Quote:
Originally Posted by Serendipity2
MisplacedAussie,
"...They were being complimentary but it was totally inappropriate stuff."
With all due respect, it's their country. They only being 'inappropriate' by our touchy-feely western standards, such as they are. Aside from Sumo wrestlers you will see very few "fat" of obese people in Japan. Most Japanese are very polite and many like westerners but some are very xenophobic as well. Expats make up a tiny number compared with over 130 million Japanese.
Serendipity2
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Shellymaple,
I suspect you're a bit peeved with me regarding my reply to Misplaced Aussie but
all of us need to be reminded that what's acceptable/proper in our home country doesn't play well overseas. Japan has a history and culture well over a thousand years old and it works for them. They are a highly developed country and a highly successful one as well. When we visit Japan it is we who need to adjust our attitudes not the Japanese [or the Thais or the Koreans or the Iranians etc.] We may think we know what's best for the world but we do not!
The current financial crash is a case in point. All started by our greedy on Wall Street with assistance from a government that is totally corrupt. Yet the Japanese are suffering for our stupidity. So are we but I think you know what I'm saying. Again, When in Rome do as the Romans.
I bet that you disagree with certain things in your home country too. We all do. But we often make the mistake of thinking we know what's right and how to act when we visit a foreign land. Much of it is ignorance on our part with a touch of arrogance. We feel we're superior to them. Why? Anyway, the point I was making is simple. When we travel abroad we need to forget about all the things that offend us and remember that we're guests in their home. Sorry if I offended but we all need to step back and remind ourselves we're guests in their country - not the reverse! Peace
Serendipity2