[steven]

I had to check out a few things written about that "my japan syndrome". It was quite an interesting read. It's funny, though-- in all of the things I read there was a hint of jealousy. They all mentioned things like "just because I don't speak the language..." or "just because you have more Japanese friends...". One of them even closed it up with something along the lines of "come on down to -so and so- gaijin bar and chill out." I thought that was interesting.

From the way it seems, there are people going out of their way to hang out with only foreigners and there are people who go out of their way to avoid foreigners. I don't think that difference justifies elitism from either side involved, but I get the sense that it is there anyways (yes, on both sides).

Something that I noticed was missing in all arguments was the idea that a lot of foreigners (English speaking ones in particular) are not permanent. That is something that carries a lot of implications. It's like, "let's be friends, but just for a few months". In a sense, it's like getting into a relationship that you know can't possibly last. Ya, you can do it a few times and then find someone else and do it over and over again... But when it comes down to it, it was really empty and meaningless- with a hint of being detrimental in the long run.

Which takes me back to "the nod". "The nod", to me at least, reeks of this concept. It's uncomfortable. I don't know you and you don't know me. If we were to hang out, it'd only be once and we'd never see each other again-- then again, why would we hang out? So what's the point? Why the acknowledgment? Are these the people who go out and talk about how they hate people with the so-called "my japan syndrome"?

I know I'm not sin-free when it comes to "elitism" so maybe I shouldn't be finger-pointin', but what's the difference between the people who have "my japan syndrome" and the people bitching about it?

I've met plenty of interesting foreigners who I loved hanging out with. Finding a group that I could really talk to was a realization for me at the time-- I think I was kind of a "my japan syndrome" type for a period before that. Unfortunately, they have since moved away. I'm sure I could meet some really intelligent people who I could click with again, but why do that when I can spend time with good friends-- ones that I know are here to stay?

That's my take on it, anyways.