Ideas for Classes

 Last week I asked my students what they would like to learn about American culture.  Several talked about job hunting and working conditions, some asked about driving rules, and today in an office visit one asked me about values.  What do American's value?

This got me thinking because I don't really know.  I have a strong feeling about what I value, but I don't think my values line up with a "typical American."  On the surface we say we value things like family, community, hard work, fairness.  Our actions lead me to believe we really value money first and foremost.  If any of our "lip service" values get in the way of making more money, well, those others are easy to forget.

So, then I thought we value self-determination and the notion of the individual.  However, I am drawn back to the conclusion that for many Americans if my notion of individuality and self-determination interferes with their acquisition of money (not wealth, because that is out of reach for most of us), they would rather I give up for myself so they can profit.  Consider we have the saying "leaving money on the table" to signify a mistake in negotiating.  Jealous greed often drives our decision making.

It's somewhat easy for me to think like this because I have a stable, well-paying job that affords me the opportunity to travel to Japan during a global pandemic to be paid to teach about American culture and learn how to be a better version of myself.  I know my experience isn't the same as so many other people.  I know where my next meal will come from.  I know I'll be dry when it rains, unless I choose otherwise.  I have entertainment and hobbies and supportive friends and family.  When it comes down to brass tacks, I have a pretty easy life.  Most Americans do not have things as good as I do.  And these aren't the people I think about when I say "Jealous greed often drives our decision making."

If we used the "money left on the table" to support people so they had food, shelter, companionship, and mental stimulation we would be valuing family, community, hard work, and fairness.  We would also be developing a sense of self-determination and respect for the individual.

The student who talked with me today said she is nervous about her English.  All of them say that.  But she added a reason.  She is forced to be too simple in her statements.  She does not know enough English to say what she really thinks or to have a meaningful discussion about a topic.  (We used a translator app for some of the ideas and thoughts.  The apps interfere with the rapid communication that happens when you are talking about something that matters to you.)  The English she knows is very strong.  She has good pronunciation and can speak with fluency.  This is where some of the students are.  They have thoughts and ideas that they wish they could express, but they lack the words.  I think some of them are reluctant to make some statements in Japanese that they might be willing to make in English.

I'll know them for a semester, and not terribly well.  But I'll do my best to give them space where they can say what they need to, even if they do not yet have the words.