What understanding difference really means

2019.04.14

Today was just a lot to process. 

My goal is to see the world as much as possible when I still have time to do so -to learn whatever the world has to offer. I am a very curious being -I wanna try things that I'm interested in. This is such a great thing, but it has its downfalls because I do not do things I do not want to do. And I tend to have such shallow knowledge of things. That's why I'd like to pursue economic development without derailing.

I went to see the Kurdish community in Warabi, which they jokingly call Warabistan because of the immense number of Kurdish people living there. It was so interesting to get to know their stories. Many of them took refuge from Turkey to Japan to escape persecution and incarceration. They were kept in the 入管 for half a year or so, and they are now released on parole. They're not supposed to work, but they have to earn for their family, so they work secretly as construction workers. I was so surprised to find out that there are so many foreigners living in Warabi -I thought I was back in Turkey while walking down the street collecting trash.

The reason why they collect trash and invite a newspaper reporter/photojournalist to document the activity is to give off a signal to the community and to Japan that Kurdish people are doing something good for the community in cooperation with Japanese people. It is a strategic act to convince people of the legitimacy of their existence. Instead of standing in front of the 入管 building with megaphone condemning the inhumanity of the government, they choose to coexist with the existing Japanese community. They choose not to go against it, but to live together in harmony. I was so impressed with their strategy and was satisfied to hear that the community accepts them. It is always a pleasure to get to know people and their background. This group was just such a diverse one -I always thought I had exchanged with many people with many background and nationality, but I was wrong; I just exchanged with elite people like me. Maybe I went to East Asia to study with students, but after all, they are students. Elites. Today I interacted with people I usually do not have the chance to encounter. the town itself is filled with people with low income. the way they think and act is essentially different from ours, and to find common ground is so difficult. The Kurdish people have gone through so much toughness in their lives and they still choose to find happiness in life. They probably arent conscious of it. It made me realize how spoiled and privileged I am. I dont have the right to complain about the heavy workload -I was born to a rich family and I am given an opportunity for education. I should never, ever take that for granted. As a perosn born to a rich family, I have the responsibility to do something to help improve situations for others who were not so fortunate. And this requires learning. Today's experience gave me a big motivation to pursue what I'm studying right now, no matter how hard or difficult the process may be. I am given an opportunity, and I should seize it. I don't have time to complain because there are so many people in the world who would give their life to be where I am. 

This is what true understanding difference means -it's not really about difference in culture or nationality; it's about background. International exchange between people of the developed countries doesn't mean nothing. The truth lies in whether you can try to understand people who were born and grew up in a completely, unimaginably different circumstance than you. And everything you thought you've achieved for yourself, you didn't. It's because your parents gave you the right opportunities. For me, my dad made us go to international schools, where I acquired English and paid a handsome amount of money to send me to a good high school and university. I did work hard but without all the right environment, I would never be where I am now. I know it's out of my control, but the environment shapes you so much. Again, it's our responsibility -the ones who were lucky enough to be born to a rich family- to give back to society and help those who weren't fortunate enough to be born to a rich family. 

I was impressed to hear stories from a soldier as well. I lack knowledge and I have so much to learn about everything Kurdish. He said he wanted to join the military so that he could die. I wonder what happened in his life that made him want to die. I am happy he found a purpose in his life through interaction with Kurdish people. It's just such a lucky thing to be able to meet people like him, who has gone through so much in the mere 22 years of his life.

I have so much to learn. 

I learned that I shouldn't just accept people's words as they are; I have to understand the story from every side and reach my own conclusion. This requires acquirement of knowledge. I want to join the 勉強会.

Please finish what you start. Even when you get bored of it, see how it goes till the end.