#191 Melting Pot of Races (or Tossed Salad)

I was looking back at my past blogs the other day and thought I would reblog about the “melting pot” of races vs “salad bowls.” Perhaps if you have lived in Japan all your life, this is a part of the world that you don't think about too much.

It was very interesting to find out that a lot of people were actually curious about these words.

Here’s what I referenced in my previous blog post about the definition of each word.

“Melting pot refers to people from various ethnic and racial backgrounds coming together in one place and creating a new culture or society. 

In the 50’s-60’s when civil rights movements for minorities came to the forefront, the term “melting pot” started to take on the meaning of people assimilating to one single culture.

This is how the concept of the “salad bowl” came about. Specifically, here are the differences between a melting pot and a salad bowl:

A melting pot is where a single homogenous culture becomes created out of various races coming together. 

On the other hand, a salad bowl refers to each vegetable retaining its own shape, taste and identity within the salad, while co-existing in a bowl called America. The people retain their own cultural roots and continue existing together in one place.”

I am sure that the reason why we usually do not have much opportunity to think about it living in Japan is because that is because we look at it only from the angle of race and ethnicity, and Japan is a mostly homogenous country.

But in reality, people in Japan are trying to "fit in" within their own families, communities, and companies.

And sometimes there are situations where they feel challenged.

I believe again that this is not only because of race, but also because people have different values and viewpoints.

I also feel that there is no need to force people to "blend in" with each other.

Why do I do what I do now and why do I do it?

I am constantly asked, "What is the hardest thing about working with people from different backgrounds?”

I believe that there is no difference in the difficulties between working amongst a homogenous group like in a group of only Japanese people, and people from other countries. I think it is important to understand the other person's situation and background, and to respect each other's good points in order to reach a landing point, which is the challenging part.

There is no need to force groups to become a "melting pot.” In a "salad bowl," I value the role of being the “dressing” to complete the balance of the salad bowl. I feel it is important as a project manager to play the part of dressing the "salad bowl.”

What is the melting pot or salad bowl for you?

And why do you care? I hope to be able to talk about that at future workshops we hold.

This Saturday, we will finally hold our first in-person group session!

I am very much looking forward to meeting participants.

Japan seems to be entering the rainy season from this week. Let's take good care of ourselves as the weather fluctuates!

I wish all of you, including those from other countries, a week with as many smiles as possible!