Ask a Japanese American

[Emoni]

And I wrote it down. Do you want a philosophical answer? Something pensive or thoughtful? If no, then i don't understand the question

You might not know how to answer, but I think I just won a $1~

 

[Japanese_American]

Insult? I just said that you were misunderstood. You should be so lucky to be compared to a pre-op tranny.
Do you ever read what you write, or does it all just come gushing out like a lanced boil?

HA! I am laughing, I truly am. But your insult to me is awesome. your act in trying to get the final word in is a Kodak moment. If you want me to stop, stop typing. If you do so, then you lose.

 

[Emoni]

If you want me to stop, stop typing. If you do so, then you lose.

No, THIS response is hilarious... especially since you lost any sense of a creditability long ago and it is all you can threaten him with.

Actually... both me and NiceGaijin are mostly just having a slow day. This was a poorly conceived thread lacking purpose, reason, logic, and sincerity to begin with.

Most of what he is saying is flying way over your head and you're entirely unaware of it. We are both just kind of sitting back (although Nice gets paid for it) prodding this mangled car wreck mass that you are trying to portray as a collection of reasonable arguments.

(PS: No one uses the term "Kodak moment" any more, and they never did for a verbal or text based response. )

 

[Japanese_American]

Actually... both me and NiceGaijin are mostly just having a slow day. This was a poorly conceived thread lacking purpose, reason, logic, and sincerity to begin with.
Most of what he is saying is flying way over your head and you're entirely unaware of it. We are both just kind of sitting back (although Nice gets paid for it) prodding this mangled car wreck mass that you are trying to portray as a collection of reasonable arguments.

Well, it must be popular and you guys are responding. I find that flattering. Well, I hope more of you post, so I can make this the top post. keep on typing

Well girls, I got to go to bed. make sure your boyfriends are kept happy. It is your duty to keep them happy. it's the Japanese thing. Maybe I'll post my opinion about 9/11 and Japan. Say thanks ladies, you're all the best.

 

[Emoni]

Well, it must be popular and you guys are responding. I find that flattering. Well, I hope more of you post, so I can make this the top post. keep on typing

Well girls, I got to go to bed. make sure your boyfriends are kept happy. It is your duty to keep them happy. it's the Japanese thing. Maybe I'll post my opinion about 9/11 and Japan. Say thanks ladies, you're all the best.

Well, you've revealed the reason your posting all and your behavior finally. Simply to keep this crap going so you can get some since of fame or top post? Maybe that is your idea of some sort of revenge. Considering this section of the forum gets maybe a post every two days... wow that is some accomplishment.

Almost every single poster gave you valid questions to answer, and you mostly dodged them and posted more illogical inflammatory comments and ignored any attempt to clarify what on earth you were trying to say after standing up as some sort of iconic figure knowing all about Japanese-Americans as you posted random clippings of stuff and gave yourself celebrity status in your own mind in a quiet dusty corner of an internet board. You then seem to have "snapped" and run off to bed.

Well... that was sure productive.

I'm off myself. Sandwich beckons.

 

[Mikawa Ossan]

OK, I have a question for you.

Have you ever experienced any form of racism/discrimination because of your ethnicity, and if so, could you elaborate? I don't know how old you are, but preferably I'm interested by your treatment as an adult, assuming that you are.

Either way, how do you think that being of Japanese ancestry has shaped you in a way differently from people of other ancestry? I'm curious.

Oh, and you said that white people tend to think of you as perhaps a foreigner, but what do you mean by this exactly? What makes you feel that way?

 

[Japanese_American]

OK, I have a question for you.
Have you ever experienced any form of racism/discrimination because of your ethnicity, and if so, could you elaborate? I don't know how old you are, but preferably I'm interested by your treatment as an adult, assuming that you are.
Either way, how do you think that being of Japanese ancestry has shaped you in a way differently from people of other ancestry? I'm curious.
Oh, and you said that white people tend to think of you as perhaps a foreigner, but what do you mean by this exactly? What makes you feel that way?

Would tomorrow be OK? I need to crash.

 

[Taiko666]

I am an American of Japanese ancestry. So I am an American. Boku ha Nikkei Americajin desu. kedo, Nihongo ha zenzen hanashimasen. Gomen ne?

I was just fooling. I'm not Japanese, just a Japanese-speaking (well, to a certain extent), Englishman living in Japan. Your reference to being able to use chopsticks despite not being Japanese struck a chord (or a nerve?), since it still often illicits gasps of wonderment in Japan when a non-Asian gaijin (like me) wields his hashi.

 

[Japanese_American]

I was just fooling. I'm not Japanese, just a Japanese-speaking (well, to a certain extent), Englishman living in Japan. Your reference to being able to use chopsticks despite not being Japanese struck a chord (or a nerve?), since it still often illicits gasps of wonderment in Japan when a non-Asian gaijin (like me) wields his hashi.

I have a friend usinghis left hands to use the hashi. He tsaid, "what's the matter, haven't you seen a brother use chopsticks?" I said no, not that but you're using your left hands. He was laughing

 

[Half-n-Half]

Do you ever read what you write, or does it all just come gushing out like a lanced boil?

Originally Posted by Japanese_American

Originally Posted by Half-n-Half
I think what he meant was that someone living in Japan might not necessarily be of Japanese decent or a citizen. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Mikawa Ossan, who you directed one of your posts toward, does not have any Japanese ancestry. Living in Japan does not automatically make you Japanese.
What do you mean?

No but it makes you your ethnicity Japan. Like, African Japanese or Italian Japanese or British Japanese. Because there is no way I can get rid of my Japanese aspect of me, and American is not an ethnicity either, contrary to popular belief.

HA! I am laughing, I truly am. But your insult to me is awesome. your act in trying to get the final word in is a Kodak moment. If you want me to stop, stop typing. If you do so, then you lose.

OK, this sent up a little red flag that perhaps this guy really is a troll. Japanese_American obviously ignored nice gaijin's very good point. And this thread has quickly deteriorated. But dammit, it is one of the prettiest train wrecks I have ever seen.

 

[FrustratedDave]

This should be an example of topics not to post.
What makes you think anyone wants to ask you a question. Especially if the only thing you have going for you is being part Japanese with no ties to Japan, or any knowledge of it beyond what the anime groupies probably have.

I knew I should have posted when no one had replied to this thread b/c you took the words right out of my keyboard!

 

[Dogen Z]

Let me start off by saying I think this is a stupid thread, too. I've met several Japanese-Americans in Japan and they have a very different attitude than the OP.

And I found this interesting thread on another forum (gomen, JREF) that might be enlightening to the OP.

" As a young Japanese-American (2nd generation - Nisei) I think native Japanese do see us with a bit of ambiguity.

We are ethnically the same but since we have been raised abroad and have assimilated with other cultures, we aren't quite "Japanese" in the sense of thinking, mannerisms, beliefs etc.

It's an odd statement but I'll try to clarify.

Even though I look Japanese, am born to Japanese parents, can speak the language and know the culture, I'm still not totally accepted as a true Japanese because my way of thinking is still "American-shiki".

I think Japanese acceptance is often tied in with how much one has assimilated and adapted to the culture of Japan. "

In other words, Japanese Americans are considered non-Japanese by the Japanese. The OP is a gaijin.

But I have a question for the OP.

Q: Why didn't you post this in the Nikkei Affairs topic? Too lazy--very unJapanese, or is that a stereotype?

 

[Ashikaga]

" As a young Japanese-American (2nd generation - Nisei) I think native Japanese do see us with a bit of ambiguity.
We are ethnically the same but since we have been raised abroad and have assimilated with other cultures, we aren't quite "Japanese" in the sense of thinking, mannerisms, beliefs etc.
It's an odd statement but I'll try to clarify.
Even though I look Japanese, am born to Japanese parents, can speak the language and know the culture, I'm still not totally accepted as a true Japanese because my way of thinking is still "American-shiki".
I think Japanese acceptance is often tied in with how much one has assimilated and adapted to the culture of Japan. "

Whoever wrote this, I wonder exactly what mannerism/way of thinking/beliefs that is SOOO "American" (whatever that means) that make them not accepted as a Japanese person (Actually, they really are not Japanese. They are American... but I will let that part go for now). It only becomes an issue when you walk around with "Oh, BTW, I'm a Nisei." written across your forehead especially when you speak the language and know the culture. When will ppl learn that it is not THAT special being them, whatever they may be.

 

[Japanese_American]

Well, you've revealed the reason your posting all and your behavior finally. Simply to keep this crap going so you can get some since of fame or top post? Maybe that is your idea of some sort of revenge. Considering this section of the forum gets maybe a post every two days... wow that is some accomplishment.
Almost every single poster gave you valid questions to answer, and you mostly dodged them and posted more illogical inflammatory comments and ignored any attempt to clarify what on earth you were trying to say after standing up as some sort of iconic figure knowing all about Japanese-Americans as you posted random clippings of stuff and gave yourself celebrity status in your own mind in a quiet dusty corner of an internet board. You then seem to have "snapped" and run off to bed.
Well... that was sure productive.
I'm off myself. Sandwich beckons.

Actually, I enjoy this. It's no longer a desire to be popular, but to pull your chain. You see, the more you type, the more people have the opportunity to read what you and everyone write. The best thing to do is to ignore this thread and allow it to die. I almost forgot about this site, until I saw the link in my inbox.

 

[Japanese_American]

OK, I have a question for you.
Have you ever experienced any form of racism/discrimination because of your ethnicity, and if so, could you elaborate? I don't know how old you are, but preferably I'm interested by your treatment as an adult, assuming that you are.
Either way, how do you think that being of Japanese ancestry has shaped you in a way differently from people of other ancestry? I'm curious.
Oh, and you said that white people tend to think of you as perhaps a foreigner, but what do you mean by this exactly? What makes you feel that way?

Well, if you read my previous posts, most of the discrimination/racism was brought on by OTMs Other than minorities. Specifically whites. We are a minority because, not population, but from political representation. Like the blacks and Hispanic, Asians were also slaves. But back in 1600-1900s, the slaves were called indentured servants. Asians were not allowed to date, let alone touch a white woman. They were hanged.

Fast forward to the future.

The racism/discrimination you ask is in the form of institutionalized racism. I was denied schooling and certain jobs because of affirmative action. The federal law required government jobs and public schools to hire a pool of qualified candidates of a certain ethnic group and women. Well, since affirmative action was written so narrow, I was grouped in with the whites. Why? Because, Asians were successful. Asians in schools were the largest population. So the need to recruit Asian students was minimal. Same went the job market. The problem? Asians made up less than 1% of the job market.

I have no problem with affirmative action. I think that if someone is more than qualified to go to school or go to work, they should. This is to balance the Legacy enrollment that was practiced up to the 80s. Like our current president, who attended Yale University because his father George H.W. Bush and his grandfather Prescott Bush were alums. But to group another minority group with a non-minority group, because they're the majority, is racist. There is this running joke at UCLA. UCLA's nickname is: University of Caucasian Lost amongst Asians. Well when these Asians do graduate, why do they make up less than 1% in the job market and why is the graduation rate low too? Because the model minority myth and that is a detriment to not only Asians, but to all.

An important ruling on affirmative action given by the Supreme Court in 1978. Allan Bakke, a white man, was denied admission to a medical school that had admitted black candidates with weaker academic credentials. Bakke contended that he was a victim of racial discrimination. The Court ruled that Bakke had been illegally denied admission to the medical school, but also that medical schools were entitled to consider race as a factor in admissions. The Court thus upheld the general principle of affirmative action.

Had the institutions not practice legacy admission, there would be no need for Affirmative Action

I was just fooling. I'm not Japanese, just a Japanese-speaking (well, to a certain extent), Englishman living in Japan. Your reference to being able to use chopsticks despite not being Japanese struck a chord (or a nerve?), since it still often illicits gasps of wonderment in Japan when a non-Asian gaijin (like me) wields his hashi.

Must be nice. I would love to live in Britain. I mean, socialized medicine, socialized schooling, what more can one ask? Sure the tax is high, but the investment into the commons reduces down-time. But I don't like the Big Brother syndrome in your country. I saw V for Vendetta and I think it's going to be Hell to pay when the British folks revolt. you are very talented with a hashi

 

[Japanese_American]

Let me start off by saying I think this is a stupid thread, too. I've met several Japanese-Americans in Japan and they have a very different attitude than the OP.
And I found this interesting thread on another forum (gomen, JREF) that might be enlightening to the OP.
" As a young Japanese-American (2nd generation - Nisei) I think native Japanese do see us with a bit of ambiguity.
We are ethnically the same but since we have been raised abroad and have assimilated with other cultures, we aren't quite "Japanese" in the sense of thinking, mannerisms, beliefs etc.
It's an odd statement but I'll try to clarify.
Even though I look Japanese, am born to Japanese parents, can speak the language and know the culture, I'm still not totally accepted as a true Japanese because my way of thinking is still "American-shiki".
I think Japanese acceptance is often tied in with how much one has assimilated and adapted to the culture of Japan. "
In other words, Japanese Americans are considered non-Japanese by the Japanese. The OP is a gaijin.
But I have a question for the OP.
Q: Why didn't you post this in the Nikkei Affairs topic? Too lazy--very unJapanese, or is that a stereotype?

That's why people ask. So long as everyone posts, I am going to respond.

 

[Japanese_American]

Whoever wrote this, I wonder exactly what mannerism/way of thinking/beliefs that is SOOO "American" (whatever that means) that make them not accepted as a Japanese person (Actually, they really are not Japanese. They are American... but I will let that part go for now). It only becomes an issue when you walk around with "Oh, BTW, I'm a Nisei." written across your forehead especially when you speak the language and know the culture. When will ppl learn that it is not THAT special being them, whatever they may be.

I may agree, but an American can me Mexican, Canadian, Puerto Rican, Nicaraguan, Brazilian and so forth. The problem with American is that we are of no ethnic group. So the closest thing to identifying ourselves is our ethnicity. Yes, I am not a Japanese, I am a Nikkei, because I have relatives in Japan and my roots are from there, but that's all there is. Therefore, living in the States, I guess it's safe to assume that I am and all the Ex-pats in Japan are (ethnic) United States and not say Japanese American.

 

[Emoni]

Actually, I enjoy this. It's no longer a desire to be popular, but to pull your chain. You see, the more you type, the more people have the opportunity to read what you and everyone write. The best thing to do is to ignore this thread and allow it to die. I almost forgot about this site, until I saw the link in my inbox.

Yup, verified troll.
Just a slightly more veiled one than the regular bunch, but that doesn't hide it for long.

Time for the mods to get involved in this one I think.

I don't mind simply clueless posters, but when people come on the board simply to incite crap, try to drag things on with threats, and state they want to simply be popular. Dodging questions, avoiding the purpose of the post, ignoring a question but instead posting totally unrelated responses, and out and out admission of posting to various types of inciting behavior.

That is when things gotta end.

 

[Japanese_American]

Yup, verified troll.
Just a slightly more veiled one than the regular bunch, but that doesn't hide it for long.

Time for the mods to get involved in this one I think.

I don't mind simply clueless posters, but when people come on the board simply to incite crap, try to drag things on with threats, and state they want to simply be popular. Dodging questions, avoiding the purpose of the post, ignoring a question but instead posting totally unrelated responses, and out and out admission of posting to various types of inciting behavior.

That is when things gotta end.

Go ahead. Get the mods. What am I doing so incorrect? Threats? Uh, with the NSA monitoring every post, you really think I would make a threat? I'm assuming every post I do is being monitored, and if I were to type a certain keyword, the NSA would pass this to the FBI, the FBI would then then come in and arrest me. They no longer need a search warrant as the Patriot Act removed:

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

Amendment VII

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

So you really think I want to end up in say a federal prison? So, the threat aspect is out. And what is the common thing to do to avoid trolls? Ignore them.


P.S.: I am also a gun owner, guaranteed by the Second Amendment and the U.S. Supreme Court: The Supreme Court for the first time ruled that the Second Amendment guarantees individuals the right to own a gun. The 5-4 opinion said the justices expect new cases to test the boundaries of government limits on those lawfully held guns.

 

[Emoni]

P.S.: I am also a gun owner, guaranteed by the Second Amendment and the U.S. Supreme Court: The Supreme Court for the first time ruled that the Second Amendment guarantees individuals the right to own a gun. The 5-4 opinion said the justices expect new cases to test the boundaries of government limits on those lawfully held guns.

Excuse me? Trolling is one thing, actual implied physical threats are another.

Go any further buddy and I won't be calling the mods on this trolling crap, but you'll have the police knocking on your door. I don't put up with veiled threats. This is way over the line for this board or any venue.

 

[Japanese_American]

Excuse me? Trolling is one thing, actual implied physical threats are another.

Go any further buddy and I won't be calling the mods on this trolling crap, but you'll have the police knocking on your door. I don't put up with veiled threats. This is way over the line for this board or any venue.

My apology, when you said

...I don't mind simply clueless posters, but when people come on the board simply to incite crap, try to drag things on with threats...

I thought you were referring to me. My sincere condolence. And anyway, I'm a gun owner, and you think I'm that stupid to make a threat? I love having guns too...Buddy

 

[Mikawa Ossan]

The racism/discrimination you ask is in the form of institutionalized racism. I was denied schooling and certain jobs because of affirmative action. The federal law required government jobs and public schools to hire a pool of qualified candidates of a certain ethnic group and women. Well, since affirmative action was written so narrow, I was grouped in with the whites.

I'm not just asking about institutionalized racism; I'm curious about the discrimination in general you've encountered. I specifically asked you to refrain from talking about your childhood because kids can be cruel to everybody.

Could you be a little more specific?What jobs were they? How do you know that you didn't get the job due to affirmative action?

 

[Japanese_American]

I'm not just asking about institutionalized racism; I'm curious about the discrimination in general you've encountered. I specifically asked you to refrain from talking about your childhood because kids can be cruel to everybody.
Could you be a little more specific?What jobs were they? How do you know that you didn't get the job due to affirmative action?

Well lets see. When I was in Jr High, we learned something called WW2. All the big white people used to kick my butt, and throw me in the trash can. They blamed me for Pearl Harbor, I was threatened with violence and was once thrown down the stairs because I looked like the enemy. Yet when former Prime Minister Nakasone said that the failure of the U.S. were the results of Mexicans and blacks, I had to calm my fellow brothers and sisters down. At least they knew where I stood...ironically, it was in college.

Actually I don't blame affirmative action but how it was applied. I tried out as a police and firefighter.

 

[ShadowSpirit]

Japanese_American:

I can't image you not being able to get into law enforcement or firefighting due to discrimination or affirmative action. These jobs are usually always in demand. It could be that you didn't meet their strict criteria. These jobs require exams, psychological tests, physical tests, interviews, and successful passing of academic training. Which state did you apply for these jobs in?

I'm hardly a recruiter. Yet have you ever considered military service? You don't have to serve in infantry to be part of the military. The Navy offers Fire Controlman for firefighter and Master at Arms if you want to be in law enforcement. Yet, regardless of which job you choose, you would receive firefighter training as it is required for all sailors to be trained in this field (since you can't call 911 if a fire breaks out on a ship. Thus, it is up to you.)

 

[Japanese_American]

Japanese_American:
I can't image you not being able to get into law enforcement or firefighting due to discrimination or affirmative action. These jobs are usually always in demand. It could be that you didn't meet their strict criteria. These jobs require exams, psychological tests, physical tests, interviews, and successful passing of academic training. Which state did you apply for these jobs in?
I'm hardly a recruiter. Yet have you ever considered military service? You don't have to serve in infantry to be part of the military. The Navy offers Fire Controlman for firefighter and Master at Arms if you want to be in law enforcement. Yet, regardless of which job you choose, you would receive firefighter training as it is required for all sailors to be trained in this field (since you can't call 911 if a fire breaks out on a ship. Thus, it is up to you.)

Los Angeles, Ca. What happen was, there was a federal law requiring a proportional amount of fair representation in the department. Since there aren't too many Japanese in Los Angeles, Vietnamese being the largest, next Chinese, then Korean, I was at the bottom of the list. The recruiter said to just wait. I mean, they'll take my application in, I passed everything, but there was not a need for Japanese Americans. Again, I don't mind A.A., but when A.A. categorizes me as O (which means other and a classification for whites), then I had no chance. Again, Japanese Americans are under-represented, but the misnomer that we are successful is racist.