“You can share your knowledge without being mean.” Umm. I don’t think I am mean. I am just honest. I do not pretend to be extra nice to be liked about Sashiko in SNS – there are much more important things to do in preserving the culture. If they think Sashiko isn’t so unique & don’t care about the stories & people behind the words, I do not understand why they insist on using the word Sashiko / Boro “inspired”. What are they inspired by after all?
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I learned that there is a word for the comment I received – “Tone Policing”. There are so many terms & concepts that I need to learn, but it is a very important process for me to reflect on how suppressive I was in Japan – when I was a part of the majority. Unfortunately, I came to the conclusion to say out loud that “Sashiko & Boro you know are not wrong but (significantly) insufficient”. If they think they know about Sashiko without being able to communicate in Japanese, they need to doubt their knowledge. The “common knowledge” of Sashiko & Boro is in English insufficient, and therefore, having them “defined” can be wrong. Sashiko is not a word for mending. Boro is not a word for patchworking. I can list many more & you can find them in the previous posts here.
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I understand it is uncomfortable to be criticized or rephrased. However, it is a fact that only a part of Sashiko culture & Boro is translated into their language. This is No one’s faults. The Japanese didn’t speak up for Sashiko in English & some translated it without knowing it (hopefully it isn’t intentional). So, it is time to just “accept”. I am not being mean. I am just trying to pass down the Sashiko we practice.
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雑念と空虚の中で運針をしていると、結果的に針目にその人の形が出てくるというのは運針会をご紹介する際によくお話をすることなのですが、そんな面倒なことの前に刺し子っていうのは、その人の性格が良く出るものだったりします。几帳面なのか、おっちょこちょいなのか。完璧主義なのか適当なのか。好きな柄もそれで変わってきます。丸七宝。好きな柄なのですが、どうしても後回しにしてしまう柄です。夏休みは最後まで宿題をしないタイプというか、追い詰められないと一歩が踏み出せない（笑）丁寧に一つずつできる人に憧れを抱いたりしています。
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2022-05-21 10:43:33
It’s not mean to speak the truth!
Your art is beautiful. Your words express so much more. I may never understand Sashiko as you do but it is something I love and has a loving place in my heart
How can anyone ever think you’re mean? You’re one of the most patient people I have ever seen talking about something that is so important to you.
👏👏👏👏👏
Thank you for taking the time to share and educate.
You are a good teacher in my opinion. It is never easy to convey ideas across cultures. Personally as I’ve begun to explore Sashiko stitching I think of it as a calming utilitarian art form. And that is just me. I very much love how you explain to us the history of Sashiko. Thank you.
❤️ I would never think you are “mean,” you are explaining the history and culture is a clear, concise, and accurate way. I appreciate it and am hear to learn/listen/appreciate what you are willing to share.
Now that I’m following the #visiblemending hashtag, I’m seeing a lot of menders doing pattern stitches saying they are doing Sashiko. So, I definitely feel for you.
❤️
Mean 😂😂😂 you are such a kind and gentle and supportive person. I am sorry for people who don’t understand that
I am so appreciative that you share culture and history.🙌
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Speaking of own culture truthfully is far from being mean, just because they feel uncomfortable with hearing it, they should never tone police someone’s lived experience. in fact that shows how they are so used to centre their feelings of comfort without acknowledging other’s voices, especially when we speak of pain.
❤️❤️ beautiful