Sometimes, I see a phrase saying “Japanese don’t have (state) opinions”. This is

Sometimes, I see a phrase saying “Japanese don’t have (state) opinions”. This isn’t true. Well, it may end up with looking like we do not have opinions. However, it doesn’t mean that we do not have any voices. In Japanese language, the verbs come toward the end of a sentence. Therefore, we need to listen & imagine what they are saying in order to make a good discussion. On the other hand, in English, I often see a discussion talking “over” the counter party’s statement. This is something I really need to learn in the U.S. to “win” the argument – mostly for my daughter. 

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If Sashiko is a western cultural practice, this “winning” is important. However, since it is Japanese word, it carries Japanese essences – which is, here, a quiet and calm discussion to understand each other – not to make others silent. The pain I often describe comes from here. I feel as if “something” is suppressing my emotion & voice. I believe there are millions of those who feel similar. When we talk about Sashiko, unfortunately, I do not need opinions in non-Japanese language (I appreciate the feedback, but opinion on what they think of Sashiko is irrelevant without proper understanding). However, when a privileged group say “I do not discuss opinions about Sashiko (or any other cultural practice)”, then it becomes the Cultural Issues. I still cannot believe it, but there are people who consider our voices as “opinions” – it isn’t an opinion, it is the identity. 

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先日の配信で「刺し子、なんでも良いと思ってますよ〜」と軽い感じでお伝えしたのですが、これは日本語だから言えることなんです。同じ「何でも良い（Whatever is fine)」ですが、言語と文化によって、全く違う意味合いが生まれ、違う結果になったりします。面倒なことを書いている感じはしますが、日本国内でもっともっと刺し子が広まってくれれば良いなと思っている一人です。

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2021-08-05 09:34:28

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