Would we have the strength?

from JoeUser Forums

Is strength the right word here?  I honestly don't know, but perhaps others can respond once they read what I'm saying and can consider what words seem to fit.

What I am asking about is whether we -- the citizens of the USA -- would have the strength to get through what the people of Japan are having to get through now?  We like to think of ourselves as very resilient people, very strong people, people that can adapt and cope with just about anything, but can we really?

I'm not saying we are soft and weak, but I question just how much strength we do have.  I know we have had segments of the country that have had to cope with many hardships (see Katrina for an example, or the gulf oil spill for another), but nothing on the order of magnitude of what the Japanese people are going through.

If we lost homes, loved ones, the creature comforts and were facing what seems to be emminent disaster, could we handle it?  Would we?

2,697 views 7 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top

I think when you don't have any other choice, you find the strength.

The Japanese culture isn't quite as diverse as American culture and in this instance, that serves them in good stead (ie, staying calm, helping each other).

Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top

Not as stoically (think Katrina), but yes we would get through it.  Most major nations would.  Only the weak (Haiti) have problems because they really have no freedom.

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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top

Not as stoically (think Katrina), but yes we would get through it. Most major nations would. Only the weak (Haiti) have problems because they really have no freedom.
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There are still people waiting for a government check for Katrina. Personally, I believe the Japanese people will not take so long. Also, I haven't seen one photo of a Japanese citizen carrying a TV from the rubble. Sadly, the US is closer in demeanor to Haiti than the Japanese are in face of that type of disaster. Of course we did much better during the mid-west flooding. I guess it's regional.

Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top

Quoting Nitro, reply 3

There are still people waiting for a government check for Katrina. Personally, I believe the Japanese people will not take so long. Also, I haven't seen one photo of a Japanese citizen carrying a TV from the rubble. Sadly, the US is closer in demeanor to Haiti than the Japanese are in face of that type of disaster. Of course we did much better during the mid-west flooding. I guess it's regional.
End of Nitro's quote

I agree with all your points.  My response was Q&D, and not as detailed.  But the Q&D is that we did get through both Katrina and 9-11.  Just not as well as Japan will weather their crises.

Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top

But the Q&D is that we did get through both Katrina and 9-11.
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One can say just by the passage of time only, one gets through anything. But I agree, I is ALL how one handles it during and after. I believe not long ago, there was a time when we would have been able to face any such event with strong determination, not unlike the Japanese this past week. No longer (with perhaps a few exceptions). We are ever evolving to take our place with, and seemingly happily racing to, the third world. Cradle to grave, many folks demand the government to take care of us. Wipe our nose. Powder our bottom. Those folks have been dumbed down to the point they can barely function with out assistance.

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

I believe we can except my biggest fear would be this Gov't would simply take advantage of the "crisis" to make themselves even bigger. Ain't nothing like a terrible crisis to get them politicians to whip up a nice bill that would attempt to protect us by taking more freedoms away from us.

Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top

Nitro -

I believe not long ago, there was a time when we would have been able to face any such event with strong determination, not unlike the Japanese this past week.
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just remember Pearl harbor.  But that was a different nation back then.

Charles -

this Gov't would simply take advantage of the "crisis" to make themselves even bigger.
End of quote

I sadly agree with you.