Gender, a new Prince, and Japan

[demeter918]

Princess Kiko has a baby boy, thus averting a so-called "succession crisis" in Japan.

There are times, really, that I fucking hate Japan. Or at least, when they're acting like such fucktards as to believe that a male heir is somehow, just somehow, better than a female heir. By whose standards? The conservatives? Some who think that the practice of concubines should be revived in order to replenish the imperial line? The Imperial Household Agency who have practically driven a women, who once had a flourishing and bright future in diplomatic relations, mad under their pressure to produce a male heir? The second prince? Who's philandering is well-known and not spoken of and who has criticized his older brother, the crown prince, for not doing his duty to his country? The conservative media, who continually criticizes Masako for not producing a male heir and her selfishness in not having more children?

From the beginning, I had known from an intellectual standpoint that there were many things different about Japan in regards to their treatment and thought of women, but this is the first time here I just want to scream. My starry-eyed view of Japan had faded a long time ago, but this, this just reminds me of why Japan is often criticized for it's sexism, racism, and classism.

... I'm going to go calm down and then rant about this a bit more coherently.

Comments

[nemkess.livejournal.com]

This seems like a good spot to ask you if you've had a chance to pick up the second Honor Harrington book yet.

^_^

[ashkitty.livejournal.com]

I know. I hate what's happened to her; she had so much potential and such a life and then, yeah.

[lilysnape.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it's sad really. I was hoping they would have a girl actually so then they would have no choice but resolve it. I'm glad her husband stood up for her though, I don't like the other Prince.

[orpheneritus.livejournal.com]

Change is slow to come to any country. Just yeaterday I was advised over the phone that I ought to marry as a womans best work was in the home. I won't regale you with me response, but a sum up would be to each their own and butt out of my business thanks very much.

More countries have inequalities than not and Japan is far behind for a country with its economic strength. But I thought I might mention that you shouldn't dispair as they are in for a change wether they like it or not. The over crowding of Japan mean that their birth rate has been dropping (more steeply than other countries) since the end of the baby boom after WWII. In less than 20 years almost 50% of Japan's workforce will retire, there is no longer the male population to fill the positions held by males in previous generations, if Japan expects to maintain it's economic stability it will fill the positions with female workers to keep the workforce strong. This will be the start of a change in some attitudes.

I wouldn't be discouraged by what has happened, the backing for a female succession was there and supported by many voices. It wasn't successful, but the idea has been breached and aired and it won't be forgotten. I don't think the issue is dead, I actually think this is the beginning of the issue. Many of Japan's sexual inequality issues are tied up in long histories of rigid traditions and family honour, the idea that if a man isn't the bread winner he's 'lost face' will take a long time to change.

Even many of the most progressive countries have still failed to elect female leaders into high positions. I can only think of Margaret Thatcher and the current New Zealand Prime Minister as examples...

[reynardine.livejournal.com]

What gets me is reading about how Princess Kiko (the new baby boy's mother) has been lauded as being a good wife, while Princess Masako is regarded as selfish. Kiko never had any kind of career, while Masako was highly educated and had a life before marrying Prince Naruhito. (And kudos to the prince for defending his wife, even if it broke from tradition).

[thistlerose.livejournal.com]

Japan needs to get over itself. When I lived there, my best students were girls, and one of the reasons they were studying so hard was so they could get out of Japan and find decent jobs.

[meghsta.livejournal.com]

You know, Akito's male/female views of herself seem reflected in part in the current events. Just a thought, I don't know if it's warranted or not. XD;;

+sigh+

[blunder-buss.livejournal.com]

TELL ME ABOUT IT. I was absolutely livid. I was somewhat glad that she had a boy, because otherwise she'd be criticised twice as hard for not giving her husband a boy, that selfish cow.

That poor woman. I don't know much about her, but I feel so sorry for her.

But y'know, it happens to heaps of women in royal families. Princess Mary, the Princess of Denmark, has been bashed to high heaven for being tardy to royal functions, and speeding whilst pregnant because she OMG MIGHT HURT THE PRECIOUS FUTURE HEIR! Yeah, who cares about her, she's just a heir-making machine, right? *kiiill*

[chibi-plum.livejournal.com]

I was lucky enough to be in Japan when all of this happened... but I have to say I completely agree. For a country that is drawing more and more on Western culture, it surprises me that there is still such a sexist view, even when they are trying to hold onto some elements of "ancient" culture. I was appalled at some of the stories I heard from our tour guide about how tormented she was to reach the point of insanity. It's such a sad story. =/ Anyhow, eventually women will rebel, no? Isn't that usually the trend?