What is "White Privilege?"

originally posted by: ScientificRailgun
I live in Japan, but you don't hear people here complaining about "Jap Privilege". Seems to be a purely American term, actually.

So, Gaijin are universally accepted as equals and there is no discrimination against them? There is no premium in Japanese society gained by merely being Japanese?

Not what I heard...

originally posted by: JohnnyCanuck

originally posted by: ScientificRailgun
I live in Japan, but you don't hear people here complaining about "Jap Privilege". Seems to be a purely American term, actually.

So, Gaijin are universally accepted as equals and there is no discrimination against them? There is no premium in Japanese society gained by merely being Japanese?

Not what I heard...

Of course there's discrimination of Gaijin, I happen to be one of them. But I'm not crying about it, because I CHOOSE to live here. I take the good with the bad. Sure, some people give me the look of disgust and mutter some choice words about Gaijin under their breath. (Though they're all apologies when I start responding in fluent Japanese, lol). I don't let it get to me. I have a good job here that I got on my merits rather than race. I have TONS of friends who don't view me as some dirty Gaijin, and that's enough for me. Maybe Taylor Swift had some things right. Haters gonna hate. Shake it off.

Did I just quote Taylor Swift?

Kill me.

originally posted by: ScientificRailgun
White privilege is something "progressive" white people use to stop any argument on race that they are losing.

Nothing more.

I live in Japan, but you don't hear people here complaining about "Jap Privilege". Seems to be a purely American term, actually.

I have spent a fair amount of time there too

and here is why I'd never use the term Japanese Privilege nor be insulted if I am watched...

BECAUSE WHITE PEOPLE WILL SOMETIMES SHOPLIFT and JAPANESE PEOPLE VIRTUALLY NEVER DO IT

This retarded thing were Black people know god damn well how often "some" Black people in the US commit crimes than act like it's some unnatural reaction when they get looked at before others is ridiculous already. I'd never be upset if a clerk looked at me sideways in Japan because I understand there is big cultural difference in regards to this subject and that some people who look like me do unfortunately try to take advantage of a society in which the rate of such an action is far less than my own and it's NOT a big deal nor does it make them Racist, I don't care if the actual difference in shoplifting is 5% nor if "more" gajin get busted because of he perception because I don't actually steal so why would I give a crap? I'm actually more dismayed by the fact that people that look like me try to take advantage and create that situation for me than I am mad at the Japanese who are the actual victims of it and in fact would probably rat someone out who looked like me for doing it and creating the situation in the first place for me.

Why is that? It's because I understand that I am a Gajin, that I am a minority, that I am the one in a society different than my own, that people might have fears or doubts about me and it is basic Respect for that fact that I go out of my way to show I can fit in in THEIR culture not make arrogant demands that everything be tailored to me.

a reply to: criticalhit

I don't tend to get watched if I'm in a Conbini or any other store, but I'm a woman so that might have something to do with it. It's mostly people I bump into by accident on Tokyo's busy streets. I always say Sumimasen but sometimes they mutter something about me as they walk away. Being the sassy Gaijin I am I sometimes politely tell them in fluent Japanese that I live here and I'm genuinely sorry I inconvenienced them. It's funny to see them get all apologetic and bowing once they know I'm a resident.

I don't blame them for it, Tokyo has to deal with rude tourists all the time so it doesn't bother me.

a reply to: ScientificRailgun

I dunno if the Tokyo comparison quite works, when comparing it to the US.

Japan's demographics are 98% Japanese.

If you combine minorities in the USA, they overcome the White population.

You'd more likely be subjected to some kind of discrimination in that population demographic, than in the US for example. At least just statistically.

~Tenth

originally posted by: tothetenthpower
a reply to: ScientificRailgun

I dunno if the Tokyo comparison quite works, when comparing it to the US.

Japan's demographics are 98% Japanese.

If you combine minorities in the USA, they overcome the White population.

You'd more likely be subjected to some kind of discrimination in that population demographic, than in the US for example. At least just statistically.

~Tenth

You're right, it's not exactly fair to compare Japan to the U.S. for discrimination. I just thought my own experiences would help put the situation into perspective.

a reply to: ScientificRailgun

Nah I wasn't coming down on you or anything and your perspective IS important, because Japanese are considered ( at least for people without knowledge) are portrayed as racist and generally intolerant of other cultures.

I like knowing that it's not really the case.

~Tenth

originally posted by: JohnnyCanuck

originally posted by: ScientificRailgun
I live in Japan, but you don't hear people here complaining about "Jap Privilege". Seems to be a purely American term, actually.

So, Gaijin are universally accepted as equals and there is no discrimination against them? There is no premium in Japanese society gained by merely being Japanese?

Not what I heard...

It's not "discrimination" for people to have "choice" or "preference" I wouldn't consider someone "not wanting to deal with me discrimination"

Take finding an apartment in Japan... Good luck to you, but there is a REAL for the landlord, pursuit of money if you fail out is difficult, you want different things in an apartment Gaijin do tend to be louder and it might annoy your Japanese tenants... there is a list of reasons you might be more difficult to accommodate, one of them is really big... if you run into "problems" you don't have the governments system to back you up...you leave and don't pay, the other is just like Blacks in America when one of you show up, more might follow and your tenants might just want to raise their kids Japanese and well... there could be an issue and it IS fair and reasonable to want your children to be of your culture and I respect that.

Racism in reality is hate crimes okay... not wanting to preserve your culture and what will never happen is...me being assaulted for being a Gajin and beyond that i don't care...

The truth is, it's EASY to avoid trouble in Japanese culture because it's a very damn polite culture and so long as you don't insist on "acting out" your left alone and i'd say Ditto for Black people in Caucasian culture. It's EASY expect to be looked at if your sort of out of place don't be insulted by it, if you know your a "loud" culture don't be so Loud, don't expect to "disturb the social norms" and not be questioned about it and you might not be busted for carrying whatever so often, Know when your in a place people work a lot and if your out at 2:00 am your the one out of place ect etc et al...

African Americans are 12% of America and DECLINING by %, Okay Latinos have run right past them and now at current rates Asians will too in 20 years, African Americans are looking at a world that is NOT going to change in regards to them being a serious minority and INSTEAD of expecting the world to give them Privilege they should do what others do when a minority and attempt to assimilate out of respect for others (which at least half the population does btw) but this held on to perception that we are Black, we talk this way, we walk this way, we make up our own language, we speak different etc etc... it actually really annoys a lot of people, what are they going to do when your looking at a Nation that is 32% Asian and 10% African American? Keep yelling on the subway because that's "Black" and the Asians are "Racist" too?

WE all have to be honest, there is a percentage of African Americans particularly in youth that do everything possible to Stand out and that flys in the face of the social context of most other people, draws attention and is causative in regards to the extra attention be it from the police or otherwise and creates a set of perceptions that linger even when it actually isn't fair.

And can I just say this... If your in NY and you want a Cab and you feel like your being discriminated against then do something to change the perception, that reason isn't "Racism" that reason mostly isn't crime... a lot of Black people don't god damn Tip okay, period, the end... make it habit to tip if you live somewhere people tip and your perceived as non, tippers, Tip, tell your friends they are supposed to TIP. Don't make a damn race issue and get all offended understand a lot of Black folk don't tip and make at least an attempt to alter that belief in a positive way.

originally posted by: ScientificRailgun
a reply to: criticalhit

I don't tend to get watched if I'm in a Conbini or any other store, but I'm a woman so that might have something to do with it. It's mostly people I bump into by accident on Tokyo's busy streets. I always say Sumimasen but sometimes they mutter something about me as they walk away. Being the sassy Gaijin I am I sometimes politely tell them in fluent Japanese that I live here and I'm genuinely sorry I inconvenienced them. It's funny to see them get all apologetic and bowing once they know I'm a resident.

I don't blame them for it, Tokyo has to deal with rude tourists all the time so it doesn't bother me.

I'm a pretty tall Guy, I get a bit more AND I do suck, absolute suck at Japanese still but I don't live there I just go a lot, never bump into anyone tho lol, grew up in Nyc my street dodge is epic level, lol.

What I am well aware of is the fact that it IS easier for me to get in trouble with the law, learning to drink the first few times was a nightmare when to toast, when to pour siiiiigh...definitely had some words said lol, but that's my thing, I know i'm the odd man out and to not get upset I actually really take to the politeness and how EASY it is to explain yourself and how contact changes things and people aren't racist they just need communication and effort on your part.

originally posted by: criticalhit

originally posted by: ScientificRailgun
a reply to: criticalhit

I don't tend to get watched if I'm in a Conbini or any other store, but I'm a woman so that might have something to do with it. It's mostly people I bump into by accident on Tokyo's busy streets. I always say Sumimasen but sometimes they mutter something about me as they walk away. Being the sassy Gaijin I am I sometimes politely tell them in fluent Japanese that I live here and I'm genuinely sorry I inconvenienced them. It's funny to see them get all apologetic and bowing once they know I'm a resident.

I don't blame them for it, Tokyo has to deal with rude tourists all the time so it doesn't bother me.

I'm a pretty tall Guy, I get a bit more AND I do suck, absolute suck at Japanese still but I don't live there I just go a lot, never bump into anyone tho lol, grew up in Nyc my street dodge is epic level, lol.

What I am well aware of is the fact that it IS easier for me to get in trouble with the law, learning to drink the first few times was a nightmare when to toast, when to pour siiiiigh...definitely had some words said lol, but that's my thing, I know i'm the odd man out and to not get upset I actually really take to the politeness and how EASY it is to explain yourself and how contact changes things and people aren't racist they just need communication and effort on your part.

Ah, I was raised in Rural New Mexico so Tokyo was a HUGE culture shock to me at first. I still bump into people every now and then. Not so great at the "Street Dodge". lol.

And yeah all the subtle nuances of Japanese culture were hard to really nail down at first but now I'm a natural. Just took a few years to adjust is all. What surprised me most I think was how polite and apologetic in general Japanese folks are. They make even Canadians look rude by comparison.

Well in my opinion we do live in a white man's world. I mean, nowadays everybody is wearing a suit if one needs to look professional or nice, wearing jeans as casual clothing, talking English. Political systems based on western principals. I mean even in court judged all around the world are wearing toga's?

This gives the conclusion that we do live in a white man's world, which is mainly western. The rest of the people are just following them. Therefore they will always be a step behind, unless they break loose and re establish there own culture. Yes, culture is a very important factor in my opinion.

a reply to: ScientificRailgun

Truth be told I like it better, it's not "speculative" there is a culture follow it so everybody fits in and I find race is remarkably a non issue when you do. America I think lost that, lost it in a frenzy of "this is stupid" because in the end culture isn't there for YOU imho it's there so society works and the Asians in general get that, the rules don't exist because the world will end if you hold your chop sticks the wrong way they exist so people feel self, comfortable and don't experience bad emotions, so Society works well, not for you as an individual... I never hear people talk much about what makes them "unhappy" either "Misery loves company" is not a Japanese trait

Tokyo vs NY despite every similarity physically is a world of difference. And it is 100% because Japan sort of demands certain "Japanese" behaviors and while NY is exciting because of so many cultures doing their own thing there is also this serious dark side, neighborhoods you don't walk through, people who scare the crap out of you, legitimate danger. Despite what many Americans perceive as rigidity, racism etc... I am 100% at ease in Tokyo and the "fight or flight" is ongoing in NYC even though I grew up there.

originally posted by: Jacob64
Well in my opinion we do live in a white man's world. I mean, nowadays everybody is wearing a suit if one needs to look professional or nice, wearing jeans as casual clothing, talking English. Political systems based on western principals. I mean even in court judged all around the world are wearing toga's?

This gives the conclusion that we do live in a white man's world, which is mainly western. The rest of the people are just following them. Therefore they will always be a step behind, unless they break loose and re establish there own culture. Yes, culture is a very important factor in my opinion.

Being the dominant economic culture after world war two most of the world did adopt out of respect our "suits" as the main business attire...

And now China is the worlds leading economic power, Japan is number 3 despite 1/3 our population.

Knowing when you see a culture that works and adapting your own isn't shameful, coming back and winning at that cultures own game is priceless.

There is not one European culture with a GP Higher than any in Europe and lets face it even the US is holding our position down the barrel of a gun and has been surpassed anyway.

They aren't living in a white mans world they are dominating it... even in the US Asians maintain the highest per capita income and highest per capita degree seeking success

a reply to: criticalhit

I want Asian income. I want Asian privilege but I don't like to study and play alot of video games life is so unfair

originally posted by: JDmOKI
a reply to: criticalhit

I want Asian income. I want Asian privilege but I don't like to study and play alot of video games

life is so unfair

Totally unrelated, but is your Avatar a Bleach reference?

originally posted by: ScientificRailgun
You're right, it's not exactly fair to compare Japan to the U.S. for discrimination. I just thought my own experiences would help put the situation into perspective.

Well, for starters, in the context of this conversation...if non-whites are being spoken of in terms of 'the other'...in their own country, no less...does that not prove the point of a societal divide, and differences in home-grown 'privilege'?

Mind you, Irish and Italians(for example) have faced similar challenges, but it's obviously easier to enter the great melting pot if your colour corresponds.

a reply to: ScientificRailgun

Berserk

and im mostly kidding.

originally posted by: JDmOKI
a reply to: ScientificRailgun

Berserk

Dang, I just lost Anime Geek points. I haven't seen Berserk in ages.

originally posted by: JohnnyCanuck

originally posted by: ScientificRailgun
You're right, it's not exactly fair to compare Japan to the U.S. for discrimination. I just thought my own experiences would help put the situation into perspective.

Well, for starters, in the context of this conversation...if non-whites are being spoken of in terms of 'the other'...in their own country, no less...does that not prove the point of a societal divide, and differences in home-grown 'privilege'?

Mind you, Irish and Italians(for example) have faced similar challenges, but it's obviously easier to enter the great melting pot if your colour corresponds.

I'm not at all trying to suggest there's not a societal divide in the U.S.

I just think the term "White Privilege" is something that people throw around a lot without knowing what it means for society. Using the term itself implies that minorities are somehow less privileged when it comes to society. While this is true is SOME areas, it's largely a term that exists because the people who profit from this social divide are perpetuating the cycle of mistrust, hate, dependence, and greed.

originally posted by: JDmOKI
a reply to: criticalhit

I want Asian income. I want Asian privilege but I don't like to study and play a lot of video games

life is so unfair

Well, i'd never lie about it, that's the prime attraction for me.... All I do these days is sit in front of a computer, shop and have always been a foodie lol...

I live a really nerdy life, I hate commotion and drama, I rather study than have money most of the time until i want clothes or food, i'm not sōshoku-kei by any means but more than a night of my life has been spent on Star Craft or Skyrim rather than going out...

If I didn't have kids i'd go over permanently now...

originally posted by: criticalhit

originally posted by: JDmOKI
a reply to: criticalhit

I want Asian income. I want Asian privilege but I don't like to study and play a lot of video games

life is so unfair

Well, i'd never lie about it, that's the prime attraction for me.... All I do these days is sit in front of a computer, shop and have always been a foodie lol...

I live a really nerdy life, I hate commotion and drama, I rather study than have money most of the time until i want clothes or food, i'm not sōshoku-kei by any means but more than a night of my life has been spent on Star Craft or Skyrim rather than going out...

If I didn't have kids i'd go over permanently now...

Being Soshoku-Kei is fine. I know a lot of guys I work with who have generally checked out of the dating game too. Too much dang work and drama. It's a shame, because some of them are really nice and cute. I'd knock their soshoku-kei pants off! Heh.

Just don't go full-on Hikikomori and you'll be fine!

EDIT: Apologies to all the ATSers who are now furiously googling all these Japanese terms! Let's get back on topic now!