As an English Teacher, I can talk to Japanese people every day. And we usually talk about culture or language. After hosting some debate events, I realized something strange. Many people in Japan don’t know what “debate” is. I was shocked, so I asked the people I meet everyday to tell me about debating in Japan. And the most common answer was also “we don’t know that.” I couldn’t believe it. So I asked them about their education, “don’t you study or practice debate in school?” But they just said they study textbooks and don’t have formal discussions or debates. “But how do you explain your opinion, and how do you argue your point to other people?” They simply replied, “we don’t.”
It’s amazing that a lot of children in Japan are not taught to express themselves freely and be different. And notice I said “not taught to”, not “taught not to.” Whenever I ask a Japanese person for an opinion, the usual response is very neutral in order to not upset anybody listening. Of course everybody has an opinion, but people care very much about the others around them and their feelings. Also, most people in Japan don’t want to draw attention to themselves by saying something controversial. That’s why I think Japan ended up being such a safe and peaceful country.
The opposite to this way of socialising can be found in The United States. It’s the total opposite and you can feel it when you talk to a Japanese person who has lived in The US for some time. Most people become a bit western-like in their way of thinking and speaking. It’s an amazing phenomenon and one that can really surprise one at first. The UK is very similar to The US, except in The UK students are taught to debate. Classes are filled with topics to be debated and discussed amongst students. Debate is something that The UK has incorporated into its conversing culture. Any conversation can turn into a debate at any moment, which can put you on edge. People usually don’t mind being vocal with their opinions, even if those opinions may offend. In fact, many western comedians base their whole comedy routines on using controversial jokes that may – and often do – offend. Ridicule is also common in public debates, or debates in front of an audience. Sometimes debaters try to ridicule to make the audience laugh and gain their favor. Debate is almost an art form in The UK and a very well respected skill to have.
- Do you debate sometimes?
- Did you learn how to debate at school?
- Do you find it easy to debate?
- Is debating with people necessary?
- Do you worry somebody may be upset if you debate?
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