[Wavgbtif]

Originally posted by KENSHIN

I think most people know that, but i have to say that some times the negativity that you express can at some times be quite harmful, I say this because I can imagine that there are quite a few Japanese people on this forum, and speaking on their behalf it's not nice to keep hearing about your country in such a hateful way.
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I rant a lot too. But the reason is I really like Japan. As a resident I would really like to see some simple things improve. But one seems to be blocked in every way by a bovine mentality. The lack of actual action is extremley frustrating.

Be assured I would soon say something if I felt some thing was said that was offensive to Japanese. My family "are" Japanese.

I can quote one theft incident that comes to mind. One sports teacher at a school I know was caught stealing money from the students changing rooms. When interviewed it seems he had taken what amounts to a hundred thousand yen over the years. It was all quietly covered up. The story went around that he had been admitted to hospital with an illness. He now runs a very profitable sports shop!

So I doubt it if Confound will be able to make a crack in the system.

I think what shocks me most is the fact that these things do not get publicised and are carefully hidden leaving one with a very superficial view of the country. A bit too neutral for my liking. Unless the public are made aware of these things no one will do anything and nothing will improve.

There is another side to Japan that Westerners should be aware of. And the only place you will see it sometimes is in forums like this and others when Foreigners living in Japan interact.

I really dont think Confound is in a particularly bad place. A few recent problems I have had to put up with is a neighbour using my garden for his dogs toilet because he's too damn lazy to walk it.

Recently they have built a public walthrough in the historical area I live in and men have also taken to relieving themselves in my garden. Not very nice for my wife looking out of the window.

Also some one who runs a electrical scrap business is burning about half a ton aof plastic at 3 am in the morning or weekends As the city hall is closed no one can phone the office and complain.

None of this has nothing to do with being in other peoples cultures. Its having a general respect and personal feelings for other human beings that's missing.

My wife (born here) read the threads and says she is not offended in the least. She says we are all human beings and people should drop this culture/custom rubbish.

I think a lot of foreigners can also live here and live totally outside the Japanese environment occasionaly venturing out for some sort of cultural foray. Then return to their own country after a few years.

People should also understand what job Confound does. Her job is to try and teach a bit of English and relate to people what its like in her and her country. Generally you receive respect here based on the fact that you are from another country. If you try to be too Japanese they think youre strange.

Therefore it is essential to be yourself

She seems to be in a strange situation where they want her to be more Japanese.

Its generally what we would call an Inakapei mentality.

Hyaku