Ted, of all cultures, the Japanese fascinates me the most. It is an interesting blend of humble(ness?), work ethic, loyalty, respect, subservience, and they can really kick some ass.
I studied Japanese martial arts thru my youth. Growing up in Kansas, all my friends were white. When I was about 12, I first realized I wasn't white, and I just figured I must be Japanese. What a bummer to find out I was Thai (50% Thai, 50% German, 100% alchoholic).
Have you ever gone to a noodles restaurant? Soba and Udon? If its full of Japanese people, you can barely here the person sitting next to you over the slurping. What's annoying is that in LA, the white folk try to be Asian so they slurp even louder than the Asians. And don't get me started on you white folk eating sushi! ;~>
Something interesting I noticed on my last trip to Asia. I was in Bangkok where I saw a bunch of punk ass kids walking around in shades and leather jackets. They looked like they were in the Triad (there are some NASTY Asian gangs in So Cal, no lie). Well, they were walking into a mall, and when they saw an older woman walking a few meters behind, they all stopped and held the door open. She nodded, thankfully to them, and two of them bowed. Then she passed, and they continued to look and act like a bad ass punch of punks.
Another thing I noticed recently is how TALL Asian kids are getting. I'm 5'8", and I felt short around those kids. Must be all the Wendy's! ;~>
Dave |
