Journal
Culture Clash
27 April 2007 › 8 comments
An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind. – Mahatma Gandhi
I am half Japanese, half Caucasian. I grew up in the USA as a military brat, moving around quite frequently, and as of yet have not lived anywhere longer than 3 years. I have lived in 15 different cities, from Honolulu to outside Washington DC. While I am cognizant of different races and cultures, not pretending to be “color blind,” it baffles me how people can hold arbitrary hatred for one another based on skin tone or dialect.
My grandfather on my mother’s side served in the US Navy during World War II. My father, ethnically Japanese, was a US Air Force pilot for 30 years. My grandfather used to joke that he had a “Japanese pilot” as a son-in-law, much to the chagrin of some of his wartime compatriots. He never was one to paint with a broad sweeping brush, treating people as individuals instead.
I guess this attitude has just pervaded my entire life. People are different, but different does not mean bad. If variety is the spice of life, ethnic diversity is the full range of symphonic tones that echo through our planet. If you silence one instrument, the collective beauty of the entire orchestra is affected.
As you (may not) know, my wife is ethnically Russian, but was born and raised in Estonia – formerly occupied by USSR. This small country of 1.3 million, probably best known internationally for Skype, is going through a tough time. All of this turmoil arose over a monument built last century. Some say it was to signify the victory vs. the Nazis, others a symbol of Soviet occupation. Both are correct, depending on your perspective.
My wife and I are concerned about the escalating violence centered around this catalyst for cultural tension. Her family is there, and we are hoping they will remain safe. I ask for your prayers, for peace – in Estonia and globally.
Discussion + Dissension
Comments closed after 2 weeks.
#1 BillyG
It’s times like this where you can sit back and reflect on how great our country really is. Know matter what your political affiliation (if any), when it comes right down to it, there’s no place like home.
I too was in the Navy for a spell, and had the opportunity to visit many foreign places. You’re absolutely right, we are all the same dressed up in different clothing, although we here in America are blessed with many more opportunities than those elsewhere.
Godspeed to you and yours.
#2 Nathan Smith
BillyG: Yeah, I feel fortunate that I have not had to deal with such racially charged conflict in my lifetime. It’s not like the USA is perfect either though. Not more than a generation ago, we went through quite an ordeal as a nation ourselves. I think that we all, humankind, can do better.
#3 Roman Novak
That is unfortunately problem only of the mind – always we can ask why people can not understand to each other. In this case I would stay on the Estonian side. Because the monument is in Estonia. The Russians can not decide about the monument. In my country (Czech Republic) we had many monuments of J. V. Stalin. After “the velvet revolution” we removed all those Stalin’s monuments. Fortunately all happend well, without any rebellions (by the way, here does not live so many Russians like in Estonia).
#4 Ian Smith
The heart of man is desperately evil, and left to his own devices, follows a path to destruction. Call me a pessimist, but I don’t really think man can do better. Better minds than mine have been trying since the beginning of history.
Until the end, there will always be some misunderstanding, false information, outright atrocity, and hatred to mess up the world.
I always used to chuckle when watching Gene Roddenberry’s vision of the future, where mankind somehow decided to stop fighting amongst themselves. It just won’t happen without outside assistance.
I hope I don’t have to admit out loud which show Gene Roddenberry is famous for :)
#5 Lance Fisher
It’s sad. I used to think the times of racial discrimination were over. Reading the first paragraph, I immediately thought of the current issue in Estonia. From what I hear, this attitude is common in Eastern Europe. It’s too bad, because the Russian people were just as much victims of Soviet oppression as anyone. Also, many Soviet leaders were not from Russia, but other countries in the union. Outrage against past oppression, even if justified, should not be directed at someone simply because he is Russian.
You are right is saying that the statue is a “catalyst for culture tension,” since this tension was there already.
These problems are never easy to understand or solve. Estonia is in my prayers.
#6 Nathan Smith
Lance: Thanks, I appreciate that you understand where I’m coming from. I also appreciate that you are praying for the present situation in Estonia. We heard from my in-laws today – the situation has not yet improved.
#7 Andrew Smith
Hey Nathan and Olga. Hana and I read about the news a few weeks ago. We are praying for the situation, and for her family. Has the situation improved any?
#8 Nathan Smith
Andrew: No it hasn’t, not yet. There have been “cyber attacks” against multiple Estonian websites, apparently originating from Russian governmental computers. The bad blood still continues – Read about the attacks here.