Racism is making me scared of going to Japan... :(

[toigaru]

Hi everyone,
I agree that Mikawa Ossan wrote

Oh, and one more thing: just because something bad might happen to you doesn't necessarily mean that racism is to blame. Same goes for any place.

and also other things, about the way Japanese do things, I mean if you want to adapt to other culture or do not want to face racism I think one must obey that culture's rules and respect their customs. For example I am from Turkey and here is a common behaviour between children and parents, if you call your father or mother with their names it is seemed some kind of disrespectfulness, children call their parent mom or dad not with their names and also for strangers it is not polite to call them with their names it is better to call them Ayşe Hanım and Ali Bey (Ayşe & Ali are common Turkish names, Hanım & Bey are maybe equal to San, Sama, Mr, Mrs or Miss) another thing is, when you enter a strangers home as a guest you have to take off your shoes, because you know home where you live and has to be kept clean etc. Like these things if you follow the things that other people do I do not think they will be racist (I hate this word) cause you do show respect to their customs. Here are many strangers I know living (i.e. academicians at my university as ) and they never complained about anything like racism, on the contrary they see more respect because they are our guests and guests should be treated as precious
To sum up like RockLee "can I go in your place?"

 

[Mitsuo]

In my opinion. You could say that about anybody visiting any country. It just depends. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Pachipro]

Very well said toigaru and welcome to the Jref forums. You said it nicely. Thank you.

 

[Carlson]

I find this thread a bunch of BS. but thats just me...

 

[lastmagi]

@toigaru: I don't think racism occurs only because someone doesn't follow the cultural rules and customs. I have qualms about this attitude of "if you don't fit in, it's from your own lack of trying." It could possibly be that OR it could be an external reason.


Anyway, I guess I share the same concerns as the OP. Still, I'm not going to let it try to get to me. Right now I'm putting my all into getting into Japan even despite my worries. What I tell myself is that if I can make just one friend in Japan, that'll be worth it. Besides, it'll definitely be a valuable experience.

 

[toigaru]

@lastmagi: Sure not only following (or not) customs but maybe external reasons, I agree with you, but IMO the first thing is to learn to show respect to different rules, customs traditions, where you are going to live or visit. Not even in another country but this also can be happen between different etnical groups in the same country, the thing I am trying to point is if you are going to be a part of another environment, different culture and you do not want to face unpleasant situations, so that, one must first learn what they want and what they do not want. If your main purpose is not to disrespect to that culture you are going to enter, I do not think there will be a problem. Showing respect and understanding vice versa maybe will not solve all the problems but I am sure can reduce enmity.

 

[lastmagi]

That's true. By showing respect and really engaging in the culture, you open yourself up to the other, and shows your genuine interest. I think it also facilitates the other to open up, too. That's always good for any community.

 

[toigaru]

That's true. By showing respect and really engaging in the culture, you open yourself up to the other, and shows your genuine interest. I think it also facilitates the other to open up, too. That's always good for any community.

Completely agree with you

...welcome to the Jref forums.

I am very sorry dear Pachipro, I just noticed your post. Thank you so much

 

[*Bendetta*]

I think that if you really want to go to Japan you wouldn't worry so much about it. Racism is everywhere, it's not like you can stop it, you gotta deal with it, period. Things are not always as you expect it.