One of my friends posted on her facebook that she is a bit tired of people considering her as a non-Japanese person with things such as talking to her in English (even though she responds in fluent Japanese). And there is a specific Okinawan stereotype when people meet someone from there.
I have been going through the same experience since I moved here to Tokyo.
Some people think that I’m mixed, I’m fun and cheerful, I’m not smart enough, I’m lazy/ not on time and too relaxed just because I am from Okinawa.
Yes, me personally I am pretty laid back, I don’t care about things that much and that's probably influenced by where I’m from. Yet, I read a lot, think a lot, talk about business and politics. Plus, I am genetically full Japanese, FYI.
This is not me wanting to appeal to others saying “don’t judge me by my appearance or anything shallow”. This is me thinking how should we overcome and “use” our own stereotypes which every one of us has even people who are not from a minority.
Back in the day, when I was in San Francisco in 2013, I was surrounded by international students. We often discussed cultural differences among countries, and when it came to talking about myself, I always, always needed to explain what Japan was like and what Okinawa was like. Because, whichever annual events I experienced was a little(or way) different from the traditional Japanese way. For example what we eat on new year's day, the timing of the day of “O-Bon”, wedding ceremonies and transportation (we don’t have a train system in Okinawa). Then, my friends at school treated me like I was more Okinawan than Japanese. Which made me comfortable? Maybe?
A year later, I moved and started working in Tokyo. Most of the people I've met showed me a positive reaction when they noticed where I'm from. Because they have been to Okinawa at least once and had a good time there, some of them even envy that I'm a local and grew up in a beautiful tropical island with kind people.
I mean, thank you for that, you guys endorse us and more people visit and we make better businesses.
On the other hand, we have the lowest annual income, the highest suicide rate, the highest divorce rate, and the highest poverty rate in Japan. (If it has changed, I apologize) So people are not that much happier than people in the mainland expect.
As a matter of fact, all those elements I mentioned above exist together. It says to anybody who's moved out of their hometown, that it is kind of a duty to represent what they really are.
The reason I'm giving my opinion for this is because I'm from one of the most unique prefectures in the country, yet I believe every one of you has experienced something regarding your own stereotypes.
Shit I talked too much and lost what I was going to say...
I'll be myself, be a good Japanese person, be a good Okinawan, and an overall amazing human being.
When I see you, I'll (try to) behave like there's no speculation about your origin.
I was like.. nah I’m still feeling like I’m judged for being who I actually am. lol
yes of course I want to look beautiful, yet this was absolutely too f-ing much.
It’s just so hilarious and funny to see, but I think this shows the kind of social issues here.
Is this a thing among young people? Do they grow up with doing this regularly like when I was a teenager? Or is it joke for them? To fix every part of their figure, some of which aren’t really necessary and even awkward.
Those editing apps and all that stuff became too much lately.
I don’t even know what people want to show on their social media anymore. It should be something more legit, I know most of them are fake but I’d say WE should want to see something (not perfect, but close to) real.
Because there is nothing wrong to show just the way you are, even if you are not skinny enough, beautiful enough or whatever the majority of people consider, you are not as good as other public figures.
This was maybe a bit of an exaggerating example, however there is a certain public perception of Japanese beauty. I assume every other country has similar issues from different angles but man, you just gotta listen to what Kendrick Lamar and Chelsea Handler say.
I’m sick of seeing your perfectly-happy-life photos. It’s worth more to see real individuals.
I post this not only to share my thoughts, but also to reassure and celebrate myself: that there ain’t nothing wrong being natural.
Hope you’re with me.
