Job Discussion Forums

[Sashadroogie]

Looking at most of these boards, there seems to be a regular refrain: criticism of the host country and its illogical ways. Might be interesting to see how many people really feel this to be the case, and where they are based.

Obviously, I do not hold this sentiment at all. But then I live in the most socially advanced state in the world, a veritable paradise, so perhaps it is not fair that I vote. But I will anyway : )

[spiral78]

Absolutely not backward here.

[sager]

Germany is definitely not backward.

[sixthchild]

Not sure about this place, Turkey has been labeled a third world country by other on the other side of the pond, but to be fair it has only been a republic for less than a century and the concept of racism does not really exist here, which in itself is a pretty "backward" state of mind, maybe the OP should clarify what defines a backward country so we are all on the same page.

[HLJHLJ]

I don't know what to vote. I find some aspects of Japan to be very advanced and progressive but in other areas (especially education and social systems) it's still in the dark ages.

[DrTongue]

I'm with HLJHLJ. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Depends on the aspect of the country we're talking about, not to mention my mood on the day I'm asked.

As a former resident of Turkey, I will say that I found their snack food technology far ahead of anything in the homeland. Not enough to keep me in the former Constantinople but it helped ease some frustrations at times. Turk Telekom, however . . .

[scot47]

Don't know about the countries I worked in. The country I retired to certainly is !

[johntpartee]

[Sashadroogie]

...presumably compared to one's home country.

'Backward' is such a vague term it is hard to define it for this poll, or anywhere else. However, answering the poll only requires that a poster would consider applying whatever his definition of it is to his host country.

[johnslat]

Yes, I do - but the USA is making some progress in moving forward.

Regards,
John

[MotherF]

I would never describe Mexico as backward. It does have room for improvement in many aspects. But as John pointed out above, so doesn my homecountry, the USA, so who am I to talk.

[timothypfox]

Yes and no. Japan is a quagmire of things that work much better than in many Western countries, and a political system that chokes on it's own bile. The legal system with regards to human rights is likely 15 years behind the US system, and institutionally policing is about 20 years behind. Having said that, communities as a whole operate much more safely than say the United States, which hasn't seen anything like this since the 1950s or 60s. The community system of compulsory neighborhood membership, as annoying as it can be, means and active system of safety and supervision is in place for children in most neighborhoods. This means low crime, and a bit of a strong penchant for law and order. The old system of public shame or humiliation as a way to compel moral character amongst Japanese citizenry is still very strong and very much an element behind virtues of hard work and honesty. In other countries where individualism and an I don't care what others think mentality rules, customer service is poor and pubic shame and humiliation have much less effect on the individual.
-----> So, says I the armchair professor!

[denise]

[tuco]

You really don't think that Russia is backward? I can't think of a more retrograde country! Where else in the world do you slowly euthanize your elderly with cheap over-the-counter phenobarbital and potassium bromide combos?

[johnslat]

Dear Denise,

Oh, I'm glad to be back, too. after so many years abroad. Flaws aplenty here, but relatively speaking, it's still Number One in my book.

Of course, it's my homeland, so feeling that way isn't exactly atypical.

Regards,
John