[Tenchu]

Originally Posted by MMM

Tenchu, I didn't say a single word about life in Thailand.

Yes you did. You compaired my life in Thailand to similarities you'd seen displayed by "arrogant" foreigners in Japan.

Given this arguement is basically about Westerners bowing to foreign culture, I think my examples are relevant.

I'd really be surprised if you were against the double pricing. Perhaps you would be, or perhaps you'd have to see it yourself to convert to asiaphile status on this one.

The main thing is, Thais are on average poorer than Westerners who come to Thailand. So they say it is based on income. But it isn't; wealthy Thais still pay less for these things than poor Westerners. And poor Westerners, like myself right now, who're living on only about $7 US per day, similar to most Thais, are still expected to pay more. But this fact is overlooked always, and the simpleton comeback "All Westerners are rich" is reapplied...

Originally Posted by MMM

I very much do not appreciate the analogy of me being beaten in the head with a baseball bat. I will not put up with those kinds of analogies in the future.

That was a joke I found hysterically funny; it isn't my fault if you didn't think so. Don't shoot the comedian.

Originally Posted by MMM

You may ask politely to be treated with respect despite your tattoos, but you are still not getting into most Japanese onsens. It is not because you are white, but because you are inked. Your choice is to accept it or go to a place that accepts tattoos, but that is a door you closed on yourself when you decided to get inked.

Euah... I just don't think you get it.

How does this statement sound: "I recommend negros and people with tattoos stay clear of Japan, as they're intolerant"???

It doesn't sound good, but it's true, and it seems you don't have a problem with that. The reason I say asiaphile is because I know if I used this statement to describe America, you'd be outraged. Yet you've formed a double standard for Japan.

In my case, I've never really decided to get "inked". I chose to express my religous views through tattoos. I can think of three other cultures who do this; Maori, Thai Buddhist/Muay Thai, and some African thing I dunno what it's called. The simple fact is, Japanese do not tolerate these cultures. Yes, I've an issue with that.

Even those who get meaningless tattoos just for self expression; their self expression and free speech is clearly not tolerated in Japan and gets trampled on.