https://docs.google.com/document/d/1umzItJDoJKiLzpvA9DShqnS33ceM7TQr2Y0fodDfx5Q/edit
Date: Sat 25 Feb 2012
Time: 1:30-4pm
Place: Hess International Studies Institute, 2nd Fl, 260 Xinyi Rd Sec 4 (信義路通化街口cnr of Xinyi Rd Sec and Tonghua St, opposite Watson's)
MAP:
檢視較大的地圖
Topic: Mothers of Dissension: Some Japanese women are going against the general nature of Japanese society by becoming active about nuclear radiation levels there.
Topic: Mothers of Dissension: Some Japanese women are going against the general nature of Japanese society by becoming active about nuclear radiation levels there.
Find out what they're doing, and why Japanese experts think Japanese people, in general, are NOT very socially active. Discuss how Japan compares with Taiwan...
...Some Japanese wonder if the stoicism and perseverance praised in the aftermath of the tsunami could also be a liability. Perhaps some impatience for change is good...
...Some Japanese wonder if the stoicism and perseverance praised in the aftermath of the tsunami could also be a liability. Perhaps some impatience for change is good...
(from an article with the title above in the South China Morning Post newspaper (in Hong Kong), 8 Jan 2012
Optional preparation: Read this excerpt from the article:
Japan's affluence is an obstacle (to bringing about change in the government). Most people live comfortably and are reluctant to make a fuss, even if they're unhappy with the political leadership. Culturally, it's considered better to adjust to one's surroundings than to try to change them, says Ken Matsuda, a sociologist at Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka.
"Most people aren't hungry or angry," he says. "People need a clear enemy; public anger needs to hit a critical mass. It's not near that."
Historically, Japan has undergone major change only when it was thrust upon the country from outside--after its defeat in the 2nd World War, and after the arrival of US Commodore Matthew Perry's warships in 1853 essentially forced the country to open up to the rest of the world.
..."The (recent) disasters didn't stimulate a real sense of emergency," says Ichiro Asahina (who has established a think tank and leadership institute in Tokyo)...He faults a risk-averse political culture, a reluctance to take personal responsibility and a diffuse leadership system that spread out responsibility too thinly.
"To stimulate change," he says, "we may need to confront even more severe crises."
For planning purposes, please register for this session by Fri 24 Feb, 12 noon.
It would be great to see you!
Cheers
Lynn
It would be great to see you!
Cheers
Lynn
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