User Comments - jgrave

Posted on: Getting Taller (Not Fatter)

April 19, 2010, 10:16 AM

did you know ultraman has mother ultra and father ultra...?

Posted on: Giving up a Seat on the Bus

April 15, 2010, 03:04 PM

Well, back home in Japan, giving up a seat to old people in public transport has become such a delicate social matter in recent years.

 

When I was a school kid, we were told at home and school that kids weren’t supposed to take a seat in public transportation. Scary thing was, a section of members in the community, namely conscientious citizens, were always out there policing the behaviors of school kids on public transportation. Any misbehavior on public transportation, such as taking seats, was quickly reported to school teachers somehow. Though it may sound ridiculous, I thought it’s fair enough back then.

 

Things are changing now. School kids these days don’t bother giving up their seats. Kids are getting slacker or disobedient? Perhaps but I guess that’s not the only reason for the change. Japan has the longest life expectancy in the world and massive aging population. Everywhere I go, I see 很多老年人. Thing is, people over 60 appear to be very much encouraged by “anti-aging” hype and hate being treated as 老人. Some or perhaps most of over 60 will be upset if they are offered a seat. Nevertheless, the media often criticizes low morale among young people. So what are we supposed to do here??  Give up or not give up??

 

I really hope China stays as it is. Giving up a seat to the elders is a way of showing respect to them. It’s nice and simple. Anti aging hype is no need as it makes everything so unnecessarily complicated!!!