Has this latest rape claim changed anything for you?

[DoctorP]

Has it changed the way you see things around you, the way you view the military, or the way you think that maybe you are viewed by others?

I myself find that I am less likely to play around with the neighbor kids...not because the families around me have done anything, but I just seem to be a bit more cautious.

One neighbor has a 15 yr old girl whom I usually run into while walking my dog. I noticed yesterday that I purposely crossed the street in order to stay on the opposite side of the road. I suppose I did it to help make her feel more comfortable, but I'm not really sure why I did it.

Have you noticed any changes in the way you do things or the way people act around you?

[Asshat]

Has it changed the way you see things around you, the way you view the military, or the way you think that maybe you are viewed by others?

Good question DP. I have noticed that I "feel" conspicuous. But then I remember, or force myself to remember that Okinawans do not feel any less welcoming because of this incident. It's what a preach here, so I try and live it. :)

But I find myself looking very hard at them to see if I can detect the most minute.....anything. I haven't found anything to justify any misgivings I secretly harbor.

[dk]

I watch my back now anytime a local walks behind me (example: if I'm facing a coke machine buying a drink)... I just get the feeling something bad is going to happen from all of this anger that's going around, and I don't want to be the one it happens to.

It's not that I don't trust locals. It's that I don't trust the way this situation may be playing out on people's emotions.

[TheLastDon]

I didn't notice anything the last 2 days I have been back, maybe need to hang around Naha or something.

[socalheart]

I think this is an excellent question. I haven't noticed any change, even when in my car, but I look Asian and am female. I think that they'd be more inclined to be negative toward a male of the same ethnicity as the accused rapist, if they were to even bother.

I heard a rumour that there are some small groups of Japanese men going around to popular American hang-outs to cause trouble and incite an incident. Be careful, guys!

[hankypanky]

yeah, my club. but i kinda chalk that up to it being too damn cold and flu going around.

[nate123453]

Has it changed the way you see things around you, the way you view the military, or the way you think that maybe you are viewed by others?

I myself find that I am less likely to play around with the neighbor kids...not because the families around me have done anything, but I just seem to be a bit more cautious.

One neighbor has a 15 yr old girl whom I usually run into while walking my dog. I noticed yesterday that I purposely crossed the street in order to stay on the opposite side of the road. I suppose I did it to help make her feel more comfortable, but I'm not really sure why I did it.

Have you noticed any changes in the way you do things or the way people act around you?

I noticed more US Military saying F### the Okinawan people and Japan.

[IndyGal]

I heard a rumour that there are some small groups of Japanese men going around to popular American hang-outs to cause trouble and incite an incident. Be careful, guys!

Yeah, I actually noticed on the 18 services channel something mentioned along those lines. Just warning service members to beware of a situation like that and not fall into it.

[OkinawaStud]

I feel "embarrassed" to be an American. I'm a big dude, 6'3 290lbs. I feel like locals are sizing me up and think, "There goes another animal." I just want to say I'm sorry. 99.9% of the Americans aren't like those guys.

[Bones]

I got a few dirty looks at Jusco last weekend, but around the neighborhood nothing much has changed.

One interesting thing, while discussing the rape issue with our Okinawan neighbors, most of them were asking why a 14 year old girl would get on a motorcycle with a 38 year old gai-jin? And why did her friends not tried to stop her?

NBTP

[Crazysix]

I didnt notice anything, this weekend, but I did feel like" all eyes on you" especially being black and a "big boy". But as long as people keep their hands to themselves,,,comments will not get your ass kicked

[camplejeune_marine]

Hasn't really changed anything for me. I know that 99.9% of Americans are good to go and almost as many Okinawans recognize this behavior for what it is, an aberration. For those who don't, they are no different then any other racist subset of a culture. To generalize Americans in this manner is no different than rednecks in the south wanting to hang every black guy because one of them commits a crime. Ignorance and prejudice go hand in hand. We as Americans just aren't used to it being thrown in our face so blatantly.

[quietasariot]

I feel "embarrassed" to be an American. I'm a big dude, 6'3 290lbs. I feel like locals are sizing me up and think, "There goes another animal." I just want to say I'm sorry. 99.9% of the Americans aren't like those guys.

Not that I am that tall or weigh that, but I feel the same way. Went to Naha with my daughter today to check out the prefectural museum (which is awesome), and it kind of made me feel ashamed- to look around and wonder what they think of us now.

[P_chan]

Not that I am that tall or weigh that, but I feel the same way. Went to Naha with my daughter today to check out the prefectural museum (which is awesome), and it kind of made me feel ashamed to look around and wonder what they think of us now.

That is very true. I try not too, but I feel bad walking around off base now, wondering what people are thinking.

Well, unless I'm with my dog. Seems like everyone is happy to come up to me and talk then, Japanese and American.

Oh and I love your avatar:thumbup:

[silviasichigo]

Why should anyone feel any different, YOU cannot change what happend or has happend. All you can do is go one with your life, despite the natural human nature to console YOU did not commit the crime, YOU did not condone it........Just get over it they will, they have in the past, they will in the future...... I feel no differently walking around. I for some reason am mistaken for a local (Still trying to figure that one out 6" 230# white dude from Texas) maybe because my last name is 平良 who knows

[DougP]

I watch my back now anytime a local walks behind me (example: if I'm facing a coke machine buying a drink)... I just get the feeling something bad is going to happen from all of this anger that's going around, and I don't want to be the one it happens to.

It's not that I don't trust locals. It's that I don't trust the way this situation may be playing out on people's emotions.

I feel that way all the time. But that's just because I don't want anyone getting their hands on my Georgia coffee.:D

[Ammoyankee]

I didnt notice anything, this weekend, but I did feel like" all eyes on you" especially being black and a "big boy". But as long as people keep their hands to themselves,,,comments will not get your ass kicked


Don't worry Crazysix... We still love you. You are our favorite big, black guy!!!
:thumbup:

[dk]

I feel that way all the time. But that's just because I don't want anyone getting their hands on my Georgia coffee.:D
Better watch your self if you see me heading your direction. I love that stuff. :D

I don't buy it all that often, but I like it. Too expensive compared to free office crap.

[DougP]

Better watch your self if you see me heading your direction. I love that stuff. :D

I don't buy it all that often, but I like it. Too expensive compared to free office crap.

I actually called the vending company and had a small Japanese coke machine with tons of Georgia coffee installed in our office.:D:first::thumbup: Works like a charm.:thumbup1:

[theoman833]

I got a few dirty looks at Jusco last weekend, but around the neighborhood nothing much has changed.

One interesting thing, while discussing the rape issue with our Okinawan neighbors, most of them were asking why a 14 year old girl would get on a motorcycle with a 38 year old gai-jin? And why did her friends not tried to stop her?

NBTP

Funny my wife said the same thing. She is japanese as well