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Originally Posted by MMM
That's not what I said at all. You went to a store frequented by tourists and were mad you were mistaken for a tourist.
Big deal.
That's like wearing a Yomiuri Giants cap and being mistaken for a Yomiuri Giants fan.
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It is what you said. When there were as many Japanese in there as there were foreigners, the process of elimination was solely based on looks.
Wearing a baseball cap that directly projects a certain image (such as being a fan of baseball) and just being a normal person who walks into a store are two different things.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MMM
Look at what you are saying: "I am mad because I wasn't mistaken for a resident of Japan." The majority of Caucasians in Tokyo are not permanent residents. And then you go to a place specifically frequented by tourists in Tokyo, and complain for being mistaken for a tourist. What cause are you being a martyr for?
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I'm not mad that I wasn't mistaken for a resident, I'm mad that I was mistaken for a tourist. There's a difference in that wording. In my reasoning, this mistake was based purely on an assumption.
The problem is people keep bringing up these "majority goes" type attitudes, such as "you're in a homogenous country" or "the majority of caucasians are tourists."
I'm not fighting for rights, I think most of us would just like some kind of acceptance. I know I haven't been here that long, and believe me, I'm not already jaded, but it's stuff like this that doesn't make sense.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MMM
You are applying Western values and sensibilities to an essentially homogeneous Asian society. You aren't the first, and won't be the last. I would say, just be aware you are doing it, as it will help you keep your sanity.
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I didn't know racial profiling was a western only value. I don't really know what kind if work you're in, but next time offer one of your minority clients a discount and tell them it's because it's the holidays and that they probably need it more than you. See how they react to that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MMM
Please don't be insulted when I tell you I have heard dozens of people say this over the years. Again, this is a part of a very common syndrome that happens with people making extended stays in Japan. I don't think it's "culture shock" but more like "culture frustration". The novelty of living in Japan is starting to wear off, and now the things that you didn't notice a couple months ago because everything was so fresh and new are starting to get noticeable. It is normal. Most people are never aware of their own "lashing back". Being aware of it can help you keep yourself mentally above water.
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I'm not insulted because that's not what's going on here. I've met people like those you're describing. But I don't think my one legitimate complaint warrants me to be lumped in the "Jaded 'Nam Vets" category.