Saturday, 20 January 2007

Who Am I?

I just remembered that my archives (bottom of the page)were broken so I went and fixed them all. Now you can go back and explore my whole time in Japan and the countdown to me coming here!

I can't believe how fast these last few years have gone. Seriously. Come March, I'll be starting my fourth year in Japan! Gah!

It's interesting how much I've changed. I was talking to Lisa yesterday at work and we were saying how even though we were open minded back in Australia, being in Japan has made us so much more aware of certain issues such as racism, sexual equality and education.

A good example is how the general population in Australia thinks it's acceptable to put down American and America as if it's our God given right. Hell, I think most Australians (including myself a few years back) used to enjoy the odd American joke.

Part of this is due to several factors but the main one being that not that many Americans make their way to Australia. Some for holidays but definitly not to live.

But after being in Japan and working and even become friends with some kick arse guys and gals from the states I realised what a racist prick I had been and can seriously see myself now back in Sydney and defending Americans next time one of those jokes is thrown around at a party.

Having said that though, George Bush is still a tool.

I've also become more proactive in social issues, having seen first hand a society were only 2% seem to stand up for themselves and refuse to discuss important issues like safe sex, STDs, rape, national politics and religion out of "politeness".

Before coming to Japan I would be the last person to watch the news, let alone international news but after being exposed to the Japanese government's utter stupidity when dealing with the Yasakuni Shrine and their complete denial of the Rape on Nanking I find myself actually bringing several issues up and even starting conversations about these issues whether anyone is interested or not.

Who am I now? I guess I'm still growing.

I know it's a cliché, but it's true what they say. You don't stop growing when you grow up.

Labels: blog, japan, Japanese, Japanese Social Issues, Rape of Nanking, Yasakuni Shrine

4 Comments:

Anne said...: Your entire life and attitude changed if you live in another country. It's interesting though for good or bad. Japan is a very expensive place to live according to my cuson who has been there for about four years as well...

"Bush is still a fool..." couldn't agree more...; Saturday, 20 January, 2007
Brad said...: I'm actually okay with most the costs but the city taxes are crazy! I'm paying like AUS $300 a month just for living here. CRAZY.; Sunday, 21 January, 2007
Panda said...: lol well I'm glad to hear you've gotten to experience quite a bit from your time in Japan Brad. Quite a bit of lessons that are good to learn which should also be applied to everyone even those in the states (speaking from a Canadian point of view XD ). but hope you are doing well.; Sunday, 21 January, 2007
Brad said...: That's really funny Panda! I was just checking out your site yesterday. Love the new layout and am even thinking of buying something from your kickarse CafePress store. Nice job!; Sunday, 21 January, 2007