When White people who are sassy, outgoing, and talkative go to japan, i hear stories of how everyone loves them, or how they become like Gods. But what if it was me going. Mexican American, who is shy, not outgoing, I'm not like the Latins that you see in Spanish Channels I'm just a quiet serious person, and I'm simple , come from a simple family. Just like in usa, japanese who come here think i'm a nobody, then would it be the same?
2006-07-30 05:33:52 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Hey, I think that in the long-term you would be a lot more popular than a sassy, outgoing, talkative white person. Just take the time to get to know them, and I'm sure you will find long and meaningful friendships. While the life-of-the-party type may be entertaining at first, they become annoying very quickly. Have confidence of being American and of your Mexican heritage, and get to know them.
2006-07-30 07:20:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have good news for you, my friend: Japanese who migrate to the USA don't necessarily act like the Japanese who stay in Japan. Those stories you hear aren't correct statistics!
Japan is a country with a unique culture that began at least 1,000 before there ever was a United States of America, or a Spanish Mexico. They don't have the same "collective" psychology as Americans (white, black, Mexican, Asian or otherwise). So when you do get over to their country, they won't hate you, or think you're a piece of crap. They'll just look at you and think, "Oh. A nice and quiet generic foreigner." And that would be it.
Most Japanese actually PREFER quiet and serious people. They may be amused by loud and sassy white Americans at first, but secretly they really prefer people who are sensitive and curious about THEIR Japanese culture. If they see you eating sushi and sashimi with deftly-handled chopsticks, and you speak in a low voice, they will think that you are the nicest, most courteous foreigner they've ever met.
(When you start being loud, insensitive and totally uninterested in their culture, THAT'S when the Japanese get tempted to label you as a barbarian.)
2006-07-30 05:48:35 · answer #2 · answered by fbillano 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you're stereotyping the Japanese if you think that they'll treat you like dirt. That would be the same as me saying everyone from New York is loud, pushy and arrogant, but I know that just not true. I met plenty of lovely people on holiday there!
If at the end of the day, you respect Japanese customs (for example eating until you've left about 20% of your food shows you've enjoyed your meal because you're so full up by the wonderful host, so never clear your plate!), take a japanese-english phrasebook to give the language a try (where are the toilets will always be a good start), and make sure you're not such a brash tourist then they should welcome you with open arms. From what i've heard they're a very gracious and welcoming country anyway, but just remember to be polite.
The tourist areas and larger city districts maybe be more welcoming to you though, but again just try not to stand out too much.
2006-07-30 05:38:46 · answer #3 · answered by afterbirth07 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just go and don't worry. The fact is that Japanese people inherently are the most prejudiced people in the world. They see ANYONE who is not Japanese as "Gaeijin" or barbarians. If you think that's not true, you're in a for a big surprise. It is deeply rooted in the Japanese subconcious. It's part of the reason why they saw nothing wrong with killing hundreds of thousands of foreigners in WWII- they were barbarians anyway. And don't think they've changed - their own history classes still make excuses for their barbarity in WWII and the kids there are not taught the truth of what their ancestors did.
2006-07-30 05:38:38 · answer #4 · answered by Thom Thumb 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People will think that you are 'a nobody' if you think it yourself. You have unconsciously already 'draw' a picture of have your visit of Japan will be in terms of social acceptance. That 'drawing' becomes a sort of 'script' that will guide your facial expressions, body language and conversation themes. You will project all the insecurities inside you if you don't change your thoughts. To have a great traveling experience, you only have to re-write that script: I am an interesting, nice, good person with a deep interior life willing to meet new people and give the best of myself' (repeat it in your mind as many times as possible). Then smile all the way to success.
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"The source of your thoughts and feelings about other people, about things, about situations, is you. When you see darkness, it is your darkness. When you see beauty, it is your own beauty. Grasp this concept, and you can change your world".
-- Ralph Marston
2006-07-30 05:36:17 · answer #5 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one in Japan loved me when I visited. Japanese people don't look up to see people, they look down and move very fast as to avoid people. We were the only people on the train that were talking. So I don't think it's any different if you're Latin.
2006-07-30 05:38:22 · answer #6 · answered by pamela_d_99 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not all Japanese people think Americans are wonderful. I believe I've heard them use the phrase "loud, obnoxious, and rude" more than "God like". Japanese culture is very diff rent, and traditionally they are taught to respect people who show self-control and respect others.
You, of course, have your own issues. People will respect you for who you are if you respect yourself. Quiet people have many advantages over very opinionated, loud people. Trust me, I'm an introvert married to an extrovert. For every person he offends, I'm there to help heal the rift!
2006-07-30 05:46:10 · answer #7 · answered by jenn_a 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I lived in Japan, and as far as they are concerned, you are just an American.
The only time I saw anyone fawn over an american is if they looked like a tall blonde supermodel, or were blonde and blue eyed. (My tall blonde friend was given money by children at Tokyo Disneyland, and men would ask her to take pictures with her, and in Sapporo, men would approach her with money and ask to marry her or for a kiss.)
Once while camping a family asked my friends if they would sell their child to them (a beautiful little 4 yr old with blonde hair and blue eyes)
Otherwise, I just made wonderful friends with the people and my advice is to just smile...you don;t have to say anything. Share things with your neighbors like American chocolate cake and cookies, and go to the local bars and try sushi and Karaoke...they LOVE to see you try things in their culture!
(by the way, sushi tastes different in Japan, just a warning. Try katsudon.)
2006-07-30 05:47:22 · answer #8 · answered by pknutson_sws 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My motto is better to be a Boarder Collie then a sheep; you're position in Japan isn't going to change just because you move there! You have to get some self esteem...see if you can talk to a therapist!
2006-07-30 05:38:02 · answer #9 · answered by sweet ivy lyn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do you care what they will think of you, are you trying to start a social club in Japan? Just be yourself, let people learn who you are and if they like that, you will have a true friend.
2006-07-30 05:39:12 · answer #10 · answered by Kyanne 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋