The following are generalizations about the cultures of Japan and the United States of America, and are not meant to be taken as blanket truth statements about all individuals living in either region.
Cynicism in the USA:
As it has been four years since I have last been in the US, and a lot has transpired since then, politically, socially, and culturally, I've been trying to take note of differences between my now "home country" of Japan, and the part of the globe known as the USA.
One thing that has jumped out at me, even in the children here, is a kind of cynicism in general outlook. It is not always an unhealthy or defeatist-type cynicism, and often it is part and parcel of a kind of uniquely fun and "realist," American humor, but it is definitely something that can be contrasted with the general outlook and attitude of individuals living in Japan, in my limited (7 years) experience.
I was trying to put my finger on what this was, and it finally came to me this morning. There is almost an attitude of competition in the air in the states, even amongst friends, it would seem. There's a tendency toward mild and humorous self-denigration (and denigration of others), and a general callousness in approach to life, and need to be "tough." Of course, some people are downright mean, but you'll find that in any culture or country.
The "Innocence" of Japan:
Now, before anyone starts thinking this post is turning into some sort of "trash America" type piece, I want to say that the aforementioned "American cynicism" is a cherished part of my own personality, which especially comes out and which I especially relish when living in Japan. That said, the "innocence" of Japan is something I love, and have come to deeply appreciate.
What do I mean by "innocence?" Well, in Japan, there is a kind of general open-minded and unassuming acceptance of life as it comes, and an enthusiasm for, well, just about anything. I remember when I first arrived, taking a trip to a local historic town, eating salmon, and seeing a salmon drying facility and market. As we were driving home, my young student's parents and the student himself kept saying 楽しかったね！ (That was fun!) over and over. I remembered thinking to myself:
Well, yes, that was interesting and sort of fun, but it wasn't THAT amazing.
I was still in what I call "American thrill mode" where everything described as "fun!" should be sort of big and exciting and EXTREME. Now I get it, though. The Japanese tend to be able to enjoy simple things, in the moment and as they come, more readily than their American counterparts, generally speaking, in my view.
I also noticed that when I told people in Japan about my band, my latest projects or creative endeavors, or about the small details of my life, they didn't try to "one-up" what I said in a kind of competition, but would seem genuinely interested, engaged, and excited when I spoke. I have since come to learn that this is not always genuine. I have to say though, even feigned interest and an attempt at politeness is now sometimes even favorable to me over the endless one-upmanship.
Before I get carried away, here, I am going to cut this short. I may write a couple more of these cultural comparison pieces while I am here.
Suffice it to say that what I really dig about American culture is its bent toward individualism, directness, innovation and creativity, and a kind of tough and playful cynicism which isn't necessarily an unfeeling or uncaring one. The dark side of this would be the sometimes nagging feeling of unending competition, and a need to mask one's gentler, more innocent side.
I love Japan's culture for the general openness, mindfulness of others, and enthusiasm for even the smallest joys in life. The dark side of the culture being a tendency to be far too mindful of others, and a fear of reprisal from "the group" so intense as to subjugate the individual's creativity, ideas, and (physical and emotional) wants and needs to those of "the culture."
Thanks for reading!
~KafkA
Graham Smith is a Voluntaryist activist, creator, and peaceful parent residing in Niigata City, Japan. Graham runs the "Voluntary Japan" online initiative with a presence here on Steem, as well as Facebook and Twitter. (Hit me up so I can stop talking about myself in the third person!)