Is it some “typical manner” for Western people (mostly white people?) to lesson others even if one is not asking? I can roughly categorize “messages I receive” into 3 categories. (1) Questions, which is understandable (2) Empathy & Personal Stories – which I sincerely appreciate and (3) Casual “lesson” saying what I should “think” (not what I should do).
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People say, “It is unfortunate but that’s what happens in Capitalism”. “Your pain is, unfortunately, normal in commercialization”. Yes, I know. Therefore, I speak up. No need to lesson me on how difficult what I’m trying to achieve is. Let me try to create a story. I am in an old ship full of culture, but yet may be sinking soon. People are on the deck of luxury liners saying, “Well, it is too old. It is unfortunate, but no use”. It is our(your) choice either abandon the ship with wisdom, or patch some repair so it may still go on the sea. I am screaming for help, not a lecture that the ship is sinking (because of the wave from big ships). The (sinking) ship is my identity so I am not asking to rescue only me out. I am asking to rescue the whole ship – because I believe we can fix it. I am not asking for a “lesson” to give up the sinking ship. I am asking for help (action). Some may wonder, “why the heck do I have to save you?” It is a valid thought. In that case, I want them to go as “far” as possible so it won’t make further unnecessary waves (Unnecessary wave = Cultural Appropriation).
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I say I will not give up. I cannot give up my own identity. So, please do not give up Sashiko by saying “Oh, it is unfortunate (but…)”. I hope this analogy makes sense. Sashiko isn’t “Past (lost/sunk)” yet. We are still there (in the ship).
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日本だと、「教えたがる人」は煙たがれる傾向にあると思うのですが、米国にはこの「教えたがる人」が沢山います。教えることが美学でもあるのかな。経験上、「教えたがる人程理解が浅い」という、まぁ少し偏った考えでいるのですが、米国で僕に「刺し子とは……」と英語で教えようと下さる方がいる辺り、そこで一々感情的になっても仕方ないなと思えるようになりました。ただ、「（文化が廃れる事は）仕方のないことだよ」と、第三者に言われるのは駄目です。元々、「しょうがない」という言葉が嫌いで、それがしかも痛みを分かち合わない人からの「しょうがなくね？」という言葉だと、それはやっぱり反論すべきだと思うんですよね。「仕方なくしているのは、仕方ないと思う人がいるから」です。まだまだ諦めません。刺し子はまだ過去じゃない。
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2021-02-17 10:36:29
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I’m sorry for sent you dm. Yesterday sent one but I deleted it. I need to learn more and didn’t disturb you with nonsense questions.🙌
Alas, I’m pretty sure you are correct that it is an especially White Person problem. I think that also the structure of social media magnifies poor communication, because thoughtful writing is not quick. Personally I can say I hope someday to take a class with you to learn more, and I appreciate all you share publicly!
I love the art of shashiko and have been trying to slef learn it through videos and instructions … its a beautiful form….. i am from india and in love with this art since some time now.. please keep going all ur work is beautiful
I am really enjoying learning the beautiful Art of Sashiko and I try to follow as many authentic makers as I can find. Your work and videos are very helpful and I thank you for sharing your wisdom.
I think you mostly talk about the art and the culture and only say negative things when resppnding to negative comments so if people get upset they are probaly the ones who originaly have negative comments
しかたがない。と言う人は、最初からやる気もなくて、仕方ないとしてるんだろうな。
そのような気持ちでは刺し子は出来ないぞよ。と思いました。
ボロとはボロボロにするのでもなく、大切に使って使いまくって、からこそ。そこに刺し子もあるんだぜよ！と英語で伝えて欲しいです。
Sounds like white male culture 😂😂🥲🥲
Your analogy to the sinking ship is most appropriate and something everyone can understand.
I’m really happy I found your page. Your work and your posts are beautiful and inspiring
Ah yeah it’s called “Whitesplaining” haha it’s a little bit of well-intentioned eagerness to help and also a lot of uh. “I know better than you do about yourself” kinda feeling. It’s related to “Mansplaining” where men do that to women haha. You got this! 💪💪💪 If you have energy you can talk to them, but if you’re tired it’s totally normal to ignore them (don’t feel guilty)!
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It’s absolutely a white people thing. It’s especially prevalent in North European cultures and alot of those ended up in the states.
I am currently providing some workshops for Sashiko, but not so much teaching as sharing the practice. I find that people need guidance but will find their own way. I always provide the Japanese name for patterns and their English translation and we discuss ideas of Wabi Sabi while we sew, alongside the history of Sashiko and Boro. I hope you would approve because I feel great respect for the tradition. We study and practice sewing traditions from around the world and it is fascinating to compare the traditional textiles that have evolved from different countries, finding as many similarities as differences.
Me gusta mucho 🤩🤩🤩🤩