Re: Noticing lapses is not the same as recognizing abuse

corboy, I have had similar experiences, though these relate more to abuse in the workplace -- not the least bit uncommon in Japan.

I would say, though, that I had help in not seeing patterns of persistent abuse of myself, and of other employees.

Here is my finding on this:

There is a cultural tendency in Japan to discount the experience of individuals, and to hammer down the complaining 'nail', even though the nail is articulating what everyone is thinking and saying behind closed doors. The abuse is 'normalized' and tolerated.

In attempting to discuss this with a 'therapist', I found the onus was shifted on me for tolerating the abuse. I was asked to consider what family dynamics predisposed me to tolerate abuse.

Both approaches 'normalize' abuse.

Discuss the abuse with a lawyer, or a labor representative, it is just 'abuse'.

I do continue to wonder if the mental health treatment community is complicit, sometimes, in abetting abuse by attributing, as Landmark trainers do, culpability for the abuse to the abused.

I have seen a LOT of this.

b