A definition is powerful. It gives us a clear description for the mutual understanding. Without proper definition, a discussion won’t be valid. However, at the same time, when a definition is done by ignorance (either with good intention or for one’s convenience), it has the power to change something important. I used to explain Sashiko as wisdom in “poverty”. Poor Japanese people practiced Sashiko. It is true that they were in extremely harsh conditions, but I now wonder if it is okay for us to define them as “poor”. This is profound advice from my new menter, Yoshiko Wada (@yoshiko_wada_). I have been thinking & imagining & researching. Translation & definition is difficult because “poverty” in Japanese – “貧しさ” has a bit different nuance. (So I think it is okay to say that Sashiko was in 貧しさ）.
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We have our personal definition of words. How do you define “being rich/wealthy”? A pile of c-notes in front of you? A digital number on the PC monitor? List of real-estate you own? I have a vivid boundary between “rich” and “decent”. For me, “being rich” means that I can purchase what I want, in a grocery store, without checking the price tag. For me, “being rich” is liberation from minor worries for next week. I do not want a fancy watch because it doesn’t mean “being wealthy” to me. I know you have different definitions. It is quite natural with wanting “money”. We just have to know that the definition can be “personalized” based on the condition.
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For me, Cultural Appropriation causes pain when people pretend that they know the definition of something foreign. Not knowing is fine. We are here to learn. I am learning – flipping all of my definitions of Sashiko as “wisdom in poverty”, thanks to Yoshiko-Sensei (She is “the” teacher of Shibori, so please learn from her, too).
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柳宗悦氏の著書、”手仕事の日本”の一節に「貧しさの美しさ」という表現があって、（昔の）刺し子もその一つだなと思っています（刺し子は地域によって特色があるので全てではないけれど）。英語で紹介する際には、貧しさを”Poor/Poverty”を訳して紹介してきたのですが、ご縁を頂いた先生よりとても貴重なご指摘を頂きました。そう。”貧しさ”と”Poor”は、同じ意味ですが、圧倒的に違う何かがあるのです。何が違うのか。これは逆に日本語で説明することが難しい。前提とは凄いものです。必ずどこかで説明に挑戦してみようと思います。
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2021-03-24 09:13:24
I am throughly enjoying the history and the design you are sharing . It is not something that I have endeavored to do myself, however I am very fascinated by observing the art of watching it being done. I appreciate the beauty and more so having it brought together with understanding gives the most sacred of gifts to my experience. I must say, I hold such gratitude to you for this. I was put off at first thinking ” cultural appropriation ” here we go down this slippery slope of being judged without any knowledge of my experience ( only your preconceived thoughts) however, if we all maintain that temperament we will never have a dialogue we will only have people who agree with us already. How does that change the world ? I listened to you,I observed. I am glad. I am thankful for your knowledge and generosity . Thank you for adding to my life. I ask that the Creator use your light to help many heal in humanity. Sending love❤🕯🙏
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日本語での説明を楽しみにしています😊
To define rich is such a personal insight, my husband uses for an example I have a $50 doller watch it tell me the same time as. $5000 watch this can be applied to cars etc food .
Richness can be anything depends how you receive it .
Thank you for highlighting your sensei insight to sashiko of the past . Maybe they were not poor they were truely grateful for what they had something we loose sight off in today’s word sometimes .
This is so wild, I have been contemplating this today too. I have very well off friends, but it has never meant much to me unless they treat others with respect and kindness. A good and kind heart is what I find worth everything. Money cannot buy this ✨🌿🦋✨
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