And what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
Monday, February 21, 2022
A Japanese soldier wades into the sea off Cape Endaiadere, New Guinea, with a grenade against his head moments before it goes off, defying an Australian soldier calling on him to surrender, December 18, 1942
Not in any way to justify Japanese instigating WW2, but their warrior culture is quite admirable, but very flawed, IMO. This is an example where there was no need to sacrifice his life for a cause that was already lost in every meaningful way. On one hand, the Japanese have a stringent sense of honor and duty. Part of that compels them to be unfailingly polite and considerate. And yet, they express the most vile racism primarily against other Asians, but also all westerners. It’s a crazy place.
Their ideology, attitude, and actions are why the Allied soldiers generally didn't bother allowing them to surrender. Too many times they would hide a grenade or pistol while signaling a surrender, just to kill soldiers or medics. It took a while before this was learned, and relearned by fresh troops. This situation wasn't much talked about by returning soldiers.
Perhaps British policy should have included issuing grenades to all Jap soldiers? Problem solved.
ReplyDeleteThat’s hardcore!
ReplyDeleteDifferent culture, different values.
ReplyDeleteNot in any way to justify Japanese instigating WW2, but their warrior culture is quite admirable, but very flawed, IMO. This is an example where there was no need to sacrifice his life for a cause that was already lost in every meaningful way. On one hand, the Japanese have a stringent sense of honor and duty. Part of that compels them to be unfailingly polite and considerate. And yet, they express the most vile racism primarily against other Asians, but also all westerners. It’s a crazy place.
ReplyDeleteTheir ideology, attitude, and actions are why the Allied soldiers generally didn't bother allowing them to surrender. Too many times they would hide a grenade or pistol while signaling a surrender, just to kill soldiers or medics. It took a while before this was learned, and relearned by fresh troops. This situation wasn't much talked about by returning soldiers.
ReplyDelete