Another sleepless night after reading the thought-provoking series by @little_kotos_closet . I have been learning about “Cultural Appropriation (C/A)” since 2019. Although I am still in a phase of learning about C/A, one thing I learned from her is that I can speak up the pain (which Japanese culture goes opposite as suppressing the pain).
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Please read her powerful posts & comments there. Interestingly, I sometimes feel like I am looking at the same issue from the other side of the coin. Her message is “Japanese American” – the Americans with Japanese heritage. I am more like “American Japanese” for that matter – the Japanese who try to learn the American culture. I received brilliant advice that I am “becoming” the POC. I think it explains the pain I feel. I didn’t feel the pain when I was “Japanese who lived in Japan”. It means that the people who feel pain by C/A are an even smaller group – who experience both cultures.
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I wouldn’t speak up like this if I didn’t try to escape from Sashiko & stayed in Japan. Now, the pain is real, and I need to learn what is the cause of it. I am not well-educated/experienced enough to write like her. However, I would like to contribute to the “caring society” by sharing my honest insight.
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As I have been writing my insight about C/A, I am fine if you decide to use the word “Sashiko” on your stitching when you try to learn the Japanese culture behind the words. I do NOT feel pain when they sell it as “Sashiko” (at this point) when I see them trying. The pain comes from someone’s (intentional) ignorance. Please don’t define Sashiko with limited knowledge. If you do not know it, start learning it today. I write a story every single day. Please do not contribute to a change of the culture with ignorance and someone’s convenience. I sincerely appreciate your effort in learning Sashiko regardless of “color”. Thanks to you, I can continue sharing the Sashiko.
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米国に移住して、日系とされる方々の痛みを一層身近に感じるようになりました。日本に居た頃は感じなかった……というよりは、知らなかった痛みの存在です。英語になってしまいますが、是非、エミさん（@little_kotos_closet）の投稿を一読下さい。彼女の想いは強烈ですが、同時に、文化を”繋ぐ”と思っています。
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2021-01-29 10:25:45
So no-one but the Irish cannot practice/teach/sell Carrickmacross lace? How is it different to learning how to stitch in Sashiko style?
@gq_embroidery_lab super important when we are searching for our expression of this months experiment #gqembroiderylab
Thank you for share your pain. I study zen filosophy and wabi and sabi for two years and I feel an apprentice and I can’t teach about this anymore because I feel guilty of cultural appropriation. In university is common read, study and share your knowledge but I feel this disconnected from the reality of the protagonist itself. I will learn more of sashiko with you. I didn’t have any income, but I will try my best.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I am sorry you feel pain. It is hard to leave one country and move to another and have a adjust to another culture, be seen always as ‘different’. Education is Power, I hope things get better for you.
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Please keep defining this got us I am on the very tiny edge of understanding am I am grateful to you. Thank you
Sorry that should read “for us”
I find Japanese culture so incredibly beautiful, but do not have an ounce of Japanese ancestry in me. Because of this I’m always worried my interest and want to learn will be seen as appropriation.
Thank you for giving people like myself a space to learn, grow and providing insight. Topics like sashiko are so much more than just a needle and thread. 🪡❤️
Thanks for sharing!
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I’m starting to really understand.
Sorry, but after living in Japan for 20 and having to suffer people using the word Christmas and celebrating Christmas with no knowledge or tradition. I see your point. But this is a world wide issue. Maybe none ‘owns’ any culture. Seems to be a free for all especially in Japan regarding Western culture and traditions.
Thanks for sharing- this is the first time I’ve read about this coming from the other side of the coin, as you say. These are all very thought-provoking and important insights.
私の言葉を読んでくださってありがとうございます。理解してくださったこともありがたいです。🙇🏻♀️
Love🙌