Raj Feridun wrote:

> I liked the post from the person who commented that the western
> "kindness" is based on the tenets of Christianity which of course is
> not a native thing for the Japanese. I found that very interesting and
> tend to agree with it. I do not agree with the concept that Japanese
> are culturally selfish and interested in nothing other than what will
> benefit them personally.

Not being Christian or operating according to Christian ideals IS part of their
culture. If not being Christian, and their more common religious beliefs such as
Buddhism or atheism not teaching charity means they do not act according to
Christian ideals, then there you are.

It's not "because" they are Japanese, however.

> They are a society of groups not individuals
> and my experience is that they tend to care very well for each other
> in their own groups.

Any damn fool can treat their own friends or family well, or just the people in
their neighborhood.

What do they do with people who may have NOTHING to do with them, such as poor
people moving in and laying in the street, or halfway around the world, in a non
trendy country they will never go shopping in or do substantial trade with?
That's the entire point. And the apathetic people in New York or New Jersey who
think they are being good Christians should give their New Testament another
read.

Fortunately I am not operating according to religious beliefs.

> Yes, there is not that Christian "kindness" among
> strangers but no, it's not every evil individual for himself either.

The alleged goal of placing children of varying backgrounds and ability levels
in the exact same classes is to have those who excel help those who lag behind.

But tell me, what do we actually find in the Japanese educational system?

> I grant them more credit on a human, pre-cultural level than that.