Job Discussion Forums

[Deicide]

I am curious.

[natsume]

Although I think he serves a purpose as an advocate and muckraker for foreigner rights in Japan, especially foreign citizens and property holders in Japan, his tone and attitude turn me off. In the grand scheme of history, injustice, and human rights, his focus and energies seem misplaced. Given the fact that most of us who live and work here are tremendously privileged, by global standards, even if you are making 180,000 a month as a dispatch ALT, I find it hard to be engaged by either his argument or his ire.

That is my 2 cents, anyway. Don't get me started on my really big pet peeve, white people who complain of "racist" treatment here.

[southofreality]

[Symphany]

natsume, and what is your opinion of non-whites who teach English in Japan and complain? I find the entire tone of your statement to be racist, it seems to come from the assumption that there is an "us" and "them", and if you're part of "us" you should not complain, and that everyone who is not from a Westernized G-7 nation is somehow grovelling for a living...

[dove]

I praise Debito Aroudo. He is one of the few who actively exposes and fights discrimination.In this country, he has a pretty big fight. Can you believe that some Japanese landlords refuse to rent an apartment to a foreigner even if the spouse is Japanese???? I think it is the nature of the Japanese spouse NOT to fight the discrimination. Hence the need for someone like Aroudo.

I admit that I haven't faced many cases of discrimination here. But my partner is Brazilian Japanese and he has. Remember, most of the foreigners here are not Americans or British or Canadian. They are Korean, Brazilian, and Chinese. They plan on raising families here. Would you want your children to face discrimination?

[gaijinalways]

I wouldn't use the label 'muckraker' in this case as I don't think he does that. Certainly he highlights a lot of issues that ,many Japanese would like to sweep under the rug with their 'We're all the same comments' or 'There is no discrimination in Japan' comments (of course conveniently forgets about the Okinawans that are not considered Japanese by many mainlanders, the Ainu, and the zainichi).

[TokyoLiz]

Regarding Natsume's comment,

Racism is racism, whatever the colour the perpetrators or victims are.

Debito? He's a poop disturber. In majority Japanese society which relies on creating an impression of harmony, he provides balance

[Glenski]

Deicide,

You started this thread because you were "curious".

What's your opinion of Debito?

[natsume]

[Brooks]

Debito does a good job.

There is discrimination and xenophobia in this country.
I don't want to hear 'just go home' if I don't like it.
I work and pay taxes here.
I have a Japanese wife and we will move to the US when we feel like it.

I know a white Canadian who was denied housing in Yokohama. Discrimination does exist.

Natsume, this reminds me of a black man in Maryland I used to work with who told me that only white people can be racist. No so.

[markle]

I'm with natsume, although I think muckraker is a bit harsh I do feel that Debbie is all about the 'action' rather than achieving actual change. Maybe there is a need for someone like that I'm just not convinced that change can be achieved in other ways. Racism and xenophobia in Japan? Sure, but most of the grievences are so petty it's embarassing.
Final straw for me was once perusing the Debito site I came across an 'action' against a Philipino hostess bar that had a 'No Foreigner' sign. Right, gaijin men should have the same right to exploit Thirld World women like the locals...

[natsume]

I think I am going to bow out of this one, I said what I said, take it how you will. I think the people who are having a problem with what I said don't realize that I am on their team. (By the way, muckraker, in my book, is not a bad word. Uptain Sinclair, anyone?)

[Deicide]

[Glenski]

Deicide,
If you've read some of his stuff, then you must have formulated some opinion.

[Deicide]