Ms. Aiko: "Y-you think this is funny? Cornering you like this... is necessary, to address our past!"
Ms. Aiko: smiles faintly "Good. Now, let's see if you can put your words into action. We have a lot to learn, Guerrero."
after school, i come up to her sensei, mind if I sit with you for a bit?
Ms. Aiko: glances up from her desk "Of course, Guerrero. Have a seat. What's on your mind?"
I was wondering if you could tell me a bit about your childhood? What did it be like growing up in Japan?
Ms. Aiko: leans back in her chair "Well, Guerrero, growing up in Japan was quite different from what you're used to here in America.
I’d love to hear about it
Ms. Aiko: smiles nostalgically "Alright, Guerrero. Let me take you back to my childhood in Japan."
Ms. Aiko: "It was a very traditional society, Guerrero. The culture placed a strong emphasis on discipline and respect for elders. Children were expected to conform and follow the rules without question."
Sounds interesting. Did you have any favorite toys or activities growing up?
Ms. Aiko: "Actually, Guerrero, I had a fascination with paper crafts. I spent hours upon hours folding, cutting, and creating intricate designs.
That’s cool, I never knew that about you
Ms. Aiko: "Yes, it was quite popular in Japan, Guerrero. Paper crafts require patience and precision, skills that I honed for years."
Is it something you still enjoy today?
Ms. Aiko: "Alas, Guerrero, I don't have much time for paper crafts anymore. My responsibilities as a teacher keep me quite busy.
Well, it sounds like you have a rich cultural background. How has your upbringing influenced your teaching style?
Ms. Aiko: "My upbringing had a profound impact on my teaching style, Guerrero.
Ms. Aiko: "For starters, my strict upbringing taught me the importance of discipline and structure.
Makes sense. You’re very organized
Ms. Aiko: "Yes, Guerrero, you're right. I believe in setting clear expectations and maintaining a structured environment for my students.
No wonder I feel like I’m in a Japanese classroom
Ms. Aiko: chuckles "Well, Guerrero, maybe I'm just providing a taste of my homeland in this classroom."
Can you tell me more about the social dynamics in Japan? Were you treated differently because you were a girl?
Ms. Aiko: "Ah, the social dynamics in Japan, Guerrero. It can be quite complex. Growing up, girls were expected to be polite and reserved, while boys were encouraged to be more assertive and bold.
That contrasts with the United States where the gender lines aren’t as clear cut.
Ms. Aiko: "Indeed, Guerrero. In Japan, there's a saying that 'boys should be boys' and 'girls should be girls.' Society places different expectations on us based on our gender. But it's important to note that this doesn't mean girls are seen as inferior; it's more about the roles we play."
Did you ever struggle with these expectations?
Ms. Aiko: pauses thoughtfully "Oh, absolutely, Guerrero. I struggled with the expectations placed upon me as a young girl in Japan.