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Originally Posted by Craven Morehead
Maybe so, I really don't know. But what I find amazing is how the Japanese culture has changed since that time. Today, I would think Japan would be one of the last countries to be accused of atrocities. That country's evolution since the end of WWII is remarkable.
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They are Holocaust deniers. Very stubborn about it. Their material evolution is remarkable no doubt. We are also responsible for their success as well. But there is a dark layer beneath the high-tech wonder that never subsided..
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Originally Posted by Charlatan
I have to wonder how useful it is to condemn historical events such as the Japanese war crimes and the Armenian genocide. I understand that we need to understand these events in context and that this helps to "never forget" but the motivation behind these events seems to smack more of what Shauk was on about.
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I disagree with the Shauk statement, at least as far as it was expressed.
Why is condemnation useful? Because at the very least, it says that humanity does not condone these acts. To have an official stamp on it legitimizes the victims pain and suffering and offers a modicum of empathy and sympathy. Even if it is only lip service at least it's a start.
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Originally Posted by angelica
I have always wondered how the rest of the Asian community feels about US reparation for the Japanese, due to them being in so called "concentration camps" during the war in the US. What is the opinion of the other Asian countries that suffered under the Japanese? Were they ever repaid for the atrocities they endured?
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This is an interesting point. I personally feel it's two separate issues. The US made a mistake and owned up to it. The other Asian countries and Europeans who suffered at the hands of the Japanese did not receive any reparations. a private group set up a fund to pay out the victims, but all they really want is the Japanese gov't to own up to it. In fact, there was one law suit that only asked for $1 in compensation but a real official apology. They were denied. In fact, all law suits against the Japanese get denied. Many US vets tried to seek justice from the Japanese but not only get denied by them but by the US as well. For th victims of the Holocaust, it's not bout the money, it's about real recognition of the pain and suffering they experienced and acknowledgment ands a real apology, show of contrition and remorse from the Japanese gov't.
In Japan, their text books remove any mention of the Holocaust and their politician make regular visits to a war shrine honoring war criminals (like if the German chancellor were to visit the grave of Hitler, Eichman etc.)
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Originally Posted by Ustwo
I read these accounts in highschool as part of a independent research paper and the images will never leave me.
These things must never be forgotten because it would be very easy to see them happen again even in 'civilized' nations. This century is no stranger to genocide already.
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Damn Ustwo, I can't believe you learned about this in high school. That's pretty amazing. Was it part of you regular curriculum?