Re: Hinkaku - It isn't the same as xenophobia!

[Charles Beauchamp <beauking@earthlink.net>]

Pardoe, Richard (prdr) wrote:
> 
> > ----------
> > From:         A. Strader & G. Monaghan[SMTP:monaghan@apsicc.aps.EDU]
> > "Hinkaku" is means roughly "dignity."  There are those of us who think
> > it might be exactly the opposite of "gaijin."
> >
> I frankly don't like the implications that hinkaku is automatically tied
> to xenophobia by the Japanese.  We apply the same standards for many of
> our people:
> 
> Our presidental candidates must have a certain dignity (or) propriety to
> be considered for the office (remember Gary Hart).  Look at the recent
> example of the judge who was a rising star (considered to be a certain
> nominee to the supreme court) and had an impeccable record on the bench,
> but was caught in a lie about the shooting death of his brother.  Isn't
> this akin to hinkaku (or lack thereof) where his upward promotion was
> de-railed because of his lack of propriety.  Finally, look at Pete Rose
> - some would argue he is/was a superstar in baseball, yet because of his
> gambling (or getting caught at it) he was banned from the sport.
> 
> In each instance, the persons record or achievements didn't matter.
> What mattered was the person's propriety / demeanor / dignity.  So to be
> fair, this qualtity of hinkaku is applied more widely than just by the
> Sumo Kyokai.
> 
> And just because it was applied to Konishiki - it isn't automatically
> xenophobic, despite appearances.  Don't fall into the trap of thinking:
> If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and looks like a duck, it
> must be a duck.  I would respond: Just becuase someone walks like a
> doctor, talks like a doctor, and dresses like a doctor - would you let
> them operate on you?
> 
> R.Pardoe

Not wishing to revise history that I remember quite well a few points
here.  I have lived in Japan and have found a general opinion that the
average person in that country whom I have come in contact with have a
bit stronger sense of anti-foreign attitude then most Americans would
find comfortable.  Japan IS Xenophobic.  The term Gaijin is not a
compliment.  I see no reason to be apologetic for what is the plain
truth.  I for one find little dignity in racism no matter how
"traditional" or "poetic" it looks.  It is one facet of Japanese society
as well as American society that I find distateful.

Secondly the above argument about walking like a duck is precisely what
the Kyokai is looking for!  Someone who walks like a Yokozuna, talks
like a Yokozuna and looks like a Yokozuna (Konishiki loses badly on the
last count).  That as well as a result (the thing you missed in
mentioning Doctors as that would be the ONLY criteria I would consider).
Konishiki was more deserving maybe then Futahugaro was, however that is
only a least common denominator type of defense.  He was the strongest
Ozeki, but that too is not the criteria for promotion.  His failure to
win back to back Yusho or to dominate the Yusho race for a sustained
period of time (something more then a 6 month run) left his record a bit
short of the mark.  Given his complete deceleration shortly thereafter I
doubt Konishiki would have lasted 3 or 4 basho as a Yokozuna before the
Kyokai would have asked him to retire.  And if that had occured how the
much harder would it have been for Akebono to be promoted?  If anything
Konishiki's non-acceptance may have boosted Chad's chances.  The goal
was made clear and the record of achievment pointed out in no uncertain
terms.  Chad passed with flying colors.

Having stated those you know my persepctive.  And my perspective in
1992-93 was that Sally, while being a very good Ozeki was NOT deserving
of Yokozuna promotion at the time in which he won two of three Yusho. 
And if it took Akebono and Takanohana (easily the single most
overqualified Yokozuna candidate of the past 30 years upon his
promotion) raising the standard, then the sport I love watching is the
better as a result of it.

Finally anything equating dignity and then mentioning the American
Presidency is flat out silliness given the current occupant of that
position.  Afterall, he was elected on a concept of tolerant acceptance
of his faults, and disregard of his lacking in character.  Pete Rose has
been held to a much tougher standard then Bill Clinton was. Konishiki
was simply held to the same standard that Akebono and Takanohana were
and he didn't deserve promotion.  In fact it is my belief that Konishiki
set the standard.  The standard is something slightly better then what
he achieved at his peak.  Not bad at all and I look forward to the day
when the first Rikishi taught by Sanoyama Oyakata appear on the banuzke.

v/r Beau