Quote:
Originally Posted by Nyororin
Hmm... I still don`t see exactly where you are going with this. Do you see it as wrong of me to continue the citizenship process despite the fact that I`ll never really "be Japanese" in the ethnic sense? To persist in attempting to gain the same legal rights via citizenship?
I know that you aren`t necessarily referring to my case, or cases like mine, so I will give you slack. However, it`s still a slippery slope to downplay someone`s desire for citizenship based on your views of what that citizenship means. There is a lot more to it than that.
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Sorry... you've misunderstood again (my fault for not being clearer). I don't PERSONALLY think it's wrong for anyone, anywhere to apply for citizenship.
But I think if you understand the nature Japan's national identity (put simply it emphasizes geneology rather than ideology) then in order for you to be able to achieve citizenship which relates to national identity then you have the uphill task of challenging to some extent, the very national identity with which Japan in general believes in. What is surprising to me is that some people are willing to do that.
In essence I'm not really downplaying someone's desire for citizenship based on MY views of what citizenship means. Rather downplaying the desire of those that seek citizenship in a country based on whether or not it goes against the general view of what citizenship means to that particular country.
Personally I don't think Japan's culturally conservative approach is inherently wrong. It would be wrong if my (New Zealand) government were to adopt a similar approach though as the history and circumstances of New Zealand are different.
For what it's worth though I do think the Japanese government needs to cut you some slack though via the fact that you are married to a Japanese citizen who lives in Japan.
