[CultureGeek]

Sorry this is a bit rambly-- I'm a little excited. Whatever your politics, Tuesday was America's day.

Rumpole was quoting Voltaire*. I know that only because I love that quote. A noble sentiment indeed.

Yes, our system of government has a great deal to recommend it, and I'm feeling really hopeful about its resiliency right now (not just the result, although you guys know my politics, but the level of participation). That being said, it isn't perfect, and we owe it to our country to keep improving it, to keep striving towards the ideal of a government of, for, and by the people, all the people, the ideal of liberty and justice for all. And whatever you think of the President's politics, you've gotta admit that we just marked a significant milestone on that front. Which is not to say that the election of an African American President is an end in itself (the part of a President that matters is not "black" or "white," but always grey), but rather that it is a good sign.

Yes, I'm still a little excited. Gods bless America!

*Yay! I won at Internet! Do I get a cookie?

[ihatethiswebsite]

Originally Posted by Just George

Hey Pablo. We do think for our selves. Name another country that has the freedom we enjoy. If you have truly lost it, look for it. It's EVERYWHERE. Your Hispanic sur name tells me you may be from a different country, or, at least have parents that are. How wonderful it is that you and your familey are here. But one thing senior Escobar, while you have the right not to agree, I say, "LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT!" Head back south of our border if you don't want to respect America. No one is holding a gun to your head, or the heads of your familey, making you stay here. You have the right and ability to change things here, if you are a citizen. And, if you aren't a citizen, you STILL have the RIGHT to speak out! Try doing that in just about everyother country in the world.

Love it or leave it as an evil phrase.

[REDefiant]

You need to understand that the majority of foreign countries don't want us in their country, and upon visiting North Dakota last summer, a Hispanic young man criticized my "Rock For Jesus" t-shirt with the American flag on it. I felt wronged and from this experience I am sure that our troops overseas are treated just as badly, especially in places like Japan and Germany, where the Nazi's still harassed my brother while he was stationed in Okinawa.

America has the finest and richest soil of all other places in the entire world, and that is God's gift to us. I do not agree with President Obama, but I would rather have a democratic and justified governmental system instead of living like a Communist.

[Paulhudds]

Originally Posted by REDefiant

You need to understand that the majority of foreign countries don't want us in their country, and upon visiting North Dakota last summer, a Hispanic young man criticized my "Rock For Jesus" t-shirt with the American flag on it. I felt wronged and from this experience I am sure that our troops overseas are treated just as badly, especially in places like Japan and Germany, where the Nazi's still harassed my brother while he was stationed in Okinawa.

America has the finest and richest soil of all other places in the entire world, and that is God's gift to us. I do not agree with President Obama, but I would rather have a democratic and justified governmental system instead of living like a Communist.

You do realise the Nazi's where in Germany? Not Japan? I do have to stick up for the Japanese on this one (Since I live here.) I am sorry your brother was harrassed whilst at the base in Okinawa, but I have to ask, what form did the harrassment take? It is very much unlike the Japanese to out and out harrass people! Geikokujin like me are way too scary to take on one on one!

One of the major issues actually lies with the American forces in Japan. A lot of them come to Japan with very little experience about life beyond their borders, and are now thrust in to a culture that in many ways is totally alien to what they are used to. Trust me, I know! It was a massive culture shock for me when I arrive! A lot of the soldiers head off-base to blow off steam and just get up to mischief. Back home, we all understand whats going on. In Japan, such behaviour was not seen since a kid was about 5! In adults, its totally unacceptable. Japan is very much a society based on the group. People put the priorities of the group before the self, so they very quickly close ranks to protect one or many of their number.

Also, they do believe in the chain of command. Whilst for us, a quick word in the ear would solve the issue, it is not something the Japanese do. If a worker of similar rank but different department has an issue with me, they wont tell me, because we are not in the same department. The word will go up the chain to where the departments meet, then it comes back down again. The public protests are a very noisy, visual way for the Japanese to put preassure on those in government to talk to the bosses in the American forces, for THEM to feed the message back down!

The Japanese dont mean to harrass you, but it is a culturally closed society. I have managed to wedge my foot in the door, and have been accepted. As long as the authorities know what is up with me, and I dont cause trouble, then there is no problem. They welcome me with open arms.

Maybe better cultural sensitivity training would be in order for the American military. Asking the Japanese to be accomodating is nigh on impossible. After all, America has asked to have a base there, and Japan said yes. But it IS still their country. We, as foriegners here, have to bend more to fit in than they should to accomodate us!