RE: This Is Japan
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Well, they only offered markers to write with;-) If they had put cans of spray paint on the table that was near he bus, things might have gotten a little wilder. 😬
Even still, there are two tendencies over here that are very prevalent. One is that you shouldn’t and/or can’t be too confident in yourself. This leads to people being pretty modest and conservative and not taking chances that people from other countries might (in my opinion). The second is being aware of others and not acting in a way that would disrespect them or would lessen their ability to enjoy something. If a person were to write a message on half of the bus, that many fewer people would be able to participate in this opportunity. People here are very aware of that and conscientious of that. I’m sure the children who scribbled all over the lower half were being reprimanded slightly by their parents as they did so.
Ahaaa... 'controlled' scenario... lol! But still, at least there's that respect, or someone would have brought their own can... and...
What you said about not being too confident in oneself, I see it as an Asian trait ingrained especially in the older generation... but slowly disappearing as the new generations are getting bolder. Also the second of being self aware so as not to disrespect others (also respect of authority and elders), that I recognise as what my mum taught us, and another fast disappearing social behaviour. In fact, with the prevalence of the internet creating easier and borderless access to common behaviour, these tendencies hardly exist any more - here at least!
I think things are changing over here as well. I’m curious to see how those traits hold over here. Schools here really reinforce both of those traits, so I think they will hold for a while, but I can see them being challenged by Western thought and values every day. Hopefully, future generations will find a good balance between the two.
Yup, keyword "balance"... If only people are able to keep a balance, lots of problems wouldn't even arise...
Have a good evening, my friend! :)
If not balance, at least be able to be comfortable with diversity and differences of identity, culture, and opinion. I think self-confidence is really important, especially these days. Future generations will really have to find a way to make peace with themselves and who they are, otherwise they’ll have a real struggle to not be like all the fantasies they see online.
Yes, that's true...
Make it keywords: Balance and acceptance! Balance in all that we do, and acceptance of all that others are, as well as who we are