Friday Free Day

So, being Friday, I just thought I would share some thoughts I've been having recently. 

Someone in the comments once asked me about what I think of World War 2.

Now, obviously war is never a good thing, but putting that aside for a moment...

The ONE thing that war seems to do well is cause change.  Both social and economic.  For example, take a look at America with it's War in Iraq etc.  For better or worse, it has caused change in America and in many other places around the world.  Another example, technology that was developed for WW2 was then used and purchased by the average consumer (things like computers and internet etc) later.  Also, the Vietnam and Korean wars led to the Hippy-peace-loving movement, and American people's constant hatred and distrust of their own government as well.

Japan, on the other hand, doesn't have an army and is forbidden to go to war a la their constitution.  So, Japan has not had any of those social stimuli to change their thinking and social systems. 

Of course I would never say that War is a good thing, because that would be untrue.  But, I will say that the effects of war or not always negative... just mostly so.

Japan has had no need for civil rights changes because very few foreigners choose to stay here.  On top of that, VERY few get naturalized to become Japanese citizens.  Why is that important?  Because until they do that, they have no foundation on which to stand and say 'We need better treatment'.  Because, being still a 'foreigner' they will just be told to 'Go home if you don't like it'.

Japan has had no Malcom X, no Martin Luther Kings, no Rosa Parks.  To be fair, foreigners are not treated nearly as badly as Black people were in the 50s and 60s.  But, they are still treated... shall we say, unfairly. 

Someone needs to stand up and protest or something.

Stay Frosty!