| I agree with Elaine that this is a heavy topic, but kudos to WJS for being brave enough to host a discussion about it despite how many brick walls it might lead to. The local Chinese I have met who hold grudges against the Japanese almost always use the same argument as mentioned above--that the Chinese could forgive if the Japanese would just admit to the mistakes and show genuine remorse for the events that took place during the war. To that I have always responded the same way WJS has. The average Japanese citizen under 65 is unaware of the events that took place and historical information has been distorted or withheld. And as a result they do not seem sorry. But before the average Chinese citizen under 65 goes and blames their Japanese counterparts for their ignorance about history, he/she should also ask how much of China's history has been distorted or withheld from him or herself. As a Chinese person, do you feel it is fair for a foreigner to hate you because the information they have about your history differs from the information you have? I have been a victim of that kind of prejudice, and I personally don't enjoy it. Granted the younger Japanese and Chinese generations should take the responsibility upon themselves to learn the facts and search for the information that has been lost. I do not agree with the statement that younger generations should not feel remorse for the actions of their predecessors. Or just put the past behind them. Knowing the mistakes of those who came before you and openly admitting that they are mistakes is the only way to prevent them from happening again in the future. I only ask that, before you get all your facts straight, don't pass judgment on others or allow other people (or governments) to manipulate you into holding a grudge or hating in such a blanket fashion. That kind of unfocused hate can only lead to more misunderstanding. |
Some Thoughts about War and History