tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129942056638738431.post3108463515127630553..comments2023-05-11T22:03:14.850+09:00Comments on Green-Eyed Geisha: Postcard from the Kaisha #1056Green-Eyed Geishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11947626500845582990noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129942056638738431.post-31744004604293483252010-03-30T14:56:44.223+09:002010-03-30T14:56:44.223+09:00Bec: I appreciate the different perspective and do...Bec: I appreciate the different perspective and don't disagree. However, I have observed the people I write about for quite some time now and can assure you I'm not making assumptions of mental issues or rudeness based on their being simply quiet. These women are methodically ostracizing me and showing me that I don't deserve the most basic modicums of respect deemed appropriate in Japanese society/workplace. There are quiet secretaries and then there are the ones I describe here and they are very hard to confuse.Green-Eyed Geishahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11947626500845582990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129942056638738431.post-14288760326229355092010-02-28T18:15:42.036+09:002010-02-28T18:15:42.036+09:00Growing up in HK (not Japan, but maybe close enoug...Growing up in HK (not Japan, but maybe close enough in Asian-ness to be relevant), I was a very bubbly child until I started going to school and being taught to be silent around authority figures. <br /><br />I don't even remember it (traumatic memory suppression perhaps?), but from what I hear I was punished a lot in school for speaking out of turn (this was back in the day when school authority figures were allowed to hit the children). I guess eventually keeping my mouth shut just became a reinforced habit.<br /><br />When I first moved to Canada at the age of 10, the principal at my new school thought I was a problem child in need of a shrink because I didn't talk to her. Not even to say good morning or anything. I didn't make eye contact. I just tried to stay out of the way and fly under the radar.<br /><br />As far as I know she never had any concerns about the many bullies at that school. But a quiet kid? Yeah, that's a huge problem, apparently.<br /><br />I wonder if this secretary had similar schooling. Only her education on being seen and not heard didn't stop and suddenly take a turn in the opposite direction at the age of 10 like mine did.<br /><br />Because of this personal experience, I don't automatically assume the quiet people are rude and stuck-up, that they're being hateful, or that they have mental problems. They're preferable to the people who blather on all day long, keep asking pesky questions, and don't process anything with their limited brain cells before letting it out of their mouths.<br /><br />Quiet people try not to demand anything from others. They're just kind of there doing their own thing and trying not to be a nuisance. Is that such a crime?<br /><br />The people you really have to watch your back around are the schmoozers.Bechttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08688984604526237162noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129942056638738431.post-90269150575627850602010-02-12T16:29:07.518+09:002010-02-12T16:29:07.518+09:00Beth: I like that idea and that's kind of how ...Beth: I like that idea and that's kind of how I have been playing it. I'm finding it difficult though to be overly nice to someone so obviously repelled by me!<br /><br />RMilner: She is, although her primary job is working for someone more important than me. There are things she has to do for me, but it's not an extensive list by any stretch, and I try not to ask her for anything. <br /><br />kathrynoh: It's a slippery slope once Disney is in the picture.<br /><br />Coop: Interesting theory, but I'm sporting dark hair these days. I guess I should give her a week's warning when I go back to blond in a couple months so she can buy masks and lotion!!<br /><br />selena: Then she is an insidious asshole! The problem is, she doesn't give off a bitch vibe at all, just a jumpy little bird vibe. I can't deal with her because I can't figure out the nature of the beast!<br /><br />Elaine: Agreed, that is probably best for all involved. I guess she didn't like the stuffed moose I brought her from Canada...Green-Eyed Geishahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11947626500845582990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129942056638738431.post-42241438995269063072010-02-11T11:14:38.413+09:002010-02-11T11:14:38.413+09:00Yup, I'd say she's probably just a jerk, J...Yup, I'd say she's probably just a jerk, Japanese-style. Take the high road and keep on greeting her; "homegoroshi" is a fine Japanese tradition. Otherwise ignore her. I know it's tough when somebody like that sits right across from you, but at least she's silent.Elainenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129942056638738431.post-53580189354003971802010-02-10T19:54:18.572+09:002010-02-10T19:54:18.572+09:00It sounds like she's simply an asshole. Sorry....It sounds like she's simply an asshole. Sorry. You get those sometimes.selenahttp://expiring.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129942056638738431.post-48590348315802985942010-02-10T14:32:55.760+09:002010-02-10T14:32:55.760+09:00She is scared of catching your "blond hair&qu...She is scared of catching your "blond hair" as we all know this is a very deadly disease. You have fun with friend, go out to parties, and wake up with unknown bruises that have odd shapes.<br /><br /><br /><br />Sorry I guess it just not done in Japan but I would ask wtf is up likely scaring the crap out of her.Coopnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129942056638738431.post-52707522254657962532010-02-10T13:06:42.509+09:002010-02-10T13:06:42.509+09:00Stuffed toys at work = nuts. I've found this ...Stuffed toys at work = nuts. I've found this to be true.Kathrynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08699328937978331608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129942056638738431.post-26774122160468102552010-02-09T21:18:46.142+09:002010-02-09T21:18:46.142+09:00Is this Secretary actually your secretary? I mean ...Is this Secretary actually your secretary? I mean is she supposed to do secretary stuff like filing and typing out letters and making travel bookings for you?<br /><br />Is she just an OL who got stuck in the same block of cubicles as you?RMilnernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5129942056638738431.post-19867457256003271822010-02-09T19:52:56.558+09:002010-02-09T19:52:56.558+09:00i was gonna say she's obviously nuts and it...i was gonna say she's obviously nuts and it's a good idea to let it go, but now i think it'd be better if you played it obnoxiously nice and friendly until she either flips out at you or you figure out what her problem is.Beth Roeserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17294411261923337196noreply@blogger.com