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 Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 11:32 pm
I've been reading up on Japanese culture, and one of the things I've discovered, is that the culture has typically taught that they are meant to satisfy the needs of others, but never their own. That they are nothing more than tools, not meant to know the pleasures, and joys they endlessly give others. Incidentally, there have many films, in a rainbow of genres, that try to teach people they've lost the connection to themselves, and their own needs, and happyness. That they've let themselves grow so unimportant, they could throw away their lives, and the world would be indifferent, and that they should love themselves, and let themselves feel joy, and happyness, and all the other things they constantly give to others. (especially the movie Suicide Club |Jisatsu Circle, in Japan|)
What's more unsettling, is that this isn't just a prevailent theme in their culture, but in a lot of others, as well, especially American culture. We give so much to our jobs, and such, that we find almost NO time to appreciate ourselves, and to give ourselves the things we give others on a daily basis (although it's much less noticable in a lot of other cultures, it's still there). It could be a major reason why most Americans are so stressed, and angry, and irritable, along with feeling so worthless, and unimportant.
My question to you all is, what you think of the concepts of self worth, and self appreciation?
Me, personally, I like who I am, and I appreciate the things I am, and what I am. I also think self worth, and appreciation is something a lot of people either totally lack, or overindulge in, in the world we live in, and that overindulgence tends to lead to a lot of overinflated egos.
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Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 4:14 pm
Americans have been taught that, while giving is very good and commendable, treating yourself is good. A lot of Americans are selfish and greedy. They tend to work long hours so they can give to themselves more. But they also have been taught (by overly religious upbringings, often) that if they don't give money to causes and give stuff then their souls will be forever damned. They usually end up giving; however, it is without caring about the cause.
Of course, they also can be raised to be selfless as well. Religion doesn't neccessarily have anything to do with it. My friend was raised with an overly religious mother who indulged her all the time so she's somewhat selfish, caring more about her own wants than other things, like trying new things and doing things out of politeness.
Also, the whole "I don't care about myself, I was made to give things to you" is sort of put into their head subliminally by the whole politeness level. First-name basis without honorifics is only for the incredibly intimate. In fact, first names are incredibly intimate. You introduce yourself with your family name first, showing that they value the group over the one person. However, in America they value individuality, which is part of the differences of Japan and America.
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Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 9:06 am
Americans are *much* more self-centered than the Japanese... but the problem is still present in both countries.
Personally, I could care less about slaving away for 45 years at some sucky-assed job just to make some corporate CEO even richer.
We could, if we really got together (which we never will) eliminate most of the economic 'fat' and have a functional society where far fewer people needed to work to maintain our standard of living.
But many people believe that such a situation would be morally 'wrong'. Even though it would benefit everyone...
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