I Was Born, But...: Tatemae and Honne (and "Japanese/Buddhist" values in general)

A few comments about social ideology:

In the "rugged individualism" of the West, there is always an emphasis on the "authenticity" of the self.  Thus, there is praise for people who are "straight-shooters," who "tell it like it is," who are "true to their selves."

In the "collective" focus of social values in Japan, someone who is too individualistic, who is too much of a "straight-shooter," is actually considered to be lacking in social ability and awareness.  This is not to say that there isn't a strong sense of the individual.  I'd call it the difference between the "individualism" as social ideology of the U.S., versus the "individuality" that is expressed in the collective context in Japan.  Remember, I'm talking about ideology, which includes values and prescriptive attitudes re: social interaction.

I will argue that one approach to what is presented in the film is the education of the boys about the Japanese concept of "tatemae" and "honne."  For a brief description, see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honne_and_tatemae

What happens in the film is a reconciliation of worldviews.  The boys and the father both gain perspective and awareness by the end of the film.  Just as traditional comedies often end with weddings (for example, "Merchant of Venice," which many of you read in CIE), this film ends with a return to harmony and balance, plus (as with a wedding) a step forward.  A comedy has to end with hope for the future (again, thus a wedding).  Is it the last image of the film--the three boys walking with arms around each other as they head to school?

Anyway, I'm running out of time right now, but I'll address this in class.  A somewhat different perspective from those you found in the readings.  I hope this will add to the very astute readings that were in the articles.