[QUOTE=Illmatic]I have a problem with it the same way I have a problem with white people trying to be black, or black people trying to be white.[/QUOTE]

To play devil's advocate, supposing someone adopts elements of Japanese culture despite being a "gaijin" simply because they have a genuine interest in that culture. What would you say then?

Myself for example, I'd probably be more likely to raise my kids on Hayao Miyazaki movies than The Disney Channel.

Yea, but that may be because Disney is full of crap now, just like any other kids TV channel.

[QUOTE=Lord Abortion]Such an excellent album, it's one of my favourites of theirs.

What else do you have by them?

Get [I]Images and words[/I] and [I]scenes from a memory[/I] if you haven't already.

NP-Leonard Cohen-tower of song.[/QUOTE]
Probably the only Dream Theater I can enjoy, I'm afriad.

But earlier today I discovered how incredible this Apocalyptica is. I only have their newest album as of yet, but this is amazingly beautiful.

NP: Farewell

[QUOTE=Steerpike]To play devil's advocate, supposing someone adopts elements of Japanese culture despite being a "gaijin" simply because they have a genuine interest in that culture. What would you say then?

Myself for example, I'd probably be more likely to raise my kids on Hayao Miyazaki movies than The Disney Channel.[/QUOTE]

Depends on where you draw the line. In my book you've definitely got one foot on the other side.

[QUOTE=Illmatic]Depends on where you draw the line. In my book you've definitely got one foot on the other side.[/QUOTE]

Why? I do believe in various facets of Eastern philosophy. I've always been facinated with Japanese history and culture. Does the fact that I was not born into it somehow invalidate or trivialize this?

[QUOTE=ShadowsFallen]Probably the only Dream Theater I can enjoy, I'm afriad.

But earlier today I discovered how incredible this Apocalyptica is. I only have their newest album as of yet, but this is amazingly beautiful.

NP: Farewell[/QUOTE]

See, that's another band I've been meaning to get into. Where can I procure some free, legal mp3s of them?

New review: Embrace The Storm by Stream Of Passion. An Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon) project with Marcela Bovio (Elfonia) on vocals. Truly a stunning release.

[URL="http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?p=5048"]http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?p=5048[/URL]

Comments please. :)

[QUOTE=Illmatic]I have a problem with it the same way I have a problem with white people trying to be black, or black people trying to be white.[/QUOTE]

Adopting elements of a culture isn't trying to change your natrual born race. For example, i'm sure you as a black person does stuff that white people do because its just a normal thing to do.

As a point, i like Japan. IMO, its a good place to be, with a wide variety of cultural aspects woven into one facsinating ball. I don't wish i was Japanese, i just enjoy the culture.

[QUOTE=Shattered_Future]See, that's another band I've been meaning to get into. Where can I procure some free, legal mp3s of them?

New review: Embrace The Storm by Stream Of Passion. An Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon) project with Marcela Bovio (Elfonia) on vocals. Truly a stunning release.[/QUOTE]
They're not mp3's, but they have clips of every song up for download.

[url]http://www.apocalyptica.com/releases/apo_album.php[/url]

I'm getting that album you just reviewed now.

Joe- He's half and half, so your point, well being a decent one, is invalid here. :p I do agree with you though.

[QUOTE=Lord Abortion]Such an excellent album, it's one of my favourites of theirs.

What else do you have by them?

Get [I]Images and words[/I] and [I]scenes from a memory[/I] if you haven't already.

NP-Leonard Cohen-tower of song.[/QUOTE]



Ive had Images and Words since summer. I think i can get scenes from a Memory...

[QUOTE=ShadowsFallen]They're not mp3's, but they have clips of every song up for download.

[url]http://www.apocalyptica.com/releases/apo_album.php[/url]

I'm getting that album you just reviewed now.[/QUOTE]

Well, that works. :p

Yeah, PinkFreud, I just got an e-mail delivery failure notice. That demoniac album and you just aren't destined to be.

[QUOTE=Arucard]Adopting elements of a culture isn't trying to change your natrual born race. For example, i'm sure you as a black person does stuff that white people do because its just a normal thing to do.

As a point, i like Japan. IMO, its a good place to be, with a wide variety of cultural aspects woven into one facsinating ball. I don't wish i was Japanese, i just enjoy the culture.[/QUOTE]
It's good to have a wide view on other cultures, but trying to look like/act like a different culture seems pretty sad.

I mean being culturally open you know.

Anyhow... I hate internet bills. :/

I think it's largely a matter of someone pretending to be something they just plain aren't.

For example, you see a white guy dressing in bling-bling and talking about how awesome 50 Cent is when he obviously doesn't even know a single Public Enemy song is someone who knows nothing about hip-hop culture, but percieves it as the "cool" thing to do. It's not who he is, but he's willing to pretend to try and fit in with some group.

Another example would be mallcore kiddies who call themselves Goths. They don't understand the first thing about Goth culture, but they label themselves that way because they percieve Goth culture as rebellious and they themselves want to rebel, despite the fact that they don't know against what.

But take for example a friend of my father's. He was born and raised on the East Coast, but he has a master's degree in Japanese history and philosophy, speaks fluent Japanese, teaches Ninjutsu out of his home, and even lived in Japan for two years following his graduation. His immersion in Japanese culture is born from a true interest and passion in learning and understanding it.

Just because I was born a white guy in the suburbs of the Northeast US doesn't mean I can't have a genuine love for a different culture. It doesn't mean I have to park my [size=2]a[/size]ss on the couch to watch baseball all day, eat clam chowder all the time, and hang up an American flag on my house, my bedroom door, and my car.

Is it really wrong for me to enjoy sushi, watch anime, study Japanese history, enjoy Miyazaki movies over Disney movies, and want to decorate my backyard with some beautiful Japanese lanterns and a koi pond?

I guess all you are right.

I don't see the big deal with Japan but then again I'm an idiot.

[QUOTE=Illmatic]I guess all you are right.

I don't see the big deal with Japan but then again I'm an idiot.[/QUOTE]

Well you're into different things than many of those who are into Japan, people like Japan for a number of different reasons... my reasons being:

I love their video games
I love their music (mostly the Visual Kei stuff)
I love Anime and Manga
I think their history is one of the most interesting things, and their classical forms of music, visual art, and theatre are breathtaking imo.
Their classical culture and its basis on honor + the Samurai = pwnage.

Classical Japanese music bores the wits out of me. My professor tried so hard to get me to dig it but she failed miserably :-\

And they have good food...mmm...

korean food > japanese food.
god i hate seafood.

[QUOTE=Eggo]Classical Japanese music bores the wits out of me. My professor tried so hard to get me to dig it but she failed miserably :-\[/QUOTE]

Well you're a queer so I can understand that :p.

Just because I dress well and talk to more girls on a daily basis than most of MX have ever seen in their lives doesn't mean I'm gay :-(

Chinese classical music is very nice, though.

[QUOTE=ghettoeddo]korean food > japanese food.
god i hate seafood.[/QUOTE]
So you like eating dog?

REAL Chinese food > Korean & Japanese food.

[QUOTE=Eggo]Just because I dress well and talk to more girls on a daily basis than most of MX have ever seen in their lives doesn't mean I'm gay :-(

Chinese classical music is very nice, though.[/QUOTE]

Haha, I dress meh, but I talk wit mad bitches dawg.

Chinese classical music does indeed pwn though.

I just got 4 new (used) original vinyls: Dsotm again (want a back up), Meddle, The Wall, Atom Heart Mother. Total 40 USD. No PT though :(

Hows everyone?

[QUOTE=Amit]Just because I dress well and talk to more girls on a daily basis than most of MX have ever seen in their lives doesn't mean I'm gay :-([/QUOTE]

Haha, people on MX have called you gay for that?

Good haul, though I think the back-up deal is a bit of a wast :-/.

I'm going to a local record store tonight, I'm gonna pick up some Immolation and Hypocrisy I think... maybe I'll get the first Enamored, even though I know the guys, getting their CD at a record store seems like a fun idea... that and Jon has no more copies :upset:.

[QUOTE=Eggo]Just because I dress well and talk to more girls on a daily basis than most of MX have ever seen in their lives doesn't mean I'm gay :-(

Chinese classical music is very nice, though.[/QUOTE]
I don't dress well, but most of my Friends are girls...does that make me Bi in their estimation?

[QUOTE=Illmatic]Haha, people on MX have called you gay for that?[/QUOTE]

Hell, my own parents still have their doubts.

[QUOTE=Eggo]Hell, my own parents still have their doubts.[/QUOTE]

Haha, my friend Andrew's parents think him and my friend Erik are lovers :lol:.

Mud hut buddy!
Local stores are much better

[QUOTE=Eggo]Hell, my own parents still have their doubts.[/QUOTE]

Just have them catch you with some girl.