[steven]

I guess I'd fall slightly in the arrogant category by some of the standards here. I don't really get the "gaijin nod" that I've heard of and experienced. I'm just not into it. Same goes for a random Japanese guy though, if I get a random nod at a random moment, chances are I won't acknowledge it. If I'm approached at a more appropriate moment, then I might have a conversation.

I'm sure I'm missing out on some very interesting conversations, but the ones that I've had (which were incidentally mostly unavoidable) left something more to be desired. As a matter of fact, one man that I got stuck into a World War I trench-like conversation with gave me a lecture not too unlike the "Does anyone else notice these things about Japanese women" thread. Except I had the pleasure of listening to his nonsense with my then fiance (now wife) next to me.

Here's typically how it goes:
Him: "and they do this.... and don't you hate it when... have you ever had ... doesn't it make you want to throw up?"
Me: "Yea... uh huh... ya, right... ummm ok, ya."
Him: "you know Japanese TV, have you ever noticed that..." "... is so fucking expensive" "you know how every time they..."
Me: (5 minutes later) "I've gotta go man" (approximately 20 steps ahead of you for the rest of this tour). "Have a good one, maybe I'll see you again" (the next time I'm on a trip 200 miles away from my home and you just happen to be there).
Him: "Yea, let's grab a beer or something next time"
Me: "Yea, for sure- catch you later bra" (If I should be so unfortunate)

I don't think they're enjoying the conversation either though. At any rate, I've had good experiences too but those were the exceptions and wouldn't be as entertaining to talk about. I think I've just had a few too many sour grapes to keep on pickin' though.

As for the OP, I don't really agree with his views on things, but he obviously brings up some interesting if not controversial topics.