[Mary]

One of my Japanese university students asked me just last week why I have blue eyes. Apparently he saw no reason for this. I told him it was because both my mother and father have blue eyes. I guess I would offer you the same reason. However, on a side note, the Japanese distinguish between people with double eyelids (which fold back like European eyes) and single eyelids (which fold up underneath so you can’t see them when the eyes are open). This is instead of referring to eye color (since their eyes are all dark brown). Actually, nowadays among young people, single eyelids are less ‘fashionable’ or attractive. I think that’s kind of sad … I mean, what can you do to change it? I think they are all beautiful.

User Detail :  

Name : Mary, Gender : F, Race : White/Caucasian, Age : 28, City : Kanazawa, State : NA, Country : Japan, Occupation : English Teacher, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Mary]

Interesting issue. I asked this question one time and heard (or read) that for many poor families, having lots of children is a strategic decision. Every child is a potential income-earner once he or she grows up, and who traditionally takes care of elderly parents but their own adult children? The more children you have, the greater the chance that someone will be there to take care of you in your old age. Seems pretty sensible to me in that case. Of course, this reason is only offered to complement the other ideas posted … I wouldn’t say it’s the only explanation.

User Detail :  

Name : Mary, Gender : F, Race : White/Caucasian, Age : 28, City : Kanazawa, State : NA, Country : Japan, Occupation : English Teacher, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Mary]

I’ve lived abroad for many years and am always asked this question. Part of it is media-related … the local news just doesn’t tell you much about what’s happening abroad. And when was the last time you saw a film with subtitles at the local multi-plex? In other countries, there is lots of exposure to US culture via the media and entertainment industries. Also, the US’s leadership role as a military and economic power make government actions high-profile internationally. But I think Americans are unaware because they CAN be. Things that happen around the world don’t affect them directly, so why worry about them? After all, many Americans have never even met a foriegner, much less been to another country or learned to speak another language, which are the main inspirations for learning about another country and the events transpiring there. But don’t worry … it happens here in Japan, too. My Japanese teacher didn’t know who Tony Blair was (British Prime Minister), and 95% of my university students have no idea who Elvis was. I am hopeful that with the internet and some inspiration to explore, anyone can broaden their horizons.

User Detail :  

Name : Mary, Gender : F, Race : White/Caucasian, Age : 28, City : Kanazawa, State : NA, Country : Japan, Occupation : English Teacher, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

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