A question about Americans

[quietasariot]

I'm an American, married to a Marine, etc. etc.

I'm just curious - are we (Americans affiliated with the military) all disliked? I mean, say if I'm walking through Jusco with my daughter (who is quite well behaved, unlike many/most military 'brats'), and someone just walks by me, do they automatically dislike "me" because I'm an American? I'm not trying to bring up discrimination issues, because believe me, I know exactly why we aren't liked and that's fine, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I'm really just quite curious.

I am polite/courteous to every person that crosses my path, Okinawan or American. By doing so, I hope that at least some Okinawans can see we aren't ALL terrible people who like to drink/carouse/etc. Some of us do value the family life, our jobs, etc.

It's very interesting to see how different Americans and Okinawan/Japanese are, though. I love living here and I wish I could stay here forever :/.

[Tempestuous]

I'm an American, married to a Marine, etc. etc.

I'm just curious - are we (Americans affiliated with the military) all disliked? I mean, say if I'm walking through Jusco with my daughter (who is quite well behaved, unlike many/most military 'brats'), and someone just walks by me, do they automatically dislike "me" because I'm an American? I'm not trying to bring up discrimination issues, because believe me, I know exactly why we aren't liked and that's fine, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I'm really just quite curious.

I am polite/courteous to every person that crosses my path, Okinawan or American. By doing so, I hope that at least some Okinawans can see we aren't ALL terrible people who like to drink/carouse/etc. Some of us do value the family life, our jobs, etc.

It's very interesting to see how different Americans and Okinawan/Japanese are, though. I love living here and I wish I could stay here forever :/.

Sometimes, I think it is the case. But many are super friendly & enjoy interacting.

When we were there, we found many of the locals were a little more judgmental/negative towards us & as we interacted they would ask our service affiliation.
Many times there was a great shift into friendliness when they found out we were not Marines.
I think many have a more negative connotation associated with that label than just being 'American'.

But we were like you, we tried to show our best side and act as a respectable guest as much as possible.
We were always embarrassed when we would be out in town and a fellow military member would act a fool.
Just one of those things where you go- well sheesh! No wonders they act like they do around us!

[TheNoNamedOne]

Quietasariot, EXCELLENT topic!

Here is what my Japanese wife says (and perhaps later I will add what some of my old Okinawan girlfriends had said).

My wife basically says the military come off as kind of a dumbed down version of 'real Americans' which she and all her friends say can be seen only by going to the U.S. Mainland. I mean, she listens to them and the way they talk at the next table in Star Bucks and how they show their asses in town by acting stupid and a picture begins to take root that is contrasted with what is in the states.

My wife and I have met military spouses (wives), and for the most part, the wives of enlisted come off as being less refined than officers' wives, and the difference can be quite noticable. But then officer wives come off as being stuck up. And the wives seem to put their identity in with their husbands' rank or status in the military. They don't stand on their own as wives with carreers or jobs back in the States.

That is it for now, and there is more. I will discuss this with my wife more later and add to it. I know stereotyping is bad, but it is true, that bad apples spoil the barrel of other apples. I wish it weren't so.

And nothing I say in this thread is said as sarcastic or meant to demean or insult. It is directly answering Quiet's question with knowledge of what Okinawans/Japanese that I know and have known said concerning U.S. military persons and their spouses here.

[Boost]

Quietasariot, EXCELLENT topic!

Here is what my Japanese wife says (and perhaps later I will add what some of my old Okinawan girlfriends had said).

My wife basically says the military come off as kind of a dumbed down version of 'real Americans' which she and all her friends say can be seen only by going to the U.S. Mainland. I mean, she listens to them and the way they talk at the next table in Star Bucks and how they show their asses in town by acting stupid and a picture begins to take root that is contrasted with what is in the states.

My wife and I have met military spouses (wives), and for the most part, the wives of enlisted come off as being less refined than officers' wives, and the difference can be quite noticable. But then officer wives come off as being stuck up. And the wives seem to put their identity in with their husbands' rank or status in the military. They don't stand on their own as wives with carreers or jobs back in the States.

That is it for now, and there is more. I will discuss this with my wife more later and add to it. I know stereotyping is bad, but it is true, that bad apples spoil the barrel of other apples. I wish it weren't so.

And nothing I say in this thread is said as sarcastic or meant to demean or insult. It is directly answering Quiet's question with knowledge of what Okinawans/Japanese that I know and have known said concerning U.S. military persons and their spouses here.

I agree 100% TP. I am very fortunate to have a wife that always presents herself with self respect and dignity, which is a very good thing when you are at functions with higher ups and such. But sadly, what you have described in both enlisted and officer spouses, I saw plenty of as well. Military spouses need to realize that like it or not, they represent their spouse as well when out in public and at functions, and it can taint their superiors view of their subordinate.

[Asshat]

Quietasariot, what a great question! If I posed the question, "do Americans like Japanese people" the replies would be as varied as the people asked about.

So, the short answer is "no." Everyone is an individual, and although you will be placed in the "gaijin box" you can work your way out of it by doing those things you do. By being polite, and trying to understand the langauage, the dynamics of the culture, and realizing that the way you were raised- your comportment rules- are not the only rules that apply.

My ex mother-in-law was 17 and hiding in caves during WWII. She heard the stories the Japanese military handed out...about the murders and rapes they could expect. (Here, use these sharp bamboo sticks and kill them)

I asked her if she liked Americans one day. Her reply was, "Of course I like them. They used to feed us!"

A lot of us have lived here many decades, have families who are Okinawan and have long-time friends who are Okinawan. If they didn't like us, none of that would be possible. I drink and carrouse with those friends by the way. :)

Learn the language- or enough to go shopping with. Get a few books on the history of Okinawa, learn to play the shamisen, make friends. Heck, people will pay you to converse with them in English- and many spouses have made friends that way. In the end, some things are universal- like you said, loving a family- shopping, just living life. Embrace the commonality and you will find an island full of happy, loving people who don't care where you come from.

[TheNoNamedOne]

I am polite/courteous to every person that crosses my path, Okinawan or American. By doing so, I hope that at least some Okinawans can see we aren't ALL terrible people who like to drink/carouse/etc. Some of us do value the family life, our jobs, etc.

If they don't know you, it may be irrelevant how good you act (although acting outwardly rude would make the thought even worse), because Japanese and Okinawans have tatemae as a strong part of their thinking. Basically, tatemae is just "superficial" acting or sentiment, and it is expected that this "act" is presented as much as possible in public to strangers.

Now, you and I know that Americans more so than Japanese wear their true selves on their sleeves, but not all, and many Japanese, do not know that.

Now, I don't think Okinawans "hate" you because you are associated with the military -- like you asked in your OP -- but some of the ones I know kind of resent that the military bring their whole families over here straining the already stretched recourses, such as water and land.

Japanese businessmen when getting assigned overseas for several years may make, and many do, the decision with the wife that it is best for her to stay in Japan and raise the kids by keeping stability in their education and social life. My wife asks, "Why should our recources be stretched just because U.S. military families can't bear separation from each other for a few years?"

[socalheart]

Growing up on Okinawa, I've seen an evolution of the military American here. As a new member of this group, I am acutely aware from the inside of how we're perceived. I also am familiar with how we're perceived from the outside.

Most everything the others have said is correct to varying degrees. I applaud those parents who have a handle on their children in public. I also appreciate those military Americans who dress appropriately in public. I believe it's important to behave as respectable adults regardless of rank.

The locals don't ALL hate us. Those who have had bad experiences with military Americans may not like us. There are still Okinawan bars that disallow Americans of any kind, because one too many Americans were rude or worse. It's little different from the way things are stateside.

I've seen the locals coo over our kids hundreds of times when the kids are behaving. I know of one old woman who picked a baby up from its stroller after cooing at it to play more. The American mother freaked out, started yelling at the old lady and grabbed the baby from the old woman who was shocked at the mother. The mother later confessed it was a lack of understanding on her part. The damage to our image was already done though. I think that if she had taken the time to know that was common behaviour for older local women, this could've been avoided.

Opinion: As an aside, I do believe that the Japanese police profile Americans especially for ticketing and such. I don't think they like us much at all. The Japanese that work on the base as security aren't much better about such things either.

[TheNoNamedOne]

I've seen the locals coo over our kids hundreds of times when the kids are behaving. I know of one old woman who picked a baby up from its stroller after cooing at it to play more. The American mother freaked out, started yelling at the old lady and grabbed the baby from the old woman who was shocked at the mother.

It is regretable that that happened. Another one of my Okinawan acquaintances observations about American women here in Okinawa -- they seem prone to hysteria, and while it may not be true, your incident above would reinforce that with those who witnessed that scene. Japanese think there is a beauty associated with a calm quiet demeanor. The opposite of that can make one ugly in their eyes.

Speaking of babies and ugly and a little similar to your story:

I was in Jusco several years ago at the counter paying for something, and an American military couple with their little child in a stroller was behind me. Behind them were 3 Japanese ladies of either H.S. or college age. Well, they just assumed that all of us Americans at the counter were together and could not understand any Japanese.

They all started cooing and fussing over the Baby in Japanese and smiling the whole time as they did so. The American couple were quite proud and pleased that their baby was getting all this attention. Sadly, though, what these girls were doing was making fools of the parent as they talked bad about the baby saying in Japanese, "Sugei busu. Chotto buta nitte iru. Konna ni minikui kao aru ko ima made mita koto nai. Shinjiran." and more like that -- and lots of giggles.

Translation: "How fat and ugly. Looks a little like a pig. I have never seen such an ugly face until now. I can't believe it."

I thought about saying something. Perhaps I should have. I kind of regret that I didn't now. But, so many times on forums like this I have seen people say as guests here we have no right to complain about anything that our hosts do. I don't agree with that, but many do have that sentiment.

In the end, no harm was done and the perceived harmoney and kindness of the Okinawans was left in tact for this couple. And the shallow girls went on their way to enjoy their weekend shopping.

[Asshat]

As I said before, this is a cool thread. After I posted initially, I thought of some other aspects surrounding this subject. Like why are Americans more concerned than others about being liked? :)

Stretching Island resources is a new one on me. I have never heard anyone say or discuss that. I think of the current roadways and the crowding, and perhaps the water usage at times. Not to change the thread, but I can not think of too much else that military dependants change. I can think of much more that they add however with regard to money. Then again, we enter into who actually has the money here.

The "Okinawan Bars" by and large do not cater to Americans because their clientel don't want to associate with Americans. Not because of anything Americans have done in their establishments. Another reason is that they don't want to be bothered with trying to communicate with people who do not speak Japanese. I can tell you that it is quite possible to get in most establishments if you do speak Japanese. Unless you know for instance that you must first talk to the guy next to the Lawsons with the radio, you will never get anywhere in Naha. :)

A few years ago, I was parked across the street from what is now called "Gyros" in Chatan. I was at a place with five or six friends, all of whom drove either rental (wa) plates, or their own "kanji" hiragana plates, with my "Y" plated car right in the middle. The cops showed up, and we caught them ticketing only my car. It was actually quite comical, since everyone of us spoke enough Japanese to fluently ask them what their problem was.

The lead cop called in to the station and told the supervisor that there were "other" cars there too, and what should he do? Thus, I was sure the decision to single out my car was made by the cops on the beat.

It's racism, pure and simple. So what? Most of the world is. I think anyone who lives anywhere has the right to question motives of local governments and buisnesses who appear to favor one race over another. Most importantly, don't worry who does or does not like you. Some people will always spit on the sidewalk in front of you no matter how nice you are to them.

[quietasariot]

"I agree 100% TP. I am very fortunate to have a wife that always presents herself with self respect and dignity, which is a very good thing when you are at functions with higher ups and such. But sadly, what you have described in both enlisted and officer spouses, I saw plenty of as well. Military spouses need to realize that like it or not, they represent their spouse as well when out in public and at functions, and it can taint their superiors view of their subordinate."

I agree with this. I see a lot of wives wearing their husband's rank on their sleeves as if to say THEY earned the rank. Nope, sorry lady, we might have a hard life as a "military wife" but I can tell you your husband does a hell of a lot more work and sacrifices a hell of a lot more than you will in a lifetime. That's what I feel like telling these women, but there are too many of them and not enough of me! :D

I think sometimes we're more concerned because, well, face it, we're not well-liked. I'm proud to be an American, but I'm not proud of some of the things Americans do. No country is perfect but we seem to get the most publicity about it :P

That is really sad about the lady who freaked out :(. As I said before, I've lived here before, I knew how I should present myself, etc. etc. So, when anybody just gushes over my daughter, I take it as a compliment! At first I was a little freaked out by some stranger picking my daughter up but I know they mean well, not harm.

Ok, enough out of me, I'm tired and probably not making much sense :P

[socalheart]

It's racism, pure and simple. So what?

In my naive sense of justice and fairness, it isn't right. It's the Golden Rule thing for me.

[Asshat]

In my naive sense of justice and fairness, it isn't right. It's the Golden Rule thing for me.

The Golden Rule: Do unto others, etc?

In my years of living on this planet in a variety of countries, I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't suffer from at least a little bit of ethnoenticity. Of course it isn't right. It is a fact of life however.

[dk]

The Golden Rule: Do unto others, etc?

In my years of living on this planet in a variety of countries, I have yet to meet anyone who doesn't suffer from at least a little bit of ethnoenticity. Of course it isn't right. It is a fact of life however.
For some of us, I think it boils down into that "do unto others as they've done unto you". It's not racism. Well, it is. But it's more "I've met <your race>ese people who haven't given me the time of day so I'm returning the favor."

I TRY hard to avoid that. I really do. But the longer I'm on Okinawa, the more I actually dislike the islanders.

Somebody, change me.

[Asshat]

Somebody, change me.


Let me guess: You were snug in bed, and screeching winds woke you up. So you got up, grabbed a smoke, a glass of water, checked the box to see where the storm was and the rest is history? :D

My family of three contains a complete ethnic mix. When we go out, invariably, it is my wife who is spoken to in Japanese. It is I who have to answer, as she speaks none. Yet it is my son who reads our kana's for us.

It's all about little boxes. I enjoy the fact that almost no one is able to accurately place my family in those boxes. Moreover their failed attempts at doing so, make it all obvious.

Or how about the trillion times people make comparisons against blah, blah, blah not like America. And the last time I lived there was a short stint over ten years ago? I don't even know what the latest automobile offerings are there, what sorts of new fads are about, how many TV commercials one could expect on a network, etc.

Yet when an Okinawan I have not yet met looks at me, he assumes I am fresh out of Deluth. It's natural I suppose and I have got used to it.

There is also the old, "where are you from?" question that always stumps me, but that is another topic.

[xxzjxx]

Okinawa is not the best place in the world for an American to go if you are interested in interacting with the local populous.

I was on mainland for 2 years and my experiences from the Hiroshima and Fukuoka area were awesome, then i came to Okinawa. There are HONESTLY wayyy too many Americans on this island. If we scaled it down by 40% and went back in time about 30 years, I think that the Okinawans would actually enjoy us being here.

I personally think that people need sensitivity training when they are assigned orders here, if they cant pass the training, then they get stuck somewhere in South Carolina, where nobody cares what happens.

Case in point:

I was at the minimart at Foster the other night and I came out and a young Marine was getting out a taxi. he decided to let the taxi driver know to wait but instead of being polite and just, he started yelling "HONCHO, WAIT HERE!!, WAIT HERE!!!" I was very embarrassed, and I now know why we are hated here.

[Asshat]

Okinawa is not the best place in the world for an American to go if you are interested in interacting with the local populous.

I was on mainland for 2 years and my experiences from the Hiroshima and Fukuoka area were awesome, then i came to Okinawa.
I personally think that people need sensitivity training when they are assigned orders here

I was at the minimart at Foster the other night and I came out and a young Marine was getting out a taxi. he decided to let the taxi driver know to wait but instead of being polite and just, he started yelling "HONCHO, WAIT HERE!!, WAIT HERE!!!" I was very embarrassed, and I now know why we are hated here.

xxzjxx- Have you considered changing your screen name? :)

You make two great points. In Japan, we are treated way differently. I visited almost every port from Yokohama to Okinawa. (The small ones) (and yes, it took me awhile)

Never, was I refered to as a gaijin. In my case, I was refered to as Anjin, (captain loosely) and I can't tell you how many people in small hamlets offered their homes to us for eat and thankfully, bath.

And your point about "our" demeanor-We and and the people before us have done a lot of damage here, and as you point out have continued to inflict it.

I have found that much like anyone else, Okinawans are pretty good at separating the a55holes from the humans thankfully.

[P_chan]

I too am ashamed once I see some americans in public. I've noticed it's usually younger service men/woman and dependents who are usually acting like fools.

But I also know that not all okinawans think american's are ahos. If you take the time to show them that you are interested in their culture and language, most of the time they are very polite and welcoming of americans. I remember my wife's grand mother was worried once she heard she was getting married to an american. Not so much because I'm american, she was just worried that I wouldn't be able to provide for her grand daughter. She even stopped eating for a week, which is bad she's 93 years old! But my wife's cousins, uncles, aunts, parents, brothers, and sister who already met me assured her that I was a good person. I think one of her cousins went as far as saying that it's not WWII anymore and americans aren't bad people. After I met her she was very happy with me! She said I look like I could take care of her daughter, lol and that I smile a lot which is good!

[ukreal1]

Quietasariot, EXCELLENT topic!


My wife and I have met military spouses (wives), and for the most part, the wives of enlisted come off as being less refined than officers' wives, and the difference can be quite noticable. But then officer wives come off as being stuck up. And the wives seem to put their identity in with their husbands' rank or status in the military. They don't stand on their own as wives with carreers or jobs back in the States.

I am an enlisted wife and have had a few incidents where the officers wives are happy to talk to me until they find out - shock, horror - that my husband is enlisted and then I don't seem to be good enough for their snotty selves anymore. Oh well, their loss. I don't see rank, I am who I am apart from my hubby. I have a BA honors degree and a FT job and 2 great kids who are what they call 'military brats' but to me, they are just kids and I don't see the difference. What makes 'military brats' so different from other civilian children? It can only be the parenting and not all military parents are idiots. Maybe I will find out about all this labelling when I get out there since where we are right now, I really don't go onto base too much. That is one part of the military community I am not looking forward to. I talk to anyone regardless of if they are the street sweeper or a surgeon, everyone has something to give and when we label people we can miss out on a lot of good conversations just because they don't fit our criteria. Just my 2 cents :confused:

[roxy_skyy]

I'm 20 and I see service members my age out in town and they act ridiculous at times. For instance, I was at one of my favorite spots (the beach) and some young marines were out and about, drinking and having a good time. However, one of the men started singing loudly a very raunchy song so that almost the entire beach could hear the lyrics crystal clear. I went up to him politely and asked him to not be so loud and his response was "Well, if you don't want to hear it, then don't listen" so I went on to ask him "I'm sure you've seen those little signs when you head out of the gates reminding you are a ambassador to the US? Well right now, I'm ashamed to be an American"

It's hard enough over there with out people acting like complete jackasses, and living abroad has shown me that there are times and places to act like a fool, and public isn't one of them. I just wish that some of these guys would grow a brain.

[TheNoNamedOne]

Bring it to a head and ask to see his ID. Usually they refuse, but another in the group knowing that it is moving towards a more administrative settlement of things will calm his buddy down and get the situation in order.

[roxy_skyy]

Good idea, I'll try that next time.

[TheNoNamedOne]

Good idea, I'll try that next time.

Just don't do it in a back alley or back street. Even when drunk, people do make more of an effort to remain civilized and not resort to violence when there are many others around. Like in the day time at the beach in Chatan or Ginowan, I doubt it would lead to that there.

[roxy_skyy]

Oh I could take'em........with my car.

When I'm out, I ususally walk down Gate 2 by myself and I'm always getting hassled by some drunk guy wanting to hook-up and go back to his room. I've had a put a few in their places after they've touched something that doesn't belong to them.

You should give me benifit of the doubt even I think it'd be unwise to try and pull "I'm-telling-your-commanding-officer-on-you" card....

[Boost]

That sucks roxy! You shouldn’t have to worry about chit like that happening, but I know it does. I do think I would reconsider venturing down gate 2 street alone though. I’m a guy, and even I had to deal with drunken harassment from time to time in that area. Never was molested though…:)

[roxy_skyy]

I'm a big girl, I used to bartend at the Hideaway for a bit. I might look innocent....but I've handled a lot worse. I'm not saying I'm invincible, because I know things can happen even to the strongest of people. I just let my buddies know when I'm coming and I usually call them right after I leave my car and then they know if I'm not there within 10 mins. then they call me or come looking for me.

As for the molestation part of it....lol. Most of my friends are very tall and big, so picture a little poodle surrounded about about four or five aggresive great danes. The only downfall to it is....since I'm treated like the little sister, they're always looking for an excuse to pounce....

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I try my hardest to be responsible and safe whether it be going out to the bar by myself to going to work.

[P_chan]

Oh I could take'em........with my car.

When I'm out, I ususally walk down Gate 2 by myself and I'm always getting hassled by some drunk guy wanting to hook-up and go back to his room. I've had a put a few in their places after they've touched something that doesn't belong to them.

You should give me benifit of the doubt even I think it'd be unwise to try and pull "I'm-telling-your-commanding-officer-on-you" card....

Tell me about it! I was at Jon Jon's with my wife and some marine came up to her. He put his hand on her back and said "hey come with me". Then once she said no he started to push her out the door a little bit. But then his drunk ass friends came by and got him. Hehe I think they were jealous because I was sitting with my wife and all her friends. Me and 4 or 5 japanese girls just hanging out does get stares sometimes.

[Tempestuous]

I'm a big girl, I used to bartend at the Hideaway for a bit. I might look innocent....but I've handled a lot worse. I'm not saying I'm invincible, because I know things can happen even to the strongest of people. I just let my buddies know when I'm coming and I usually call them right after I leave my car and then they know if I'm not there within 10 mins. then they call me or come looking for me.

As for the molestation part of it....lol. Most of my friends are very tall and big, so picture a little poodle surrounded about about four or five aggresive great danes. The only downfall to it is....since I'm treated like the little sister, they're always looking for an excuse to pounce....

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I try my hardest to be responsible and safe whether it be going out to the bar by myself to going to work.

With some of those fruit loops it just doesn't matter. You say no and they won't relent. I tried everything, from straight up not,to ignoring them, to see the ring? I'm married, to there with my lesbian friend, to the big buff friend getting in their face, he & his friend would not leave me alone, they followed me, harassing all night. :mad:

freaking ridiculous!
We should be able to go out and have a good time without having to deal with that crap!

[Tempestuous]

Oh I could take'em........with my car.

When I'm out, I ususally walk down Gate 2 by myself and I'm always getting hassled by some drunk guy wanting to hook-up and go back to his room. I've had a put a few in their places after they've touched something that doesn't belong to them.



This is what pushes the line for me.
You wanna give a compliment, fine go ahead but don't be touching something that doesn't belong to you!!
And as Pchan brought up- don't get all pissy and start pushing & harassing one you get a NO for an answer.

I don't get how they think that will "work" for them. Not one of the ladies I have ever met have been excited about that type of behavior. Whatever hope you had- just got flushed down the toilet!

[ness4k]

Wow huge replies. I don't have much to say on the topic except that most of us Americans don't ask to come over here. We get orders, we follow them. I'm not saying it's bad being over here, like there something wrong with it. I would personally rather be stationed at Minot or Maelstorm or anywhere in the states for that matter. Most people can't wait to get off this island. It's tiny and there is hardly anything to do. People say it's b/c you don't go out and look for things to do....How can I? I can't speak/read Japanese so how am I suppose to do anything that isn't on-base? Luckly for me I'm just one of those guys who can sit in a room all day playing WoW or pawning some noobs in RS:VEGAS. And even more lucky for me I have a wife who can put up with it. But yea that's what I think.

[dk]

Wow huge replies. I don't have much to say on the topic except that most of us Americans don't ask to come over here. We get orders, we follow them. I'm not saying it's bad being over here, like there something wrong with it. I would personally rather be stationed at Minot or Maelstorm or anywhere in the states for that matter. Most people can't wait to get off this island. It's tiny and there is hardly anything to do. People say it's b/c you don't go out and look for things to do....How can I? I can't speak/read Japanese so how am I suppose to do anything that isn't on-base? Luckly for me I'm just one of those guys who can sit in a room all day playing WoW or pawning some noobs in RS:VEGAS. And even more lucky for me I have a wife who can put up with it. But yea that's what I think.
There is a lot to do off base, you just have to experiment a little. I'm putting together an all english event website at the moment that should be fully-functional soon. Once that's up, nobody should ever have an excuse for not knowing what's going on ever again.

But I did that stay at home thing for a while too. Just came out of being glued to final fantasy xi for 3 years. I had a blast too, and no regrets, but it's good to be free.

my lesbian friend
my lesbian friend
my lesbian friend
my lesbian friend
:eek: Does boost know about your lesbian friend? lmao

[Tempestuous]

:eek: Does boost know about your lesbian friend? lmao

LOL, Yeah he knows, he also missed out that night! :eek: LOL

[dk]

LOL, Yeah he knows, he also missed out that night! :eek: LOL
Hahahaha poor guy! I bet he regrets missing that night! :p

[Tempestuous]

Yeah, he threw a tantrum, who blames him? She was pretty hot.

[dk]

Yeah, he threw a tantrum, who blames him? She was pretty hot.
Did you guys take pictures?! :eek: hahaha

[Tempestuous]

LOL!
Terrible! Add insult to injury and take pictures?!?!?
:)

[Tempestuous]

Dude was relentless even with her sayin I was there with her. Talk about NOT taking the rejection!

"So does that mean it's okay for her to dance with me?"

Get a CLUE dude!!!!

[Boost]

Did you guys take pictures?! :eek: hahaha

Nope, I didn't get a d*mn thing except a story after the fact. :rolleyes:

But Temp is correct, she was hot :D

[dk]

Nope, I didn't get a d*mn thing except a story after the fact. :rolleyes:

But Temp is correct, she was hot :D
Sometimes life just isn't fair!

[roxy_skyy]

With some of those fruit loops it just doesn't matter. You say no and they won't relent. I tried everything, from straight up not,to ignoring them, to see the ring? I'm married, to there with my lesbian friend, to the big buff friend getting in their face, he & his friend would not leave me alone, they followed me, harassing all night. :mad:

freaking ridiculous!
We should be able to go out and have a good time without having to deal with that crap!

I guess I've just learned to accept it. They're dicks, and you just gotta treat them like their five years old and tell them "No, don't" and if they continue that's when the get the crap smacked out of them by some, and I quote "Short little priss" lol. Well that's one name, there are plenty other, most you'd be familiar with.

Then they get mad because THEY stepped out of line. :mad:

Usually there is a sober one that apologized profusely, and he's the guy I end up talking to most of the night because I feel bad he's not out enjoying the night like everyone else, so I make his friends jealous that he gets the attention and not them.... :)

[dk]

Note to self: act sober and bored around roxy. :D

[Tempestuous]

Note to self: act sober and bored around roxy. :D

There's our lil' manipulator ;)

[roxy_skyy]

There's our lil' manipulator ;)

That's if he can find me...lol

Guys are so predictable when I go out, I can manipulate most of them into anything....from buying me a drink to paying my taxi fare home. :D

.................not that I do it often.

[TheNoNamedOne]

I'm an American, married to a Marine, etc. etc.

I'm just curious - are we (Americans affiliated with the military) all disliked?
I am polite/courteous to every person that crosses my path, Okinawan or American. By doing so, I hope that at least some Okinawans can see we aren't ALL terrible people who like to drink/carouse/etc.

It's very interesting to see how different Americans and Okinawan/Japanese are, though. I love living here and I wish I could stay here forever :/.

Getting back to the OP...

Another thing I have heard from Japanese here regarding things they dislike about Americans, or are annoyed by, is their volume in voice. Americans in general seem to talk quite loud. And, if they are angry at their child, the surrounding public sure knows it.

Most Jpn will wait until they get home to mett out the discipline and show their anger at a child.

A Jpn acquaintance will look at me and remark like, "why are they so loud, got a hearing problem, or are they talking loud for the benefit of those around them, thinking they care about their conversation?"

[Tempestuous]

Getting back to the OP...

Another thing I have heard from Japanese here regarding things they dislike about Americans, or are annoyed by, is their volume in voice. Americans in general seem to talk quite loud. And, if they are angry at their child, the surrounding public sure knows it.

Most Jpn will wait until they get home to mett out the discipline and show their anger at a child.

A Jpn acquaintance will look at me and remark like, "why are they so loud, got a hearing problem, or are they talking loud for the benefit of those around them, thinking they care about their conversation?"


Actually- they probably do have a hearing problem!:) From all the loud music, television, work environments, etc. The brain blocks out the frequencies to protect itself. The problem is that only creates the need to be loud to be able to hear enough out of the conversation to grasp the gist of if.

[dk]

A Jpn acquaintance will look at me and remark like, "why are they so loud, got a hearing problem, or are they talking loud for the benefit of those around them, thinking they care about their conversation?"
It's a cultural thing. That's all there is to it. Americans are loud, and it bugs me sometimes when I hear a loud American talking on a cellphone. Or even worse, when a loud talking American calls my cellphone! I have to keep the receiver two inches away from my ear!

But like I said, it's part of the American culture. Ever heard Chinese people talk on the phone? It sounds like they're fighting!

[TheNoNamedOne]

It goes without saying that it is a cultural thing. That is why the OP is asking the question about Americans in general who are associated with the military.

[dk]

Ah, silly me. I thought this was the question in the OP.
I'm just curious - are we (Americans affiliated with the military) all disliked?
I didn't see the question about WHY we're disliked. At least not in the OP. But yes, there are a lot of things Japanese people just don't care for about the American way of doing things.

[Boost]

But yes, there are a lot of things Japanese people just don't care for about the American way of doing things.

I think the same thing could be said for the other way around. Some of the Japanese customs are strange to Americans, some that we may not care for as well.

[Tempestuous]

Yeah, kind of the nature of the beast. We each have the customs we are used to and many of the customs of others put us outside our comfort zone. This is where it comes in handy to be flexible & tolerable to some degree

[TheNoNamedOne]

lol. Touche.`

But, Quietasariot seems to think she knows WHY we are disliked. I am not sure she does know many of the reasons (perhaps some).

But you are right, it is cultural differences -- as are all foreign perceptions of differences or annoyances in any country where the natives meet the visitors.

[Boost]

But, Quietasariot seems to think she knows WHY we are disliked. I am not sure she does know many of the reasons (perhaps some).


It is a good thing to be aware of the things that the Japanese don't care for about us. That way it arms you with the knowledge of things to perhaps try and avoid in an effort to be a good guest while there. Even though some people might not have asked to be a guest, it makes a good impression for the whole team if you present yourself in a respectable manor.

[Tempestuous]

Good point!
Even if it isn't what you ASKED for- the least you can do is make the best of it and be a respectable visitor anyways. Who knows, you just might find out you LIKE it!!!! *gasp* :)

[TheNoNamedOne]

It is a good thing to be aware of the things that the Japanese don't care for about us. That way it arms you with the knowledge of things to perhaps try and avoid in an effort to be a good guest while there.

Agreed, Boost.

Also, I can't count how many times an acquaintance has asked me:

Why do all high school military dependents hanging out in Chatan Mihama area all look like they are in gangs?

I think they are intimidated by the multiple piercings and even tattoos on dependents. Hanging out in large groups also seems to intimidate them (though Jpn bosozokus are not much different). But, they, too, are quite loud when they are calling to their friends all the way from the Makeman entrance to the McDonalds. And under there where the escalators are does begin to look like a gang's club area when you get 10 or 20 of them hanging out and being loud.

Doesn't bother me too much, but I don't think it gives a good pic of U.S. dependents to Jpn who end up going that way for whatever reason at that time.

[devine]

If they don't know you, it may be irrelevant how good you act (although acting outwardly rude would make the thought even worse), because Japanese and Okinawans have tatemae as a strong part of their thinking. Basically, tatemae is just "superficial" acting or sentiment, and it is expected that this "act" is presented as much as possible in public to strangers.

It's funny that you say that cause how I was raised you must act proper in public. So know rough housing, mind your manners, and be polite. These are things I was raised and imagine how I will raise my kids. Now my 2 year old has a mind of her own but I certainly do try.
So does this mean I am fake because we taught to mind our manners in public but at home being goofy self is ok.

[TheNoNamedOne]

No devine. You are not fake. Like you said, that is manners based on behaviour. Tatemae is slightly different. It is not so much as behaviour, but giving a misleading impression. Maybe we would consider it as kind of white lies we say to keep relations oiled and going smooth. Like:

Your new haircut looks great (but thinking it looks like crap).

This is what I mean. While Americans do do that, too, Japanese take it to a higher level or art form. For American, if they really really didn't like someone, they would probably not say anything at all if they couldn't say something nice, but Japanese, or in the case of Okinawans, may say to your face:

My grandmother always talked about how kind U.S. soldiers were to them after the War (but later say to friends, "I wish the U.S. bases were gone because the military causes a lot of trouble).

Regardless of whether any of it is true or not.

[quietasariot]

Ok, I wonder... what do they do about the younger kids? My daughter is 2 1/2 and I'm not sure if she would remember that she did something bad in public, so that if I got home and reprimanded her ...would she actually remember? I guess she would, and I never thought about that before :).

If she REALLY needs a talking to I'll take her outside or somewhere that there aren't a ton of people.

I do have a hearing problem, though. LOL. But I don't yell or raise my voice usually, I'm a quiet person :)

[Tempestuous]

You can come up with a signal that you do at home every time she acts up even at home. Then when she acts up in public you do the signal and usually they pick up that they need to stop. THEN, if they continue acting up you pick up and leave immediately. (Immediate negative consequence is best.(
They learn you are serious when you say stop.

[Fairlady]

Sorry for just throwing my opinion in on this one,. . . . . .

I think that saddly it is not the strict "military" that is the problem I think that it is more of the americans. . . Please take this in the most respectful way possible. I know that all americans are not jerks and I know that we are not all bad or stuck up or anything like that, but have you ever heard the expression "one weak link breaks the chain" ?
This would be the perfect example of a phrase that would illustrate my point.

Example. . . . A few months ago (and this is not the first nor the last time that I have encountered something like this) there were a group of people that were walking through the plaza. (near jusco) There were being terribly annoying and to be honest very disruptive. This group of 5 or 6 were running and skipping around the place like it was theirs, yelling and looking under the skirt of a Plastic lifesize model. (you can only imagine what this was like).

Now I am going to be honest being there at that time trying to just hang out and relax made me quite uncomfortable even being in that place where I go often. Can you only imagine how the local national's would feel?

I think that it is situations like this that happen all the time that make some people turn their heads on us americans because it is rude and disrespectful and so on. . . This is also not just the case in japan it happens all over the world. I also think that although there are a number of good respectfull people out there there is not enough of them to offset the number of "whatever you want to call em's" out there.

I wish that there were more people like myself (and others that are out there too please don't think that I am looking over you) but I think that the image is already drawn in the heads of people all around the world as I said and it is going to be a hard thing to change if it can be changed at all. Unfortunately the bulk of americans that are here are military so that goes hand in hand.

I do also want to add that I think that there are a lot of mil. spouses that wear their husband's rank on their sleeve. I understand the troubles and tribulations that you have to go through when it comes to that trust me long years in the mil. can cause a lot of stress and whatnot BUT when it comes down to it at the end of the day. Rank is something that husbands (and wives) that are military use in their job. I think that you should treat people like people and REMEMBER that you are a person JUST LIKE THEM. !!
In the most respectable way possible that is.

Thanks for listening I will stop now :0)

[quietasariot]

Temepestuous... thank you! That makes a lot of sense. She's only my first and while she's a damn good kid sometimes I'm left stumped as to what to do... sigh.

[dk]

Good post fairlady. :)

[Tempestuous]

Temepestuous... thank you! That makes a lot of sense. She's only my first and while she's a damn good kid sometimes I'm left stumped as to what to do... sigh.

You know, we all just do the best we can! Not everything works for every kid, but I have found tweaking other's recommendations I can usually find something that does work for us.

At 2.5 she likely processes 2-3 step directions (it always helped me to keep things like that in mind).
You can "check" this by doing the following- Hold her hands & say- do what I say " touch your nose & your hair" let go of hands and see if she can do it.
If so repeat but give 3 step direction- "turn around, clap your hands, & touch your ear"
How many directions she can follow is where she is processing (how much information she can auditorally take in, process & output)

Usually this corresponds with their age (up to age 7), however, health issues can make it lower & working on it can make it higher.

To work on it you simply do the same activity as you do to check their processing. You can do multi-step directions as well as random, individual numbers (0-9)/letters or words.

If you do the latter- give each word/#/letter in 1 sec intervals and they repeat back to you each word/letter/# once you have completed the sequence.
Make sure they say each one independently without chunking or chaining them together.

[Fairlady]

Thank you :-)

[socalheart]

My mother used to give me "that look", which usually meant I was going to get my butt spanked if I didn't quit doing what I was doing ten minutes ago. heh. If that didn't get me to stop, she'd slap my hand or butt lightly. If I cried... well, there was no coming back from that one.

When I was older, mom would have a word or hand signal, which I usually ignored. Dad would simply say that I had "diarrhea of the mouth", which shut me up quickly. heh. I didn't act out as much then, but I did mouth off a lot.

I've offered our store bathroom to a parent who wanted to discipline a child, but had to wait until they were home, which as previously mentioned, very young children forget why they're being punished by then. The child came out quietly remorseful and somewhat teary, but behaved.

I don't see a problem with taking a child aside to correct adverse behaviour in public or at home. I don't condone beating the crap out of your kid or yelling at the kid in public though.

[TheNoNamedOne]

I've seen more than my fare share of American mothers in Okinawa (mainly Mihama, Chatan area -- the big parking lot) going balistic on their child by screaming. Embarrassing. Like raving maniacs. Seen it inside Jusco, too.

Maybe the salt air in that area does something to them, I don't know. But it is not a pretty site and does very little for image of Americans to the locals.

[devine]

I understand what you were saying at this point. There is so many ways to interperate the internet so I like to clarify. One thing I love about the internet is the people you meet. One thing I hate is people don't realize the tone of the conversation (at times) unless it's spelled out. Thanks for clearing that up TheProsecutor Have a great evening.

[devine]

I've seen more than my fare share of American mothers in Okinawa (mainly Mihama, Chatan area -- the big parking lot) going balistic on their child by screaming. Embarrassing. Like raving maniacs. Seen it inside Jusco, too.




I am not like that but my husband is. I am trying to teach him how to act in public.

Few things come to mind when you mentioned this act. One the parent is stressed out and the child is feeling the same stress how they deal with is by acting out. In turn the parent yells and screams at the child in public under stress. Coming to a new country is very hard on any person. This is why I think for the next 3 years I just stay home. (maybe not)
Another reason I can think of is that these parents do not discipline there children at home. This can cause children to act out and become disruptive. Or in my case my daughter is extremely stubborn and has a mind of her own at the age of 2. My oldest was an angel and never caused me any grief.
Change for these children are just as hard and they become behavior issues.
Last but not least is these parents didn't learn as a child discreetly punishing their child. There is a redneck joke from Larry The Cable Guy (i think) about when he goes to Wal-Mart and every isle he walks onto a parent is spanking their child. Then the joke proceeds to say that they bring these kids to Wal-mart just to punish their kids. Insane. But this is fact that happens.
When our kids are brought up the right way then the pattern will continue and not fall apart during the next generations. Sad how many lazy parents there are today.

[These are my thoughts on this topic. Not meant to offend anyone in this group. If I have offended anyone in this group. I do apologize greatly!]

[P_chan]

I've seen more than my fare share of American mothers in Okinawa (mainly Mihama, Chatan area -- the big parking lot) going balistic on their child by screaming. Embarrassing. Like raving maniacs. Seen it inside Jusco, too.

Maybe the salt air in that area does something to them, I don't know. But it is not a pretty site and does very little for image of Americans to the locals.

Some kids need to be screamed at and smacked at home that way they don't act up in public. I'm not talking about beating the living daylights out of your kid, but a 'time out' doesn't work. If your kid doesn't act properly in public, don't take him/her out to their favorite places until they learn how to act right.

[DougP]

eh I've seen my fair share of japanese parents doing the same. A quick smack every now and then too. Even if their kid is chu gaku sei (junior high student) Hey as long as they're not leaving their kids in the car its ok with me.:thumbup:

[Tempestuous]

Hey as long as they're not leaving their kids in the car its ok with me.:thumbup:

Oh, I thought that was acceptable child rearing.....I see it quite frequently, and assumed everyone parented that way.....ooops, my bad. :rolleyes*end sarcasm*

[Pikoro]

I should write a book on raising kids eh dk?

[dk]

I should write a book on raising kids eh dk?
You'd be a good authority on the topic. :thumbup1:

[Fairlady]

hmmm i used to get those "your going to get your but kicked" looks from my parents too when I was a kid. ha ha ha those were the good old days

yeah right

[Muku]

I think the same thing could be said for the other way around. Some of the Japanese customs are strange to Americans, some that we may not care for as well.
However let's not forget we are living in Japan and not America. Like it or not not everyone in the world appreciates or even likes America or it's people.

Yeah, kind of the nature of the beast. We each have the customs we are used to and many of the customs of others put us outside our comfort zone. This is where it comes in handy to be flexible & tolerable to some degree

Which is something I personally would love to see more Japanese adapt into their mindset when looking at "foreigners". And not just at Americans.

Okinawa in a sense is truly a melting pot in more ways than one, even without the military here there are something in the neighborhood of over 100 different country's peoples living here, include the military and it goes even higher. Well over half the world's people are represented here.

[Brett23iu]

well this just shows that americans as well as okinawan's all have there bad apples or teenagers who like to show there ass...I mean I am not too old I joined when I was 22 but I feel I am a lil more respectful and responsible then I was at that age....we should all be a lil more polite considering we are in another country...just my thoughts

[kilo_four-six]

I was stationed there many years ago and I found that with the exception of the seedier areas Okinawans did indeed dislike Americans, and for good reason I later found out. Maybe a few bad apples and all that, but at that time (I don't know about now) there were a lot of bad apples. However after I started dating an Okinawan girl (whom I later married) things improved. Look when you send thousands of kids overseas and set them loose what can we expect? I myself was a drunken idiot MUCH of the time. :barf:

[ProtoEVO]

Ok here is my 2 yen
I just tried to read this entire thing from the beginning but my ADD kept kicking in so if I go off topic please forgive me.

Quietriot: I have only been posting here a few days, but I have seen a couple of threads now that you are talking about neighbors or locals not liking you. I would have to say you sound a little thin skinned. If someone doesn't smile at you that does not mean they don't like you.

On the big question: I have been here a long time, not as long as some but definitely longer than others. There are people that love us and there are people that don't. It is real simple. When you see idiots out there being idiots stop them. This goes both ways. I think those HS girls talking about the fat baby should have been caught up with and been made aware that you understood what they were saying. Then check their reaction.

There are people all over the world that don't like fat people or skinny people, loud, quiet, bald, hairy, whatever. If you think it is because you are American, well then do what has been suggested. Study some culture and language and make friends one at a time. This is not Gary, Indiana in 1936 where everyone knows everyone. You have to make new friends here and that takes effort on your part.

[DoctorP]

Man...good post, but put some breaks in there to make it easier on the eyes!

[kilo_four-six]

I don't know how they feel about civilian Americans, I'm sure it's nowhere near as bad, but I distinctly remember the hostility I encountered from much of the local populace as a young serviceman, it was palpable. After I thought about it though I could understand, how would I feel if there were thousands of foreign soldiers crawling all over my home, especially when many were drunk and unruly? Of course places like Koza (Okinawa City now), they loved us, because of our money, but it was like Sodom and Gemmorah back then...what fun! I hear it's all cleaned up now, sort of makes me sad...:(

[ststephen65]

Wow huge replies. I don't have much to say on the topic except that most of us Americans don't ask to come over here. We get orders, we follow them. I'm not saying it's bad being over here, like there something wrong with it. I would personally rather be stationed at Minot or Maelstorm or anywhere in the states for that matter. Most people can't wait to get off this island. It's tiny and there is hardly anything to do. People say it's b/c you don't go out and look for things to do....How can I? I can't speak/read Japanese so how am I suppose to do anything that isn't on-base? Luckly for me I'm just one of those guys who can sit in a room all day playing WoW or pawning some noobs in RS:VEGAS. And even more lucky for me I have a wife who can put up with it. But yea that's what I think.


wow, i really do feel sorry for you and the hundreds of people like you. if you cant find something here then your closed minded and not up for trying new things. ive done so many things here that i would of NEVER tried in the states. get out of your "comfort" zone and experiment a little.

[ststephen65]

oh and as far as gate 2 goes, well F*** gate 2, hang out there and you know what kind of shit your going to have to deal with

[DougP]

Yeah, who cares you come here on orders or not? I find it hard to think that someone can't find something enjoyable about this place. I mean all you have to do is get out somewhere. And traveling along RT 58/330 and going to places like gate 2 doesn't count. My 2 yen

[Asshat]

Yeah, who cares you come here on orders or not? I find it hard to think that someone can't find something enjoyable about this place. I mean all you have to do is get out somewhere. And traveling along RT 58/330 and going to places like gate 2 doesn't count. My 2 yen

Gate 2 rocks dude! It used to anyway. Until about 1980 when they started paving stuff on BC street.

So uh, besides sailing, diving, jet skiing, golfing, court sports, and tours, what is there to do in this boring place?

[dk]

Dude, 1980 was 27 years ago...

[Muku]

Dude, 1980 was 27 years ago...

So............are you insinuating that uminchu is :old:, that's ridiculous!

[dk]

Gate 2 rocks dude! It used to anyway. Until about 1980 when they started paving stuff on BC street.
Nah, just kind of poking fun at the above. Usually when people say something like that, they mention some change that happened recently that made things go downhill.

In other words.

Gate 2 rocks dude! It used to anyway. Until about 27 years ago.

Sorry, just taking my boredom out on uminchu hehehehe.

[DougP]

Favorite pass time so far on this awesome island is to sit back, take it easy and sip on some Tatsu shima. Just enjoy life.

[dk]

I used to really enjoy the beaches, the clubs, traveling around, taking pictures of various sites on Okinawa, etc, but now I just enjoy taking it easy. It's not that the beauty is gone or that I've seen everything, it's just that I really enjoy peace and quiet, generally.

I feel like that guy on Office Space sometimes.

What would you do if you had a million dollars?
Absolutely nothing.

Exactly. Something like that.

[ProtoEVO]

Eisa
Practice tonight performance during Zento Eisa on the 2nd
That is something to do.

[dk]

Sanshin (Shamisen, whatever) is fun to learn too.

Enjoy learning the kunkunshi...

[ProtoEVO]

Speaking of which the Ryukyu Shimpo will be at practice tonight to snap some pics of us gaijins and Uchinanchu and Naicha doing Eisa.
Wonder why we are never in the Japan Update

<hint>

[dk]

Let me just tell one of our reporters...

Crap, we don't have any...

Lol, no, I take it back. We have one guy who goes out and writes stories. Send an email to me at webmaster@japanupdate.com anytime you want something publicized and I'll shoot your email to the editor. If he likes it, he'll send that guy or some guy out.

[Muku]

he'll send that guy or some guy out

What about girls? Or is Kari's wife the only female at JU?

[dk]

The other girls are all involved in page layout and customer service, and his wife runs a shop. But hey, maybe Kari and his wife will go out. Who knows?!

[Muku]

The other girls are all involved in page layout and customer service, and his wife runs a shop. But hey, maybe Kari and his wife will go out. Who knows?!

I used to know them both eons ago.:old:, the company I worked at many years ago used to advertise with the "old" JU.

[TheNoNamedOne]

The other girls are all involved in page layout and customer service, and his wife runs a shop. But hey, maybe Kari and his wife will go out. Who knows?!

I've talked briefly with Kari's wife at their shop several times. She is friendly and very helpful.

[Asshat]

Hey DK, byte me! Like a good wine, I get better with age....well, perhaps I have reached that vinegar stage by now? :)

Trust me, this place was better those years ago. Walk down Gate 2, some dude asks if you have any papers; "I'll share it with you." We read alot those days, dudes and chics on the street, everybody reading.

Somewhere between the violence of the protests and the race wars, we would listen to Condition Green or Murasaki. I remain friends with some of those guys even today.

Talk about fine wine getting that vinegar taste to it eh? But to those old rockers, there isn't the question of the gaijin being here, or getting along. It's way passed that. It's almost a lifetime of friendship, shared values....

Now I see naicha telling me to "go home" with their signs and meaningless protests, while my countrymen wander around Jusco asking, "do they like us?" It's laughable.

[TheNoNamedOne]

lol. Uminchu does have some good points to consider in there. Not that I agree with them all. But, valid points.

[dk]

Great post uminchu. :)

[kilo_four-six]

This is to that jughead who thinks there's nothing to do there, well I thought the same way my first few months there but then I found out you gotta get an Okinawan girlfriend then the whole island opens up for you and you have the time of your life, if you just stay on base and drink at the club and go home after your tour then you really missed out on something special. Even without a girlfriend I would really make an effort to explore the island.

[kilo_four-six]

Uminchu I can't believe you mentioned Condition Green and Murasaki, wow that brings back memories! They are still around?? We used to watch them all the time down on BC street before it got civilized!!! That bass player for CG was totally insane!!

[Hollarey]

I found out you gotta get an Okinawan girlfriend then the whole island opens up for you and you have the time of your life


So...I need to get an Okinawan girlfriend huh?

[TheNoNamedOne]

Yeah, it would 'open' Okinawa up to you in more than one way. Besides, lesbiens are cool anyways. Inter-racial ones may even be more cool. <smile>

[dk]

This thread just got a little hotter. :D

[DoctorP]

You'd be surprised at how many Okinawan girls are bi! It wouldn't be that hard for someone like Hollery to find one! (or three!)

[Hollarey]

hmmm...wasnt sure I was looking for one, just interested in the "whole island opens up for you and you have the time of your life," part. I am sure hubby would be all for it though. <thinking>

[atb35]

Well damn, i really need to find an okinawan girlfriend then....island opens up and chances are she is bi!

[P_chan]

You'd be surprised at how many Okinawan girls are bi! It wouldn't be that hard for someone like Hollery to find one! (or three!)

Please tell me where all these bi okinawans girls are.:thumbup1:

[DoctorP]

Please tell me where all these bi okinawans girls are.:thumbup1:

Man you would be surprised! Back when I was single....way back there...It happened a few times where I was dating a girl, we would go to parties, and one thing led to another. :w00t::scared: It's not always the ones you would think either!

[atb35]

Please tell me where all these bi okinawans girls are.:thumbup1:

Again....^^^^^

[DADOG]

this thread didn't get a little hotter. it just dumbed down. If you can't find things to do here wait until you get to guam. now there is a place that sux and has nothing to do.

[Muku]

this thread didn't get a little hotter. it just dumbed down. If you can't find things to do here wait until you get to guam. now there is a place that sux and has nothing to do.

And that is where the @15,000 Marines and their families will be moving to. Sounds like a great oppotunity for some resourceful men and women.:-|:D

[socalheart]

Please tell me where all these bi okinawans girls are.:thumbup1:

Club Red? o.O heh. There are some very morally ambiguous girls at that club. :rolleyes:

I don't think one requires a local girl/boyfriend to have the island open up for them. Sometimes, having a regular friend helps or visiting relatives. I grew up here and haven't been to most of the tourist spots. When my in-laws come to visit, we're going to take them around the island. :w00t:

[Hollarey]

I don't think one requires a local girl/boyfriend to have the island open up for them.

Yeah, know it isnt the only way to open up the island. Just becoming friends with the locals or just getting out and exploring will open up the island. I was just making a joke.

[Asshat]

Uminchu I can't believe you mentioned Condition Green and Murasaki, wow that brings back memories! They are still around?? We used to watch them all the time down on BC street before it got civilized!!! That bass player for CG was totally insane!!

You can find remnants, or better yet, their progeny. Kachan is about the only one still well-known. He's done many commericals here as well as a very B grade film. (Sorry Kachan) :)

[socalheart]

Holla: I know you were joking. :thumbup: But, if you were ever looking... ;) heh.

kilo and umin: I was told that I saw Murasaki play Peaceful Love a few years ago. Does Ray still have 7th Heaven? It's been about a year since I've been there.

[P_chan]

Club Red? o.O heh. There are some very morally ambiguous girls at that club.

Yuck did you say club red? God that place sucks!

LOL funny thing is my wife and her friends have always liked club red.

[Hollarey]

I dont like club red so much. I cant breathe in there.

[P_chan]

Too many people and 90% of them are assholes and are just trying to get some booty.

[socalheart]

re: club red. feels like i'll catch some disease just walking by the place. ick.
sorry, way off topic, but can't figure out what the topic is anymore. :)

[DoctorP]

Too many people and 90% of them are assholes and are just trying to get some booty.

Something about that statement is just funny as hell to me! I keep picturing these lonely little assholes with no ass...looking for their own little booty to pair up with! :w00t: ROFL

(I know...I have a weird sense of humor!)

[socalheart]

(I know...I have a weird sense of humor!)

it's okay, it made me chuckle too. it's so wrong, yet funny. heh. :p

[P_chan]

Something about that statement is just funny as hell to me! I keep picturing these lonely little assholes with no ass...looking for their own little booty to pair up with! :w00t: ROFL

(I know...I have a weird sense of humor!)

LOL funny thing is it took me a second to get that one:thumbup:

Yes I know....I'm slow:D

[Ammoyankee]

Wow, saw that post about Murasaki and it brings back memories. I rememember watching the band "Okinawa" at Cannon club, playing darts at Haru's and drinking Rainbows at the Rolling Stone Bar!

[Ammoyankee]

Also... Sunabe was more fun when it was a two lane dirt road with no houses and apartments...

[kilo_four-six]

this thread didn't get a little hotter. it just dumbed down. If you can't find things to do here wait until you get to guam. now there is a place that sux and has nothing to do.

That's the point I was trying to make, but hey if they want to spend their tour in the e-club that's their biz..knew many who did just that, spent the whole time complaining how much the rock sucked..doh.