7 ms·

> Japan is pretty famously racist I think that a certain degree of delicacy when you make statements like that. I know what you're trying to say, and I think

by robzyb 11y ago

> Japan is pretty famously racist I think that a certain degree of delicacy when you make statements like that. I know what you're trying to say, and I think its true, but I think one has to be careful with the word "racist" and how the audience interprets it. In my opinion, and as a generalization, "racism" in Japan is less sinister than "racism" in the other parts of the world. Especially the US. (Disclaimer: I am a foreigner living in Japan, but not for very long yet.)

deciplex 11y ago
Yeah, there won't be any Japanese businessmen burning crosses on your lawn or whatever. Assholes like Shintaro Ishihara are about as bad as it gets (in "polite" company anyway), and you could probably have a 15-minute chat with him, as a Westerner, without realizing he's a racist old shit (not to mention sexist as well). On the flip side though, if you're planning on staying long-term you should get used to whatever racism does exist, even if benign, as there is no escaping it and it is pervasive. If you can't do that then it's probably best to start making plans to leave. Japanese culture is not headed in any sort of direction where it's going to change, and the population is so overwhelmingly ethnically Japanese that enclaves are pretty much a non-starter as well. Unlike (so I've heard) the US, no matter how long you live here, no matter how well you speak the language, you will not ever truly belong regardless of where you go, who you associate with, community you join, et cetera. Oh, and the job market for software engineering here is rubbish ;-)
- ramchip 11y ago
  In what ways do you feel you will never really belong?
- robzyb 11y ago
  > Oh, and the job market for software engineering here is rubbish ;-) I'm not in software engineering ;)
tallanvor 11y ago
No, racism is racism. Whether or not the racists are as open as some in the US are doesn't change the fact that it's still racism, and people are being denied jobs and housing based on race, or the ability to shop in some stores, get certain services, and even drink in some bars. That's racism, and it should be considered unacceptable everywhere.
amalag 11y ago
I think the difference is that Asians don't feel guilty about being racist. There was never widespread slavery based on race in Asia and a corresponding backlash against it. People are naturally prejudiced and they are not guilty about thinking people are different based on things like race. I think it is all over Asia.

by robzyb 11y ago

deciplex 11y ago

Yeah, there won't be any Japanese businessmen burning crosses on your lawn or whatever. Assholes like Shintaro Ishihara are about as bad as it gets (in "polite" company anyway), and you could probably have a 15-minute chat with him, as a Westerner, without realizing he's a racist old shit (not to mention sexist as well). On the flip side though, if you're planning on staying long-term you should get used to whatever racism does exist, even if benign, as there is no escaping it and it is pervasive. If you can't do that then it's probably best to start making plans to leave. Japanese culture is not headed in any sort of direction where it's going to change, and the population is so overwhelmingly ethnically Japanese that enclaves are pretty much a non-starter as well. Unlike (so I've heard) the US, no matter how long you live here, no matter how well you speak the language, you will not ever truly belong regardless of where you go, who you associate with, community you join, et cetera. Oh, and the job market for software engineering here is rubbish ;-)

ramchip 11y ago
In what ways do you feel you will never really belong?
robzyb 11y ago
> Oh, and the job market for software engineering here is rubbish ;-) I'm not in software engineering ;)

tallanvor 11y ago

No, racism is racism. Whether or not the racists are as open as some in the US are doesn't change the fact that it's still racism, and people are being denied jobs and housing based on race, or the ability to shop in some stores, get certain services, and even drink in some bars. That's racism, and it should be considered unacceptable everywhere.

amalag 11y ago

I think the difference is that Asians don't feel guilty about being racist. There was never widespread slavery based on race in Asia and a corresponding backlash against it. People are naturally prejudiced and they are not guilty about thinking people are different based on things like race. I think it is all over Asia.