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0 pointsdogruck8y ago0 comments

I think it is offensive to classify a cultural aspect of one of the world’s most successful populations as “insane” or “criminal.”

Sure, the prototypical Japanese work practices might not line up with your culture. I don’t think it gives justification to label them as “insane.”

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5 comments · 2 top-level

whytaka8y ago· 2 in thread

I think it is apt to call it insane.

Consider this: it's not uncommon to see people 'working' nearly twice the hours of the Western average. Yet their GDP per capita is comparable if not equivalent to the Western average.

Since most other economic measures (that is, their standard of living) match up with the West, you're forced to ask yourself, 'Are Japanese people half as productive?' Is that why they have to work twice as much? I'll bet against it. It's because they have an insane work culture.

dogruckOP8y ago

I think “insane” is unnecessarily caustic. Instead, it’s better to argue (as you are doing) that it’s “inefficient” or perhaps “unhealthy.”

Also, it’s far too easy to cast stones in glass houses. I have a close friend who is ultra-low-budget traveling around the world who could justifiably call you and me “insane” for pushing forward in our careers (whatever they are).

whytaka8y ago

Perhaps it is relative and your friend is right to call it as he sees it.

From my perspective, I don't think it's unnecessary at all. People are dying from 'overwork'. Staff aren't able to leave before their superiors without risking their professional reputation. Because it's extremely unlikely they are actually getting anything done, it's a lie people impose on each other and themselves. And because they are too 'busy', many deplete the energy that would've otherwise spurred procreation - a problem they themselves consider an urgent priority. It's a cultural prison of national self-sabotage.

klibertp8y ago· 1 in thread

These work practices, presumably, correlate with higher percentage of depression, suicide and death by overwork. I don't think calling them insane is that big of a strech, even if they are economically viable.

dogruckOP8y ago

I think there is a good chance that you’re making assumptions about that correlation. You’re probably also overlooking all of the Japanese people who derive tremendous existential justification via devotion to work.

By counter-point, depression, drug use, and suicide is a serious issue in Hawaii. People are living in “paradise,” yet there is a crisis.

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5 comments · 2 top-level

whytaka8y ago· 2 in thread

I think it is apt to call it insane.

Consider this: it's not uncommon to see people 'working' nearly twice the hours of the Western average. Yet their GDP per capita is comparable if not equivalent to the Western average.

dogruckOP8y ago

I think “insane” is unnecessarily caustic. Instead, it’s better to argue (as you are doing) that it’s “inefficient” or perhaps “unhealthy.”

whytaka8y ago

Perhaps it is relative and your friend is right to call it as he sees it.

klibertp8y ago· 1 in thread

dogruckOP8y ago

By counter-point, depression, drug use, and suicide is a serious issue in Hawaii. People are living in “paradise,” yet there is a crisis.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse