This Tuesday will be our annual opportunity to hear from the agencies who have received funds from Love Notes. Please come and show them how much we appreciate all that they do in our community. Usually this event is hosted by our Vice President, but in Hub's absence, Ellen will be taking over for the day. Speaking of whom, Hub has graciously agreed to postpone his presidency by one year so that he can first concentrate on reaching a full recovery. We will roll out the red carpet for him when he takes the helm in 2012-13.
While listening last week to D.A. Dave Sullivan, I was struck by his bringing to our attention the total lack of looting in the devastated areas of Japan. He suggested that this was due in large part to their sense of respect for each other and the community. This set me thinking to why it is sadly unlikely that this would have been the case in almost any other country, even here in the States.
I think the answer may lie in great part at the very basic philosophy of our two cultures. Our country was formed very recently in the scale of things. From the beginning it attracted free thinkers who found themselves unable to adhere to the rigid rules of religion and politics that were current in their society. Here, the emphasis was on the rights of the individual to make their own decisions and live the life of their choice. To this day, our children learn that the great American dream is theirs for the taking if they apply themselves, take advantage of opportunity, and work hard. In truth, that is how I find myself living such a fulfilling and wonderful life surrounded by friends and good fortune. I had strokes of good luck, to be sure, but I also worked hard to achieve all that I could.
In contrast, Japanese society places great emphasis on the role of the individual as being a small part of a much greater whole.
Teamwork and identification with the larger group is emphasized from childhood when little ones begin their first day of school wearing identical clothes and carrying identical school bags.
During a stay in Tokyo some years ago, I would watch from my hotel room as the office workers in the adjoining building all leapt up from their desks at eight o'clock each morning. It was clear that music was being piped throughout the building, as on all floors I could see them all performing the same calisthenic exercises together.
In the parks old people would gather together to perform their daily Tai Chi, moving silently and fluidly through the gestures, in perfect harmony together.
Eating out with Japanese women friends, we would all choose the same thing from the menu, expressing our friendship and group identification.
Of course, there are no simple answers to any of life's questions, and no easy remedy for any societal problem. It impossible to compare two cultures and explain how single aspects of one may be adopted by the other. Japanese culture has evolved through countless ages with, for much of its history, little to no immigration or influence from the outside world to introduce new ideas and philosophies. A sweeping statement, to be sure, but in general terms it holds true. America prides itself on its diversity and freedom of choice for each individual. It is a difficult task indeed to marry individuality with the role of group member; to respect the rights of others without compromising one's own choices.
In times gone by, here in South Amherst, the farming community would regularly help out in times of need.
The way of life relied on group participation, whether it be a barn raising or helping neighbors harvest crops or give children a ride to school on the milk cart. Now we pride ourselves on being able to fend for ourselves and many of us do not even know our neighbors other than to wave from the car while driving by.
Is that good – or bad? Is life better – or worse? Are we happier – or not?
I think all the answers are both 'yes' and 'no'. But I do think it sad that we wonder and comment on the lack of looting around Sendai. There must be a message there somewhere.
No comments:
Post a Comment