by Athena » Wed Jun 17, 2009 8:57 am
Why was I summoned?
Look. Jokes aside, living in Japan is no different than living in any other country in many ways. If you think you can just up and escape your problems in life by moving to Japan, just think about if you had to move to another area within your own country, and try to get a job and build a life. For many weeaboo, that ain't happening in the next town over, let alone Japan.
I came here because I was offered a job. I move here from nearby (Korea is relatively nearby) and at the time everything I owned fit in two suitcases.
Teaching English in Japan is a phrase that covers a lot of permutations. I actually do teach. Most English "teachers" do no such thing, and most of them I have very little respect for because they have little respect for the profession of teaching (my actual profession, my career, not just my temporary position until I figure out what the hell I am doing with my life, like so many others here), and because they often lose all sense of propriety thinking that gaijin status allows them to do whatever they want without consequences. In the Eikaiwa industry, perhaps I don't care quite as much. However, working in the public school system means you have a responsibility as part of the core education of your students. These are great kids. They deserve your best, every day, and if you give it to them, you will get so much in return. Those that think the job is their ticket to a weaboo paradise, and who the hell cares about the kids, will invariably bitch and moan that they encounter racist attitudes, or that people do not include them, or they're being ostracized. Bunch of fucking bullshit. They bring it on themselves by acting like self-entitled (usually white, but not always) cretins. If you're an incompetent yet amazingly arrogant asshole, don't be surprised when Japan tells you've just been voted off the island. And no, I don't fucking care if you have an American (or Canadian, or British, or Aussie) passport, and neither will the Japanese.
I have had nothing but the best experiences with Japan, its people, and its institutions. Sure the DMV is hell, but that's like some sort of universal no matter which country I have lived in. Come to Japan if you have a legitimate economic reason, and if you are capable of being a responsible adult, who actually gives a damn about your job. If you're not or you don't, stay home.
