The Amazing Race > The Amazing Race Discussion
TAR20 Leg 11: Best showcasing of Japan ever?
choroneko:
--- Quote from: Prophet on May 08, 2012, 10:08:08 AM ---I was addressing something that bothered me both when I watched the episode and when I read some comments upthread. I have no idea how the 2011 tsunami got thrown into this discussion, but it has nothing to do with war. It is fine and wonderful to mourn innocent people who were killed as a result of war. But at the same time, please do not demonize war altogether or make America out to be evil. That's all I was trying to convey.
--- End quote ---
I apologize for my vague statements. I was talking about the hurtful comments to Japan. And I'm not demonizing USA at all. I should've said anonymous people, instead of specifying it.
Prophet:
I understand, maybe I came on too strong, :lol: but I was actually referring to comments which were not yours. :tup:
The tsunami was a horrible tragedy and anyone who says Japan deserved it needs to shut up.
kenchan:
I think it's healthy we are having this discussion - whether we are on the verge of fighting - it gives us a chance to understand. (Thanks Prophet for landing back on earth :tup:)
Actually, some people would argue that WWII in the Pacific actually began earlier in the 20th Century with end of the Japano-Russo War (the last war that Japan won with the help of the British Navy - and the Americans were involved as peace negotiators, and hosted the delegates just outside of Portsmouth, NH in 1905 for the signing of the peace treaty). This established Japan as a prominent player in the Asia Pacific region, but soon after, the Japanese Army performed many unspeakable acts on the Asian continent.
And some would even argue that was war against Russia was necessitated by Japan's rapid westernization in which the lack of natural energy resources became highlighted as a huge problem. And what event kick-started Japan's rapid westernization? It was Commodore Perry's arrival in the mid 1850s (See? All of these TAR episodes come full circle and you get a pretty nice history lesson). Until then, Japan had been isolated in international trade for over 200 years, during which only the Dutch and the Chinese traded in a limited capacity with the Japanese.
But again, I'm not here to point fingers either. :)
If you feel strongly about any of this, I would encourage people to go find books and other forms of information about WWII.
I, for one, am just fascinated how the word "STORY" is part of the word "hiSTORY". It teaches us who we are. Just like this show does.
bcp19:
--- Quote from: choroneko on May 08, 2012, 10:20:10 AM ---
--- Quote from: Prophet on May 08, 2012, 10:08:08 AM ---I was addressing something that bothered me both when I watched the episode and when I read some comments upthread. I have no idea how the 2011 tsunami got thrown into this discussion, but it has nothing to do with war. It is fine and wonderful to mourn innocent people who were killed as a result of war. But at the same time, please do not demonize war altogether or make America out to be evil. That's all I was trying to convey.
--- End quote ---
I apologize for my vague statements. I was talking about the hurtful comments to Japan. And I'm not demonizing USA at all. I should've said anonymous people, instead of specifying it.
--- End quote ---
Having spent 20 years in the Navy, and with 4 or 5 deployments in Japan along with some ship visits, I can see both sides of this. I could never get behind the old "Sins of the father are now sins of the son" attitude. The Japanese culture is a rich and varied one, but without understanding it, you can easily make a fool of yourself when dealing with them.
One time, the ship I was on pulled in Sasebo, and being familiar with Japan and Japanese culture, I understood the meaning behind several the signs that had others ready to trash talk the locals. I took a lot of time making sure those idiots learned the truth before they did something stupid. The sign? "No American". The general meaning? "No english spoken here". I knew enough Japanese to be able to go into a place like that, and I always remember the smiles that I would get once I spoke their language to them.
The sad reality is too many people do not take the time to understand the reasons behind things and make (often incorrect) snap judgements based on how they would mean it if they had posted a sign lilke that, and then act on that assumption. I would be sad to be on the race and only get a short stop in Japan, I've always wanted to go back there for a visit, but that will have to wait until I retire, more than lilkely.
kenchan:
--- Quote from: bcp19 on May 08, 2012, 12:33:01 PM ---The sad reality is too many people do not take the time to understand the reasons behind things and make (often incorrect) snap judgements based on how they would mean it if they had posted a sign lilke that, and then act on that assumption. I would be sad to be on the race and only get a short stop in Japan, I've always wanted to go back there for a visit, but that will have to wait until I retire, more than lilkely.
--- End quote ---
Well put, bcp19!
And thanks for sharing your experiences with the Navy.
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