Gaijins & Springtime

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Western Man Eastern World

Westerners in Japan are referred to as Gaijins, which translates more or less as foreigner. Japanese people might even call on you as Gaijin-San, Mr. Foreigner. You have to keep in mind that Japan is 99%!J(MISSING)apanese. So, while we get to experience all the diversity the United States has to offer, some countries do not have this ability. Xenophobia, which can be defined as racial intolerance, is an issue that exists within Japan as well as other homogeneous cultures. This fear cannot be avoided and ignorance exists within every country, but xenophobia is more of a prevalent fear within these countries. As such, it is easy to say that, contrarily to many other peoples in the world, most Japanese share the same beliefs and the same preconceived ideas. Japan’s isolation from the rest of the world means that attitudes towards other countries generally only come to life through how the media portrays each society. In the same lines, there is a deeply rooted belief among the Japanese that anybody with blue eyes or Western looks must necessarily speak English.

La Primavera

Now that spring has finally arrived, the student population here at IUP has decided to shed the stress and monotony western Pennsylvania had to offer this past winter. I am thrilled more than the average person about this change of season. Indiana’s seasons, excluding winter, are very beautiful, hands down. How refreshing to wake up in the morning with fresh air pouring in through the windows as well as from the hall way. The atmosphere is both calming and cooling. From my top bunk bed this passive flow is very apparent. Flowers are in bloom, birds are fine-tuning their voices, and color has returned to the sky. The student population’s beaming attitudes is our simple way of thanking Mother Nature for bailing us out, finally. One could also say that the very harsh winter is there to make us appreciate these very pretty days to their full potential. For example, New Zealanders who experience this temperature year round might not be as ecstatic as I’ve seen many people. So what I’m getting at is that this weather rules supreme over my senses. The warm weather brings meaning that school is on its way out of season too! Go outside and enjoy the simple things life has to offer. Don’t become deaf due to your noisy, talkative brain. You’ll only end up missing out if you fall victim.

Mongolia Update - List of needed items:
- anti-bacterial soap/gel
- kleenex tissue packets... Asia is not famous for copious amounts of toilet paper...
- duct tape, plastic bags
- nail brush
- tent lamp, flashlight or reading light
- camp chair
- gatorade powder mix (it's a good idea to bring electrolytes with you in case you become sick and/or dehydrated. gatorade is a tastier option that some others...)
- flip-flops for trips to the river
- towel (most camping supply stores carry a small, super absorbant chami-like towel, but I'd suggest packing a regular one, as long as it doesn't take up too much room)
- pen & paper: many people like to have a journal to jot notes in

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Photos

Watch out Tiger!!!
He may have just won his fourth Masters, but I bet he's never seen a slicing drive like mine!

Paradise
A month and a half later, Pennsylvania is starting to feel like early March in Florida.

Comments

[anonymous]

nice touch
"Don’t become deaf due to your noisy, talkative brain." I spy Taoism! Very cool, Zach :-) - Audrey

[anonymous]

Waah, just reading that made me appreciate the spring time even more! Sometimes I feel like I take these things for granted. Especially with the stress of finals and everything, I sometimes get too wrapped up in my own work and miss out on all the great stuff around me! Thanks for the beautiful reminder of how exhilarating life can be! - Kellie