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.