythology as core drivers rather than Juche philosophy. Readers appreciated: - Clear writing style and concise length (under 200 pages) - Translation/analysis of North Korean propaganda materials - Fresh perspective that explains inconsistencies in NK behavior - Well-researched citations and evidence Common criticisms: - Repetitive arguments - Dismisses role of communist ideology too readily - Limited scope/sources - Some readers found the thesis overly simplistic Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (190+ ratings) Notable reader comment: "Myers makes a compelling case but seems to force every piece of evidence to fit his thesis, even when alternative explanations exist." - Goodreads reviewer Many readers recommend pairing this with other North Korea books for a more complete understanding.

Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick This account of daily life in North Korea through defector stories provides insights into the mindset and beliefs of North Korean citizens that complement Myers' analysis of state propaganda.

Under the Loving Care of the Fatherly Leader by Bradley K. Martin The book examines North Korean society through the lens of its leadership cult and propaganda machinery, building on themes central to Myers' work.

The Real North Korea by Andrei Lankov A former Soviet citizen who studied in Pyongyang presents North Korean ideology and social control mechanisms from both insider and academic perspectives.

The Impossible State by Victor Cha This analysis of North Korea's political system and national mythology explores the intersection of propaganda, power, and national identity that Myers discusses.

Dear Leader by Jang Jin-sung A former North Korean propaganda poet provides first-hand insights into the creation and purpose of state messaging that Myers analyzes in his work.

🔹 While many scholars focus on North Korea's commitment to communism, Myers argues that the country's core ideology is actually based on a race-based nationalism that portrays Koreans as pure, childlike, and morally superior to other peoples. 🔹 B.R. Myers learned Korean by watching North Korean films and reading their propaganda materials firsthand, giving him unique insights into how the regime communicates with its people. 🔹 The book's title comes from the North Korean state's obsession with racial purity and its frequent use of cleanliness metaphors in propaganda to distinguish "pure" Koreans from "contaminated" foreigners. 🔹 North Korea's official portrayal of Kim Il-sung and his successors is deliberately maternal rather than paternal, casting them as nurturing mother figures rather than stern father figures - contrary to how they're often perceived in the West. 🔹 The author discovered that much of North Korea's modern propaganda bears striking similarities to Japanese imperial propaganda from the early 20th century, suggesting that North Korea's ruling ideology has roots in Japanese fascism rather than Stalinist communism.