With a death toll nearing 6,000 and over 10,000 more people unaccounted for, Japan is facing it's biggest crisis since World War II. Entire villages have been wiped out, homes have been destroyed, non stop after shocks have occurred, and families have literally been torn apart. Additionally, Japan is also dealing with a potential nuclear reactor disaster that threatens their existence every passing day. The title of this post derived from a comment I made on Twitter about the ignorance that was displayed following the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan last Friday, March 11th.
One would think that following such tragedy, people would somehow be empathetic and compassionate. However, I believe it was foolish of me to expect of that of people. Shortly after the disaster occurred, Pearl Harbor started trending on Twitter. Surely this couldn't be right. Surely people wouldn't actually be linking recent human suffering to an event that took place nearly seventy years ago? Well, I'll have you know that's exactly what was happening.
I skimmed some of the comments made about Japan and it's relation to Pearl Harbor and trust me when I say that my blood began to boil. "Remember Pearl Harbor Japan? Karma's a bitch.", "I can't forgive Japan for Pearl Harbor LMAO", "No sympathy from me lol. Do you guys remember Pearl Harbor?" I continued reading these types comments on the verge of tears. How could people be so oblivious? So ridiculous?
I would imagine this lot, and anyone that thinks like this, were the bunch that had an incredibly hard time in third grade history class. Do YOU remember that in retaliation to Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. dropped not one but two nuclear bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki? Damn near obliterating both cities and it's people, by the way. At least Japan's attack was more so a military attack whereas the U.S. annihilated innocent civilians that had nothing to do with the war. Furthermore, Japan had the messy job of dealing with those who developed leukemia as a result of the bombing. Didn't know that bit did you? I would say that makes the U.S. and Japan pretty damn squared at this point.
You can't forgive Japan for Pearl Harbor? What are you? In your twenties? Your parents weren't even around for World War II so please stop with your shenanigans.
Mind you, I'm not saying the Japanese were right for their actions all those years ago. However, I'm astounded that people believe that U.S. doesn't have any blood on their hands in regards to the matter. And what's worse is that some people do realize that the U.S. did in fact retaliate and yet still believe that Japan deserves so much more than what they already got!
Furthermore, how can you blame the current Japanese generation for actions taken by a completely different generation almost seventy years ago? Not to mention, the U.S. and Japan have been allied since the 1960's so leave it alone! Japan was one of the countries that provided aid when Hurricane Katrina struck the U.S., so why shouldn't our nation assist them in their time of need?
I know many Japanese people who think favorably of American people. I should hope that their opinions wouldn't change due to a certain groups blaring ignorance and lack of sympathy. There is a story behind everything. So how about picking up a book or even doing a quick Google search before making such asinine statements, huh?
- Madam Tartuffe
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