 Tom Grasson |
As I watch in disbelief at what is taking place in Japan, I am taken back by the Japanese people. Perhaps it is a function of their strong culture, but after being devastated by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake, a tsunami, and nuclear power plant failures that are producing radiation levels exceeding legal safety limits, the Japanese people are not bemoaning their terrible loses. Rather, they are pulling together to help one another pull through. It amazes me that through all this turmoil, there has not been one report of looting, rioting, or anti-government protests. Television reports, news articles, and even a number of Japanese clients living in Japan – which I have personally communicated with over the past couple of weeks – all indicate that it is the culture of the Japanese people to pull together for the common good of the country. It is not uncommon to see people standing politely in lines – without any pushing or shoving – at virtually empty grocery stores, waiting hours to get to the gas pump at local stations, or taking the time to help the elderly, sick, or injured find special attention. It’s a shame that we, the people in the United States, do not have more in common with the Japanese, especially when it comes to our attitude concerning others. I am not sure how it happened, or even when it happened. Perhaps it was a gradual change that just crept in over time. However, the reality of the situation is that we have become a me-first nation, a nation that believes entitlements is a basic human right. Just compare what is currently taking place in Japan with what took place in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. By no means am I downplaying the severity of Hurricane Katrina. However, in terms of devastation, Katrina does not measure up to the natural disasters that hit Japan. The city of New Orleans literally became a war zone, with gun fire being exchanged between mobs and a weakened police force. Store after store was broken into, with looters taking anything and everything. Those finding shelter at the Superdome were not concerned with organizing efforts to keep the facility clean or attending to the needs of others. It was a me-first attitude that prevailed. I believe we all have something to learn from the culture of Japan. It is time to let go of the me-first attitude and accept the fact that our very success depends on working together. As we watch Japan deal with this horrible crisis, we need to focus on their strong cultural heritage and how they take care of one another, especially those in need. They will pull together and rebuild their country, faster than most of us believe possible, because they have a strong respect for their culture and who they are. Even though we are still considered to be the world’s super power, we are not too big to learn the concept of being united from Japan.
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