Quote:
Originally Posted by Nyororin
Japan is a country, just like any other country in the world. There are good things and there are bad things. There are kind people and there are rude people. I seriously doubt there is any country in the world that everything is perfect in.
One particular thing I don`t like about the way Gloobey worded things is that he said it in a way that bashes Japanese *culture*. Cultures are different the world over - No culture is *right* or *wrong*. It`s just the way that society has developed. To interpret cultural differences as rude or insincere is, to put it frankly, racist. You`re saying that YOUR way of doing things is superior, and that you`re doing it right... Anything other than that is wrong.
The biggest thing I dislike about Japan is having to encounter westerners who think they know everything, and interpret it all as racism or discrimination to suit their own views. 
I personally live in a fairly large metropolitan area, and have lived in the countryside... And I have NEVER encountered anything I would consider racism. A few people have looked at me strangely, but when you walk into a tiny family-run shop in the middle of the mountains and look drastically different from everyone else, I think it`s a bit to be expected. Oh, and I have been asked a few times if I could speak Japanese.
If people are avoiding so much as sitting near you on the train.... Maybe there is more of a problem with you than your race. I`ve never been treated any differently than any other person on trains and buses. Or maybe you haven`t noticed that most everyone avoids sitting next to anyone if they don`t have to...
As for other "bad" stuff... The idiotic amount of money spent on building new roads that really have no meaning each year. And the lack of connection those in the government have with reality. (The White Collar Exemption reducing overtime!? You`ve got to be kidding...) As a driver, I hate taxis. They`ll literally run right into you to get ahead. |
I really feel for you. They do treat women horribly and I have seen it on a video my friend had when they went to Japan. They caught so many horrible things in normal living, I hated this one part which showed a two face part, literally some people will wave and look happy when a camera is confronted to their face, but when my friend turned the camera around to the passing people (the ones that smiled and waved) they got scowls and ugly faces. I guess they did not realize the filming was still going on. But that is some people of course, some of their experiences in this country were good. But you could tell that the people did not like to talk back to them.
Their culture is so strict that they have to act a certain way towards foreigners if confronted by them. Basically it is a shaw covering the community to its real problems. Japan is okay to visit, I aspire to visit some day. But be aware that your visit may not be one of the best. They are racist they are sexist, and most of their personalities are very ugly.
One thing I recommend before going is to make friends via pen-pal first. It will help break barriers with the culture and take away bitterness as being a pen-pal simply means you are learning about someone's country and they are learning about yours. Their family will welcome you and friends, but do not expect for everyone to want you around. The japanese do not want anyone to embarrass them and will happily ignore you when they get the chance.
I just wish everyone to be safe and have a good experience, knowing that this kind of experience is rare, especially in such a congested community. Remember get a pen-pal to help you "feel" like you somewhat belong to enjoy your experience. Ask about customs and what is expected before you embarrass your pen-pal and yourself. This is just a simple truth.