Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Blog #15
I feel I learned a lot this semester about the Japanese culture and myself. By better understanding the way different people think, I am able to in turn better understand why I feel the way I feel about certain things. Also, it was really cool to see how American and Japanese culture had some similarities, but more often than not how they were different and held certain things to a higher esteem than the other would. For instance, age vs ability within a workforce. Overall I really enjoyed this class and definitely loved learning all the concepts. If I were to name one that stuck out the most to me, I would have to say Gamburi, only because I know that I lack that sort of drive, currently in my life. Watching it in action was really inspiring and I hope to emulate it into my everyday life.
Blog #13
Discussion Reflection:
I was not present for this class, so therefore I cannot reflect on the discussion that occurred.
Citations:
1. Ryosaikenbo
a. "even though more than half of married women today are working, the ideal of ryosaikenbo continues to be very influential." Pg. 180
I feel this can still be reflected in today's society. There has been for a very long time, an unspoken concept that men should be the main bread winners in the house. This has only till recently been the norm in American society. I feel that it will be awhile till this could be seen in the Japanese households. This is due to this concept being so well ingrained in the society as well as the Ie system factoring in. I personally believe that it should not matter who makes more money. If I would have to become a stay at home dad in my future family because it makes more sense for me to quit, I would gladly do so.
2. Zoto
a. "Another characteristic of Japanese gift giving is its practicality. Something that can be used is chose for almost all kinds of gifts, and because money is the most practical of all, it is given on many occasions." Pg. 238
3. Soshiki
a. "The bereaved family is expected to be in mourning for the deceased for a specific period of time, called ki chu, which lasts until the forty-ninth day after death, and mo chu, which is for one year after death. However, the bereaved family and close relatives cannot usally be absent from schoor or their companies for such a long time, so the period that they are abset for mourning is predetermined: ten days for a spouse; seven days for a parent; five days for a child; three days for a grandmother, grandfather, sister and brother; and one day for a grandchild, aunt, and uncle." Pgs 212-213
I know that many Americans would find this concept absurd. To have set amount of days that you are allowed to mourn feels to restrictive and by the length that is predetermined, very unrealistic. I also feel that the fact that a child is less than a parent seems weird. As children we know are parents will die before us more than likely. However, parents don't expect to see it the other way around, and therefore mourning would last a lot longer. I honestly can't think of any reason why this is accepted by the Japanese people other than group think. I feel that since it is "established" people don't want to go against the grain and just stick with it. Overall kinda feel this concept is stupid.
I was not present for this class, so therefore I cannot reflect on the discussion that occurred.
Citations:
1. Ryosaikenbo
a. "even though more than half of married women today are working, the ideal of ryosaikenbo continues to be very influential." Pg. 180
I feel this can still be reflected in today's society. There has been for a very long time, an unspoken concept that men should be the main bread winners in the house. This has only till recently been the norm in American society. I feel that it will be awhile till this could be seen in the Japanese households. This is due to this concept being so well ingrained in the society as well as the Ie system factoring in. I personally believe that it should not matter who makes more money. If I would have to become a stay at home dad in my future family because it makes more sense for me to quit, I would gladly do so.
2. Zoto
a. "Another characteristic of Japanese gift giving is its practicality. Something that can be used is chose for almost all kinds of gifts, and because money is the most practical of all, it is given on many occasions." Pg. 238
3. Soshiki
a. "The bereaved family is expected to be in mourning for the deceased for a specific period of time, called ki chu, which lasts until the forty-ninth day after death, and mo chu, which is for one year after death. However, the bereaved family and close relatives cannot usally be absent from schoor or their companies for such a long time, so the period that they are abset for mourning is predetermined: ten days for a spouse; seven days for a parent; five days for a child; three days for a grandmother, grandfather, sister and brother; and one day for a grandchild, aunt, and uncle." Pgs 212-213
I know that many Americans would find this concept absurd. To have set amount of days that you are allowed to mourn feels to restrictive and by the length that is predetermined, very unrealistic. I also feel that the fact that a child is less than a parent seems weird. As children we know are parents will die before us more than likely. However, parents don't expect to see it the other way around, and therefore mourning would last a lot longer. I honestly can't think of any reason why this is accepted by the Japanese people other than group think. I feel that since it is "established" people don't want to go against the grain and just stick with it. Overall kinda feel this concept is stupid.
Blog # 12
1. She uses the time leap initially to go and eat her pudding that her sister ate. In the end the total consequences was that her friend and his new girlfriend died like she would've in the beginning.
2. She is her own god in a sense. As she states, I can do whatever I like and it doesn't matter. If I mess up, I can go back and change it. To me I would describe that as being a divine being.
3. Yes, the scene where she goes back an aces the quiz rather than failing it. The other scene that shows this is when they are playing baseball and she catches every single ball and hits every single one. That would be in my mind considered cheating.
4. I feel the scene where the girl that is shy is pretty much commanded to tell the boy she likes that she would like to go out with him shows this concept very well. She being a first year would be kohai and they would be sempai since they were juniors.
5. Yes and no, there were moments were it seemed that the little sister felt above this role. However,there was one scene in particular that reflected this concept very well in my opinion. This would be when the sister thought Makoto was going to jump out the window and started to act in the kohai role.
6. Chiaki used his last charge to switch the bikes to make sure Kazuko and his girlfriend wouldn't die. He then told Makoto all about him and the future and the device she had landed on that gave her the abilities to jump. He then, by breaking the rules, left her for good since he wouldn't be able to see her for breaking that fundamental rule.
7. I don't think so. I feel that his era would be way to old and unless she somehow events time travel, it will never happen.
8. Kazuko shows the path of science and Aunty Witch shows the path of the arts, her two options for school beyond high school. I feel like it shows that the human being and art are one in the same in a sense. We are art that creates art with our actions. We are all pieces that create a beautiful picture.
9. Gamburi was shown through the character Kazuko. He devoted himself to his studies, and was determined to always better himself. I also think the ideal of group think was shown in the bullying of the one student. No one was willing to speak up and stop it, therefore singling themselves out. So by not doing anything and allowing it to occur, they went with the group.
10. I love Japanese animes. However, I was not a fan of this animation style. I still love them and it is always nice to be exposed to a different type of anime then I normally watch.
2. She is her own god in a sense. As she states, I can do whatever I like and it doesn't matter. If I mess up, I can go back and change it. To me I would describe that as being a divine being.
3. Yes, the scene where she goes back an aces the quiz rather than failing it. The other scene that shows this is when they are playing baseball and she catches every single ball and hits every single one. That would be in my mind considered cheating.
4. I feel the scene where the girl that is shy is pretty much commanded to tell the boy she likes that she would like to go out with him shows this concept very well. She being a first year would be kohai and they would be sempai since they were juniors.
5. Yes and no, there were moments were it seemed that the little sister felt above this role. However,there was one scene in particular that reflected this concept very well in my opinion. This would be when the sister thought Makoto was going to jump out the window and started to act in the kohai role.
6. Chiaki used his last charge to switch the bikes to make sure Kazuko and his girlfriend wouldn't die. He then told Makoto all about him and the future and the device she had landed on that gave her the abilities to jump. He then, by breaking the rules, left her for good since he wouldn't be able to see her for breaking that fundamental rule.
7. I don't think so. I feel that his era would be way to old and unless she somehow events time travel, it will never happen.
8. Kazuko shows the path of science and Aunty Witch shows the path of the arts, her two options for school beyond high school. I feel like it shows that the human being and art are one in the same in a sense. We are art that creates art with our actions. We are all pieces that create a beautiful picture.
9. Gamburi was shown through the character Kazuko. He devoted himself to his studies, and was determined to always better himself. I also think the ideal of group think was shown in the bullying of the one student. No one was willing to speak up and stop it, therefore singling themselves out. So by not doing anything and allowing it to occur, they went with the group.
10. I love Japanese animes. However, I was not a fan of this animation style. I still love them and it is always nice to be exposed to a different type of anime then I normally watch.
Blog #11
After Discussion Reflection:
I was not present in class for the discussion so I cannot give a reflection on the discussion.
Question:
I feel that Wabi-Sabi is reinforced by Shudan Ishiki because once part of the group begins to find beauty in something, the whole group goes with it. They might not truly find the beauty in something, however, they do not want to fight against the group-ism that is so prevalent within the culture.
Citations:
1. Nemawashi
a. "It is very hard to decide on something in Japan where there is no unanimity, and consideration of relationships with coworkers is crucial to the success or failure of important projects. Thus, maneuvering behind the scenes is very important for the Japanese before proceeding," Pg. 160
I find this to be very odd. I feel that in such an environment, no work could ever be accomplished. Yet, somehow the Japanese industries are one of the biggest within the world. I believe that we as Americans would never go for such a way of getting the job done. We tend to have a person say what to do, and then have others do what they are told. Instead of a all for one kind of way of accomplishing things, its more of a top to bottom process. However, since both are so well accomplished, neither should change their ways, but should be aware of each others business procedures.
b. "the Japanese tend to make most decisions before discussing them at a meeting because people attending meetings often feel uncomfortable being too open and forthright or find it difficult to state their own opinions frankly" Pg. 161
With my knowledge of Japanese culture in consideration, this makes complete sense. This all goes back to the ideal of Shudan Ishiki, and not wanting to speak out against the group. So by making the decisions outside of the meeting, they avoid any awkward situations. However, I feel that in America this would seem very weird. The idea of meeting, as I understand it and as do many others, is to openly discuss a topic and try to come up with some sort of resolve that the majority find to be the correct procedure. You bounce ideas back and forth, not just have a formal appearance to agree upon something you already know you agree on. I personally prefer the American style of a meeting.
2. Sempai-kohai
a. "In Japanese companies, the system of wages and promotions is based on seniority rules. The older people become, the more they earn or the greater their chances for promotion." Pg. 188
I feel this system might work for them, but would never be valued in an American business setting. We tend to value ability more than the Japanese due. While age is a factor that can help lead to more experience in a field, the abilities you have are also weighed in such decisions like a promotion. I personally want to be evaluated on my ability and not my age. For instance, I have a friend who has been building computers since he was 8. I would value him more than a 25 year old with a 4 year degree, him only being 21.
b. "Sempai-kohai relationships have deeply permeated Japanese life, but they are starting to change in schools an business organizations. Sempai used to be respected by kohai because of their experience, but lately kohai do not express as high a regard to seniors as in the past." Pg. 192
This is something we are seeing in pretty much all cultures. The modern young adult has a sense of superiority. I am not saying I am above this in anyway, but it is relevant in today's society and structure. I feel that we as Westerns, may have influenced the Japanese in this regard and have given the youth a sense of superiority. I know that it is clearly seen in our youth, me being one of them.
3. Iitoko dori
a. "With time,however, people noticed that if they believed in Buddhism, the emperor system was denied, for it was through original Shinto myths that the emperor's family maintained its position of the highest status in Japan. This presented a serious problem not only for the royal family but also for the Japanese political system at he time. In the seventh century, Prince Shotoku, who was a nephew of Emperor Suiko, occupied the regency and discovered a way of permitting Buddhism and the emperor system to coexist," Pg. 128
I think this was able to hold water in Japan because of the ideal of group think. No one would speak out against it because it works within their pr-established way of life and thinking. I personally don't agree with this. I am very for secularism, separation of church and state. By manipulating the situation in a way to have such control over the state through religion is just wrong to me. However, I feel many Americans would understand this concept, since so many try to justify laws and policies through their religious beliefs.
b. "Iitoko-dori, then, refers specifically to this process of accepting convenient parts of different, and sometimes contradictory, religious value, systems, and this practice has long been widespread in Japan. In modern times, Sakaiya notes that the number of Japanese people who do not admit to following some form of iitoko-dori is only about 0.5 percent of the population."
I personally kind of find this idea funny. The idea of not liking certain parts of religion so you ignore them is something I get at on some of my friends who are religious. I find the whole concept kind of hypocritical. However, many people do this, within our nation do this all the time, finding the rules they want to follow and the ones they don't. I think it is within human nature to do this. I do not really know why this occurs within the Japanese for cultural reasons, but as I already said I think its just a thing people do.
I was not present in class for the discussion so I cannot give a reflection on the discussion.
Question:
I feel that Wabi-Sabi is reinforced by Shudan Ishiki because once part of the group begins to find beauty in something, the whole group goes with it. They might not truly find the beauty in something, however, they do not want to fight against the group-ism that is so prevalent within the culture.
Citations:
1. Nemawashi
a. "It is very hard to decide on something in Japan where there is no unanimity, and consideration of relationships with coworkers is crucial to the success or failure of important projects. Thus, maneuvering behind the scenes is very important for the Japanese before proceeding," Pg. 160
I find this to be very odd. I feel that in such an environment, no work could ever be accomplished. Yet, somehow the Japanese industries are one of the biggest within the world. I believe that we as Americans would never go for such a way of getting the job done. We tend to have a person say what to do, and then have others do what they are told. Instead of a all for one kind of way of accomplishing things, its more of a top to bottom process. However, since both are so well accomplished, neither should change their ways, but should be aware of each others business procedures.
b. "the Japanese tend to make most decisions before discussing them at a meeting because people attending meetings often feel uncomfortable being too open and forthright or find it difficult to state their own opinions frankly" Pg. 161
With my knowledge of Japanese culture in consideration, this makes complete sense. This all goes back to the ideal of Shudan Ishiki, and not wanting to speak out against the group. So by making the decisions outside of the meeting, they avoid any awkward situations. However, I feel that in America this would seem very weird. The idea of meeting, as I understand it and as do many others, is to openly discuss a topic and try to come up with some sort of resolve that the majority find to be the correct procedure. You bounce ideas back and forth, not just have a formal appearance to agree upon something you already know you agree on. I personally prefer the American style of a meeting.
2. Sempai-kohai
a. "In Japanese companies, the system of wages and promotions is based on seniority rules. The older people become, the more they earn or the greater their chances for promotion." Pg. 188
I feel this system might work for them, but would never be valued in an American business setting. We tend to value ability more than the Japanese due. While age is a factor that can help lead to more experience in a field, the abilities you have are also weighed in such decisions like a promotion. I personally want to be evaluated on my ability and not my age. For instance, I have a friend who has been building computers since he was 8. I would value him more than a 25 year old with a 4 year degree, him only being 21.
b. "Sempai-kohai relationships have deeply permeated Japanese life, but they are starting to change in schools an business organizations. Sempai used to be respected by kohai because of their experience, but lately kohai do not express as high a regard to seniors as in the past." Pg. 192
This is something we are seeing in pretty much all cultures. The modern young adult has a sense of superiority. I am not saying I am above this in anyway, but it is relevant in today's society and structure. I feel that we as Westerns, may have influenced the Japanese in this regard and have given the youth a sense of superiority. I know that it is clearly seen in our youth, me being one of them.
3. Iitoko dori
a. "With time,however, people noticed that if they believed in Buddhism, the emperor system was denied, for it was through original Shinto myths that the emperor's family maintained its position of the highest status in Japan. This presented a serious problem not only for the royal family but also for the Japanese political system at he time. In the seventh century, Prince Shotoku, who was a nephew of Emperor Suiko, occupied the regency and discovered a way of permitting Buddhism and the emperor system to coexist," Pg. 128
I think this was able to hold water in Japan because of the ideal of group think. No one would speak out against it because it works within their pr-established way of life and thinking. I personally don't agree with this. I am very for secularism, separation of church and state. By manipulating the situation in a way to have such control over the state through religion is just wrong to me. However, I feel many Americans would understand this concept, since so many try to justify laws and policies through their religious beliefs.
b. "Iitoko-dori, then, refers specifically to this process of accepting convenient parts of different, and sometimes contradictory, religious value, systems, and this practice has long been widespread in Japan. In modern times, Sakaiya notes that the number of Japanese people who do not admit to following some form of iitoko-dori is only about 0.5 percent of the population."
I personally kind of find this idea funny. The idea of not liking certain parts of religion so you ignore them is something I get at on some of my friends who are religious. I find the whole concept kind of hypocritical. However, many people do this, within our nation do this all the time, finding the rules they want to follow and the ones they don't. I think it is within human nature to do this. I do not really know why this occurs within the Japanese for cultural reasons, but as I already said I think its just a thing people do.
Blog #10
1. A geisha practices the art of beauty first and foremost. This can be seen at it simplest in just the wear of a geisha. It broadens then to the art of entertainment, such as the pouring of tea or sake. It also includes the finer arts of music, dancing, and singing. Overall the art of the geisha is a way of life, a way of being. The way of beauty.
2. When my grandma was diagnosed with cancer, we began to see her slowly fade. It was as if there was no possiblity that she would ever be the woman she was, the mother she was, or the grandmother she was. In this way I could see the Japanese aware in my life. Who she was, was a beauty not fully appreciated until she began to "wilt and wither away."
3. Yes, while the actors an actresses were excellent and spoke English well, the slight accents upon the words drew away from the beauty and actually made them "ugly" so to speak. I found myself more drawn to the undertones of not speaking your native language than the actual beauty within the words.
4. I feel like one event that celebrates Kisetsu in America is the Fourth of July. While, at it's base it is a celebration of the independence of our nation, it also has undertones of celebrating summer with the foods and drinks that accommodate the season. However, if Japanese were to celebrate it they would not be eating hamburgers, corn on the cob, watermelon and such, but rather eel.
5. I feel the whole film past the point where she met the Chairman on the bridge was the exact sense of Otogibanashi. As she said in the last scene, "Every step I have taken since then, was to bring me closer to you." The years and years she suffered with immense patience just really embodies this ideal.
6. Wabi is a simplistic idea of beauty. Finding the simple things in something is what makes it beautiful. Sabi is a beauty found after something is lost to you. The appreciation of the beauty once had but now forever gone. I feel that we appreciate a more complex sense of beauty and we tend to appreciate the beauty we have in the moment rather than delve on the past.
7. Wabi is seen when the chairman looks into Chiyo's eyes and finds the very "plain" look in them to be beautiful. Sabi is seen when Chiyo feels she has lost the chairman, and sees the beauty that he was and believes she will never have again.
8. Hatsumomo probably died on the streets. She was turned away and only had the rags on her person. The relationship between Sayuri and the Chairman is that of a danna, its sort of a night time wife, one you do not show off in a formal setting. I believe she is happy, for she got what she prayed for.
9. Okaasan adopted Sayuri. I feel this sent pumpkin into a wild spiral for she lost the one thing she ever wanted. As she stated in the scene on the island.
10. Gambari is seen throughout the whole movie. The premise of becoming a gaisha is that you have to devote your life to the practice. This is textbook gambari.
11. I loved the movie. I felt the ending was awesome, although I had predicted it as I was watching it, it made me very happy. I feel seeing the struggles of her life, yet she was still able to gain the one thing she always wanted, proved gambari really is important to be successful.
2. When my grandma was diagnosed with cancer, we began to see her slowly fade. It was as if there was no possiblity that she would ever be the woman she was, the mother she was, or the grandmother she was. In this way I could see the Japanese aware in my life. Who she was, was a beauty not fully appreciated until she began to "wilt and wither away."
3. Yes, while the actors an actresses were excellent and spoke English well, the slight accents upon the words drew away from the beauty and actually made them "ugly" so to speak. I found myself more drawn to the undertones of not speaking your native language than the actual beauty within the words.
4. I feel like one event that celebrates Kisetsu in America is the Fourth of July. While, at it's base it is a celebration of the independence of our nation, it also has undertones of celebrating summer with the foods and drinks that accommodate the season. However, if Japanese were to celebrate it they would not be eating hamburgers, corn on the cob, watermelon and such, but rather eel.
5. I feel the whole film past the point where she met the Chairman on the bridge was the exact sense of Otogibanashi. As she said in the last scene, "Every step I have taken since then, was to bring me closer to you." The years and years she suffered with immense patience just really embodies this ideal.
6. Wabi is a simplistic idea of beauty. Finding the simple things in something is what makes it beautiful. Sabi is a beauty found after something is lost to you. The appreciation of the beauty once had but now forever gone. I feel that we appreciate a more complex sense of beauty and we tend to appreciate the beauty we have in the moment rather than delve on the past.
7. Wabi is seen when the chairman looks into Chiyo's eyes and finds the very "plain" look in them to be beautiful. Sabi is seen when Chiyo feels she has lost the chairman, and sees the beauty that he was and believes she will never have again.
8. Hatsumomo probably died on the streets. She was turned away and only had the rags on her person. The relationship between Sayuri and the Chairman is that of a danna, its sort of a night time wife, one you do not show off in a formal setting. I believe she is happy, for she got what she prayed for.
9. Okaasan adopted Sayuri. I feel this sent pumpkin into a wild spiral for she lost the one thing she ever wanted. As she stated in the scene on the island.
10. Gambari is seen throughout the whole movie. The premise of becoming a gaisha is that you have to devote your life to the practice. This is textbook gambari.
11. I loved the movie. I felt the ending was awesome, although I had predicted it as I was watching it, it made me very happy. I feel seeing the struggles of her life, yet she was still able to gain the one thing she always wanted, proved gambari really is important to be successful.
Monday, December 7, 2015
Blog # 9
After Discussion Reflection:
I felt like the discussion went really well. Everyone had very good points to the question that were brought up. I felt like my question went over decently well but could've gone a little better. I felt like my question would've been a bit more thought provoking but I guess how I thought of them and how everyone thought of them was a bit different. However, I was still pleased with the discussions. Really enjoyed being outside, it made it a very fun experience. 10/10 would recommend.
What Does it Mean to be American?
I honestly feel like this question is something that everyone might think about from time to time. However, I know that I feel no connection to this country. I have never had a sense of patriotism and I feel that I could easily leave this country to move to another. But what makes me an American? Well I was born in this country and that is the only thing that I feel makes me American.
Citations:
1. Bigaku
a. "The Japanese aesthetic is very subjective, and there are no absolute criteria as to what this should be. In the West, however, what is beautiful is beautiful in and of itself, so there are explicit and well-established criteria for beauty." Pg. 37
I find it very interesting that the Japanese people are able to find beauty in a more subjective form rather than just a very plain way of looking at art. I feel this definitely reflects into the cultural understanding of ambiguity. However, I cannot accept the statement that the West only values a very defined version of beauty. There have been many very movements within the Western art world that have valued a more abstract approach to the beauty of the art. I would even argue that Japanese style would be too straight forward in comparison to some of the pieces that have become valued as beautiful and insightful pieces of art. However, I personally feel that I would love the Japanese style of art just due to my want to try and think my way through a piece rather than just view and appreciate the skill that was shown in creating a realistic painting.
b. "Today the Japanese language is changing as people express themselves more decisively and directly and sometimes become irritated with vagueness for its own sake." Pg. 38
I think it is both awesome and terrible that the culture is changing within Japan in such a way. On one hand, it is awesome that the culture is able to adapt and evolve in the Modern World, however, on the other it is sad that such an old and well established way of speaking has been thrown out due to Western influences. However, if you look at the world as a whole and the individual countries and populations within, you are able to see that this happens all the time throughout history. Even in our culture, we see that people tend to speak in such a way that many people of older generations would call, "dumbed down" and "concise." With the invention of cell phones, social media, and other such outlets to speak to people, we have become less grammatically correct and it seems our sentences are not fully thought out. So, keeping that in mind, it is easy to understand how the Japanese way of speaking is changing in such a way with the influence of the West always affecting their way of life.
2. Kisetsu
a. "Furthermore, although people eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year in Japan, they also enjoy eating special dishes that are associated with the seasons. For example, bamboo shoots (takenoko) are a favorite in the spring, eels (unagi) are eaten in the summer, and mackerel(saba) are representative of the autumn season." Pg. 154
It is cool to see that Japan and American culture are very similar in this regard. Just like how they eat their seasonal dishes we tend to do the same thing. Corn, watermelon, hamburgers, and hotdogs are all foods we would eat in the summer. Pumpkin pie and turkey are common dishes in the fall. In the winter you tend to see many sorts of soups and chili. Seeing these similarities really shows how even though we are in completely different parts of the world, we can relate on some very basic levels.
b. "Many people also stay awake far into the night on New Year's Eve with other members of their family to share the joy of having spent the outgoing year in good health, as they listen to shrine or temple bells ringing just before the arrival of the New Year." Pg. 156
Once again it is really cool to see that they value very similar things as we Americans do. The want to stay up and share the outgoing year into the new one is something held in regard to both cultures. The exact way in which this is accomplished is different it seems, however having a similar base allows both cultures to be more open to the other for it creates common ground between the two of them.
3. Otogibanashi
a. "...reflecting the feeling that beautiful women who have an aura of sadness are graceful in a sense. As describes in this story, Japaneses heroines are often tragic figures and have to endure grief." Pg. 173
I feel this is very dangerous within any culture. Since the Japanese culture highly regards their folk tales, to have women portrayed in such a way allows for a sense of control to be established over them by men. A woman "in sadness is graceful" is a very dangerous message to be sending to the younger generation. As we can see within our own culture, messages that are pushed by the media, for example, thin is beautiful, can lead to very bad and in some cases, dangerous situations on a very impressionable youth. I can only hope that these tales are held in regard to more of the cultural history rather than the message that is being portrayed.
b. "there are two reasons why the heroine is a wonderful figure: one is her bravery to marry a poor man; the other is her intelligence in guiding him." Pg. 175
This response also reflects on the last citation. I feel the messages within the folktales to be very conflicting. In the one the idea of being able to endure grief is considered to be a virtue, which I find to be a very bad message to send out to those who are impressionable. On the other it shows a heroine who is held in high regard due to the character traits of bravery and wisdom. One I find slightly misogynistic the other is more feminist. I don't know how to feel about this, however we can see similar events occurring within American culture. If we look at the 1940's for instance, the idea of a very obedient wife was very common, however once way was eminent, this idea of a strong working woman became the face of America. So, within both cultures we can see how two very different ideals, can be held within the same time period.
4. Wabi sabi
a. "People require mental discipline for real understandings of beauty because in this way of thinking, beauty emerges from inside objects." Pg. 228
I couldn't agree more with this statement. I really feel it is important to be able to critically think and analyze something to truly understand a thing, idea or an object. I feel that in American culture this is something lost to the vast majority of people and they tend to just take something as face value. This is a very poor way of viewing the world we live in and it definitely does not allow us to grow as a culture. I feel that this definitely helps in Japanese culture because if this idea is held as a virtue among the people, they have a distinctive advantage in the modern world. Also, within their culture, due to the virtue of ambiguity being held in such high esteem.
b. "Although millions of people continue to learn calligraphy, tea ceremony, and flower arrangements, most do so not to develop their own distinct inner sense of beauty but simply as an imitation of models." Pg. 229
I feel this really shows how much the traditional Japan has changed to more of a modern western culture. With the influence of our culture we have changed what is valued, and while many people are willing to learn that of the past, it is more just a going through the motions kind of thing. We can see very similar occurrences within American culture as well. For instance many people go to church, pray and such not out of a divine spiritual drive, but as a way of imitating those before us. Quite honestly I feel that is the best comparison between the two instances within each culture. I know I have done one thing or another that would fit into this idea of practicing something because it is tradition to do so.
I felt like the discussion went really well. Everyone had very good points to the question that were brought up. I felt like my question went over decently well but could've gone a little better. I felt like my question would've been a bit more thought provoking but I guess how I thought of them and how everyone thought of them was a bit different. However, I was still pleased with the discussions. Really enjoyed being outside, it made it a very fun experience. 10/10 would recommend.
What Does it Mean to be American?
I honestly feel like this question is something that everyone might think about from time to time. However, I know that I feel no connection to this country. I have never had a sense of patriotism and I feel that I could easily leave this country to move to another. But what makes me an American? Well I was born in this country and that is the only thing that I feel makes me American.
Citations:
1. Bigaku
a. "The Japanese aesthetic is very subjective, and there are no absolute criteria as to what this should be. In the West, however, what is beautiful is beautiful in and of itself, so there are explicit and well-established criteria for beauty." Pg. 37
I find it very interesting that the Japanese people are able to find beauty in a more subjective form rather than just a very plain way of looking at art. I feel this definitely reflects into the cultural understanding of ambiguity. However, I cannot accept the statement that the West only values a very defined version of beauty. There have been many very movements within the Western art world that have valued a more abstract approach to the beauty of the art. I would even argue that Japanese style would be too straight forward in comparison to some of the pieces that have become valued as beautiful and insightful pieces of art. However, I personally feel that I would love the Japanese style of art just due to my want to try and think my way through a piece rather than just view and appreciate the skill that was shown in creating a realistic painting.
b. "Today the Japanese language is changing as people express themselves more decisively and directly and sometimes become irritated with vagueness for its own sake." Pg. 38
I think it is both awesome and terrible that the culture is changing within Japan in such a way. On one hand, it is awesome that the culture is able to adapt and evolve in the Modern World, however, on the other it is sad that such an old and well established way of speaking has been thrown out due to Western influences. However, if you look at the world as a whole and the individual countries and populations within, you are able to see that this happens all the time throughout history. Even in our culture, we see that people tend to speak in such a way that many people of older generations would call, "dumbed down" and "concise." With the invention of cell phones, social media, and other such outlets to speak to people, we have become less grammatically correct and it seems our sentences are not fully thought out. So, keeping that in mind, it is easy to understand how the Japanese way of speaking is changing in such a way with the influence of the West always affecting their way of life.
2. Kisetsu
a. "Furthermore, although people eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year in Japan, they also enjoy eating special dishes that are associated with the seasons. For example, bamboo shoots (takenoko) are a favorite in the spring, eels (unagi) are eaten in the summer, and mackerel(saba) are representative of the autumn season." Pg. 154
It is cool to see that Japan and American culture are very similar in this regard. Just like how they eat their seasonal dishes we tend to do the same thing. Corn, watermelon, hamburgers, and hotdogs are all foods we would eat in the summer. Pumpkin pie and turkey are common dishes in the fall. In the winter you tend to see many sorts of soups and chili. Seeing these similarities really shows how even though we are in completely different parts of the world, we can relate on some very basic levels.
b. "Many people also stay awake far into the night on New Year's Eve with other members of their family to share the joy of having spent the outgoing year in good health, as they listen to shrine or temple bells ringing just before the arrival of the New Year." Pg. 156
Once again it is really cool to see that they value very similar things as we Americans do. The want to stay up and share the outgoing year into the new one is something held in regard to both cultures. The exact way in which this is accomplished is different it seems, however having a similar base allows both cultures to be more open to the other for it creates common ground between the two of them.
3. Otogibanashi
a. "...reflecting the feeling that beautiful women who have an aura of sadness are graceful in a sense. As describes in this story, Japaneses heroines are often tragic figures and have to endure grief." Pg. 173
I feel this is very dangerous within any culture. Since the Japanese culture highly regards their folk tales, to have women portrayed in such a way allows for a sense of control to be established over them by men. A woman "in sadness is graceful" is a very dangerous message to be sending to the younger generation. As we can see within our own culture, messages that are pushed by the media, for example, thin is beautiful, can lead to very bad and in some cases, dangerous situations on a very impressionable youth. I can only hope that these tales are held in regard to more of the cultural history rather than the message that is being portrayed.
b. "there are two reasons why the heroine is a wonderful figure: one is her bravery to marry a poor man; the other is her intelligence in guiding him." Pg. 175
This response also reflects on the last citation. I feel the messages within the folktales to be very conflicting. In the one the idea of being able to endure grief is considered to be a virtue, which I find to be a very bad message to send out to those who are impressionable. On the other it shows a heroine who is held in high regard due to the character traits of bravery and wisdom. One I find slightly misogynistic the other is more feminist. I don't know how to feel about this, however we can see similar events occurring within American culture. If we look at the 1940's for instance, the idea of a very obedient wife was very common, however once way was eminent, this idea of a strong working woman became the face of America. So, within both cultures we can see how two very different ideals, can be held within the same time period.
4. Wabi sabi
a. "People require mental discipline for real understandings of beauty because in this way of thinking, beauty emerges from inside objects." Pg. 228
I couldn't agree more with this statement. I really feel it is important to be able to critically think and analyze something to truly understand a thing, idea or an object. I feel that in American culture this is something lost to the vast majority of people and they tend to just take something as face value. This is a very poor way of viewing the world we live in and it definitely does not allow us to grow as a culture. I feel that this definitely helps in Japanese culture because if this idea is held as a virtue among the people, they have a distinctive advantage in the modern world. Also, within their culture, due to the virtue of ambiguity being held in such high esteem.
b. "Although millions of people continue to learn calligraphy, tea ceremony, and flower arrangements, most do so not to develop their own distinct inner sense of beauty but simply as an imitation of models." Pg. 229
I feel this really shows how much the traditional Japan has changed to more of a modern western culture. With the influence of our culture we have changed what is valued, and while many people are willing to learn that of the past, it is more just a going through the motions kind of thing. We can see very similar occurrences within American culture as well. For instance many people go to church, pray and such not out of a divine spiritual drive, but as a way of imitating those before us. Quite honestly I feel that is the best comparison between the two instances within each culture. I know I have done one thing or another that would fit into this idea of practicing something because it is tradition to do so.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Blog #8
1. I think they show many ways in which the characters show the Do spirit within themselves. One would be how the baker talked about how he loved his craft of baking. By showing how much he was knowledgeable about it, it really showed how he dedicated himself to his art form and found his harmony in life with it. Another example would how the tank commander would still practice his horse jumping, even though it would not be necessary for combat what-so-ever. The biggest and last example I think you can see throughout the film is how the General really dedicated himself to being an honorable leader and being very knowledgeable about how to best defend against the American advancements.
2. I feel that drinking for the General and his old friend really shows a sense of Najimu. I have always felt that drinking with someone in such a manner shows that you respect the person and can trust them yourself while you are inebriate. Also, when you tend to drink you will tend to talk about more personal things rather than just business, which would also build this sense of Najimu.
3. A very negative effect of Hedataru to Najimu with the sense of "uchi to soto" can be observed by looking at the interaction between the navy leaders and the army ones. They consider each other to be complete separate entities while, as stated by the General very early, they need to work together in order to put up a better stand. It was reflected time and time again throughout the film and it caused a lot of men to die for nothing.
4. The biggest example of the terrible effects of groupism in this film would be the scene where the unit committed a mass suicide with grenades. You could see that many of them did not want to, yet they still did, even while in tears. Even though many of them didn't see the value in killing themselves, they still did it because everyone else was doing it, and they didn't want to be singled out as dishonorable.
5. When they read Sam's mother's letter they really began to see that the Americans were very similar to them. It changed them from very Hedataru to a little bit closer to Najimu than they ever thought an American could be. To put it in other words, they were no longer just soto, they became a little more uchi by hearing that letter. One soldier even stated, my mother said very similar things to me, they seem just the same as us and not these savages I was taught to think they were.
6. I see very many similar ideals for the idea of the way of being a warrior, or Bushido, between both films. Honor is very important, it was spoken of throughout the entirety of the film. With this in mind, it really shows how the war in the Pacific was considered a very hard and bloody endeavor. This need to stay honor caused many Japanese soldiers to fight literally to the last man, even when they were out of food, water, and even ammunition. The want to die honorably and to never surrender really shaped the Japanese defensive and shows why it took so long to win in the Pacific.
7. I feel that there were many examples of Haragei in the war. The first one that comes to mind from the film, would be the fact that the General was never told about the defeat of the Combined Fleet. This showed that the empire wanted to keep its face, even if it screwed over those who were working to defend it. Another example would be the many times that the soldiers did not fight back against there leaders and just went with the flow of things. It kinda showed their want to to "keep face" with their leaders.
8. Saigo and Lieutenant Ito both got captured in the end of it all. However, when you look into them as characters, they seem like complete opposites to end in the same fate. Saigo has a very small sense of patriotism, to him the country's war has only led to him losing his business and separating him from his dear wife. Ito, however, is patriotic to the point where he is willing to kill himself to destroy one of the American tanks. He is willing to sacrifice his body for his Emperor and the glory of his country. I feel that they having differing views really drove me to feel more towards Saigo. Saigo seemed more sane and rationale with his way of thought. However, Ito seemed more blinded by the group thought and his sense of Bushido.
9. The most obvious concept that we learned previously in class would be Bushido. This film being about a more modern version of the warrior class, we can see throughout how those ideals are still stuck within the military. Many times they talked about honor, loyalty to their Emperor and such. It would be very hard to find a scene where at least one aspect or another of Bushido is shown in some way.
10. I really learned a lot from this film. I found it very interesting that the General's idea of how to defend the island was not held in good regards with his subordinates. As we know, Iwo Itta was one of the hardest battles one by the Americans in the Pacific and one of the most influential. The fact that the General was able to do so much in the time he was given is pretty awesome.
2. I feel that drinking for the General and his old friend really shows a sense of Najimu. I have always felt that drinking with someone in such a manner shows that you respect the person and can trust them yourself while you are inebriate. Also, when you tend to drink you will tend to talk about more personal things rather than just business, which would also build this sense of Najimu.
3. A very negative effect of Hedataru to Najimu with the sense of "uchi to soto" can be observed by looking at the interaction between the navy leaders and the army ones. They consider each other to be complete separate entities while, as stated by the General very early, they need to work together in order to put up a better stand. It was reflected time and time again throughout the film and it caused a lot of men to die for nothing.
4. The biggest example of the terrible effects of groupism in this film would be the scene where the unit committed a mass suicide with grenades. You could see that many of them did not want to, yet they still did, even while in tears. Even though many of them didn't see the value in killing themselves, they still did it because everyone else was doing it, and they didn't want to be singled out as dishonorable.
5. When they read Sam's mother's letter they really began to see that the Americans were very similar to them. It changed them from very Hedataru to a little bit closer to Najimu than they ever thought an American could be. To put it in other words, they were no longer just soto, they became a little more uchi by hearing that letter. One soldier even stated, my mother said very similar things to me, they seem just the same as us and not these savages I was taught to think they were.
6. I see very many similar ideals for the idea of the way of being a warrior, or Bushido, between both films. Honor is very important, it was spoken of throughout the entirety of the film. With this in mind, it really shows how the war in the Pacific was considered a very hard and bloody endeavor. This need to stay honor caused many Japanese soldiers to fight literally to the last man, even when they were out of food, water, and even ammunition. The want to die honorably and to never surrender really shaped the Japanese defensive and shows why it took so long to win in the Pacific.
7. I feel that there were many examples of Haragei in the war. The first one that comes to mind from the film, would be the fact that the General was never told about the defeat of the Combined Fleet. This showed that the empire wanted to keep its face, even if it screwed over those who were working to defend it. Another example would be the many times that the soldiers did not fight back against there leaders and just went with the flow of things. It kinda showed their want to to "keep face" with their leaders.
8. Saigo and Lieutenant Ito both got captured in the end of it all. However, when you look into them as characters, they seem like complete opposites to end in the same fate. Saigo has a very small sense of patriotism, to him the country's war has only led to him losing his business and separating him from his dear wife. Ito, however, is patriotic to the point where he is willing to kill himself to destroy one of the American tanks. He is willing to sacrifice his body for his Emperor and the glory of his country. I feel that they having differing views really drove me to feel more towards Saigo. Saigo seemed more sane and rationale with his way of thought. However, Ito seemed more blinded by the group thought and his sense of Bushido.
9. The most obvious concept that we learned previously in class would be Bushido. This film being about a more modern version of the warrior class, we can see throughout how those ideals are still stuck within the military. Many times they talked about honor, loyalty to their Emperor and such. It would be very hard to find a scene where at least one aspect or another of Bushido is shown in some way.
10. I really learned a lot from this film. I found it very interesting that the General's idea of how to defend the island was not held in good regards with his subordinates. As we know, Iwo Itta was one of the hardest battles one by the Americans in the Pacific and one of the most influential. The fact that the General was able to do so much in the time he was given is pretty awesome.
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