front page - editorial archives  - search - community

Native Intelligence
	A lesson from Japanese culture (Published January 12, 2004) By DIANA WINTHROP

A new year always brings – at least for me – some reflection.

In our daily lives we are bombarded with a laundry list of tearful politicians, celebrities and regular folks who routinely say they are sorry. Those people expect immediate forgiveness for their apology.

As citizens, our acceptance is fueled by Judeo Christian tenets that God forgives. Americans want to wipe the slate clean and quickly move on to their next endeavor without ever contemplating their actions again. The words "I’m sorry" flow from our lips too quickly. Americans demand acceptance of their apologies in exchange for contrition – but definitely without consequences.

In this regard, Americans are much different than their Japanese counterparts. One of the few characteristics in Japanese society that I admire is the culture that demands citizens exercise moral responsibility not just toward their families but to their communities, as well. This responsibility to their community is the most important aspect of Japanese life.

In the case of the phrase "I’m sorry," the Japanese have elevated the apology to a high art they call tatemae – part of the cultural requirement of outwardly maintaining harmony. As a result, there is no finger-pointing in Japanese society where political leaders and CEOs are expected to resign for the misdeeds of others in their organizations. Japanese citizens are expected to take individual responsibility for their own actions.

Especially in this election year, D.C. political and community leaders could take a lesson from the Japanese by displaying some real contrition and responsibility for their actions without demanding forgiveness from us. (A few more resignations wouldn’t hurt, either.)

My favorite scofflaw is a good example. Former Washington Teachers Union (WTU) president Barbara Bullock pleaded guilty last fall to stealing millions from teachers, who financed her extravagance over a seven-year period. This month, Bullock likely will be sentenced to 10 years in prison as part of her plea agreement with federal prosecutors. Although she admitted her crimes to U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon, Bullock has never apologized to her fellow teachers. There has been no act of contrition and, reportedly, Bullock has said she believes she has not hurt teachers but did hurt the union.

The leaders of the American Federation of Teachers also have not apologized to local teachers. They should admit some responsibility and issue an apology to WTU members. The AFT, parent union of the WTU, has instituted some administrative changes that should make another financial scandal of such magnitude almost impossible, but there has been no public apology for failed oversight.

There are others on my list:

• The head of the District’s State Education Office, Connie Spinner, wins first prize for turning a good feeding program for the District’s neediest children into a poor one. Last year, Spinner defended her behavior, didn’t apologize and somehow still has her job. She needs to ask D.C. residents – especially the neediest – for their forgiveness. She also should resign.

• The District’s embattled police chief, Charles Ramsey, wins second prize for his less-than-sincere apology for the mass arrests of World Bank demonstrators and for maintaining the District’s high crime rate. I don’t want any more apologies from this cocky guy. I want him to leave quietly.

• And, last but not least, there’s my favorite king of hubris – Mayor Anthony Williams, who actually thinks he has done a good job. Williams, who has publicly apologized for some of his administration’s numerous scandals, is the least contrite official in the District. He routinely is angered when reporters publicly raise questions about his screw-ups.

By Japanese standards, Williams is guilty of the worst crime. He lacks sincerity in his apologies. He repeats missteps, rather than repenting. And he does not take responsibility for his actions.

The mayor is thinking about seeking a third term? Japanese society would demand his resignation. There are thousands of D.C. residents who demand the same. They are not counting on any sincere apology for his scandals, missteps and cronyism but are looking to fire him before the end of his term in 2006 through a recall campaign.

If the mayor adhered to the Japanese practice of tatemae, he would apologize and then resign – saving the city the cost and bitterness of a recall effort. The city would then hold a special election to fill the rest of his term. And Williams could spend some time learning more about tatemae so that the city of his next residency doesn’t suffer as the District has under his leadership.

***

Diana Winthrop is a native Washingtonian. Contact her at diana@thecommondenominator.com.

Copyright 2004, The Common Denominator