Another post about racism in Japan

[ViciousBrutality]

I'm currently reading this book American Fuji by Sara Backer. It talks a lot about racism in Japan against Americans. It seems everywhere in this book the American person is being screamed at by school children. Of course they scream "GAIJIN!" or something of the sort. One of the major characters is a woman, who was fired from her university teaching job aparently for being an unmarried woman over the the age of 27. Although it is said in the book Shizuoka (where this takes place) is a very conservative city. I was just wondering what places aren't so conservative and all that stuff. I just wanna know everything about racism in Japan, it realy facinates me.

-X-

 

[Mandylion]

Is this a work of fiction, just the author's experiences, or a serious study? In over four years of living in Japan (off and on mind you) I have never been in a situation where I felt I was activly being discriminated against because of my nationality. Racism does exist, but I often think problems with the language barrier and cultural gaps get called labled "racism." I don't mean to put down the lady who got fired or others who have had a hard time in Japan, but we need to be very careful when casting an entire nation into a single mold (I don't think you or anyone else here are trying to do that ViciousB, I'm just on my soap box).

 

[ViciousBrutality]

The author supposidly lived in Japan, it is a murder-mystery novel. It just seems that there is so much racism according to the book. But the main character speaks perfect japanese and understands the customs and such. I don't know, I was just wondering how true this all is.

 

[neko_girl22]

Thankfully I have never experienced racism in Japan , but last night hubby and me went to a posh restaurant (it was our anniversary) and I had so many people staring at me that I had to move my seat so I had my back to them. urrgh!!

Racism makes me so mad. I am embarassed to think about what Asians experience in my home country (or any western country)

 

[budd]

the friend from shizuoka was the one that gave me the book

she had invited me to have dinner with her family
but i was entranced by dreams of visiting temples in kyoto
needless to say, she hasn't emailed/written in a while , probably made her mad in all my selfishness (but i wasn't down for her like that anyway [she wore a fanny pack!], no need to create false impressions right?)
anyway anyway
what are some good gifts for atonement?
the more i enjoy this book, the guiltier i feel...

 

[Mandylion]

If it is a novel, take a lot of it with a grain of salt. It is one person's impressions of Japan expressed through a character. They might be true, they are probably embelished. If I have time to get my hands on the book I'll give it the once over.

 

[budd]

link

 

[ViciousBrutality]

I'm really enjoying the book though. It is very good I think.

 

[Mike Cash]

The thing about kids reacting oddly to foreigners is largely a thing of the past.

Having people react to my presence in rather bizarre and unwelcome ways used to be a daily thing. In the last decade or so, though, instances have dropped to practically zero.

I give credit to the JET program, which has brought young people throughout Japan into contact with at least one foreigner and helped remove some of the mystery associated with us.

Michael Cash
Kiryu

 

[curn]

this subject is an odd one for me ,as an american since my own country just a big hodge podge of ppl i couldent imagine being "worried" or "in awe" at the sight of someone who wasent white living or visting my home town or country but the reality of this day in age is that ppl of every kind are everywere so reactions of suprise, awe, or discust is more of "olden times" frame of mind that you usally just dont see in modern country ....at least i hope so because im reallly looking forward to a japanese vaction one of these days and i'ed hate to be caught up in a bad cercustance that would leave a bad taste in my mouth about japan