Free Comic Book Day 2009

Not that I like stereotypes or judge others by them, but with each stereotype to is a spark of truth. Some may remember the incident that happened in the either the 80′s-mid 90′s when a African-American soldier/marine/sailor(I forgot which branch) raped a young asian girl and made international news(look it up on google). I being one that was in the military(HM2 Navy) and in Japan(Yokosuka) have read of stories in the local(english)newpaper of repeated crimes done by both sailors and marine in Okinawa, Atsugi,etc. The KittyHawk home ported on the base I was stationed had been restricted to Cinderella liberty(I’m not making this up…that is what it’s called)…if you remember the story Cinderella had to be home at midnite. Anyways, it would be good for everyone to remember the history both America and Japan has had. You know the 2 A-bombs that we sent to Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Don’t let the history books fool you the two bombs killed over 150,000 Japanese men, women and children. Not to mention the side effects of radiation poisoning in the surrounding area 30 yrs after.

I’m have had to treat and do check ups on these same marines, sailors, and army personnel that broke the laws in Japan as well. So, none of you can tell me that it’s not true. And let me tell you some of tourists are no better. Especially, my fellow Americans. The language barrier is just a start to the madness and havoc they create.

(sorry, I meant to use this in the anti-American comic article)

For the people that don’t know about Japan psych. 101 and culture. These people are though they are changing are still traditional and interdependent on one another. It has nothing to do with race or ethnicity. For example: If a Japanese man messes up on a report the whole team is punish. Which means that there is practically no individualism when it comes to certain situations.
For an example we’re all familiar with: A gaijin noted as being American is caught doing something like robbing a convinent store. Then another weeks afterwards. Now, us that are innocent are under the eye of the not only the public but local authority. This happens no matter how innocent you are , because remember if 1 individual does something wrong all will suffer. It’s as simple as that PEOPLE.

Now, on the other hand, there’s an issue with sexual competition. African-Americans(NOT ALL) have been stereotyped as being sexually aggressive and having an above average penis. Caucasian males are noted(japan and other cultures understand that European/Anglo Saxon Americans are conquerors by nature) as being controlling/conquering, and also sexually explecive. Now, the stereotype I mentioned about African-Americans is often used by Euro descended Americans to scare Japanese men and women to hord JP women. This is done through the media mostly and hear say. So, Japanese men don’t like that other men want to engage in relationships with “their” women, though some may let you if you considered a good gaijin. There are ,however, those Japanese men and women thaught not get into a personal relationship with other ethnic groups. This is either due to the fact that they are the generation that lived after WW2 and witnessed as Japan(military…the Prime minister was willing to make a treaty long before the first A-bomb) had not choice, but to surrender. Who’s family died because of result of either of the two A-bombs. Or later on had to give up their land when America’s military built and occupied Japan for the first time. Now, in regard to JP men with a light to heavy right-wing mentality( Uyoku, Shin-Uyoku,etc) it is hard to believe they still feel this way when you consider the fact that they openly date Asian women ,such as,CHINESE,TAI,Philoppino, and even Korean women. They also have flings with European women,etc. I think it’s just selfishness to think this, but what can be done. I think if we were all more culturally aware and give respect when in each others country it wouldn’t be such a problem. Also, a little hard studying in the language of the local people might not be such a bad idea either( no I’m being serious here…not from just phrase or travel books, but actual textbooks). More “real” up to date cultural exchange needs to be televised telling about the 100% true culture and behaviors of a typical AMERICAN,MEXICAN,AFERICAN, AFRICAN-AMERICAN(their is a historical and genetic difference),German, Swedish,etc.<–Include gaijin. This would change the attitudes towards “others” in Japan. The reason is that most of the information given is hear say and exaggerated. Other’s are based in some minor mistranslations(too many and it becomes a major mistranslation). I can garuantee that it if say you ask a typical Japanese male or female what is the difference between an African and an African-American(Historically or otherwise) they wouldn’t know. I mention this because many Japanese can’t tell the difference and intersociety between people who outwardly look somewhat the same at first glance, but come from a completely different country and culture. So, for example people know that aids has run rapid in parts of Africa, but much less a problem in the African-American communities. A Japanese citizen would think that they’re one and the same then think that a kokujin (in this case AA)has hiv/aids and will not try to associate themselves and clean the surface said kokujin toughed. This is also due to the fact that the Japanese are poorly educated on the spread of STD’s and Aids. I was a in Japan for 2 years as a Hospital Corpsmen and I’ve visited and have been informed about what they test for. Surprising to say most only test for yeast infection and not STD’s like Aids. So, it might be hard for said person to be tested to prove that he/she doesn’t have aids let alone any other STD.

I know that that was long winded and trust me I can expand on the point’s made, but well..

P.S.: If you know of any JAPANESE men or women that can read or proper translate please don’t hesitate to have them read this.