Ahmed wrote:...
Japan indeed presents an interesting case: isolated for a long time in a fairly "feudal" culture (to be quick), it turned towards an extreme military fanaticism and then switched with the same determination towards industrialization and modernism, thus undergoing deep and rapid changes, much more than in our old societies. Thus, the effects of these modifications are multiplied compared to those we observe (not well) here, also for lack of perspective. Obviously, although the process is comparable, certain circumstances specific to this culture intervene. I am thinking here in particular of the animistic religious aspects which, by a curious phenomenon, have turned into agents of addiction to machines while this kind of faith generally tends to exert a protective effect ... The demographic density has also strongly influenced behavior social by instituting very rigid and complex codes (there are at least 5 or 6 ways to say hello depending on the social level, age or sex of the person to whom we are speaking!). It also results in the tightening of the personal bubble: smaller, it is also more intangible (hence the fear of physical contact) ...
On this initial substrate, the economic boom and the addiction to work that goes well with (!) Gradually undermined the unity of the traditional family without putting anything in its place. Thus, and although it is not reserved for Japan, isolation has led to this phenomenon that the Japanese call the "Hikkikomori", to the suicide of young people subjected to too much school competition and old people abandoned by their children who are commit suicide or die alone ... Denatality is only one aspect of this overall situation where the relationship to machines and to the imaginary worlds that they allow replaces human relationships of whatever nature.
Technology, far from being as neutral as you think Janic, leads, by its own development, to establish social atomism, in practice as in minds (because the infrastructure determines the superstructure).
I missed it when it came out. Remarkable synthesis, very enlightening on Japan, with historical and social perspective. Well done !
Forumphyto,