[cstaylor]

So, the obvious question is: how does a teacher decide if a student is patriotic (sings Kimi-gayo in perfect pitch?), and what criteria are used (can the children recite the names of the temples in Nara?).

Knowing history is important, but I really don't think it needs it's own category. What will the school do with these numbers?

[kamome]

As bad as it is, it's not a far cry from the kind of patriotic and religious indoctrination that occurs in American schools. This goes back to our Pledge of Allegiance discussion, but I see a parallel between the Fukuoka schools' attempt to grade students on their patriotism and American schools' making students stand for the Pledge and observe a 'moment of silence' for prayer in the mornings.

[cstaylor]

As bad as it is, it's not a far cry from the kind of patriotic and religious indoctrination that occurs in American schools. This goes back to our Pledge of Allegiance discussion, but I see a parallel between the Fukuoka schools' attempt to grade students on their patriotism and American schools' making students stand for the Pledge and observe a 'moment of silence' for prayer in the mornings.

Well, I don't think I was graded on my ability to recite the pledge, so there is a difference.

[cstaylor]

There's no reason that a teacher needs to give marks for patriotism. How can any self-respecting "teacher" submit to this?

[canman]

What I would like to know is why now? Or is this a general shift to the right that we have been observing for a while. I guess this all falls into place with Mr. Ishihara being the governor of Tokyo, and more hawkish LDP members in the cabinet. But this is such an insane rule. I don't know much about the US pledge of alligence, other than the one done by Matt Groenig(very funny). But I didn't think students were graded and had to show how patriotic they were for this pledge. I told my wife a few days ago if anything like this ever came to our town, I would pull my kids from school that very day, and send them to school in Canada. I don't think anyone has the right to judge anyone elses patriotism.

[kamome]

As bad as it is, it's not a far cry from the kind of patriotic and religious indoctrination that occurs in American schools. This goes back to our Pledge of Allegiance discussion, but I see a parallel between the Fukuoka schools' attempt to grade students on their patriotism and American schools' making students stand for the Pledge and observe a 'moment of silence' for prayer in the mornings.

Well, I don't think I was graded on my ability to recite the pledge, so there is a difference.

OK, maybe they don't grade you on your patriotism in US schools, but I'm sure that students in either situation feel the same kind of psychological alienation if they don't share the same feelings of patriotism.

[cstaylor]

OK, maybe they don't grade you on your patriotism in US schools, but I'm sure that students in either situation feel the same kind of psychological alienation if they don't share the same feelings of patriotism.

It's a big difference. Why do they feel the need to record someone's patriotism as a mark? Are students who are not gung-ho sent to Ishihara's Patriotism Camp for Kids?

[canman]

The item allows teachers to evaluate whether children "cherish Japan's history and traditions and have feelings of love toward the country, as well as try to identify themselves as Japanese in this world which aims for peace."

What the hell does "have feelings of love toward the country" have to do with education in the first place. If you are forcing people into it, then its not really love is it.

But I'm still confused as to why they are pushing this now? Are the Japanese starting to feel inferior to some of their Asian neighbors, ie World Cup Soccer, and the way the Koreans went crazy over their team. Or does this have some other dark sinister meaning. I'm really confused but terribly angry about this move. I know it might only be taking place in Fukuoka, but this seems like something that could spread really easily. Especially here where I live, it is pretty conservative and rural(read backward).

[ronin juku]

I remember when I was in Primary School in Australia we had to sing God Save the Queen every Monday morning at assembly. We were only 5 years old, but we knew it was crapp and that the oldies were trying to brainwash us.

It really doesnt matter whether they have similar situations in other countries. Its all a load of crapp!

Shit is shit and don`t try and tell me it`s Chocolate

[American Oyaji]

Sounds like Mcarthyistic tendencies to me.

Thats something that is unmeasureable.

However being an American. I prefer Japan.
But I have 2 children in the Japanese school system and I wouldnt want them pressured to accept being Japanese even though they were born there.

[American Oyaji]

My son is shogakko ichinensei,

And I am in the U.S. at the moment (lived in Japan 8 years).
I'm going back after I finish making this boatload of cash.
I will be very involved.

As of right now, I'm not involved.