.
.
My experiences coaching football in Japan have generally been good; though, at times working with folks with different ideas about what is and isn't possible can be vexing. If a guy has never seen something before himself, he's not likely to believe it's possible. New and different ways of doing things are often met with resistance in this environment; I've experienced this on the field and off. Perhaps there's a pride issue in there somewhere; although, that's probably true everywhere.
.
.
Culture...
.
.
Culture is a major factor in what people hold to be important, true, or even possible. Though people are physically similar their cultural background and experiences can cause them to view and approach things differently.
.
I never really paid attention to culture until I'd moved abroad. Over time I made note of similarities and contrasts in the local approach to things in my new country compared to my home. It's fascinating to observe familiar things prioritized and done differently. Although, nowhere are the differences more clear than in sports.
.
Cultural differences are usually obvious whenever teams from different countries face off in athletic competition. I've noticed this in international competition such as Olympic soccer and assorted world cup sports. The differences aren't as obvious when teams play in the same league.
.
It seems when the sport is considered a major one in the home country of "team A" and not a major one in the country of "team B" that "team A" has the advantage. Typically the more experienced team with the established doctrine prevails; although, if "team A" never actually has to play "team B" it doesn't matter.
.
.
..
.
Culture...
.
.
Culture is a major factor in what people hold to be important, true, or even possible. Though people are physically similar their cultural background and experiences can cause them to view and approach things differently.
.
I never really paid attention to culture until I'd moved abroad. Over time I made note of similarities and contrasts in the local approach to things in my new country compared to my home. It's fascinating to observe familiar things prioritized and done differently. Although, nowhere are the differences more clear than in sports.
.
Cultural differences are usually obvious whenever teams from different countries face off in athletic competition. I've noticed this in international competition such as Olympic soccer and assorted world cup sports. The differences aren't as obvious when teams play in the same league.
.
It seems when the sport is considered a major one in the home country of "team A" and not a major one in the country of "team B" that "team A" has the advantage. Typically the more experienced team with the established doctrine prevails; although, if "team A" never actually has to play "team B" it doesn't matter.
.
.
.
.
/
.
"Tenth graders can't tackle"...
.
I remember a day during pre-game when a guy came out of the stands and insisted I stop making my players hit each other prior to kick-off "lest they get injured." This is the same fellow who'd earlier stated that "tenth graders can't tackle because they're tenth graders." Apparently, in the local mentality this was fundamental. Though he'd never actually played football he was quick to add that he'd been the football team's Equipment Manager at a local university some years ago. Despite my rudimentary Japanese I managed to communicate my feelings towards him with internationally recognized expressions of displeasure. Soon thereafter the aspiring coach decided it would be best if he stayed away from our future practices "lest he get injured."
...
.
It's just a game...
.
.
There is no wrong or right way to play a game. One may have an opinion on a particular way of doing things, but that's all it is, an opinion. Of course there will always be those who've achieved a certain level of success in a given sport. Despite one's accomplishments, ultimately it's just a game. Because of the popularity of sports it's only natural for folks to have an opinion and want to have a say. It isn't that serious; the operative word here is "play."
..
.
Human nature...
.
.
In a multicultural society a dominant culture typically establishes the hierarchy how things are defined and what is held as important. The media is typically a component of that dominance propagates the narrative therefore reinforcing said dominance; apparently it's just human nature.
.
On and off the field "he who has the gold, makes the rules." Pride of the national, racial, or individual varieties is always present. In football pride can often determine who lines up behind center; in other environments pride manifests similarly. Perhaps it's instinctual for folks to promote an athlete that in some way bears a resemblance to themselves. Apparently, for some, a semblance of oneself getting the glory is somehow self validation. Like soft jazz in a dentist's office, pride is always in the room.
..
On and off the field "he who has the gold, makes the rules." Pride of the national, racial, or individual varieties is always present. In football pride can often determine who lines up behind center; in other environments pride manifests similarly. Perhaps it's instinctual for folks to promote an athlete that in some way bears a resemblance to themselves. Apparently, for some, a semblance of oneself getting the glory is somehow self validation. Like soft jazz in a dentist's office, pride is always in the room.
.
.
.
.
.
.