Otherwise Maladroit

5 January 1998 Reaction Paper to "Lola Rosa: Icon and Survivor" Jimenez-David & an Asiaweek article

5 January 1998

Reaction Paper to "Lola Rosa: Icon and Survivor" Jimenez-David & an Asiaweek article

The situation in Japan is obviously a matter of pride. Their sins are so overwhelming that they cannot face their guilt, and their guilt just as overwhelming that they cannot comfort themselves with their apologies. As I see it, the crimes their government committed should inspire in them a passionate movement to make a new Japan. The confessions of comfort women should make them respect women even more; facts that would emit an outcry for women's rights in their country. The Japanese youth, in full knowledge of their past, should take up the banner of renewal; build bridges for forgiveness; lay down the foundations for peace, and unity in Asia.

They cannot change what has passed. They cannot heal the wounds of those that have died. What has been done is done, and they cannot stay blind to it, because their past is discussed, and will be discussed, outside their country. The glory of their history will always be speculated upon internationally, as with the histories of other countries.

If the Japanese prefer to be ignorant of their own past, then they have a twisted sense of honor. How can they be honorable, when they retreat to save face when attacked by the truth? To a Japanese his life can easily be forfeited to retain his honor. And the issue is their honor.

posted by Otherwise Maladroit @ 5:08 PM