| Yes, it absolutely is the culture that makes the difference. Now my wife being from Japan, I got to see how she raised my daughter (in America). Lots of training -- how to properly wash yourself in the bath, how to fold clothes properly. There is a proper way to do just about anything. When I lived in Boston, we could take my daughter to a Saturday morning language school where Japanese nationals would send their kids when they were living in America. (700 kids were in the program.) Rather like Jewish kids studying Hebrew. Learning a second language is apparently great training too. In terms of the culture of Japan, there are so many things that inculcate the right mindset from a young age.
- Cleaning the School -- In grade school, the kids are fully responsible for cleaning the classrooms and hallways.
- Sports day -- Every year in grade school the parents come to watch the kids participate in a sports day that includes races, and fun competition events. Knowing parents will be there motivates kids to do well. The parents are also eager to see their kids perform and encourage them.
- Television -- In addition to the detective and action TV dramas, in Japan there are also plenty of dramas that depict families facing economic hardships and all kinds of life crises. Many of the shows instill achievement, hard work, and excellence. Great role model instruction.
America needs to wake up. Another reason we need to elect Trump -- get back to work on the culture! |