n69n wrote (and I totally agree):
“i always think of the differences between the tokyo & nyc subways & how they reflect their cultures.
“usa = marilyn monroe
japan = audrey hepburn
“i liked japan very much. it was the first time i ever felt respected as an artist.
“in america, if you say you are an artist, you might as well be saying “i am a homeless bum!”
but in japan, even if they are just being polite, people are interested in your work.
“there is no value on ettiquette or art in america.
“in tokyo, people would leave their bikes unlocked outside the subway station. i asked my friend, “arent they afraid of someone stealing their bikes?”
“he looked bewildered by the question, and said, “no one would steal another person’s bike, because then someone would steal *their* bike.”
“like, the karma was so instant & obvious, no one would even think of going there.”
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February 20th, 2008 at 11:14 am
February 20th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Thank you for posting this Jónas n69n is a wonderful person. Its interesting to lern that the Japenese have more of a much needed respect for artist. From what n69n posted the whole society seems to be on a much more respected and friendly level something I think we can all learn. As for artist as Björk says pop music helps elevate and add magic to everyday ordinary life so thoese who passion and skill make that happen definately deserve our gratiude and love.
February 20th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
I’d definitely have to attest to that. Try sitting through some American art history classes; you would think that, if not all, then most art-based students would value and take an interest in art, but it’s not entirely so.
In one case, my professor was talking about Rodin’s statue of “The Thinker” or “The Poet,” and literally five seconds after he mentioned it, someone asked…
“who was the dude who did that thinking statue thing?”
*shudders*
I’m not saying that everyone in America is like that, but it is quite a common issue here.
February 22nd, 2008 at 12:09 am
that’s our Norn!!
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:15 am
Funnily enough many of the people I know are Americans and none of them automatically assume you are a bum if you say you are an artist.
Maybe in Iceland if you say you are American, you might as well be saying, “I have no ediquette.” And then again….sometimes when you really are interested, people assume whatever they assume and you are shut out anyway….Interesting and very slippery.
Have fun in your travels.
February 22nd, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Nice observation. I think gentility is vastly overrated her ein North America.
February 23rd, 2008 at 3:36 pm
first i must say thank you so very much for coming to Japan! I am an american that has moved to Japan a year ago to marry a wonderful man..my first month moving here..i got pregnant with my first child…it was a tough year for me..i was a very ill pregnant woman…my point to sharing this with you..is that the Bjork show was a one year celebration for me… I love love love everything about Bjork and the ones that play with her..you are all amazing artists! I have a beautiful baby girl named Nina…and we will stay in Japan for the rest of our lives…tho i miss friends and family back in america..i do not miss much…the japanese culture is amazingly respectful …and yes its true…you can leave your bike unlocked and no one will steal it…i never worry about people stealing my things…or walking down the street by myself at night in japan…this is a safe and beautiful country..on this silly floating ball we call earth…enjoy your tour…its a super inspiring tour:)
February 26th, 2008 at 8:10 am
I think it’s dangerous to make such sweeping statements and assumptions or accusatory stereotypes about an entire people or an entire nation, regardless of how much traveling you get to do in one year. Wherever you go, you’re going to get a different response from people, but to lump a whole people into one big ball of dough, it’s not giving people credit for being individuals at all. We’re not all just merely the product of our countries. And even so, I don’t think you could ever get off saying that Americans are all like that.
I’m American and believe that you can still find well-cultured people who appreciate and are aware of art and art history, and the life of an artist, and who will show genuine interest and respect for you and your art. Just because it’s hard to be an artist here, that doesn’t mean that people don’t turn to art anyways, in their spare time as a release. I mean even if this is capitalist country, going to hell in a hand-basket, we’re not all insensitive trash. You’d be surprized.
It’s just like taking up a handful of sand, and saying it’s all brown. Look at each grain of sand. They’re all different colors. they’re all a different universe unto themselves. Sure, they lie on the same beach, next to each other, but we are all unique, no matter what societal pressures we have to overcome. We’re all bending the rules in our minds. So give us a little credit. We’re not all just a bungle of idiots.
February 27th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
I have to disagree with n69n’s quote about stealing bikes:
Yes, in Japan they don’t steal things from others BUT if there is one thing that they are taking (and this refers to mostly the big cities) it is the bikes! Yes, its true and it mostly happens when people have missed the last train home.
That is how it is.
March 29th, 2008 at 12:15 am
I hope Björk will read that message. I never seen her in Canada and I really hope so much that she will come here soon because she’s absolutly awesome. She’s the image of the perfect woman, she have the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard and god she’s so intelligent and crazy at the same time. She’s the person I most admire. Montreal will rock if she come.