"The Way of Subjects"

Paper Summary:

"The Way of Subjects" was issued by the Ministry of Education in Japan prior to its entry into World War II. It was a reaction to the influences on Japanese culture of Western countries, including the United States. The paper explains that the authors were concerned that Japan was losing its unique cultural flavor as old ways became corrupted, in their view, by inferior ideas from non-Eastern countries. This paper analyzes the document and compares it to a similar declaration of cultural purity, Adolf Hitler's "Mein Kampf".

From the Paper:

"Another parallel exists in that Hitler's Mein Kampf demonstrates a sense of Germany's extended history. Hitler rejects the effects of recent history just as "The Way of Subjects" rejects much of current history (with the exception of their victory over Russia). Both writings suggest that the respective countries retreat to the standards, beliefs and values of an earlier time before their cultures were corrupted by incompatible views."

More papers on "The Way of Subjects":

• Analytical Essay # 41848 : "The Way of Life"
• Analytical Essay # 112215 : "The Use of Distortion in Art, Literature, and Theatre"
• Essay # 66292 : "The Benefits of Social Science Research"

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