I haven’t watched TV in years.
But after reading all of these threads, I want to go to Japan for vacation to help their economy.
Don’t have the $$$ for it, though.
...Yet
Very patient people. Maybe someone has seen looting and rioting, but I haven’t.
I have heard no reports of looting, and that alone speaks volumes.
An incredibly organized, disciplined, and honorable societal structure in stark contrast to what you see in other places (such as New Orleans)during similar tragic events. I had the pleasure of spending some time in Japan in the 90’s and look forward to returning some day. I wish the Japanese all the best as they recover from the devastation, which they will do through sheer will and determination.
I thought real disasters had people whining for government from their rooftops.
We were right to drop the atom bomb on them in WW2. They would have fought to the last man otherwise. What a contrast to the “victims” of Hurricane Katrina who just sat on their bums waiting for the government to do something.
1. How are the people in Japan reacting to the catastrophe?
2. What would the reaction be if a similar event occurred here?
The general consensus I am hearing to question one is this:
1. The Japanese are remarkably self controlled and law abiding.
2. Their actions are governed by strong moral convictions and a sense of community.
3. These traits are probably the result of upbringing and culture.
The reaction to a similar event here in the states would vary greatly by region. In some areas the people would be remain law abiding and self controlled. They would try to help one another. In other areas of the country there would be massive looting, other criminal activities, and demands for government handouts. The difference in these two reactions are the difference in the upbringing and morality of the local inhabitants.
Hope all goes well for you and your family in Japan.
Everyone I am talking to is frustrated that there is not much we can do to help the people in serious trouble. But as for the resilience, the community spirit, discipline etc., I’ve been here so long I just can’t imagine Japanese people acting any other way.
Searching for survivors despite knowing they’ll get dosed with radiation in the area of the reactors, the reactor crews staying at their posts with the knowledge they may not live long afterwards.
Both acting on the glimmer of hope that their actions will give someone else a fighting chance even at personal cost to them.
Accurate assessment?
I don’t know, I haven’t been able to keep up with it.
But that is the impression I get on that aspect of things.
Uh, I’ve decided that “diversity” of culture is not our strength.
There is something to be said for a harmonious culture, where everyone understands what sort of conduct is expected and condoned.
Much has been contrasted to the conduct of Americans during Katrina. It’s important to note that the behavior of poor black Americans in these circumstances is not race-based; it’s cultural and unique to blacks indoctrinated in liberal victimhood. When you speak to new arrivals directly from Africa, they sincerely cannot understand why black Americans are so mad.
They arrive here, and like immigrants before them, learn the language if they don’t already know it (although many speak the Queen’s English to begin with) and they get a cab license, open a shop, or get a job (so they can raise the cash to open a shop later). They are industrious. Most, if not all, will tell you that they don’t feel any discrimination at all. It is for this very reason that immigrants from Africa DO NOT ALLOW their American-born children to associate with black African-Americans. They have nothing in common with these children and moreover, they don’t want them to “contaminate” their kids. (Contamination is their word, not mine.)
Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and their ilk can be the ones you send the Thank You notes to.....
I lived in Japan for two years as a kid, and I like and respect the Japanese.
I have always admired their incredible stoicism in the face of hardship. This is no exception.
It makes me a little embarrassed, but I have to keep in mind that Americans have shown their mettle too in some situations, though not all.
I pray for the Japanese.
I will admit I have a slight bias in favor of the Japanese. One of my best friends when I was little was Japanese, an older girl who took time to play with one much younger. I always thought she was beautiful, had gorgeous long, black hair and I loved to hear her speak. She was born in the US and was bilingual.
From the first news announcement I felt that Japan would put us to shame when dealing with tragedy on such a wide scale. Behavior during Katrina was disgusting and I live too near and used to work in Detroit, a man-made continuing disaster. I know it’s early yet, but I have no doubts Japan will rebuild and heal quickly. Unlike Katrina and Haiti, I have no reservations about donating to help speed things up.
The ability for the government and industry to lie effortlessly is pretty impressive
Honestly? Japan is reacting exactly as I expected they would from the first moment I heard about it; politely and efficiently.
I had a Japanese boss at one time. Definitely very cool under pressure.
A friend sent me photos of modern day Hiroshima and Detroit. When you compare these cities now and 60 years ago you realize how different our societies are.