Burakumin Backlash For Google

[Mulboyne]

AP: Old Japanese Maps On Google Earth Unveil Secrets
When Google Earth added historical maps of Japan to its online collection last year, the search giant didn't expect a backlash. The finely detailed woodblock prints have been around for centuries, they were already posted on another Web site, and a historical map of Tokyo put up in 2006 hadn't caused any problems. But Google failed to judge how its offering would be received, as it has often done in Japan. The company is now facing inquiries from the Justice Ministry and angry accusations of prejudice because its maps detailed the locations of former low-caste communities...Google Earth's maps pinpointed several such areas. One village in Tokyo was clearly labeled "eta," a now strongly derogatory word for burakumin that literally means "filthy mass." A single click showed the streets and buildings that are currently in the same area. Google posted the maps as one of many "layers" available via its mapping software, each of which can be easily matched up with modern satellite imagery. The company provided no explanation or historical context, as is common practice in Japan. Its basic stance is that its actions are acceptable because they are legal, one that has angered burakumin leaders...more...

[jingai]

This is interesting- how do you get the filters that show where the burakumin places are? The neighborhoods exist to the present- a friend showed me where the burkau descendents live in Nagoya.

[Coligny]

Don't they use the saying "neko baba" for this kind of behaviour ?

[Taro Toporific]

Don't they use the saying "neko baba" for this kind of behaviour ?

Doesn't "nekko baba" as an idiom just mean "ripped off"? This does seem like a rip off, but rather Information wanting to be "free."

[bolt_krank]

The problem isn't google. It's the outdated mentality of the Japanese.
I think the people that insist on there being a difference between Barakumin and non-Barakumin are far more discriminatory than google are.

[Greji]

Doesn't "nekko baba" as an idiom just mean "ripped off"? This does seem like a rip off, but rather Information wanting to be "free."

You're right Taro. It means to "damatte toru" from someone close to you, like slipping that hot 5 or 10 thou note outta Mom's purse when she ain't looking.

But it's not used for ripping off someone that might be a serious felony type crime....