Confronting Tragedy: Navigating Identity, Patriotism, and the Hope for a Kinder Future

I always try to maintain a peace of mind in the face of most situations caused by external sources because I want to be the person who can control the energy that flows through all beings. I strive to be intentional and conscious about how I manage my contribution of limited energies. However, I have come to realize that no matter how much effort you put into maintaining composure as a human being, managing emotions can still be extremely challenging. Sometimes, the best course of action is to simply accept your emotions and confront them, rather than repressing them.

The reason I am reflecting on emotional management is that a news article I read this morning left me feeling both angry and deeply saddened. The news was about a 44-year-old Chinese man who attacked a student attending a Japanese school. Tragically, the boy, who was only 10 years old, succumbed to his injuries and passed away at a local hospital. He was forced to end his life at such a young age, a life that had barely begun. As a Chinese person, I felt an immense sense of shame upon reading this news. Furthermore, as a mother of two, I could deeply empathize with the grief that the boy’s mother must be experiencing. What made this incident even more devastating was that it occurred while the boy was in the presence of his mother, a place where he should have felt safest.

The reasons behind these kinds of incidents are complex and rooted in various societal issues. One of the most significant factors is the negative and misguided patriotic education that has been instilled in many Chinese citizens. Growing up, I learned about the history of World War II, especially the conflicts between China and Japan, primarily through school textbooks. My generation, and likely many others, experienced a similar form of patriotic education, and we were heavily influenced by the environment around us. I distinctly remember my father's favorite dramas when I was a child, which often revolved around themes of war. The scenes that left a lasting impression on me were those where a Chinese soldier seemed exhilarated after killing a Japanese soldier. Reflecting on this now, it is both sad and overwhelming to think about how these portrayals glorified violence. The widespread distribution of war-related media and the distorted sense of patriotism contribute to the perpetuation of these tragic incidents.

I am deeply concerned about the time when I will bring my children back to China. Since my son is not fluent in Mandarin, we will probably speak Japanese in public, which might draw unwanted attention from toxic or hostile individuals. I don't want China to become a source of fear for my son; I want to provide him with a positive impression of the country. However, being raised in Japan as a child of both Japanese and Chinese descent, it is inevitable that he will hear negative comments and criticisms about China. This conflict worries me because it might shape his perception of his own cultural identity and heritage.

I realize that I do not have the power to change the patriotic sentiments and education system in China. I felt reluctant to confront my anger about this news, but I believe that expressing my thoughts might help others understand the complexity of this situation. As an ordinary person living in Japan, I hope that my reflections can shed light on the impact of deeply ingrained biases and the dangers of an extreme, distorted form of patriotism. It is my hope that the government will take serious and practical measures to address these issues, working towards a more balanced and informed education system that promotes harmony rather than division.

While I might not be able to change the larger socio-political environment, I can take small steps in fostering understanding and compassion. I hope that foreigners living in China won’t be too traumatized by incidents like this and that children everywhere can grow up in a world filled with love, empathy, and warmth. We must strive to teach future generations to break free from the chains of hatred and prejudice, so they can build a world where cultural differences are celebrated rather than feared. My wish is for a future where people are guided by humanity and kindness, not by anger and resentment. This is the kind of world I hope to contribute to, even if my part is small.