1. Jiro has always taken a very strict approach to his job, and he tries to instill this into both of his sons. He stated near the end of the movie that he was even harder on them during there apprenticeship, not to be mean, but to help instill the necessary dedication and work ethic they will need in order to be successful in the years to come.
2. I do not believe that Yoshikazu will ever be able to exceed Jiro's Gambari and him as a chef. While he has the benefit of having the teaching of his father's practice at an earlier age, he is of a younger generation and while he is still very hard working for his age, his youth shows through in small ways. For instance, his obsession with having very fast cars just shows some of his youth and I think it will be detrimental towards his ability to ever exceed his father. Also, because he was handed a well owned business rather than working it from the ground up, he will not be looked at as dedicated as his father and in turn will not do as well.
3. There were many scenes throughout the movie that showed Kenkyo. The most prominent one I remember was when Takashi was talking about his restaurant, while it serves the same product of his father's, will always be inferior and therefore must be sold at a lower price. Even though the quality is practically the same, Takashi humbles himself by saying he is not as worthy of his father for the pricing of the sushi.
4. I feel that Jiro is only important as a "figure head." He was the famous entrepreneur that started the business, and by having his years of dedication and hard work to back up the product, it gives it a more substantial ground to sell it at the price that it is. However, Yoshikazu is just as capable but to the public he has to be humbled because he is "not" his father.
5. Amae is present between the father and the son. There were many times when they were being interviewed by the producers and they showed their love for each other by joking around. Jiro, while he was a bit harder on him, lets him know that he did it only so he could excel in life. I think this shows more amae than enryo, while I can see why it could be argued the other way.
6. I think that Yoshikazu has very different Honne and Tatemae. I feel that he would want his father to retire so that he could take up the torch and move on and prove that he is capable of running the restaurant without his father being present. However, because it is more respectable that his father wants to keep working on till essentially the day he dies, he has a very different public view.
7. I feel that Gambari would actually never work in the U.S. It is too ingrained into our society that we deserve to have time to rest. Some examples of this can be seen through the tradition of sports such as baseball, the five day work week, and vacation time. So overall I see having this way of thinking being a big disadvantage, however I could see the advantage of it by instilling motivation in the younger generation. It seems that each generation seems to get lazier and lazier, so having this could definitely help with that.
8. "Once you decide on your occupation... you must immerse yourself in your work. You have to fall in love with your work. Never complain about your job. You must dedicate your life to mastering your skill. That's the secret of success... and is the key to being regarded honorably." -Jiro
I chose this quote because it shows the extent of his belief towards Gambari. It hits all aspects that he believes shows the amount of time and dedication it takes in order to be successful.
9. I feel that the hardest one to understand is Kenkyo. While I do believe modesty is a virtue, the extent that they go to to hold up this ideal is way to much in my opinion. If it gets to the point where it is more polite to tear yourself down, I feel that it is too much and I feel that many Americans would actually look at that as a lack in self-confidence. I know personally that when someone "humbles" themselves to the point where I feel they are just tearing themselves down, it angers me more than if they had been a braggart about it. I feel that the idea of a lack of believe in yourself is terrible and I hate it when people I know do that to themselves.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Blog #3
Reflection from the discussion: I felt that overall we had a very well versed and intuitive discussion about the cultural aspects and how they were reflected within the movie. One particular point that stood out to me was the discussion on how the situation of bullying probably blew up the way it did due to the inner cultural boundaries. For instance, the want to not be direct or "aimai" was a big factor to what led the student to hold in his feelings. Overall, I felt our discussion pertaining to this topic was not only very academic in nature, but I also liked that we were able to share our own personal experience in regards to bullying. This allowed us to open up the discussion even further from just an analytical standpoint.
1. Gamabari
a) "According to Amanuma (ibd., pp. 131-133), on the whole, to have free time, to do nothing, or not to work gives the Japaneses an unpleasant feeling. They tend to think that having free time is wasteful, even shameful, and feel uneasy." pg 85
This idea seems very, very foreign to me. I, like many Americans, value having free time. In fact, a goal of mine this week is to get all my homework done so that I may go out and see some old friends on the weekend. It seems to be ingrained into our society that we need to have free time to show that we are doing well enough to not have to be productive for a span of time. However, I feel this is due to the fact that in America we value different aspects of home life than they do in Japan. For us, spending time with the family and watching a movie or TV show or even playing a board game is considered a sign of a good "group" of people who can work together. In Japan, the ability of the group to push each other to new limits through this concept of Gamabari seems to be held at the same level. Which, looking back at the historical development of modern day Japan, it really makes sense why this idea is held at such high esteem.
b) "...many Japanese men do not know what to do with themselves after they retire, since their purpose in living had always been to work. As a result, the number of elderly people who commit suicide has been increasing..." pg 86
This really struck me when I read it. I am so surprised that this is even a thing in any country in today's day and age. We as Americans learn from a very early age that you want to do well in school so you can go and get a good job. After working the job for however long, you then want to be able to retire and live out your days doing what you want to do. It seems like dream life, however the Japanese people see it as quite the opposite. Which, reflecting on other concepts that builds there culture, it makes sense. I feel that this could look into the idea of being apart of the group. The second you leave work, you become soto and are no longer apart of the uchi that is the workforce. Realizing this, it is a bit easier to understand how this reality in Japan came to life.
2. Kenkyo
a) "However, as soon as they enter junior high school, they are expected to conform to this rigid system. This is particularly true in extracurricular activities, which are conducted with little adult supervision in Japan and which take place within a rigid hierarchical system." pg 144
The way I read this was that extracurricular activities are student run with little to no adult supervision. To me this concept would be nice and well accepted in the States, however once you add the idea of having to treat those in charge of the activity like your superior, it starts to reach conflict within my Westernized style of thinking. I know I would never be able to adhere to this sort of system unless I was in charge all the time. I have always been very opinionated and very open to share my opinions on matters. In fact, in Western culture this is held up in some regards as a good trait. There is a saying, "Are you a wolf or a sheep? Don't be a sheep." or something along the lines of that. However, once again looking into the Japan's want to keep the group strong and not per-say the individuals, this sort of system would be necessary. It allows there to be some order within the group and allows things to be accomplished. Plus, by having these groups being exposed into the upcoming generations, it allows them to adapt into the work and social environments of Japan a lot easier. Overall, I feel I could never subject myself to this, but I can see why they have it in place.
b) "The expression of humility in English is a kind of understatement, within the spirit of 'you and I are equals.' Japanese modesty, on the other hand, carries the connotation of 'I'm your inferior' through the expression of negative self images." pg 147
Once again we find that two very similar ways of doing something within Western and Japanese culture have completely different notions behind it. I find it strange that in the Japanese culture it is considered polite to lower oneself in front of a "superior." I feel that even if I was above someone in some so called status, I would feel very awkward if they were to say how unworthy they were. To me, especially in this case where you are receiving a gift, it would be rude to not try and elevate the person who is being gracious enough to give you something. I'm sure any American would agree with this sentiment. To be honest, I have no idea how this concept really helps keep the idea of group life in Japan. To me, I feel that if I were to lower myself to others, it would only make me loathe and hate the fact that I am not higher up in the food chain. I feel this is more destructive than constructive. However, it has seemed to work for them so far, with only the recent generation moving away from such a system ( which could be due to the exposure of Western culture, its the small victories that count :P).
3. Amae
a) "With people who are part of the inner circle, however, the Japanese do not usually have as much of a sense of guilt, because they are so close that amae gives them confidence in any sin being forgiven (ibid)." pg 18
I feel that it would be awesome to see an equivalent within Western culture to this. However, I feel that it is quite the opposite. It seems that people can either be quick to forgive those that are close to them for wrong-doings, or they could not be due to a feeling of betrayal. There is a notion in Western culture that people in your "inner circle" are you closest and most trusted individuals in your life; when these people do something that would be worth of them feeling guilt, it can be taken as a misplacement of trust. People who go through this experience have feelings of conflict and even if they are capable of forgiving it seems to be never the same. However, it seems that in Japan that this can be almost just swept under the rug. This more than likely allows the group to move forward and to keep the unity intact.
b) ...Japanese relationships, which are based on amae, are unstable (Doi; cited in Sahashi, 1980, p. 79); that is, people hesitate to refuse others for fear of breaking this bond." pg 19
I feel that I can understand this feeling, however would never see myself or many people I know using it in practice. I feel that the ability to refuse, or tell someone what they are doing is wrong etc, strengthens these sort of bonds. It shows you care enough to tell them they are wrong and while it always isn't appreciated at first value, eventually it will be. While yes, saying no and such can lead to the destruction of bonds, it is not necessarily a bad thing. However, it seems that the Japanese value the bond more. As in all things so far, this concept is for the want of maintaining the group. The group is above all, even if you don't like it.
4. Honne to Tatemae
a) "Honne is one's deep motive or intention, while tatemae refers to motives or intentions that are socially-tuned, those that are shaped, encourage, or suppressed by majority norms. (Honna &Hoffer, 1986, p. 94)" pg 115
I feel that we as Americans can definitely understand this concept. We find ourselves many times changing our opinions on matters in order to fit the group opinion. It is at the basis of human nature to be accepted by others, and by having deferring opinions, it sets you apart and marks you as an outsider. However, at the same time, I feel that we value having your own motives being the reason to do whatever it is you are doing. The idea of group thought to Japan is more accepted by far and it is interesting to see how it plays out in that way.
b) "...the Japanese people make use of it extensively, taking honne and tatemae for granted in daily life because it is considered a virtue not to directly express one's real feelings and intentions." pg 116
Once again, we look at this from the American view of wanting to be true to yourself in what you do and say. I feel that it is a better virtue to do just that and the idea of not being honest with yourself is more appalling than virtuous. However, as I stated in the last citation, the want to keep the group together is more important that your own wants and desires. You have to be able to sacrifice in order to keep the idea and concept of unity up in the air.
1. Gamabari
a) "According to Amanuma (ibd., pp. 131-133), on the whole, to have free time, to do nothing, or not to work gives the Japaneses an unpleasant feeling. They tend to think that having free time is wasteful, even shameful, and feel uneasy." pg 85
This idea seems very, very foreign to me. I, like many Americans, value having free time. In fact, a goal of mine this week is to get all my homework done so that I may go out and see some old friends on the weekend. It seems to be ingrained into our society that we need to have free time to show that we are doing well enough to not have to be productive for a span of time. However, I feel this is due to the fact that in America we value different aspects of home life than they do in Japan. For us, spending time with the family and watching a movie or TV show or even playing a board game is considered a sign of a good "group" of people who can work together. In Japan, the ability of the group to push each other to new limits through this concept of Gamabari seems to be held at the same level. Which, looking back at the historical development of modern day Japan, it really makes sense why this idea is held at such high esteem.
b) "...many Japanese men do not know what to do with themselves after they retire, since their purpose in living had always been to work. As a result, the number of elderly people who commit suicide has been increasing..." pg 86
This really struck me when I read it. I am so surprised that this is even a thing in any country in today's day and age. We as Americans learn from a very early age that you want to do well in school so you can go and get a good job. After working the job for however long, you then want to be able to retire and live out your days doing what you want to do. It seems like dream life, however the Japanese people see it as quite the opposite. Which, reflecting on other concepts that builds there culture, it makes sense. I feel that this could look into the idea of being apart of the group. The second you leave work, you become soto and are no longer apart of the uchi that is the workforce. Realizing this, it is a bit easier to understand how this reality in Japan came to life.
2. Kenkyo
a) "However, as soon as they enter junior high school, they are expected to conform to this rigid system. This is particularly true in extracurricular activities, which are conducted with little adult supervision in Japan and which take place within a rigid hierarchical system." pg 144
The way I read this was that extracurricular activities are student run with little to no adult supervision. To me this concept would be nice and well accepted in the States, however once you add the idea of having to treat those in charge of the activity like your superior, it starts to reach conflict within my Westernized style of thinking. I know I would never be able to adhere to this sort of system unless I was in charge all the time. I have always been very opinionated and very open to share my opinions on matters. In fact, in Western culture this is held up in some regards as a good trait. There is a saying, "Are you a wolf or a sheep? Don't be a sheep." or something along the lines of that. However, once again looking into the Japan's want to keep the group strong and not per-say the individuals, this sort of system would be necessary. It allows there to be some order within the group and allows things to be accomplished. Plus, by having these groups being exposed into the upcoming generations, it allows them to adapt into the work and social environments of Japan a lot easier. Overall, I feel I could never subject myself to this, but I can see why they have it in place.
b) "The expression of humility in English is a kind of understatement, within the spirit of 'you and I are equals.' Japanese modesty, on the other hand, carries the connotation of 'I'm your inferior' through the expression of negative self images." pg 147
Once again we find that two very similar ways of doing something within Western and Japanese culture have completely different notions behind it. I find it strange that in the Japanese culture it is considered polite to lower oneself in front of a "superior." I feel that even if I was above someone in some so called status, I would feel very awkward if they were to say how unworthy they were. To me, especially in this case where you are receiving a gift, it would be rude to not try and elevate the person who is being gracious enough to give you something. I'm sure any American would agree with this sentiment. To be honest, I have no idea how this concept really helps keep the idea of group life in Japan. To me, I feel that if I were to lower myself to others, it would only make me loathe and hate the fact that I am not higher up in the food chain. I feel this is more destructive than constructive. However, it has seemed to work for them so far, with only the recent generation moving away from such a system ( which could be due to the exposure of Western culture, its the small victories that count :P).
3. Amae
a) "With people who are part of the inner circle, however, the Japanese do not usually have as much of a sense of guilt, because they are so close that amae gives them confidence in any sin being forgiven (ibid)." pg 18
I feel that it would be awesome to see an equivalent within Western culture to this. However, I feel that it is quite the opposite. It seems that people can either be quick to forgive those that are close to them for wrong-doings, or they could not be due to a feeling of betrayal. There is a notion in Western culture that people in your "inner circle" are you closest and most trusted individuals in your life; when these people do something that would be worth of them feeling guilt, it can be taken as a misplacement of trust. People who go through this experience have feelings of conflict and even if they are capable of forgiving it seems to be never the same. However, it seems that in Japan that this can be almost just swept under the rug. This more than likely allows the group to move forward and to keep the unity intact.
b) ...Japanese relationships, which are based on amae, are unstable (Doi; cited in Sahashi, 1980, p. 79); that is, people hesitate to refuse others for fear of breaking this bond." pg 19
I feel that I can understand this feeling, however would never see myself or many people I know using it in practice. I feel that the ability to refuse, or tell someone what they are doing is wrong etc, strengthens these sort of bonds. It shows you care enough to tell them they are wrong and while it always isn't appreciated at first value, eventually it will be. While yes, saying no and such can lead to the destruction of bonds, it is not necessarily a bad thing. However, it seems that the Japanese value the bond more. As in all things so far, this concept is for the want of maintaining the group. The group is above all, even if you don't like it.
4. Honne to Tatemae
a) "Honne is one's deep motive or intention, while tatemae refers to motives or intentions that are socially-tuned, those that are shaped, encourage, or suppressed by majority norms. (Honna &Hoffer, 1986, p. 94)" pg 115
I feel that we as Americans can definitely understand this concept. We find ourselves many times changing our opinions on matters in order to fit the group opinion. It is at the basis of human nature to be accepted by others, and by having deferring opinions, it sets you apart and marks you as an outsider. However, at the same time, I feel that we value having your own motives being the reason to do whatever it is you are doing. The idea of group thought to Japan is more accepted by far and it is interesting to see how it plays out in that way.
b) "...the Japanese people make use of it extensively, taking honne and tatemae for granted in daily life because it is considered a virtue not to directly express one's real feelings and intentions." pg 116
Once again, we look at this from the American view of wanting to be true to yourself in what you do and say. I feel that it is a better virtue to do just that and the idea of not being honest with yourself is more appalling than virtuous. However, as I stated in the last citation, the want to keep the group together is more important that your own wants and desires. You have to be able to sacrifice in order to keep the idea and concept of unity up in the air.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
Blog #2
1. In the film, I believe the virtue of aimai was reflected in the scene where the principal addressed the teacher in an ambiguous way that he should take out the empty desk from the classroom. By doing so in this way, he showed respect towards the teacher by allowing him to come to the conclusion himself instead of saying it outright, which would embarrass him.
2. Aimai is used in the bullying by not physically tearing down the students. It's more of a sarcastic way of breaking down the person and leaves the offender feeling they did nothing wrong. A good example of this is when they discussed how exactly they bullied the student, and how it was just them pushing him to steal from his parents.
3. Bullying in the United states isn't as Suttle as it is in Japan. However, it still has very similar psychological effects. I would even argue that they are one in the same with how cyber bullying today has taken over. The nature of people in the US is to want to fit in, and if you don't have what is in or don't like the right things, you are a target for bullying. In this way Japan and the US are similar for its about people who are in ganging up on those who are out of a group.
4. If you look at the concept of Uchi and Soto as applied to this situation, it becomes very clear how it plays a role. Noguchi was not part of the Uchi for a few reasons, one his family only recently moved to the area, two he was a little different, hyperactive, and three he seemed to always be super happy. Everyone else would've been considered in the Uchi, and due to this cultural aspect where the Uchi closes off to the Soto, they didn't treat Noguchi the same way as they would anyone else. This led to group bullying for the desire of the individuals to not want to become part of the Soto.
5. The way the males and females interacted with each other in the classroom was very interesting. The females seen to be timid around the males and rarely spoke up or made eye contact with them. Even the adult teachers had trouble talking up to their male coworkers. Over, it seemed to be more male dominant, and the males knew it.
6. The reflection paper that they first wrote was the school trying to cover their butt after what had happened. Overall it had no feeling, but was essentially what the school wanted everyone to say about the incident and how the school wanted them to change in the classroom. The second paper was for their own personal use, to help them truly put down their thoughts on what had occurred, so they could learn from their mistakes. Thus would allow them to never forget, which was really important for them to move on in their lives.
7. I feel the stuttering teacher showed the students many things. First it showed that you can be different and still express yourself earnestly. Second he showed them that trying to let go of the past will never truly fix the situation, you have to face it and learn how to deal with it. Last but not least, he showed them that it is not necessary to express yourself through anger to get your point across. Silence is just as effective, if not more so.
8. The third person he wrote in his will was "everyone else."
9. Bullying is when you trample all over someone and never notice their pain. When you just go on like nothing is wrong. He told sonobe that it is cowardly to move on, and that it is more responsible to remember.
10. I really enjoyed the film. I have looked into the problem of teenage suicide rates in Japan before and I feel this film is really necessary for teens in Japan to watch to understand what they are doing to their fellow students. I never feel like I was bullied but I know plenty of people who have been and for that reason it made me appreciate this film even more. I didn't not quite understand all the cultural references but over I got the message.
11. In order to watch this movie I had to both read and watch the scenes at the same time, I think it makes for a more active Watching experience and it allows me to comprehend the whole movie more than I would normally. I'm not sure if this is a difficult concept that the movie explained well, but I am confused on the structure of the classroom and the day to day activities. The multiple semesters, the daily bowing and duty chart stuff just all is very foreign to me. I definitely want to learn more about it so I can better understand the classroom dynamics in Japan.
2. Aimai is used in the bullying by not physically tearing down the students. It's more of a sarcastic way of breaking down the person and leaves the offender feeling they did nothing wrong. A good example of this is when they discussed how exactly they bullied the student, and how it was just them pushing him to steal from his parents.
3. Bullying in the United states isn't as Suttle as it is in Japan. However, it still has very similar psychological effects. I would even argue that they are one in the same with how cyber bullying today has taken over. The nature of people in the US is to want to fit in, and if you don't have what is in or don't like the right things, you are a target for bullying. In this way Japan and the US are similar for its about people who are in ganging up on those who are out of a group.
4. If you look at the concept of Uchi and Soto as applied to this situation, it becomes very clear how it plays a role. Noguchi was not part of the Uchi for a few reasons, one his family only recently moved to the area, two he was a little different, hyperactive, and three he seemed to always be super happy. Everyone else would've been considered in the Uchi, and due to this cultural aspect where the Uchi closes off to the Soto, they didn't treat Noguchi the same way as they would anyone else. This led to group bullying for the desire of the individuals to not want to become part of the Soto.
5. The way the males and females interacted with each other in the classroom was very interesting. The females seen to be timid around the males and rarely spoke up or made eye contact with them. Even the adult teachers had trouble talking up to their male coworkers. Over, it seemed to be more male dominant, and the males knew it.
6. The reflection paper that they first wrote was the school trying to cover their butt after what had happened. Overall it had no feeling, but was essentially what the school wanted everyone to say about the incident and how the school wanted them to change in the classroom. The second paper was for their own personal use, to help them truly put down their thoughts on what had occurred, so they could learn from their mistakes. Thus would allow them to never forget, which was really important for them to move on in their lives.
7. I feel the stuttering teacher showed the students many things. First it showed that you can be different and still express yourself earnestly. Second he showed them that trying to let go of the past will never truly fix the situation, you have to face it and learn how to deal with it. Last but not least, he showed them that it is not necessary to express yourself through anger to get your point across. Silence is just as effective, if not more so.
8. The third person he wrote in his will was "everyone else."
9. Bullying is when you trample all over someone and never notice their pain. When you just go on like nothing is wrong. He told sonobe that it is cowardly to move on, and that it is more responsible to remember.
10. I really enjoyed the film. I have looked into the problem of teenage suicide rates in Japan before and I feel this film is really necessary for teens in Japan to watch to understand what they are doing to their fellow students. I never feel like I was bullied but I know plenty of people who have been and for that reason it made me appreciate this film even more. I didn't not quite understand all the cultural references but over I got the message.
11. In order to watch this movie I had to both read and watch the scenes at the same time, I think it makes for a more active Watching experience and it allows me to comprehend the whole movie more than I would normally. I'm not sure if this is a difficult concept that the movie explained well, but I am confused on the structure of the classroom and the day to day activities. The multiple semesters, the daily bowing and duty chart stuff just all is very foreign to me. I definitely want to learn more about it so I can better understand the classroom dynamics in Japan.
Blog #1
Aimai
1. "In order to to live without creating any serious problems for the group's harmony, people avoided expressing their ideas clearly, even to the point of avoiding giving a simple yes or no answer." Pg 10
This concept of keeping a sense of ambiguity is very strange to me as an American. In our culture, vagueness is considered to be more rude than polite. Many times, I have heard people state they would rather someone to "get to the point" rather than "dance around the subject." I also have this sentiment, and I feel that I would react poorly to someone talking to me in such a manner. However, I can see why this idea of "Aimai" is necessary to keep harmony within the "group" that which these people have to interact with everyday. It allows no one to feel that they are being talked down to, allowing the harmony to be kept in place. Overall, the concept is foreign to me, but I can see how it has its purpose within the society.
Uchi to Soto
1. "The distinction between uchi and soto is obvious in Japanese psychological exclusivism toward other peoples, and discrimination against minority groups such as burakumin, the Ainu, and the ethnic Koreans is still widespread in Japan." Pg 219
I remember learning in a history class during high school that Japan, for the longest time, didn't allow trade in and out of its harbors for the want of not allowing outsiders in. Reading this section of the book allowed me to understand that more. In the recent years in our society, we as Americans have taken on a very similar, yet not as strict, sediment towards "outsiders." So I feel that many Americans might be able to understand and comprehend this concept on the larger scale, however it would seem very odd to implement on the personal level. We view interacting with people we don't know as more of a social norm. I personally don't think I would be able to keep to such a strict "in and out" kind of social group. I also feel that doing it on such a large scale as to discriminate against people who aren't exactly the same as myself as wrong and immoral. However, it seems that it is more acceptable in Japan, just due to this ingrained social structure.
Chinmoku
1. "Husbands and wives in Japan tend not to use overt verbal communication and try to understand each other by nonverbal means, especially when they attempt to express tender emotions." Pg 54
In American society, this idea of not expressing yourself opening through words to your partner/loved one, would seem very odd. We tend to want and wish for people to tell us upfront how they feel about us; we enjoy it when they do. I, for instance, love expressing my feelings to someone through the use of poetry. I feel that it better expresses my feelings than a normal conversation could, and even better than saying nothing at all. However, in Japanese society it is more acceptable because they want to keep in harmonious. Saying nothing at all allows for this to state of living to exist, so silence is considered the better way to interact with their loved ones in Japanese culture.
Danjyo kankei
1. "Expressing the term husband in Japanese, most wives use the word shujin, which consists of two kanji meaning 'main person.' On the other hand, kanai, which literally means "inside house," is utilized by men as the word for wife." Pg 63
This very open sexism is appalling to me. I personally feel that everyone, despite race, religion, political beliefs, sex, etc., should be treated as equals. In Japanese culture, men are seem to be held at a high superiority. Their being men is enough to make them more qualified to be the one that makes decisions and run the general house. I feel that many Americans would feel a connection to this style of home, however the exact degree would be considered oppressive and unjust. In our culture, unfortunately, men have taken on a role as the provider while the women are the caregiver/house maker. This is kind of similar to that of Japanese household structure. However, I have a disdain for both of these, and don't agree with the message that it sends.
1. "In order to to live without creating any serious problems for the group's harmony, people avoided expressing their ideas clearly, even to the point of avoiding giving a simple yes or no answer." Pg 10
This concept of keeping a sense of ambiguity is very strange to me as an American. In our culture, vagueness is considered to be more rude than polite. Many times, I have heard people state they would rather someone to "get to the point" rather than "dance around the subject." I also have this sentiment, and I feel that I would react poorly to someone talking to me in such a manner. However, I can see why this idea of "Aimai" is necessary to keep harmony within the "group" that which these people have to interact with everyday. It allows no one to feel that they are being talked down to, allowing the harmony to be kept in place. Overall, the concept is foreign to me, but I can see how it has its purpose within the society.
Uchi to Soto
1. "The distinction between uchi and soto is obvious in Japanese psychological exclusivism toward other peoples, and discrimination against minority groups such as burakumin, the Ainu, and the ethnic Koreans is still widespread in Japan." Pg 219
I remember learning in a history class during high school that Japan, for the longest time, didn't allow trade in and out of its harbors for the want of not allowing outsiders in. Reading this section of the book allowed me to understand that more. In the recent years in our society, we as Americans have taken on a very similar, yet not as strict, sediment towards "outsiders." So I feel that many Americans might be able to understand and comprehend this concept on the larger scale, however it would seem very odd to implement on the personal level. We view interacting with people we don't know as more of a social norm. I personally don't think I would be able to keep to such a strict "in and out" kind of social group. I also feel that doing it on such a large scale as to discriminate against people who aren't exactly the same as myself as wrong and immoral. However, it seems that it is more acceptable in Japan, just due to this ingrained social structure.
Chinmoku
1. "Husbands and wives in Japan tend not to use overt verbal communication and try to understand each other by nonverbal means, especially when they attempt to express tender emotions." Pg 54
In American society, this idea of not expressing yourself opening through words to your partner/loved one, would seem very odd. We tend to want and wish for people to tell us upfront how they feel about us; we enjoy it when they do. I, for instance, love expressing my feelings to someone through the use of poetry. I feel that it better expresses my feelings than a normal conversation could, and even better than saying nothing at all. However, in Japanese society it is more acceptable because they want to keep in harmonious. Saying nothing at all allows for this to state of living to exist, so silence is considered the better way to interact with their loved ones in Japanese culture.
Danjyo kankei
1. "Expressing the term husband in Japanese, most wives use the word shujin, which consists of two kanji meaning 'main person.' On the other hand, kanai, which literally means "inside house," is utilized by men as the word for wife." Pg 63
This very open sexism is appalling to me. I personally feel that everyone, despite race, religion, political beliefs, sex, etc., should be treated as equals. In Japanese culture, men are seem to be held at a high superiority. Their being men is enough to make them more qualified to be the one that makes decisions and run the general house. I feel that many Americans would feel a connection to this style of home, however the exact degree would be considered oppressive and unjust. In our culture, unfortunately, men have taken on a role as the provider while the women are the caregiver/house maker. This is kind of similar to that of Japanese household structure. However, I have a disdain for both of these, and don't agree with the message that it sends.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)