I know this is supposed to be a US-Japan focused blog, but when we talk about East Asia it's hard to ignore China.
Here, on "playing the China card."
Then, on a related note, a study was done on the rise of xenophobia in America. Not necessarily towards East Asians, Japanese Americans included, but our communities were definitely subjected to these kinds of statements once upon a time. Is there no reason to stand up for these communities now? They are being victimized with racist rhetoric and unacceptably negative treatment. It's nothing new, really, but why does this keep happening? Seems like a good study,
here.
Could definitely be something to think about in the larger global discussion...still thinking of ways it directly ties into the US-Japan relationship. Maybe it doesn't, yet. But the intersection, I'm sure, is undeniable at some point. Perhaps it will lead to a better understanding of the kinds of things this organization needs to do to promote greater acceptance of what may be perceived to be "foreign" communities, for better collaboration and cooperation. We will not have the same kinds of struggles the South Asian and Southeast Asian communities are having now, so that makes us lucky. But being cognizant of the significance of sentiments like these could prove beneficial if we can figure out how rid of these kinds of detrimental viewpoints that merely demonstrate clear lack of understanding about other cultures and people.
US-Japan is at least a great start.
