hallelujiah!

DannyinJapan

DannyinJapan

Joined
Oct 9, 2003
Messages
5,594
Check out this letter to the editor in the Japan times. This guy just totally hit the nail on the head and drove it to the bone!

The time that schools waste

In a recent article, school officials complained that the academic schedule is too full for exchange programs with other countries. This is hogwash. I worked under the JET Program in junior and elementary schools for two years, and I couldn't believe how much time was wasted on useless activities and how little was spent on meaningful academic activities.

If the schools want to have time for something meaningful, there is plenty of time: Just cut out useless events like five days of practicing for sports day, or academically meaningless club activity that exhausts both teachers and students and keeps them from from actually learning something. Sadly, though, the true purpose of Japanese public schools is baby-sitting and drone production. Meaningful cultural exchange encourages thought that runs counter to the schools' primary function.

TREVOR WIENS
Edmonton, Alberta
 
Heh-heh.

You know, Danny, in my history class a few days ago, the subject of how children behave came up. First, the comment was made that European children are much better behaved, then Japanese children were brought up. They are apparently all angelic.

I mentioned kancho, and the teacher said, "Oh, I don't believe that."

So: any chance I could get a short email from you, describing who you are, what you do, and the behaviour of Japanese children that does indeed differ from what these Americans think of Japanese kids?

I'd appreciate it- and it would certainly be eye-opening for my Gender and Inequality History class! :D

John
 
Spectre said:
Heh-heh.

You know, Danny, in my history class a few days ago, the subject of how children behave came up. First, the comment was made that European children are much better behaved, then Japanese children were brought up. They are apparently all angelic.

I mentioned kancho, and the teacher said, "Oh, I don't believe that."

I'd appreciate it- and it would certainly be eye-opening for my Gender and Inequality History class! :D

John
Click to expand...

Yet again people aren't being taught facts but courses based on "I think, I feel, and I believe" and we call it an education system.
 
45, the problem I have isnt with the differences, really, its with the things people say about each others dfferences.
In America, people are told that Japanese kids are smarter and better behaved than American students.
In Japan, they say the same thing. Japanese people are smarter and better behaved than Americans.

(Which isnt true at all. Its just the opposite)

I dont mind propaganda, as long as its fair and the person spewing it has at least spent a little time in the place he's bad mouthing. Over here, insulting America is a form of greeting.
"Oh, good morning. How are you. America is very dangerous. Its a fine day today. Ill see you next week. Bye."

I have actually had Japanese teachers act surprised when I said "hey! Why did you just say that ? Have you ever been to America? Dont ever say that around me or in fron of the students again."

They didnt understand why I wwas mad. They honestly did not THINK about what they were saying or what it meant or the fact that someone might be listening, take offense and call them on it.
 
Spectre said:
... it would certainly be eye-opening for my Gender and Inequality History class!
Click to expand...
He he he ...

Makes me thankful I got a few years of college in back when they still studied old dead white guys.
 
DannyinJapan said:
45, the problem I have isnt with the differences, really, its with the things people say about each others dfferences.
In America, people are told that Japanese kids are smarter and better behaved than American students.
In Japan, they say the same thing. Japanese people are smarter and better behaved than Americans.
Click to expand...


Just in case, my comments were aimed towards a Gender equality Class that John is suffering through, specifically with his comments repeating those of the instructor.

If I'm gonna take potshots at Danny I'll do it with a rifle.

That last comment was a joke.
 
just make sure you kill me fast, i have a low tolerance for pain.....ill start crying and that will really mess you up...
 
I'd like to state for the record that the kancho is no longer a strictly Japanese phenomenon.

The good news is, I'm developing eyes in the back of my head. Kancho-Sense and all that.
 
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