"Japanese schoolchildren are taught how to practice self-criticism both in order to improve their relations with others and to become more skilled in solving problems. This stance of perfectionism through self-criticism continues throughout life. Sushi chefs and math teachers are not regarded s coming into their own until they've been at their jobs for a decade. Throughout their careers, in fact, Japanese teachers are observed and helped by their peers to become better at their jobs. Contrast this with the American practice of putting teacher's college graduates into the classroom after a few months of training and then leaving them alone to succeed or not, to the good or ill fortune of a generation of students."
- Richard E. Nisbett: The Geography of Thought. Ch 3, pg 55
First of all, this just made me laugh. The Japanese tutor their graduates. We just throw 'um in and hope they swim. lol Creates a very funny picture in my head.
So I'm in a Social Psychology class, and I have to read this book. And it's actually a lot better then I thought it was going to be! Yeay! It's been comparing Eastern culture to Western culture. And knowing a lot of anime, I have at least a general grasp on the culture. And the funny thing is that a lot of things I do, seem to be more Asian then American. (which I have no problem with)
For instance I do a lot of self-criticism. Not in a bad way like "Oh, I'm a horrible human being." But that I know my faults and I'm willing to work on them. I'm very practical that way. (which, I realize stating that in a blog is very American... But I am American, so it's ok)
This class leaves me feeling white, but not pure white. I feel more off-white. Which makes me happy.
No comments:
Post a Comment