Backup of David's Livejournal

Sorry it's taken so long to comment on this very interesting post . . . I read both articles this morning with glee and horror. In the late 80's/early 90's, Japanese Educators (the trendy ones) were discussing a similar concept in light of their traditional educational methods. Their belief was that the Japanese focus on group-focused, shame-based activities resulted in workers who could perfect and exploit others' ideas, but who were still vulnerable to the traps of poli-socio brainwashing because they lacked the innovation and creativity that came from promoting individual merit . . .