The "G-Word" Debate
August 31st 2008 07:18
Courtesy of: http://www.colourlovers.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/kyoto-woman-and-gaijin.jpg
Japan is often known for it's seemingly homogeneous society. A place where conformity and sameness is valued. However, it's sort of hard to fit in when you're biological appearance or behaviour makes a statement about your differences. By this, I'm referring to "foreigners" - people who come from different native origins.
Amongst the Japanese, there is a popular word used for such people: "gaijin". "Gaijin" literally means "outsider" and depending on context, implies the person is from overseas. However, due to its frequent/casual usage, it has sparked debates over whether it is socially appropriate. (For more information, see the attached link.)
While international residents in Japan may be offended by this word usage, to me, it gives interesting insight to the way the Japanese mind works.
In Japan, social groups are mentally organised in such a way that everyone has an "insiders-group" and an "outsiders-group". To elaborate, members of the "insider-group" are often the person's closest friends and family whilst acquaintances are a part of the "outsiders-group".
However, this concept is actually a bit more complicated. In the work place, colleagues - regardless of how well you know them - are considered to be in your "insiders-group", whilst customers are a part of your "outsiders-group". Hence, this "insider-outsider" type of thinking is applied according to different contexts.
“Gaijin da, gaijin da!" my playmates began taunting me one day at the neighborhood park near my home in Kobe, the port city in western Japan where I grew up. It meant "look foreigner!" and although at age 4 I couldn't grasp the full import of what they were saying, I knew what I was and I told them so: "I'm not gaijin. I'm Japanese. I'm also Australian." (Rivers, 2007, Pg. 8)
With an increase of cultural exchange amongst the international community, it is perhaps inevitable that Japan would experience a rise of multiculturalism and interracial relationships. Click here for an interesting study relating to multiculturalism and bilingualism in Japan (also source of the quote).
However, with the use of such words like "gaijin" (which have some negative connotations), perhaps it is an indication of larger issues at hand. Considering the Japanese mindset about "insiders-outsiders" and conformity, it may take a long while before common attitudes towards "gaijin" change. Actually, Japanese resistance against "international influences" may make this journey even more difficult.
An example of Japan's resistance against foreigners migrating to the country is in January 2007, when sensationalists published a "mook" (magazine book) called "Gaijin Hanzai Ura Fairu" (Link: The Underground Files of Gaijin Crime).
This magazine, which went on sale at major Japanese bookstores and convenience stores nationwide, depicts foreigners as "dangerous" and "evil". Despite Japan's lack of a legal framework, or a civil society capable of curbing hate speech, activists managed to have the magazine removed from stores and put out of circulation.
The magazine apparently sparked debate over Japan's treatment of foreigners and "hate-speech".
While the "G-Word" debate continues and people argue about appropriate language usage, I think that the main issue here is Japan's attitude towards foreigners. Forcing people to change their language usage won't work unless the people using the language change their own personal perceptions towards the subject themselves.
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Comment by Dianna G
I Wish This Was 42
Fictional Worlds
I've heard that word before, I think. 'Gaijin'. Sounds very familiar.
Well I hope they get over it. Which they don't have to. But it would be nice.
~Dianna
Comment by Mountain Fog
very interesting, I have had friends live in Japan for quite some time, and I know some Japanese people, I like them. Actually I think they look gorgeous!
However, one fellow, I used to chat with over the internet, he told me they teach nothing about the atrocities Japan committed during the second world war, and told the students not to read the Western books about it.
I was amazed actually, and we ended up in a fight about it, as he refused to believe what had happened.
It is sad, as Japan's culture is a mighty one, but one does not learn unless one looks at one's mistakes.
Mind you, someone should be telling Bush and his pals to pull their heads in too, hopefully that will happen soon at the ballot box!
cheers
fog
Comment by KaTchI
Japan Slate
When it comes to matters of International Relations, there are a number of issues which are often debated within Japan. A prime example being the text books case. I'm actually hoping to write about these issues during my free time (after researching a bit more into them).
Hopefully from reading this blog, you'll gain further insight to a side of Japan that usually isn't "advertised". Too often we see the stereotypical image of a peaceful, traditional Japan or the technologically advanced society!
Thanks again, I hope to see you again in upcoming posts!
^_^
Comment by Dianna G
I Wish This Was 42
Fictional Worlds
Hence my longing to go to Kyoto...
I've heard a lot about it from people who've been there, although visiting and living are two very different things no matter where you are.
~Dianna
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Fog, the education system in Japan is perplexing. While I've read that the govt is trying to weed out mentions of the WWII atrocities committed by the Japanese troops, I have Japanese friends that grew up learning about it in school. They're a bit older, so perhaps it's changing over time.
The word 'gaijin' reminds me of Chinese... they use the word 'wai guo ren' which means, I think, 'foreign country people'...