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 Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 5:24 am
Ever since the invention of boats, planes, and TV, people have had the chance to see other parts of the world, and take in different cultures. Today, Japan has had a large role in influencing the way we live, what we wear and how our time is spent. And on the other side of the coin, Japan has had it's way of life dramatically altered by western influences and advancements(see the origin of Anime to get a glimpse of what this truly means. Here's a hint: Mickey Mouse).
While some would say this is the way people advance and better themselves, and the world, others would argue this has lead to a loss of cultural identity, and loss of the culture itself. But my question, is what do you all think of the influence of Japan on modern society, and vice versa? Has it been more of an aid, or a detriment? And how have these influences affected you personally?
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Posted: Thu Mar 08, 2007 11:51 am
I would say that it's both helpful to have influences from other cultures, but also harmful if some items are taken that won't be for the betterment of that culture. The best thing about technologically advanced societies, is that the people can choose whether or not they want to be a part of it or can join in a culture that is just beginning to flourish. The bad thing is, people become stagnant and think that popping a pill will solve their problems, when in fact it might cause more problems that what you originally had. I guess, that is to say, with modernization comes a double edged sword.
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Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2007 5:47 pm
I think it was helpful. If it wasn't for the introduction of western influence in the mid 19th century then Japan wouldn't be the place it is now.
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Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 4:23 pm
I think if anything all countries have helped one another not only western influences have drastically affected Japan, the East has done just as much if not more, Think about Hokkaido and Russia...Ummm..yeah definatly changed alot up in that region!
And I don't think Japan has lost it's identity either...they are some of the most culturally intracite people I have ever met. Alot of the choices they make are based on heritage, and tradition. Yes, the may look more 'western' and 'modern' now then they did back in 1800-1900 but what country doesn't?
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Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 6:29 pm
In some ways, Japan has been a great aid to American society. In other ways, it is a detriment.
Japan has been altered quite a lot by American culture. It now has a hard time holding on to it's traditional ways, which it has lived by for thousands of years since immigrants(sp?) from mainland Asia traveled there.
Personally, the Japanese influences me greatly. Their history and traditions fascinate me, and I even try to live by their standard customs of courtesy. Japan is quite the role model for my life.
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Posted: Fri Mar 23, 2007 2:13 pm
There are obvious damages to foreign influence for EVERY country, but in the end, it is better than if never happened.
One such damage is the extinction of the Yamainu/Okami (wolves). They were precious to the Japanese (I mean, they took on the title of okami [literally meaning something along the lines of 'Great Spirit' {'o' is an honor prefix, and the word 'kami' has a meaning somewhere along the lines of Spirit and God, for instance, Shinigami (Death gods)}])
The advantage of foreign influence is that technological is spread about the world like the village rumor once was. Therefore, we get more advanced, become smarter, and even 'evolve' in a sense. Think about it: Japan has now come up with androids which can actually hold conversations beyond the 'yes/no' stage. I give a lot of credit to Japan, but do you think they could have done that, on that tiny little island, all by themselves?
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Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 1:15 pm
I think it's great to have access to other countries and cultures, but it pains me to see places like Japan getting so crazy into America that they begin to lose some of their own culture and it even affects the language. How many borrowed words from English are now in Japanese?? It's crazy! I just want them to stay Japan =)
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Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 1:22 am
Much as it is a shame to lose so much traditional culture and the beauty of the classical language, I think that overall it is better that we share our cultures and languages, since through that we will come to understand each other more, and hopefully avoid so much conflict.
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 5:21 pm
I think that the differences in each origin are both good and bad. The Japanese are still attached to their culture, very much so. They are a very humble people and the best gift givers. And they still have a grip of what is acceptable and what isn't in their society.
But the U.S has really drifted away from its culture and has, I think, made a fool of itself over the years. Sure, cultural influences can be good; but they can also give other cultures big egos...(i.e. The fact that the United States calls themselves "America" in general, allllllll the time, not even including Canada, Mexico, and the South American Countries.)
Freedom is great, but when other cultures start to blend with others or die off...that's sad.
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Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 9:51 pm
It's great how one can be interactive in diverse cultures.
But dwelve into it TOO much and you will forget your roots. 3nodding
So says the black man who listened to too much rock music. cool
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Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 12:41 pm
I think the western influence is a good thing. Japan hasn't lost itsself yet.. the traditional ways are still there and haven't died out yet. I think the western influence hasn't taken full hold yet which is a good thing
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