I've been pretty quiet this week. Not that I haven't had things to say, but just don't feel like I could say them any better or any differently than how many of my online friends have already done it.
Yes, I'm talking Japan. Terrible, terrible tragedy and the figures get worse every day. One positive thing that I've read in this is the lack of looting in Japan. I had thought about this even before I read this Slate article, and I was correct in my assumptions. It is due, at least in part, to a strong sense of moral ethics. Japanese children are taught from a very young age how to act in an ethical manner. If a child finds even a small coin on the street, that child is escorted to the nearest police officer to turn it in. This is taken very seriously by all involved and teaches the child that just because something is found, it doesn't make it "theirs." They don't do "finders keepers; losers weepers" in Japanese culture. There are some incentives to turning in found items in that if it's not claimed, the finder does get to keep it. If it is claimed, then the finder gets a reward. Either way, the finder wins.
It's the same principle with looting. They just don't do it. It would be morally and ethically wrong for them to do so and they would rather starve than take their neighbor's food.
My heart goes out to all of the people affected and they are in my prayers every day, several times a day.
Most of us cannot imagine the conditions now being experienced by those affected in Japan. We can only pray that we never have to.
8 comments:
This was so well put Teresa. It is true about these people. They are to be admired for their dignity. It's tragic and not anywhere near being over either. I feel so bad for them. It's why I keep saying that we need to be grateful for every day, every minute and every breathe we are fortunate enough to take. Hugs!
I agree. It makes me realize how grateful I need to be everyday. I can not imagine how bad it truly is.
Hey Teresa! Sorry it's taken me a bit to get to my blog reading, glad to see you found a new place :)
Great post. To bad more people here aren't like that... raised to be selfish and take what they can. It's sad.
Like a lot of people, all of this has made me very thankful.
Take Care!
Lovely post Teresa. As you say, we just can't begin to comprehend just what they are going through. Life is, indeed, so fragile and we really must be grateful for all that we have in our lives. Hope you and Ron are okay. Been thinking of you and missed you on here!
As I have watched the tragedy unfold, I have been amazed and impressed with the Japanese people. They are polite and humble. And as much as they are suffering, they are not whining, they are digging in to help one another. Americans could really take some lessons from the Japanese culture.
Their dignity--it's really remarkable. Their entire culture has so much to teach us.
We housed some Japanese students years ago and I have been thinking of them and praying for their safety.
Good post, T. I can hardly think of much else these days. So very sad.
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