Scotteq
Diamond Member
- Apr 10, 2008
- 5,276
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Thank you for one of the most ignorant, racist, bigoted, and just plain WRONG statements I have ever read on this forum.
Thank you for one of the most ignorant, racist, bigoted, and just plain WRONG statements I have ever read on this forum.
Japan is a disaster prone country, earthquakes, volcanoes, typhoons, now tsunamis. They have to unite together, else they can't survive. Collectivism culture is their need.
Japanese culture is a kind of be-forced collectivism. When a child grows up, he was taught his behavior could not make others shame, could not make others trouble. If he had done something harmful to the community, he is likely to be thrown into the sea. （Just joke not true.） Japan is a island country, person has no space to quit or escape from such culture.
So people try to hide their own individualism thought, try to wrap themself tightly. Although Japanese are polite and kind on their face, their heart is not opened to others. They only can feel relaxed when they are drunk.
Japanese have many etiquettes to emphasize the obligations of individual to the collective. When they are a child, they have to learn how make a 90 degree bow, they have to learn how to speak something loudly to show they are strong and confirmly. ....
When they face a such huge disaster, the whole nation is in crisis, no one dare or will to loot. That's absolutely a shame.
Did you dare to loot when 911 happened?
Japanese culture is a kind of be-forced collectivism. When a child grows up, he was taught his behavior could not make others shame, could not make others trouble. If he had done something harmful to the community, he is likely to be thrown into the sea. （Just joke not true.） Japan is a island country, person has no space to quit or escape from such culture.
So people try to hide their own individualism thought, try to wrap themself tightly. Although Japanese are polite and kind on their face, their heart is not opened to others. They only can feel relaxed when they are drunk.
Japanese have many etiquettes to emphasize the obligations of individual to the collective. When they are a child, they have to learn how make a 90 degree bow, they have to learn how to speak something loudly to show they are strong and confirmly. ....
When they face a such huge disaster, the whole nation is in crisis, no one dare or will to loot. That's absolutely a shame.
Did you dare to loot when 911 happened?
wuliheron
Diamond Member
- Feb 8, 2011
- 3,536
- 0
- 0
In the US there's a group that makes up fake wallets with phony ID and various amounts of cash that they then drop on sidewalks in every major city. Surprise! Some cities consistently return the wallets, while others consistently don't. In Japan, they'll bend over backwards to return your wallet as fast as possible just because that is who they are and that is who they want to be.
Right now they're holding on to their dignity with everything they've got, but if looks like the government can't come through for them all hell may break out because that too is who they are. If you can't understand what it means to have a sense of personal dignity, pride, and community then I piety you.
Right now they're holding on to their dignity with everything they've got, but if looks like the government can't come through for them all hell may break out because that too is who they are. If you can't understand what it means to have a sense of personal dignity, pride, and community then I piety you.
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I took two chocolate biscuits from the tin even though my mum told me to only take one if that counts.
Macamus Prime
Diamond Member
- Feb 24, 2011
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Scotteq
Diamond Member
- Apr 10, 2008
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To add: When I lived there (7 years), I had total strangers step up and help me regularly. Even going so far as walking with me to the correct train, sitting with me until I got to the proper station, and then that person turning around to they can take the opposite train BACK the way we came...
That would *never* happen in the USA.
Also - IMHO, it's far more cultural than religious. In my experience, most Japanese I've met were very casual about religion, if they practiced at all.
Scotteq
Diamond Member
- Apr 10, 2008
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Macamus Prime
Diamond Member
- Feb 24, 2011
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More interesting comments...
"Jack, I was blessed to visit Japan several years ago on business and was told that if I lost my wallet in downtown Tokyo that the person who found it would make it their mission to return it to me in tact. These people are very gracious and kind."
- Larry in Georgetown, Texas
"I was a missionary in Japan for three years. During my stay in Tokyo for language school I was cared for by a Japanese family. In the news one day was a story of a man who left $10,000 in the back seat of a cab. The cab driver turned in the money and the man received his cash. I comented to my host about how amazing that was. She had a very puzzled look on her face as she said to me, "What else would the cab driver have done?"
That's what it means to be Japanese, they are eclectic. They pick the best from many different religions and moral codes and make it Japanese. Why is there no looting? They would never think to loot in the first place!"
- Michael Peters
"On a flight from L.A. to Tokyo, I left a carryall with my wallet, passport, and hundreds of $$ in the men's room. Hours later when I realized what I had done I rang the flight attendant. She asked me if I had checked the men's room. Having travelled extensively in the U.S., it didn't even cross my mind that it would still be there. It was and it was exactly as I had left it! My admiration for the Japanese people and culture increased dramatically after that incident. I have never had an experice to change that opinion. I hope all the civilized people of the world help these desperate people in the hours of their greatest need."
- Randy in Salt Lake City
"Cultural difference is the only answer to this question. The Japanese has a very disciplined culture unlike the US or any other countries; no other Asian countries could even compare. In case you're wondering, I am not Japanese; I'm Chinese. I love Japan and its people. I was at a business hotel in Tokyo years ago, I will always remember this little observation. Every floor has the fire extinguisher in the hallway, just the can sitting on the floor. Not cabinets, not chained to anything, no need to break any glass. It will not cross anyone's mind to steal it, kick it, or move it. Everyone knows it's crucial for it to be there in case of emergency. I admire their disciplinary culture and it is very much needed at a time like this. My heart goes out to those affected by this horrific tragedy. I have no doubt Japan will recover from this faster than any other country would."
- Judy C. from Irvine, CA
"Sociologists will tell you that the lack of looting is just the result of large numbers of people developing a more orderly society to cope with living in a smaller land mass. Personally, I've always thought it's because they're a more highly evolved race."
- Carol
"I believe it is a cultural difference. Japanese would never degrade themselves and cast shame upon their family by doing something like looting. You see looting in culturals that are more self-centered where they "deserve" what they are taking due to some past real or perceived injustice. Following Katrina it was only the deeply poor who could not get out of the city that were left behind. The looters probably all felt there was some sense of social justice in stealing from the "have's". I would say the same applies to Los Angeles with it's poverty stricken population who uses any excuse to riot and loot, whether it is Rodney King or the Lakers winning the championship."
- Adam Simi Valley, CA
"What other country had two “Atomic Bombs” dropped on them? That was devastating for them and I imagine humbled them to a severe degree since they are a very prideful nation. That only happened 66 years ago! They’ve seen “Armageddon” before. No doubt this had something to do with their strong family and moral values now. I'm sure that the stories from Hiroshima or Nagasaki are a constant reminder on how to survive the "Human way"."
- djsahlee
"It has to do with the fact that East Asian cultures are more community oriented than Western cultures. Rather than worrying about how much they can accomplish for themselves, they are more concerned about how others see them and preventing a loss of face among their peers."
- James
"As Americans we take pride in our faith, but do not live a life of faith. The Japanese live by the Golden Rule. In America the Golden Rule gets in the way of the me generation. It is that simple."
- Karl
"I was born, grew up, lived for 30 years in Japan and have been living in US for 26 years. I don't think the behavior in this situation is related with Shintoism or Buddhism. The culture has long history to give the first priority of harmonizing each other for 1500 years. When people are forced to be under huge disaster like this, they naturally unite together to overcome the problem. They might have pride not to commit the crime because they are very obedient to the law.
I recall my conversation with American friend here about the drug use. I told him it was impossible to access drugs even unthinkable exposing one to drug at high school or college. He asked me why. And I answered him" It is illegal". His eyes seems to be shocked."
- ryuji
"One word, "Bushido".
It is the soul of Japan, it is in our blood.....
It is so many things... hornour, pride, self-control, respect, the duty of loyality, politness, recitude, sincerity, courage, bearing...
and it works as an ethical system in our society.
It may take a long time, however, Japan will rise, it always has."
- Mizuho King
"The Japanese people are truly one of a kind. They are kind, selfless, respectful, honorable and compassionate people. The rest of the world should take notice of the Japanese and their ethics and morals. Here in the US and in other countries we are so materialistic and greedy that it has dulled our minds, souls and body. We have lost focus on what is most important. Maybe what the Japanese have suffered through will be a wake up call for the rest of us."
- Margie Oliveira
"The Japanese do not have the same levels of intense poverty as we do here in the US."
- Dan
"I imagine there has been some looting/salvaging in the worst effected areas where rescue teams haven't been able to reach. The difference between the earthquake/tsunami and Katrina is that rescuers have acted quickly and people have been able to get food and supplies. So there's no need for them to loot."
- Noah
"I think there is no looting going on in Japan for the simple fact is that they arent anything remotely like the residents of the US. As soon as something horrific hits our homeland like a natural disaster, Americans see it as fair game to get anything and everything that isnt nailed down. I think it isnt in the Japanese nature to behave in such a manner as that. Im just saying!!!"
- broderick
"I was born and rised in Japan. I moved to US when I was 18. I think the answer to why Japanese have a strict moral code is in our school system. From the first grade to 6th grade, we had at least one hour a week of "moral education". In the classroom, I remember we read various stories of people in different situations and discuss what we think and what we would do. Teachers never gave us clear answer to what we should do or what we should think, but I remember I was often told that "Put yourself in the other's shoes". This practice somewhat helped me to build a compassion in other people."
- Yoko
"You don't have to look to Japan as the only example of putting one morals values first. We have had homegrown examples here in the good old USA . I would like to know why so little attention was given to the catastrophic midwestern floods of 1993 and 2008? and the lack of lawlessness and looting that occurred. Also there was very little attention given to how communities banned together prepared and after the floods started rebuilding without waiting on the government to bail them out. I think its a cultural and regional attitude lack of a sense of entitlement."
- IowaJoe
"There’s no looting in Japan for much the same reasons that there was little or no looting during the disastrous floods in Nashville flood of 2010 or the floods in the north central US in ’93, neither of which you mentioned in your editorial.
That just goes to show how our stereotypes and preconceptions influence what we can discuss.
Cultures which encourage self-reliance and self-responsibility are lionized, as in the case of Japan, or forgotten, as in the case of Nashville and the mid-West. But let there be blaming and rioting and we take that for the norm we’re better than or the aberration we can’t help."
- Bill
"In New Orleans our Government under President Bush failed to provide timely, emergent aid to what was/is overwhelmingly a socio-economically disadvantaged population, that was not the case in Japan and in fact the effort and generosity of our private citizens equaled that of the Japanese people, should not be lost in this discussion. All humans are resilient, but they are also products of their environment. I believe these variables are factors on the "human" or "humane" response. One might also look strongly to the majority of Japans people spiritually practicing Buddhism and the ritual of Shintoism as very key factors in their response to this horrific tragedy. I would encourage all to explore these things... And, especially not to make gross generalizations."
- Dean Westwood
"I sit here every night and watch this tradgedy in Japan. But I am so amazed at the people there. They are calm and helping each other. There is no looting or rioting no matter how bad it is or getting. If that was the US it would be a mess. Maybe the American people can learn something from this. God bless the Japanese people and Thank you for showing us how someone should act in a disaster like this."
- Greg
"Japan has more money. You don't "loot" if you have everything you need. Also, for all of those who have selective memory about Katrina, everyone didn't "loot". People did help each other out. I find the choices of answers chosen to be put on TV a reflection of a racism that is simmering just below the surface of America. And "loot" is in quotations because it shouldn't be a crime to get clothing, and food when it all has been washed away."
- jamilah
"YOU ARE ASKING THE WRONG QUESTION, SHAME ON YOU. If you really don't know – we don't loot because it is wrong.
You should be asking – WHY DO PEOPLE LOOT? What triggers such antisocial, illegal and extreme behavior? Maybe it's resentment, inequity, bias, history? NO society is "superior" to another, and America will not cure any of its ills before it starts asking the right QUESTIONS, for gods' sake"
- ik
"It broke my heart to hear someone calling the people of New Orleans "scum bags" for their "looting". The looting in New Orleans was generally limited to food and water – and may I remind you that our government and FEMA sat OUTSIDE the city for days without supplying any water or food to the residents. People died from thirst. Not so the government of Japan. Some who can't be reached may die, but in New Orleans trucks loaded with water were not allowed to enter the city. Shame, shame for calling names when you were not there, or have forgotten just how bad Katrina was.
Many times as I watched television reporters talked about how little looting went on, and how it was limited to survival materials."
- Beth Hammer
"The Japanese abide by the cultural values that we Americans once had. Remember when President Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."? We had it, and we lost it. Everyone in Japan does their best for the country because they know that everyone else is doing their best to carry their share of the load, unlike America, where unions and welfare encourage mediocrity and greed. Time for us to return to old time values and principles."
- Jay
"Here in America corporations will raise prices after a disaster to maximize profit!!"
- Tosh
"Many years ago, a worldly and insightful Japanese business executive offered me an analogy that gets to heart of the forces keeping the Japanese in line, that has nothing to do with culture. "Japanese people," he told me, "are like passengers on a cruise ship. They know that they are stuck with the same people around them for the foreseeable future, so they are polite, and behave in ways that don't make enemies, and keep everything on a friendly and gracious basis."
"Americans," he said, "are like ferryboat passengers. They know that at the end of a short voyage they will get off and may never see each other again. So if they push ahead of others to get off first, there are no real consequences to face. It is every man for himself.""
- Erik Moore
"Jack, I was blessed to visit Japan several years ago on business and was told that if I lost my wallet in downtown Tokyo that the person who found it would make it their mission to return it to me in tact. These people are very gracious and kind."
- Larry in Georgetown, Texas
"I was a missionary in Japan for three years. During my stay in Tokyo for language school I was cared for by a Japanese family. In the news one day was a story of a man who left $10,000 in the back seat of a cab. The cab driver turned in the money and the man received his cash. I comented to my host about how amazing that was. She had a very puzzled look on her face as she said to me, "What else would the cab driver have done?"
That's what it means to be Japanese, they are eclectic. They pick the best from many different religions and moral codes and make it Japanese. Why is there no looting? They would never think to loot in the first place!"
- Michael Peters
"On a flight from L.A. to Tokyo, I left a carryall with my wallet, passport, and hundreds of $$ in the men's room. Hours later when I realized what I had done I rang the flight attendant. She asked me if I had checked the men's room. Having travelled extensively in the U.S., it didn't even cross my mind that it would still be there. It was and it was exactly as I had left it! My admiration for the Japanese people and culture increased dramatically after that incident. I have never had an experice to change that opinion. I hope all the civilized people of the world help these desperate people in the hours of their greatest need."
- Randy in Salt Lake City
"Cultural difference is the only answer to this question. The Japanese has a very disciplined culture unlike the US or any other countries; no other Asian countries could even compare. In case you're wondering, I am not Japanese; I'm Chinese. I love Japan and its people. I was at a business hotel in Tokyo years ago, I will always remember this little observation. Every floor has the fire extinguisher in the hallway, just the can sitting on the floor. Not cabinets, not chained to anything, no need to break any glass. It will not cross anyone's mind to steal it, kick it, or move it. Everyone knows it's crucial for it to be there in case of emergency. I admire their disciplinary culture and it is very much needed at a time like this. My heart goes out to those affected by this horrific tragedy. I have no doubt Japan will recover from this faster than any other country would."
- Judy C. from Irvine, CA
"Sociologists will tell you that the lack of looting is just the result of large numbers of people developing a more orderly society to cope with living in a smaller land mass. Personally, I've always thought it's because they're a more highly evolved race."
- Carol
"I believe it is a cultural difference. Japanese would never degrade themselves and cast shame upon their family by doing something like looting. You see looting in culturals that are more self-centered where they "deserve" what they are taking due to some past real or perceived injustice. Following Katrina it was only the deeply poor who could not get out of the city that were left behind. The looters probably all felt there was some sense of social justice in stealing from the "have's". I would say the same applies to Los Angeles with it's poverty stricken population who uses any excuse to riot and loot, whether it is Rodney King or the Lakers winning the championship."
- Adam Simi Valley, CA
"What other country had two “Atomic Bombs” dropped on them? That was devastating for them and I imagine humbled them to a severe degree since they are a very prideful nation. That only happened 66 years ago! They’ve seen “Armageddon” before. No doubt this had something to do with their strong family and moral values now. I'm sure that the stories from Hiroshima or Nagasaki are a constant reminder on how to survive the "Human way"."
- djsahlee
"It has to do with the fact that East Asian cultures are more community oriented than Western cultures. Rather than worrying about how much they can accomplish for themselves, they are more concerned about how others see them and preventing a loss of face among their peers."
- James
"As Americans we take pride in our faith, but do not live a life of faith. The Japanese live by the Golden Rule. In America the Golden Rule gets in the way of the me generation. It is that simple."
- Karl
"I was born, grew up, lived for 30 years in Japan and have been living in US for 26 years. I don't think the behavior in this situation is related with Shintoism or Buddhism. The culture has long history to give the first priority of harmonizing each other for 1500 years. When people are forced to be under huge disaster like this, they naturally unite together to overcome the problem. They might have pride not to commit the crime because they are very obedient to the law.
I recall my conversation with American friend here about the drug use. I told him it was impossible to access drugs even unthinkable exposing one to drug at high school or college. He asked me why. And I answered him" It is illegal". His eyes seems to be shocked."
- ryuji
"One word, "Bushido".
It is the soul of Japan, it is in our blood.....
It is so many things... hornour, pride, self-control, respect, the duty of loyality, politness, recitude, sincerity, courage, bearing...
and it works as an ethical system in our society.
It may take a long time, however, Japan will rise, it always has."
- Mizuho King
"The Japanese people are truly one of a kind. They are kind, selfless, respectful, honorable and compassionate people. The rest of the world should take notice of the Japanese and their ethics and morals. Here in the US and in other countries we are so materialistic and greedy that it has dulled our minds, souls and body. We have lost focus on what is most important. Maybe what the Japanese have suffered through will be a wake up call for the rest of us."
- Margie Oliveira
"The Japanese do not have the same levels of intense poverty as we do here in the US."
- Dan
"I imagine there has been some looting/salvaging in the worst effected areas where rescue teams haven't been able to reach. The difference between the earthquake/tsunami and Katrina is that rescuers have acted quickly and people have been able to get food and supplies. So there's no need for them to loot."
- Noah
"I think there is no looting going on in Japan for the simple fact is that they arent anything remotely like the residents of the US. As soon as something horrific hits our homeland like a natural disaster, Americans see it as fair game to get anything and everything that isnt nailed down. I think it isnt in the Japanese nature to behave in such a manner as that. Im just saying!!!"
- broderick
"I was born and rised in Japan. I moved to US when I was 18. I think the answer to why Japanese have a strict moral code is in our school system. From the first grade to 6th grade, we had at least one hour a week of "moral education". In the classroom, I remember we read various stories of people in different situations and discuss what we think and what we would do. Teachers never gave us clear answer to what we should do or what we should think, but I remember I was often told that "Put yourself in the other's shoes". This practice somewhat helped me to build a compassion in other people."
- Yoko
"You don't have to look to Japan as the only example of putting one morals values first. We have had homegrown examples here in the good old USA . I would like to know why so little attention was given to the catastrophic midwestern floods of 1993 and 2008? and the lack of lawlessness and looting that occurred. Also there was very little attention given to how communities banned together prepared and after the floods started rebuilding without waiting on the government to bail them out. I think its a cultural and regional attitude lack of a sense of entitlement."
- IowaJoe
"There’s no looting in Japan for much the same reasons that there was little or no looting during the disastrous floods in Nashville flood of 2010 or the floods in the north central US in ’93, neither of which you mentioned in your editorial.
That just goes to show how our stereotypes and preconceptions influence what we can discuss.
Cultures which encourage self-reliance and self-responsibility are lionized, as in the case of Japan, or forgotten, as in the case of Nashville and the mid-West. But let there be blaming and rioting and we take that for the norm we’re better than or the aberration we can’t help."
- Bill
"In New Orleans our Government under President Bush failed to provide timely, emergent aid to what was/is overwhelmingly a socio-economically disadvantaged population, that was not the case in Japan and in fact the effort and generosity of our private citizens equaled that of the Japanese people, should not be lost in this discussion. All humans are resilient, but they are also products of their environment. I believe these variables are factors on the "human" or "humane" response. One might also look strongly to the majority of Japans people spiritually practicing Buddhism and the ritual of Shintoism as very key factors in their response to this horrific tragedy. I would encourage all to explore these things... And, especially not to make gross generalizations."
- Dean Westwood
"I sit here every night and watch this tradgedy in Japan. But I am so amazed at the people there. They are calm and helping each other. There is no looting or rioting no matter how bad it is or getting. If that was the US it would be a mess. Maybe the American people can learn something from this. God bless the Japanese people and Thank you for showing us how someone should act in a disaster like this."
- Greg
"Japan has more money. You don't "loot" if you have everything you need. Also, for all of those who have selective memory about Katrina, everyone didn't "loot". People did help each other out. I find the choices of answers chosen to be put on TV a reflection of a racism that is simmering just below the surface of America. And "loot" is in quotations because it shouldn't be a crime to get clothing, and food when it all has been washed away."
- jamilah
"YOU ARE ASKING THE WRONG QUESTION, SHAME ON YOU. If you really don't know – we don't loot because it is wrong.
You should be asking – WHY DO PEOPLE LOOT? What triggers such antisocial, illegal and extreme behavior? Maybe it's resentment, inequity, bias, history? NO society is "superior" to another, and America will not cure any of its ills before it starts asking the right QUESTIONS, for gods' sake"
- ik
"It broke my heart to hear someone calling the people of New Orleans "scum bags" for their "looting". The looting in New Orleans was generally limited to food and water – and may I remind you that our government and FEMA sat OUTSIDE the city for days without supplying any water or food to the residents. People died from thirst. Not so the government of Japan. Some who can't be reached may die, but in New Orleans trucks loaded with water were not allowed to enter the city. Shame, shame for calling names when you were not there, or have forgotten just how bad Katrina was.
Many times as I watched television reporters talked about how little looting went on, and how it was limited to survival materials."
- Beth Hammer
"The Japanese abide by the cultural values that we Americans once had. Remember when President Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."? We had it, and we lost it. Everyone in Japan does their best for the country because they know that everyone else is doing their best to carry their share of the load, unlike America, where unions and welfare encourage mediocrity and greed. Time for us to return to old time values and principles."
- Jay
"Here in America corporations will raise prices after a disaster to maximize profit!!"
- Tosh
"Many years ago, a worldly and insightful Japanese business executive offered me an analogy that gets to heart of the forces keeping the Japanese in line, that has nothing to do with culture. "Japanese people," he told me, "are like passengers on a cruise ship. They know that they are stuck with the same people around them for the foreseeable future, so they are polite, and behave in ways that don't make enemies, and keep everything on a friendly and gracious basis."
"Americans," he said, "are like ferryboat passengers. They know that at the end of a short voyage they will get off and may never see each other again. So if they push ahead of others to get off first, there are no real consequences to face. It is every man for himself.""
- Erik Moore
Londo_Jowo
Lifer
My experience with working with Japanese engineering/construction firms and understanding their culture they are tough as nails to work with on a project but they are very hospitable when you're off the job. Those that I know would never dishonor their family name by stealing or looting.
Yeah, some people commented about this on the blog.
I didn't create this thread for that purpose.
I simply try to put every option out there for people to choose from.
Although it looks like I missed "the racist" part as an option and also the "urban/rural difference" option that I mentioned earlier.
Was there looting during the Iowa/Midwest floods?
If this happened at Tokyo instead of Sendahi, would there be massive looting and would the outcome be different?
Interesting response.
yllus
Elite Member & Lifer
- Aug 20, 2000
- 20,577
- 432
- 126
The answer as always isn't as simple as one of your poll options would represent, but a combination of things:
- Japan is one of the most homogenous countries in the world (population is Japanese 98.5%, Koreans 0.5%, Chinese 0.4%, other 0.6%), making it easier for citizens to identify with and help each other.
- The extreme density of the land naturally require a high level of discipline to live within; in a crisis, this ingrained culture comes in rather handy.
- The national media isn't nearly as adversarial to the country at large as many Western nations are. While this means photos and news stories that could embarrass the nation at the world stage go unnoticed, it also means that corruption and bad behaviour in companies and in government often get covered up.
- And many more things.
Some of those comments posted from wherever are just ridiculously naive or inaccurate. Does anyone really think that "ryuji" and her fellow Japanese would never touch a drug because it's illegal? Sure - and let me add that they never street race (illegally), organized crime is a thing of the past and all drinking in Japan is done responsibly. Good lord.
- Japan is one of the most homogenous countries in the world (population is Japanese 98.5%, Koreans 0.5%, Chinese 0.4%, other 0.6%), making it easier for citizens to identify with and help each other.
- The extreme density of the land naturally require a high level of discipline to live within; in a crisis, this ingrained culture comes in rather handy.
- The national media isn't nearly as adversarial to the country at large as many Western nations are. While this means photos and news stories that could embarrass the nation at the world stage go unnoticed, it also means that corruption and bad behaviour in companies and in government often get covered up.
- And many more things.
Some of those comments posted from wherever are just ridiculously naive or inaccurate. Does anyone really think that "ryuji" and her fellow Japanese would never touch a drug because it's illegal? Sure - and let me add that they never street race (illegally), organized crime is a thing of the past and all drinking in Japan is done responsibly. Good lord.
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WhipperSnapper
Lifer
- Oct 30, 2004
- 11,442
- 32
- 91
Give the Western Europeans some credit. They're not going to allow themselves to become enslaved by the wealthy like Americans will. They will still have a middle class long after free market dogmatism has transformed the United States into an impoverished third world country and eliminated the American middle class.
WhipperSnapper
Lifer
- Oct 30, 2004
- 11,442
- 32
- 91
WhipperSnapper
Lifer
- Oct 30, 2004
- 11,442
- 32
- 91
Here in the U.S., public service messages claim that racial and cultural "diversity is strength". The actual evidence seems to be pointing in the opposite direction (whether we like it or not).
davmat787
Diamond Member
- Nov 30, 2010
- 5,512
- 24
- 76
This is the answer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bushido
Honor is a concept that many laugh at in the US as being an antiquated concept.
Honor is a concept that many laugh at in the US as being an antiquated concept.
law enforcement hasn't seemed to collapse in Japan like it did in New Orleans (and barely existed in Haiti) before their respective disasters.
similarly, I don't remember mass lootings or civil unrest following Hurricanes Andrew or Floyd or the NYC blackout or 9/11.
similarly, I don't remember mass lootings or civil unrest following Hurricanes Andrew or Floyd or the NYC blackout or 9/11.
davmat787
Diamond Member
- Nov 30, 2010
- 5,512
- 24
- 76
Good question. Personally I think that as long as we are afraid of discussing factual differences, we will always have racism. We wouldn't want to make any whites indignant!!
WhipperSnapper
Lifer
- Oct 30, 2004
- 11,442
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I wouldn't be surprised if they have more class mobility there than here. In fact, I'm pretty sure that a couple years back The Economist published a piece about a study showing that the U.S. is becoming increasingly stratified and that it has decreasing amounts of class mobility. The U.S. is slowly transforming into two classes--a small class of wealthy and upper class people and a huge lower class. At least in Europe the lower and middle classes look out for themselves and try to reign in the upper classes.
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