Homophobia in Japan
- Thread starter c4ts
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c4ts said:
Anybody familiar with burakumin? Japan's version of the caste system.
Japan has currently has the lowest birth-rate in recorded history, and it keeps getting lower. Suicide rates keep getting higher. From an anthropological point of view, Japan is quite possibly the most fascinating country on the planet.
-Elliot
Brown
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Re: Re: Homophobia in Japan
I understand from my own reading and from friends who have lived there that the caste system is still alive and well, although those in the lowest caste have more rights now than they did previously. I also understand that those in the lowest caste are basically compelled to marry within the caste, as no one else will marry them.
It is further my understanding that the burakumin achieved their status from their occupation (they were workers with dead animals, such as tanners), rather than from their sexual preference.
Some members of our forum community live in Japan, and I would like to hear their comments about this. I recognize, however, that this may be a touchy subject for people of Japanese ancestry.
It is curious that "burakumin," when spoken, sounds like "black man." Many Japanese words are based upon English, but I do not believe this is one of them.elliotfc said:
I understand from my own reading and from friends who have lived there that the caste system is still alive and well, although those in the lowest caste have more rights now than they did previously. I also understand that those in the lowest caste are basically compelled to marry within the caste, as no one else will marry them.
It is further my understanding that the burakumin achieved their status from their occupation (they were workers with dead animals, such as tanners), rather than from their sexual preference.
Some members of our forum community live in Japan, and I would like to hear their comments about this. I recognize, however, that this may be a touchy subject for people of Japanese ancestry.
Re: Re: Re: Homophobia in Japan
I learned in a class that this extends to the workplace, and that corporations employ agencies who investigate applicants.
Right, I wasn't trying to link the two. Here is a very interesting link regarding Japan and their concept of homosexuality:
http://wwwsshe.murdoch.edu.au/intersections/issue3/mclelland2.html
-Elliot
Brown said:
I learned in a class that this extends to the workplace, and that corporations employ agencies who investigate applicants.
Right, I wasn't trying to link the two. Here is a very interesting link regarding Japan and their concept of homosexuality:
http://wwwsshe.murdoch.edu.au/intersections/issue3/mclelland2.html
-Elliot
Anime
Is understanding anime as helpful to understanding the modern mindsets of the under-35 Japanese generation as many people make it out to be? Or is it just a highly developed art form whose importance does not extend past the level of entertainment?
I ask because I really have no idea. Anime kind of gives me the spooks to be honest, and I'm a person who is fanatical about zombie movies. Something about the whole cartoon aspect, I think, throws me for a loop.
-Elliot
Is understanding anime as helpful to understanding the modern mindsets of the under-35 Japanese generation as many people make it out to be? Or is it just a highly developed art form whose importance does not extend past the level of entertainment?
I ask because I really have no idea. Anime kind of gives me the spooks to be honest, and I'm a person who is fanatical about zombie movies. Something about the whole cartoon aspect, I think, throws me for a loop.
-Elliot