mytest
UPDATES ON TWITTER: arudoudebito
DEBITO.ORG PODCASTS on iTunes, subscribe free
Hi Blog. Question for you:
Did you like my most recent Japan Times column on the “Fly-jin” bashing?
If so, please write in to the Japan Times and say so (community@japantimes.co.jp).
Internet bullies are writing in and once again trying to reassert their control over the debate.
Don’t let them anymore. Offer some balance.
——————————
Rationale:
My previous Japan Times JUST BE CAUSE column on ‘Fly-jin’ was, as predicted, controversial, and occasioned I’m told more comment than any column I’ve written before. Wow. Thanks for commenting.
However, I’m also told the comments were overwhelmingly negative towards my standpoint. This is fine too, since it is my job as a columnist to stimulate debate and offer alternate views.
However, remember what my column was on: How NJ are bullying each other into silence and submission in a society that already disenfranchises NJ.
If you disagree with my last column’s thesis, that’s fine. It’s your right. And clearly your voice is already being adequately represented.
However, if you agree with my thesis, and you don’t want the bashers to have the last word on this topic, I suggest you speak up now and send in your opinions to the Japan Times.
After all, it is generally the case that the critics are more likely to comment than those who agree. It’s tougher to build upon the sentiment of “I completely agree, the end”, than it is “I completely disagree and here’s why”.
But this time it’s special.
The whole point of the previous column was that media bullies have been controlling the debate on the status of NJ, and decrying them, unfairly as I argued, as deserters. “Fly-jin”.
If you don’t want them to continue to control the debate or let them have the final word on the subject, I suggest you send in your thoughts to the Japan Times via community@japantimes.co.jp
Consider offering some balance, please.
There has been too much complacency and silent victimization regarding this subject already. Speak up.
Thanks. Arudou Debito
UPDATE: Here’s how the debate went in the Japan Times regarding the “Fly-jin” article. http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20110607hs.html Thanks for commenting.
4 comments on “Readers: Critics are dominating the discussion re my last Japan Times column on undeserved “Fly-jin Bashing”. Consider writing to the JT to offer some balance?”
Do you have a link to their comments? I’m not seeing anything on JT responding to your column.
— They’ll be published in the JT soon.
Wrote in and showed some love. Keep at it Arudou San!
— Thanks! Appreciate it.
Just wrote in. I really appreciated that article and I just got back from my neighborhood gym a few minutes ago where some of the guys were chatting about “gaijin all running away” They asked me about my friends, and I told them that almost every single one was still in Japan and many helping with the relief effort. The media and stereotypes abound with this sort of thing is showing up in too many spots too often. This is not only bad for NJ, but victims in Tohoku who might begin to receive less international support of this sort of sentiment grows and is recognized abroad. It may even make NJ feel hesitant to join in relief efforts due to being assailed with this sort of stereotyping. Hopefully, bringing it into the light early will prevent this from growing further.
Good job.
-Brian
UPDATE: Here’s how the debate went in the Japan Times regarding the “Fly-jin” article. http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20110607hs.html Thanks for commenting!