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

[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?

[demeter918.livejournal.com]

It would depend, I'd think. Japanese people are raised to obey and it would take a great deal of work to change a culture created during the Meiji era and solidified by the post-war loss of WWII. The 1947 Imperial Law of Succession was made, in part, in response to the lack of control of the government and Imperial Family had with MacArthur controlling Japan and with the US occupied there. Certainly, there had been little reason before, but... ai. Sometimes I feel like the whole world is taking a few steps down the notch of civilization.