Tag Archives: WWII

Sleepers, Whispers, and Amnesia – How You’re Influenced by What You Forget

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Ryo

According to a report that came out this week, scientologists are investigating possible criminal activity by the creators of South park, a popular cartoon seen on American TV. Don’t forget where you heard that information, though – here and now – because it might be important. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not just making that up. But excerpts like that may influence you without you realizing it. The psychology of influence gets interesting when you factor in memory, because the spell experts can put you under isn’t meant to work now, but months later.

This is a preview of Sleepers, Whispers, and Amnesia – How You’re Influenced by What You Forget. Read the full post (1225 words, 2 images, estimated 4:54 mins reading time)

Posted in Culture, Media, Psychology | Tagged America, attitudes, comedians, influence, scientology, South Park, WWII | 2 Comments

Is Japan Losing its Culture? – Part 1: A History of Cultural Adoption

Posted on May 19, 2011 by Ryo

I want to talk about the problem I usually find when non-Japanese people talk about Japanese culture, which is that they generalize too much. They make sweeping statements that are inherently too loaded to be anything but false. This is usually because they approach Japan through the lens of their own culture – the etic approach, in anthropological terms. Japan can only possibly be understood in the greater Japanese context – one that considers its history, and its interaction with other nations. Making a statement like “Japan is very ________, and here’s my anecdote…” is an approach doomed to failure. For example, I often hear complaints that Japan is becoming highly Westernized, or more specifically, Americanized. A big concern is that they’re losing their culture. …But is it true? Is Japan losing its culture?