Why Japanese People Have a Low Level of Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It is an essential trait that helps us connect with people and build relationships. However, it is said that Japanese people have a low level of empathy compared to other races. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon.
Lack of Understanding of True Empathy
Many people in Japan have a misconception about what true empathy means. They believe that being empathetic is about feeling the same way as the other person. However, true empathy is about understanding the other person's feelings without including your own feelings and subjectivity. It is about being able to understand the other person's circumstances and speaking for their inner voice. Only when these three things are in place can one be called a person with high empathy.
Following Suit
Japanese people are known for their tendency to follow suit. They feel at ease when they do the same thing as others and often get ridiculed when they do things differently. As a result, many people feel safe doing the same things as other people, rather than using common sense. This leads to a lack of understanding of people who do things differently, and they are forced to do the same things as others.
Highly Subjective
Many Japanese people are highly subjective. They tend to judge or deny people who are different from them. They assume that the other person must be the same because they are the same. This means that they cannot understand people who think differently than they do. When people who want to understand each other meet each other, it becomes a fight instead of an argument.
Trying to Control Others
There are many people in Japan who try to control the other person. They believe that it is impossible to change the way people think and feel, but they still try to change that. As a result of this delusion, they think that the way they think and feel is what the other person thinks and feels. This leads to a lack of understanding of the other person's feelings and a lack of empathy.
Lack of Widespread Counseling
Counseling hasn't become widespread in Japan. Compared to other countries, counseling has not yet become widespread in Japan. Even if you look at it objectively, Japan is still slow in becoming a reality. In other countries, many people go to a counselor immediately when they have a problem or need someone to talk to them about. However, in Japan, this culture has not yet penetrated, and this is something that needs to change.
Difference in Culture
The culture in which men and women were raised is also a factor. There were very few depictions of empathy in the works that boys liked at the time. On the other hand, there were very few depictions of empathy in works that girls liked. However, if this is a girls' manga, it will contain the imagination of the author who is writing it, and it will mostly depict the emotions from the heroine's perspective. This means that boys and girls were not exposed to the same level of empathy in their childhood.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several reasons why Japanese people have a low level of empathy. These include a lack of understanding of true empathy, following suit, being highly subjective, trying to control others, a lack of widespread counseling, and a difference in culture. It is important to address these issues and promote empathy in Japanese society.
Pros
- Promoting empathy can lead to better relationships and a more harmonious society.
- Understanding the reasons behind the low level of empathy can help people work towards improving it.
- Addressing the issue of a lack of widespread counseling can lead to better mental health for individuals.
Cons
- Changing cultural attitudes towards empathy can be difficult and take time.
- Promoting empathy may not be a priority for some people or organizations.
- There may be resistance to seeking counseling due to stigma or cultural norms.
Highlights
- Japanese people have a low level of empathy compared to other races.
- Misconceptions about true empathy, following suit, being highly subjective, trying to control others, a lack of widespread counseling, and a difference in culture are all factors contributing to this phenomenon.
- Promoting empathy can lead to better relationships and a more harmonious society.
FAQ
Q: What is true empathy?
A: True empathy is about understanding the other person's feelings without including your own feelings and subjectivity. It is about being able to understand the other person's circumstances and speaking for their inner voice.
Q: Why do Japanese people have a low level of empathy?
A: There are several reasons, including a lack of understanding of true empathy, following suit, being highly subjective, trying to control others, a lack of widespread counseling, and a difference in culture.
Q: How can we promote empathy in Japanese society?
A: We can promote empathy by addressing the issues mentioned above, promoting counseling, and educating people about the importance of empathy in building relationships and creating a harmonious society.
Resources:
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