Quote:
Originally Posted by GoNative
The weird thing is on this forum is the somewhat extreme attitude by some that you either have to love and accept everything about Japan or you don't belong here. To me this is an utterly ridiculous concept.
So I'm not here purely for the culture and love of the Japanese people? So what? Is that the only valid reason to want to live here? It's not to say I hate the people or culture. If I did why would I have lived here for the last 7 years?? There are many things about the culture and people I do love and for me the good things here far outweigh the bad. And I believe I've given a hell of a lot more back to this country than I've taken from it. I've invested in property and businesses, have Japanese employees and have spent years promoting the region I live in. I'm not just some english teacher here for a year or two sending any money I make back to the home country with no long term interest in this country.
I absolutely love living here. No matter where in the world I lived though I would remain the person I am and you can accept me as I am or not. I don't change who i am just to fit better no matter where in the world I am. That though doesn't mean I'm totally insensitive or rude and don't observe local customs and etiquette. That's not the sort of person I am.
Thing is I have views and opinions and as you can tell I don't mind discussing them. Although I love living here I don't love everything about Japanese society (this may come as a shock but Japan isn't perfect!!!  ). It's a bit like being married I reckon. You can love someone to death but that doesn't mean they don't do a few things that annoy the absolute crap out of you. Same situation for me here in Japan. So that means I shouldn't be living here? You don't have to agree with my interpretations of things but I can't help the way I feel or am affected by my experiences here. And I certainly don't have to think the way you'd like me to.
I really do find it amusing though how I get abused here for being a Japan hater (even though I love it) purely because I have the nerve to express my views on a few things I dislike. The world isn't a black and white, all or nothing place. You can dislike some aspects of this country but still absolutely love it. It's a ridiculous concept though to expect I love absolutely everything if I want to continue living here. |
AS an English woman-- I am here because of my admiration of my japanese friend who is studying in my country. I wish to learn more about her life and culture.
There are so many things I dislike about much of our own UK society-- but I tend to avoid venturing into places that TURNS ME OFF-- But go where I feel more at home. All people are individuals surely-- so we cannot slam a whole nation with specific ways of living or behaving-- which the original article I posted Has DONE. I would never know how to describe those of us who live in the UK--because we are all different and I would imagine so are the residents of JAPAN. No doubt such a biased article--meant to prepare non Japanese-- of the culture they may come across in Japan and how to prepare themselves.
I personally believe that "GO NATIVE" is an extremely Honest Person and reasons sincerely. If he is not allowed to say he "DISLIKES" a certain aspect of Something-- or Someone--!!!! He is Human just like you and I.
Many people will dislike me and my opinions-- of course that is normal isn't it?
I have never visited Japan so obviously know nothing about the way of life there---myself-- I could not cope with large crowds-- our underground system gets packed-- so I no longer travel by underground.
I would like to see the countryside and small villages rather than large cities.
Surely a discussion such as this should be amicable and educational and sensible.
Nothing is Perfect-- Neither are we human beings-- ANYTHING BUT!!!
I have always enjoyed discussions where GONATIVE joins in. So often his is the voice of reason.
I believe that his above quotation is very clear and apt.