If you have difficulties opening this audio ile, please access the audio link on the Module 2 Homework Assignment Introduction page in iBoard. 1. What can we learn about the microsociology of Japan from this story? 2. Is it possible to make any macrosocial observations? Please explain your answer. 3. How does the commentator’s role and social status affect her social interaction? In your response, discuss how your role may differ from what she may be accustomed to in the United States. Contemporary Japan Listening to the Japan audio file the writer comments on the culture of not ooking into the eyes of people.
The writer assumes she is just invisible and cannot be seen by anyone. found it very interesting in the fact that she states “by not looking into others eyes, Japeneese people are giving themselves space. To me this tells me that while Japan historically and traditionally value honor and family; they also might like there space. Also could possibly learn that there society and sociological means put an emphasis on work, education, and family. A person could make a hypothesis that the reason for no eye ontact is to refrain from potential conversation that could disrupt their busy lives.
As the author put it she compares the society with the subways and people of New York. This could be fear or getting robbed, or other fears. This could also mean to keep from potentially dishonoring themselves or someone else. Just like in the Arab countries showing the soles of your feet or making the 0K symbol are both a sign of disrespect; eye contact could be the same. One thing that came to mind is generalized other or our perceptions of how people in general think of us. As an American and in
American Society in general we care what others think of us our social status, how we dress, talk etc. Sometimes we get this verbally and others we get it non verbally through facial expressions or a way a person looks at us. We also want to be noticed as well. So by being in Japan where their culture is different than our generalized other becomes construed. Just as the writer was thinking of going naked down the street to get noticed by people in their culture; it is our culture to greet and make eye contact. This could lead to depression or a sense of not welcomed.
Not looking at someone who comes from a culture of you look people in the eyes can possibly affect a person’s id and ego. After listening to this I found this to be very interesting. I am one of those people that are a people watcher. My wife hates it cause can just sit and stare or look around and watch how people interact with each other and I find it interesting. On the same note I can and have gone up to random people to just talk. If they are doing something that I like to do or reading a book I have read I usually make a comment. My wife hates that aspect of me.
