《菊与刀》读后感(英文版).doc

无论一个人的行为或观点多么的怪异，他的感受和思维方式总是跟他的经历有关联。
No matter how weird one’s behavior or opinion is considered, his feeling and thinking mode are always consistent with what he has experienced or suffered . This is especially true when it comes to the character of the Japanese. The relationship between China and Japan has been subtle since our modern history. Hatred and misunderstanding have existed among people from either side.It’s obvious that nowadays our bond becomes complicated and some even predict a war between these two countries.According to our perception, “Chrysanthemum”, in Chinese culture, stands for the virtue of gentleman and “sword”, as a sort of weapon, indicates the spirit of warriors. As you can imagine, the main contents of the book is about what Japanese look like and what is actually going on in their mind.
Looking at the title, we can readily find the purpose of the writer writing this book--- to present us the contradictory character of them.They are a nation where aggression goes along with etiquette, loyalty begets rebellion, and stubbornness mixes flexibility.
I’d like to focus on something unique about Japan.
One of the most obvious features about Japan is its social structure, in which Japanese are divided into different classes. And the emperor of Japan ranks on the top of the class. He is the symbol of Japan, and, in the eyes of Japanese, he is otherworldly, and every Japanese regards their dedication to him as a must and the most honorable thing. There is a saying in Japan that “ everyone has his certain position, and he should try to perform his duty.” The emperor of Japan enjoys great reverence and support among the people. Being loyal to him in Japan is just as important as being loyal to our country for us.The second thing that deserves our attention is warrior spirit. We have to admit that Japanese warriors are quite brave that they consider commitment to the emperor superior to all , including their lives. In the second world war, the Expendable of Shenfeng had courageously launched the desperate attack against American soldiers by committing suicide. They tend to care more about their reputation than their lives. Once they concluded that there was no way to keep their dignity unharmed, they would probably commit suicide so as to protect their fame. That is to say, Japanese became rather sensitive once they were exposed to shame.
The third thing is that their government tried their best to appeal its people to express their absolute loyalty to the emperor and perform their obligation as well as show their complete obedience to their parents, yet they paid less attention to benevolence. This contributes to the situation in Japanese society that the freedom in young couple’s marriage is ruined by many parents. In China as well as the other countries, when parents’ requirements are away from benevolence we can naturally disagree with them and make our own decisions, but in Japan it’s very hard and impractical.
Lastly, in terms of the Japanese aggressive war against China, the Japanese government regarded it as a way to realize the Greater East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere. They intended to establish a new order in the world, which turned out to be ridiculous.
In addition, I’ve got accustomed to seeing Japanese soldiers acting like cowards and are all thumbs in Chinese movies. And today i know they are not true. Japanese soldiers are brave guys just like ours. They would rather die than surrender and are well-trained.
To be frank, Japan is a small country with small population, but it’s undeniably true that it’s among the developed countries in the world. There must be something really great about it. And I gather they are, first of all, it has the people of discipline and absolute obedience; secondly, people once being humiliated will convert it to the power to move on and determine to do better; thirdly, its people are responsible: they are willing to shoulder responsibilities; and lastly, people are highly united by their reverence for their emperor.
Hatred solves nothing.
We should struggle for a more powerful country.
Hah ! I heard a rooster crowing just now.
And i guess it’s not an illusion.
Maybe it’s time for sleep.
Bye bye !