I once got in an on-line spat over an essay in which it was claimed Japan was a culture of deceit. Of course, my main criticism was over the methodology of the claim. It was making broad generalizations, whereas it would be better to look at specific situations (that there might be something universal going on when *anyone* confronts a similar situation). Also though, I pointed out that just on the level of stereotypes, itd be just as easy to argue Japanese were unusually honest. For example, lost cash is often scooped up and brought to the local police unit. How many people in other countries would do this? Here is an interview with Shuji Nakamura. I dont necessarily agree with a lot of what he says, but all of it is quite thought provoking. Hes *very* critical of Japan in this video, arguing if he hadnt left Japans closed system he wouldnt have been able have achieve what he did. However, on the issue of honesty (at 21:40 in the video), he states at first in passing, Japanese are very, very honest. If you watch for about five minutes (after the 21:40 mark), up until the next follow up question, he amplifies his claim. Yes, I agree. Japanese are very honest. Im still flabbergasted that some foreigners, who have lived in Japan for years, still think just the opposite. (BTW I believe the use of the term DNA and gene are metaphorical. They refer to elements of society that are inextricable from the society itself—not to real DNA or genes.) Link: youtu.be/JkTJ3cSJYho?t=21m40s
Posted on: Sun, 25 Jan 2015 00:48:52 +0000
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