Within our Society & Culture, Looking Outward

I’ll start out in the worst way possible: I just got back from drinking and I’m a bit toasted - so hopefully I’ll come back and edit this before I publish, but if not…I’m sorry hahaha.

So I just went out for dinner and drinks with a guy I’ve come to know while here in Japan (he owns the rock climbing gym I frequented). I’m leaving here in a couple days, so it was a sort of farewell and good bye in a sense.

But what I figured I would write about, while my mind is still fresh on the subject, even if a still impaired, is the idea of how people sort of “idolize” cultures outside of their own. I remember when growing up, I sort of had a fascination of sorts with the eastern/Asian cultures. I grew up watching avatar the last Airbender, Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, Jet Lee, and films about the Samurai and Ninja. I remember being interested in the eastern martial arts like Kung Fu, but also the way of thinking - the culture, philosophies, teachings, etc.

Of course I was young, and easily shaped and molded by the things I watched and saw - even as adults we are molded by our surroundings. But it’s crazy how much media and the film industry shaped my thinking. While of course, it didn’t make me who I am today, but it most definitely had some sort of impact, and even motivated me to backpack China for 3 months after high-school.

The reason I am thinking about this is because my friend who I just got back from drinks with is similarly fascinated with U.S. culture. He is a great deal older than me (about twice my age) - and so the age difference along with the cultural differences most definitely play a part in shaping our identity; but it is fascinating how people often gravitate towards cultures outside their own.

Perhaps I am partially thinking about this because my wife and I briefly in passing brought up something similar to this point quite a while ago. And now I am dwelling on this fact a bit more.

I am sure media and everything plays a big role - but I also think that it has something to do with the fact that our societies (wherever that be) puts certain expectations on us - and when we don’t feel like we fit into the mold of those expectations - we search for answers elsewhere. Of course, elsewhere has their own problems and issues - but they are different than the ones we are currently facing and do not seem as significant. Of course, I am generalizing and over simplifying - but I think this phenomenon is something that has some grounding. I think it’s basically one of those “the grass is greener on the other side.”

I’m sure there is more to dive into on this subject, but honestly the hour is late and my mind is no longer curious or explorative. But all in all, I think maybe the lesson to take away is that each society has its issues and and its strengths. If we could try to be accepting of our learned strengths while critical of our failings, we can possibly learn from the positives of other cultures and simultaneously learn from their faults. No one is perfect or without fault, and neither is any society. We will all see things in a different light, and if we can come together and find an even ground while keeping our mind open, we can learn a lot from one another - both in their successes and their failings.

I hope my writing was at least coherent and understandable. Have a great night and make the most of the moment. Tonight was the first night my friend and I hung out outside of the setting of the climbing gym (with the relative relationship of customer and owner). Over dinner and drinks I realized now that though we may see things very differently, and have very different views of the world - we are both humans who enjoyed the presence and the company of another. It isn’t until the time comes to an end that you make the most of the last moments you have.

Cheers! To the unlikely friendships and the fleeting moments of joy that make this life bearable!

– Anthony