April 23, 2021 at 01:58PM

“How to care & respect” is a difficult topic. One saying “I care about your culture” isn’t really enough. “Care & Respect” can be validated by action – not by just words. Words are, of course, important. However, if they support the people who appropriate the culture (directly/indirectly) because of the better deal, convenience, or appearance, then their “action” is contributing to the pain. As I keep saying, please be mindful who you are supporting by your decision. 

In my understanding of the Japanese culture, we really do not verbalize “care & respect”. In English, it is very important to express how we feel in words like “I love you”. I do not know many Japanese families who say “I love you” every single day. Instead, we act. If I care for someone, I take action. The Japanese may think it isn’t so “sophisticated” that we have to verbalize their emotions. It is natural to act when we care enough. I appreciate kind words. However, the kind words without action “can” be emotionally stabbing me while them being nice to me. It is unfortunate for everyone on the same stage.

米国で生活をしていると「言葉で伝える大切さ」が日々身に沁みます。毎月のように喧嘩をしている我が家ですが、ほぼほぼ100%、「伝えきれていない」のが喧嘩の理由です(はい、僕が悪いです)。「それくらい言葉にしなくても大丈夫でしょ?」が大きな歪を生みます。こっ恥ずかしいこと、無粋なことも言葉にしなきゃ駄目なんです。

逆に言葉にする文化が当たり前だと、「言葉にすれば何でも良い」という状況にもなりかねません。「家族が大切だから」と口は達者でも、浮気ばかり繰り返している人みたいな感じな人が、文化的観点からみても存在します。「日本文化としての刺し子を大切にしたい!」と言いながら、よくわからないメーカーの糸や布を販売している人とか、「襤褸が好き!」と言いながら、ヤスリで布ごしごしやってる人とか。どうも薄っぺらく見えてしまうのは、「言葉に出す弊害」です。職人気質なのでしょうか?僕自身言葉に逃げる傾向はあるのですが、やっぱり言葉数が少なくホンモノを作る人が好きなんですよね。

#Sashiko #Shokunin #SupportSashiko #CulturalAppropriation #JapaneseSashiko #SashikoStitching #刺し子 #職人


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