About the “Big Stone” yesterday. I, of course, understand that some (you) use the word “inspired” to show your respect, acknowledgement, and humbleness. At the same time, please be advised that I receive harassment from those who insist that what they do is “Sashiko Inspired” and “Boro Inspired” while trying to suppress my voice. The word “inspired” itself is used in “meaning good” – but there are ones who use it to justify their ignorance & indifference. I wonder, then, what they are being inspired by. The big stone came from there. I appreciate you using “inspired” for the caring reasons above.
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“Knowing a Japanese Boro Collector” and “Having Japanese friends in Sashiko” is not equal to “Being an Sashiko Artisan” (I guess we call it “Culturally Adjacent”?). When I throw a stone, some cannot stop but defend themselves. They tried to tell me how “valid” their work & words are by sharing how much they know “Japanese”. Well, then I wonder, why am I the one who is in a discussion about Japanese culture writing/reading in English? Reading the defensive comments is already a big emotional labor, and now I have to explain my words about my own culture to them so that they can read? It seems wrong. Again. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy reading your comments here in English. Because you are wondering. I am wondering. Therefore, I learn a LOT. If everyone was like comments here, I wouldn’t speak up this persistently.
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So, after all, my suffering comes from those spreading the insufficient image of Sashiko. The word “Inspired” can be used in many ways: one as a sign of respect, and another as an excuse to do whatever. Use any words if you wish to keep learning. If not… stop using the words.
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英語の分量が多くなっております。とても久々に、ねっとりと絡まれております（笑）FBの無法地帯に私の文章を転載なんかするから。もう。しかもタグつけて（転載して下さった方には感謝です。散々酷い目にあったので自分からはもう指摘すらしないので）。ほんと久々。また配信で語ることが増えました。今週ないのが残念！なので来週まとめて！！
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2022-07-22 04:15:38
来週楽しみにしております😏
ワークショップ、楽しんできてくださいね😊来週、盛りだくさんの配信を楽しみにしています✨
Is there a more appropriately term to use, in place of inspired? I am learning, but no matter how much studying I do I know I will never understand the cultural importance to the extent of someone born to it. I greatly respect your work and teaching, and even if you do not respond, I hope to at least emphasize
美しい❤️❤️❤️
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😍😍😍
Thank you again. I actually found you and your work when searching for the meaning of “cultural appropriation” and have stayed for your philosophical questions and Sashiko stories. I read the comments on your last “stone” post and now I wonder if… “Sashiko inspired” becomes a new story when so many people use it, even with respect. One person defends their use of “Sashiko inspired” because they feel it is a term of respect and acknowledgement. But when many people use it on social media in english does it become its own story? And do these voices become louder and mote dominant than those of the Sashiko stories from Japanese culture which are translated into English?
Don’t ever let anyone suppress your voice!!! Your posts have been quite informative!