There is all this talk about Japan becoming westernized and that the japanese haveing lost there cultur but that is not true Japan is not becoming West and the US is not becoming East but instead we are all becoming a more advanced type of people and all of our special trats are coming together. I mean 50 years ago we all mistreated each other and did not wount any thing to do with each other but now today mostly with the younger generation we are all coming together. and are growing up NOT to hate anybody but to belive that we can HELP each other to make a perfect world.... ( :

If you have anything to add or dissagree with I love to debate and type.

1998/1/24

I dont think the East is becoming 'Westernised' We are all becoming industrialised.

This means all our traditional cultures which were usually based on agricultural economies are being drastically changed.

From that point of view there is a lot of common experience and you could say we are becoming one.

On the other hand I beleive there is a fundamental difference in Eastern and Western thought proceses which are linked to our different historical development.

Economics and technology are pushing us together externaly but internally we are far from being one. Much of the coming geopolitical struggles are going to center on which value systems will prevail in the future. There is a lot of struggle on this level already and I think there will be more.

Whilst its not pleasant its going to be necessary if we truly have a desire to become one in heart with each other.

Of course on the deep human level we are already one. However we should not underestimate how much we have been influenced by our cultural environment.To overcome this is not that simple.

1998/2/24

I don't think that it is a matter of east and west becoming one, but rather we ALL are becoming ONE. Actually, you can disregard the becoming part, we ARE all ONE. Many of us just don't realize this.

Of course we all are individuals and have our own unique personalities and qualities. Different countries and cultures need to share with one another instead of fear and fight each other. We all basically want the same things; Love, Happiness, Purpose.

We all may go about these things in different ways. Take religion for example. I think that basically, all religions are fundamentally expressing the same thing; Gratitude for Life! Different people and religions may go about it in different ways, but aren't they reaching for the same goal. If ten people used the same recipe to make a cake, would they all turn out the same? Probably not.

Anyway, lets all try to appreciate Life and each other, let's all become ONE!

1998/1/29

I have a difficult time understanding the concept of Japan being 'Westernized'. To begin with, how do you define 'the West', furthermore, how do you define 'the East'. What is this great 'West' and what is this great 'East'? The two terms encompass too much of a vast and undefined concept to make a claim like Japan is 'losing its culture to the West' or the 'US is not becoming East'.
To simplify things, let's call 'the West' the USA (which is what I think you are implying). Japan has imported a lot of culture from the United States, however, new culture changes as it is first introduced into a country to adapt to the already pre-existing culture. Therefore, no matter how much 'Western culture' or 'United States culture' (both terms I find difficult to clearly define) Japan imports, it will never fully become 'Westernized' or 'Americanized'. It will always have its own uniqueness which changes, just like any other successful society, with time. However, I think the most important thing to consider above and beyond what I previously argued, which you stated, is that both America and Japan have been very successful in making amends and working together towards peace. I have spent considerable time in Japan and developed quite a network of very close friends during that time. I have discussed WWII with my Japanese friends. It never erupted into an arguement between who was right or who was wrong. Most everyone I spoke with had already put the past behind them and moved on as I also have. However, as relations between Japan and America continue to strengthen, both Japanese and Americans must not totally forget WWII. Once bitter enemies, both believing the other to be heartless, foreign devils (through wartime propaganda), became very good, close friends over the span of fifty short years and the future relationship continues to shine bright for the two.

1998/1/24

Do you really think we are trying to become one? One in what sense? As in a nation. Well, I don't quite agree with you in this sense. And definitely not on Japan loosing their culture.

I think people are actually learning to tolerate one another. This doesn't necessary mean that we will be hubby dubby with everyone. This explains why we have these wars right now. There is always someone out there who's trying to conqueor more of the world for power.

angela

1998/1/24

Everyone is becoming one?? Try telling that to the people of the former Yugoslavia.
Tell that to the people in the Middle and Far SE Asia who ban rollar-coasters and rock music as cultural pollutants.

And you seriously need to get your keyboard fixed.

1998/1/24