I happened to read an article from this publication by The
Straits Times, Page2Primer. This question is with regards to
Germans and Japanese war crimes.
"The Germans, riddled with guilt, feel the need to confess their
sins, to unburden their guilt and be forgiven; the Japanese wish to
remain silent and, above all, wish others to remain silent, for the
point is not guilt in the eyes of God, but public shame,
embarrassment, 'face'."
The writer says the German attitude stems from the Christian
culture of guilt while the Japanese attitude is derived from the
Confucian culture of shame. Do you think this image of the
two cultures still holds today, some years later? Give examples tto
back your point.
Can't really think of any other scenario which adopts either the
Christian culture of guilt or the Confucian culture of shame. Can
someone cite me some? Would really want to know more about this.
Thanks.
Any opinion is welcome.