Wednesday February 15, 2012

Mayuki's past comments

  • 0

    Mayuki

    nisegaijin and tmarie: You are making the mistake that Japanese very often make; confusing the words "temporary" and "part-time". (And tmarie, as a teacher, you should be very worried by your confusion on this simple matter.)

    There is difference between temporary work and part-time work. Temporary work means that a worker is not a permanent employee of an organization; it does not mean that they necessarily work less than 40 hours per week. It is quite likely that this man worked 40 hours per week, and possibly more. Also, temporary staff often receive lodgings with their employment which they must vacate when they finish their contract. Hence, no job and no place to live when it all ends.

    Finally, tmarie, there is another reason, besides sickness, which might mean that a person has no other options apart from part-time work - they cannot find a full-time job. This is not unusual in the present economic climate.

    Posted in: I'm now living just to survive. I have no hope, nothing to rely on...nothing.

  • 0

    Mayuki

    "It pushes my buttons, though, when people seem to be suggesting (or stating up front) that a woman who chooses not to leave her children to the hired help is 'only' a Mom and somehow less of a woman."

    I don't think anyone meant that at all. If anything, I understood from timtak and kawaiitenshii's comments that their opinion is that women, particularly Western women, who aren't "cute" or demure or traditionally feminine, or who, horror of horrors, wear jeans or unfashionable clothes, are somehow less of a woman.

    And your use of the term "leave her children to the hired help" would suggest that you feel negatively about mothers who work outside the home!

    Posted in: Women in their 20s want to get married, live in a big apartment and become cute moms.

  • 0

    Mayuki

    It's so sad, that in 2009, some people still believe that a woman being a lawyer is "trying to copy men". I'm very happy to be a woman too, and I take pride in my appearance, and enjoy my femininity. But please bear in mind that women are many and varied; not all of them are into sticking whipped cream and sweets on their cellphones. In my opinion that is for children, not adults. Some people are bored by a life at home, and seek stimulation in the working world. Why look down on them for their lifestyle? Japanese girls can be taught that women have varied talents and skills and personalities and that the one-size-fits-all approach shouldn't be applied to marriage and motherhood.

    And kawaiitenshi - you are neither cute not angelic when you make fun of other people's names. I hope you don't encourage your child/ren to be so snide and rude.

    Posted in: Women in their 20s want to get married, live in a big apartment and become cute moms.

  • 0

    Mayuki

    Beautiful!

    Posted in: Tama Zoo

  • 0

    Mayuki

    And this comes from a graduate student. I think it's so sad. There ARE Japanese women with great careers and supportive husbands, but you have to search REALLY hard to find them. I know only two, after almost four years here. I do know another very high-ranking lawyer, but I'm not sure if she is married.

    When I came here, I didn't realize how pervasive this culture of submissive women was, but it hit me like a ton of bricks when my Japanese teacher asked me what my favourite food was and I answered "steak". She flinched, and said that a Japanese woman would NEVER give that answer, but would instead respond with something like "chocolate parfait" or "strawberry ice-cream" because it was more feminine and cute. She also suggested I give this answer with my index finger touching my chin and my head tilted to the side. I was incredulous. She is not a stupid woman either, she is simply operating as best she can in this culture, I guess.

    I would worry greatly if I had to raise a daughter here.

    Posted in: Women in their 20s want to get married, live in a big apartment and become cute moms.

  • 0

    Mayuki

    tkoind2 - bravo/brava!

    tmarie - "And if anyone here is being "smug" I suggest you look in the mirror. You're "smug" comments to me suggest that you believe yourself to be better than I - merely because I don't agree with your opinion - and yet, I help out."

    How is it exactly that you know I don't help others? There is no possible way for you to know what kind of contribution I make. There was nothing snide about earlier my comments. Nothing snide at all. I was merely asking some questions about your attitude, because I found it astonishing.

    Oh, and P.S. "Your smug comments" not "You're smug comments". (That might have been a bit snide, but I couldn't resist, sorry.)

    Posted in: Homeless man

  • 0

    Mayuki

    tmarie -

    Why didn't you just say all of that instead making an extremely petty prior claim on the bench? Nobody suggested free homes or free food. We suggested not being so cold-hearted as to begrudge a homeless man a bench, for goodness' sake. How is your view that you pay for (actually you contribute to) the upkeep of the parks and therefore have first dibs on benches any more "realistic" than showing compassion? Buying the Big Issue from time to time doesn't mean you can be smug and dismissive.

    Posted in: Homeless man

  • 0

    Mayuki

    namabiru4me -

    If you haven't got an address, it's very difficult to get a job.

    Posted in: Homeless man

  • 0

    Mayuki

    tkoind2 -

    "point your long insensitive tax paying finger"

    Thanks for making me laugh; I needed it after reading tmaries's post!

    And I absolutely agree: with the right combination of problems, any one of us could be on that bench.

    Posted in: Homeless man

  • 0

    Mayuki

    "I pay taxes and pay for the upkeep. I certainly can't use that bench while someone sleeps on it."

    How can somebody look at another human being reduced to sleeping on a bench in the cold with all he owns in the world in some bags at his feet and think "I pay tax, I should have first refusal on that bench"? What a truly egotistical, emotionally stunted response.

    Tmarie, if you ever need help some day, I hope you are around people who are kinder than you are. If you find that you are not, don't be surprised.

    Posted in: Homeless man

  • 0

    Mayuki

    "Arrogance" and "pride" are words that often get confused with "individualism" and "confidence" in Japan.

    Well observed.

    Posted in: Companies angry over thoughtless students amid economic downturn

  • 0

    Mayuki

    Beautiful. JT, please please please feature more shots like this as Picture of the Day. Very few people are interested in photographs of "talent" promoting another product. Japan is a beautiful and interesting country - showcase those aspects of it rather than actors plugging a new cellphone.

    Posted in: Nagano

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