Strength of humanity in crisis...

[shootingstar]

It's really hard to gauge the situation from so far for a different culture.

And there are differences among different generations of Japanese --those who have directly experienced the horror of WW II (and blaming) vs. those who must deal with family members who experienced negative effects vs. the generation who never lived through it.

It is really tough to be organized or not to be too terrified under a major natural and man-made (radiation) disaster. It's impressive for any society/country to even function even if limping along, without attacking one another out of desperation for food, water, etc. It's impressive if there isn't much widespread looting.

I am not so sure though being "stoic" is the best. It's ok for short-term survival. But to be stoic for a long time can be stressful particularily if one has witnessed sudden/unexpected death (which often is traumatic)/experienced unexpected, premature deaths of loved ones. Sometimes the long-term stoicness can easily manifest into other less positive behaviours...

Unless the person has undergone a long inner journey of reconciliation with the past with the present and for future growth. And talking about or expiating the memory of tragedy in a non-hurtful way to anyone. Or allow catharsis of painful memory but directed in similar way. It's a long, long journey.

At this time, it's the radiation fall-out that is disconcerting. We will not know until many years later the real story. And we shall read stories that haunt when they emerge from all this for years to come.

Yea, this is all mumble-jumble.

[Crankin]

No, it's not Shootingstar.
First of all, the Japanese have more of a collectivist culture, as opposed to our "individualistic" one. So, the attitude that you noted, Mr. B. is a reflection of that.
But sometimes, there is a high price for stoicism and putting up a good front for the good of the group. I don't want to make statements about a culture I am not a part of. My statements are based on lots of case studies I did in my culture of identity and oppression course, as well as formerly living in a community that has at least a 15% Asian population. My kids saw a lot of their friends crack under the pressure. It wasn't fun when my 20 year old son had to call his friend's parents from college to tell them she was in the emergency room because she tried to kill herself.
It's very true that the Japanese are way more prepared for this type of emergency than we are.

[PamNY]

So, when we fail, why is it?

Well, thinking of Katrina and Nashville, the smart aleck in me wants to say "because we created the Army Corps of Engineers."

But that's probably not what you meant.

Is the U.S., overall, a failure at handling disasters? I wouldn't say so. I don't have much knowledge of how other cultures would be different.

Crankin made an important point about collectivist versus individualist cultures. Our individualism might be both a strength and a weakness in disasters. Certainly Americans are generous with donations and volunteerism; that is probably a function of individualism.

At the same time, Americans might be more pushy and demanding, and some of that could come out as criminal behavior.

An aside: I was scornful about people who raised a fuss over air quality and government inaction in that regard after 9/11; now, of course, we know they were right. There's a Spiriva inhaler on my kitchen counter (not for me) as a reminder.

I almost think we shouldn't be discussing this while the situation in Japan is so grave, and many people don't even know if their loved ones are (or will be) safe. My thoughts are with everyone who is affected. Their well-being is all that matters right now.

[Trek420]

I almost think we shouldn't be discussing this while the situation in Japan is so grave, and many people don't even know if their loved ones are (or will be) safe. My thoughts are with everyone who is affected. Their well-being is all that matters right now.

When we wake up look around at our home, work, community. Lucky, huh? The Japanese people have lost so much.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/events/ja...eforeafter.htm

Instead of debating why or if they are able to handle things better than we let's lend our unique talents/skills to aide them.

I know they'd do the same WHEN not if disaster strikes us.

[NbyNW]

I'm not sure I would characterize the relative calm and civility as stoicism. And certainly some suppression goes on as a coping mechanism in an extraordinarily stressful situation.

Not everyone thinks that going into survival mode means you have to step on the person next to you. Especially when you know that there are others who are still in immediate danger or have suffered far worse. So maybe the people who are queuing up for food are grateful to be out of immediate danger and for the companionship and support of the person next to them in line.

I would venture to guess that there is a certain amount of psychological preparedness that exists in Japanese culture, beyond all of the building codes and warning systems and emergency responders. For example, I'm given to understand that kids in Japan do drills on a regular basis on what to do in the event of an earthquake. So it's indoctrinated what to do: how to protect your body while the shaking is going on, when it's safe to move to another location and where the designated safe place is in your community (might even be their school). Maybe if you're brought up with that kind of preparation you are less likely to panic anad become emotional when you are hit with a big seismic event.

[smilingcat]

Thank you all for your concern. My uncle managed to call my mother on Sunday. He said they had no water or electricity for about 24 hours. By the time he called, basic service has returned. The local train still isn't running.

My aunt with severe Arthritis was holding or rather hugging a tree for her dear life for about 5 minutes while the ground shook violently. I'm just amazed that neither of them suffered heart attack or stress related injury. I think my mother is going to be calling this weekend to see how things are going.

Yes, the Japanese culture is monolithic. For the trekkie generation, think of Japanese society as the Borgs. There is positive aspect to the monolithic nature but along with it a very dark side too. Think of WW II, think of the kamikaze pilots. They didn't volunteer, they were drafted. Most accepted the fate because it is the Japanese way. There is a concept called shibui. it's not easy for me to translate. One meaning is willingness to tolerate great pain physical and emotional. And to accept it shows ones self discipline. Self discipline is central in Japanese culture. I remember in elementary school, we were doing caligraphy with sumi brush. On that day, parents were invited to their children's class. My mother was back there along with all the other mothers. When my teacher came by she made some praises. I was so proud I turned to show it to my mother. When I got home I was scolded. Said she was embarrassed with my behavior. Other kids didn't turn around to show the brush stroke. OOPS!! What I did was considered arrogance.

The Japanese became so monolithic is that we are isolated to begin with. Habitable land area of Japan is less than 10% of the total land area and people had to live in close proximity. And only way the society survived was to become monolithic without people doing their own thing.

As far as looting. You do not want to commit crime in Japan. Arrest rate is well over 90% conviction rate is almost 100%. You WILL do time in Japan. But the biggest factor stopping the looting is family honor. You could do stupid things but oh my if you commit a crime, your family will disown you completely. Bringing shame to family is not tolerated.

[NbyNW]

So glad that your aunt and uncle have finally gotten in touch!

[jelee1311]

I can only speculate about Japanese culture never having lived there myself,in lots of the pictures I saw the people in them did seem surprisingly calm.We have plenty of people here who care. My best friend is waiting to find out when she can go help. She's a doctor and works with International Reilief Teams out of SanDiego. She was in Gulfport,Mississippi after Katrina and paid for everything(including her disposable gloves)herself or with help from friends and family. IRT is still assesing needs there and won't be sending Medical teams until the nuclear threat is over. So there are some really amazing people here that will be going there to help and I plan on lending her support in any way I can

[Mr. Bloom]

Smilingcat: I'm so pleased to hear that there is contact with your family and that they are doing as well as we might hope, given the circumstances. I also thank you for sharing your experience and perspectives.

I also appreciate the other comments as well. I don't mean to imply that "we" don't have heroes, but maybe that we actually "need" heroes in crisis more than others...I don't know...

I hope I'd rise to the challenge if tested like these people are being tested right now...

[PamNY]

Smilingcat, I am so glad you have heard from your relatives.

[spokewench]

Smiling Cat - so glad you know your family is okay

[Trek420]

Smilingcat, I am glad to hear that your family is ok. I've always thought it's good to be a tree hugger

Right now on Plus 3, they are matching, at $10 to $1 any Activity you enter this week and tag with the word Japan. Those of us already on Plus3 it's time to log those miles. Not registered yet?

http://www.plus3network.com/

[crazycanuck]

Oh dear..It's getting way way too close for friends of ours living on the Shizuoka peninsula...Yikes...

Another person I know just recently moved back to the UK and her husband's about to join her.

Oh dear...

[Jolt]

But I'm an American. We had heroes in Katrina too. And we lost a lot, a culture and way of life.

"What made me stay was the old people. I just realized that nobody else in here could have gotten those people out. They would have sat in here for five more days. And they didn't have five more days."

http://blog.nola.com/elizabethmullen...nging_out.html

What an amazing story! Makes me think about how I would respond in a situation like that...unfortunately I would not have been nearly as useful in his situation with all the thugs etc. being a 5'2", 110-lb female... Kudos to him for staying and taking care of those who could not take care of themselves.

[shootingstar]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/...rticle1944838/

Just nightmarish the journey of folks running hither thither to escape.

It does make one wonder if this crisis will rectivate the whole debate if nuclear power is even a safe source of power at any time.