I loved this essay! It reminds of me of my own time in Japan and the need to remember my own identity and NOT conform to ideals. It wasn't too hard to not conform since I am a large woman, but still, there was disapproval when I got my head shaved or when I walked around with my tattoos showing. I think you have hit the nail on the proverbial head so to speak with the need to conform and balancing that against the need to show students, especially koko students, that there is more out there than what they are being fed (culturally speaking).
Thanks so much! I'm very happy to have found your corner of the webbernets & to contribute some ramblings. You were a language instructor as well, then?
One thing that living here has definitely done for me is my self-confidence and body-image have improved soooo so much. And a lot of that started off as very reactionary, pretty much angry-defiant-self-esteem against the constant bombardment of girls and boys here with strictly binary-gendered models. After a while, though, going through the motions of self-assurance set up a cozy mental space for the real thing to grow c:
I was on JET, in Miyazaki-ken, 03-04. I got mistaken for pregnant a few times....ah the joys of being fat! Seriously though, my time was a good one. Lots of reflection, especially about myself and dating. I did a lot of growing up there. I was in a yakuza town so there was a bit of gender bending going on anyway. I had several really interesting discussions with my english speaking interpreter as she was a woman and we talked alot about the status of women in Japan. Good stuff!
Hi! I am emailing because we at Hackgender have decided to extend the project and open up an archive! The archive isn't quite ready yet, but it will be for the relaunch on July 1st. Each month will have a theme, with the first month, July, having a theme of Personal Reflection. We encourage you to submit something or multiple somethings! The archive is not limited to the written word either so podcasts, images, video, etc are all acceptable and encouraged! We were wondering if it was ok to copy and paste your hackgender submission into the archive. As our early adopter, we would be happy to do this work for you so that your submission could be included in the archive. Please let us know if it is ok! We really want it! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us, Thanks! JJ and Ana
Re: Hackgender! \o/zenzaanJune 23 2010, 07:55:51 UTC
Awesome sauce! You are totes welcome to my submission, cut and paste away! I'll definitely check back regularly and try to get my thinky face on for further entries.
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Thank you for the trip down memory lane!
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One thing that living here has definitely done for me is my self-confidence and body-image have improved soooo so much. And a lot of that started off as very reactionary, pretty much angry-defiant-self-esteem against the constant bombardment of girls and boys here with strictly binary-gendered models. After a while, though, going through the motions of self-assurance set up a cozy mental space for the real thing to grow c:
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