Another solution: Community Building

[DougP]

Not sure exactly where to begin on this one so I'll just shoot from the hip. Many of the recent and past incidences and issues have had me thinking. Wondering what the real problem is and if there is really any solution. Its obvious that we have a unique situation given the make up of our local community here on Okinawa. Many different opinions of it and ideas of how it should be resolved. Most of what I've read, heard and have meandered across have ignored or missed one interesting element. One that's quite simple and perhaps by far the most important when it comes to the community. That would be the human element.

I get the feeling that we are far to caught up in a Us VS Them mentality. Or too wound up over our own nationality or race. We are often so full of ourselves saturated with pride that we become too defensive to take a new approach. It would also appear that many are over dependent on local groups, military leaders and politicians to sort this all out for us. So dependent that we have over looked the most vital instrument in making this work out and better the situation. That of course would be us, each other.

I would like to see those on the opposite sides of the fence drop their pitch forks, their signs, their national pride, their "how it is back home" attitude and actually get to know one another. Forget what is being said, what has been done, what flag is flown over you and approach one another with a sense of humility, understanding and optimism.

I wish we could just lock the politicians and leaders away for a week or two and get everyone together for one huge BBQ or something. I would like to see what the mood would be like afterwards. What would CPL Johnny, who hates being here and thinks the Okinawans hate him, think after he shared a cup of hot tea and stories with members of the community. Perhaps his outlook and perception might change. What kind of affect might it have on someone like Hironao Yamashiro if we were to get together and enjoy some wonderful home cooked meals at my house with my family? Might the mood change a bit? Would that be considered a positive approach in community building for the Okinawa Peace Campaign Center Director?

For me, I'm going to continue to go out there and meet new people and continue to build on the relationships already in motion. Not to spread the love of the American way of life, screw that! This isn't about promoting ones culture or nationality. Its about understanding it. Its about getting past those differences and connecting on a personal human level. People will always fear and dislike what they do not know and understand. I'm more about trying to chip away at that cold stone wall of ignorance one heart and mind at a time.

If the powers that be decide that I can no longer be a part of this community, one that I have grown to love and respect, one where my family lives, then so be it. For now though, this is my community, my family's community, its our community and I intend on trying to make it a stronger one.

Of course I'm but one person, I can only hope there are others out there that might want to give this a shot as well.:)

[SPMF#1]

One of the more well thought out sane threads I have ever seen. You have my vote for president.:first::thumbup:

[proudtobnotpc]

I've been thinking for awhile way before the rape of organizing a block party at BaBa park in Chatan

[SPMF#1]

I've been thinking for awhile way before the rape of organizing a block party at BaBa park in Chatan
I'm fairly new to the island, not sure where that is, but I'm game.:thumbup1:

[proudtobnotpc]

I'm fairly new to the island, not sure where that is, but I'm game.:thumbup1:

basically a large scale bbq but everyone pitches in and we all break even on the $$ side and are able to offer everyone a good time:thumbup:

[SPMF#1]

sounds doable.

[Muku]

Here's the hard part...get the womens group that is always protesting crap here and the mayor of Okinawa City to attend.

Do that and I for one will show up.

[DougP]

Here's the hard part...get the womens group that is always protesting crap here and the mayor of Okinawa City to attend.

Do that and I for one will show up.

Hey let's invite them to the next JU meet.:first: I'll even pay their way.:thumbup:

Who wants to help me draft up some formal invitations?:)

[proudtobnotpc]

Here's the hard part...get the womens group that is always protesting crap here and the mayor of Okinawa City to attend.

Do that and I for one will show up.
I can try but can't promise anything if they do show up it would not be in an official capacity. But for this to be successful I'm going to the Chatan city office and ask for official permission and any help they can donate to us also :thumbup1:

[Muku]

Hey let's invite them to the next JU meet.:first: I'll even pay their way.:thumbup:

Who wants to help me draft up some formal invitations?:)

I think you have someone next to you that is better at writing Japanese than anyone else here.
:D

[SPMF#1]

Here's the hard part...get the womens group that is always protesting crap here and the mayor of Okinawa City to attend.

Do that and I for one will show up.
Dude, we are looking at community relations, not miricals.:rolleyes: jk:D

[DougP]

I think you have someone next to you that is better at writing Japanese than anyone else here.
:D

Yeah and she's at work too:crying: You know me though, I will ask anyways:D

[SPMF#1]

I can try but can't promise anything if they do show up it would not be in an official capacity. But for this to be successful I'm going to the Chatan city office and ask for official permission and any help they can donate to us also :thumbup1:
All we can do is ask, it would go along way and going to them permission shows the proper respect.:thumbup1:

[SPMF#1]

Hey let's invite them to the next JU meet.:first: I'll even pay their way.:thumbup:

Who wants to help me draft up some formal invitations?:)
I would love to help, but i am a knuckle dragging maintainer, not the most PC person in the world lol:D

[Muku]

Dude, we are looking at community relations, not miricals.:rolleyes: jk:D

However, to ask makes a difference as well to me. Hell I think that an opportunity to get more Japanese involved to just talk and discuss things and get people to realize that neither side is Satan would be beneficial to all.

The worst they can say is no.

[DougP]

Although having a get together with officials would be nice it almost seems a bit "dog and pony". I'm really referring more to day to day interactions. I'm not concerned with whether someone is a mayor, group leader, garbage collector, computer programmer, etc... Everyone is entitled to my hospitality.:D

Its those little things that never come to mind. Like when someone opens the door for someone else because that person has their hands full. The thought of race, nationality or that persons employment aren't the first thing to come to mind. Its that basic act of kindness on the human level. Letting someone else go before you, picking up the tab, over tipping, or handing out hot beverages to a near by road crew seem to be a much more powerful gesture than having having dinner with the local governing bodies.

But hey I'm still all for inviting them for a good meal or JU meet.:) In fact I just might kompai with everyone at Jon Jons for the heck of it.:)

[Son Kokujin]

Not sure exactly where to begin on this one so I'll just shoot from the hip. Many of the recent and past incidences and issues have had me thinking. Wondering what the real problem is and if there is really any solution. Its obvious that we have a unique situation given the make up of our local community here on Okinawa. Many different opinions of it and ideas of how it should be resolved. Most of what I've read, heard and have meandered across have ignored or missed one interesting element. One that's quite simple and perhaps by far the most important when it comes to the community. That would be the human element.

I get the feeling that we are far to caught up in a Us VS Them mentality. Or too wound up over our own nationality or race. We are often so full of ourselves saturated with pride that we become too defensive to take a new approach. It would also appear that many are over dependent on local groups, military leaders and politicians to sort this all out for us. So dependent that we have over looked the most vital instrument in making this work out and better the situation. That of course would be us, each other.

I would like to see those on the opposite sides of the fence drop their pitch forks, their signs, their national pride, their "how it is back home" attitude and actually get to know one another. Forget what is being said, what has been done, what flag is flown over you and approach one another with a sense of humility, understanding and optimism.

I wish we could just lock the politicians and leaders away for a week or two and get everyone together for one huge BBQ or something. I would like to see what the mood would be like afterwards. What would CPL Johnny, who hates being here and thinks the Okinawans hate him, think after he shared a cup of hot tea and stories with members of the community. Perhaps his outlook and perception might change. What kind of affect might it have on someone like Hironao Yamashiro if we were to get together and enjoy some wonderful home cooked meals at my house with my family? Might the mood change a bit? Would that be considered a positive approach in community building for the Okinawa Peace Campaign Center Director?

For me, I'm going to continue to go out there and meet new people and continue to build on the relationships already in motion. Not to spread the love of the American way of life, screw that! This isn't about promoting ones culture or nationality. Its about understanding it. Its about getting past those differences and connecting on a personal human level. People will always fear and dislike what they do not know and understand. I'm more about trying to chip away at that cold stone wall of ignorance one heart and mind at a time.

If the powers that be decide that I can no longer be a part of this community, one that I have grown to love and respect, one where my family lives, then so be it. For now though, this is my community, my family's community, its our community and I intend on trying to make it a stronger one.

Of course I'm but one person, I can only hope there are others out there that might want to give this a shot as well.:)

Doug, you reminde me exactly WHY I am proud to be an Gaikokujin here in Nippon. If it were ever possible, you'd have my vote! Thanx for helping me regaining some I.Q. Points with this one!

[Muku]

But hey I'm still all for inviting them for a good meal or JU meet. In fact I just might kompai with everyone at Jon Jons for the heck of it.

Youre on!!:thumbup:

[okisteve]

Here's the hard part...get the womens group that is always protesting crap here and the mayor of Okinawa City to attend.

Do that and I for one will show up.

How about having male strippers?

[proudtobnotpc]

How about having male strippers?

funny you should mention that I know of a couple if anyone wants them:first:

[TheNoNamedOne]

We are often so full of ourselves saturated with pride that we become too defensive to take a new approach.

This reasoning has merit on other levels and quite applicable to those as well, Doug. We need to put that forth in quite the egalitarian way it is deserving of. <wink>

Good insight to make note of and bring to our attention.

[Oxmix]

How about some adult toys. There is probably a lot of built up sexual tension in the womens group. :D

Regards

Ox