Japan’s Contempt for America

While the content of “In Japan, Scorn for America” (Oct. 25) is truly saddening, I must admit my great appreciation to The Times for having the gumption to print this ugly reality about our nation’s current stature there. Having spent many years in Japan as a representative for a U.S. manufacturer, I have long been aware of the tendency in Japan to judge other countries by an unforgiving, single criteria: economic prowess. So long as our nation’s economy was perceived as an admirable example, we Americans were treated with a degree of decency. However, since our economic powerhouse is slowing down and giving way to a community of economic peers, we are no longer viewed as qualified to comment on Japanese improprieties, from the environment to the apparent lack of equal rights for women.

Americans, as addicted consumers of Japanese products, can make the greatest single impact on popular Japanese sentiment by speaking the universal language of money. We can do this by choosing carefully when purchasing imported items, as long as that choice exists. Their opinion will hurt a lot less when we rediscover a greater sense of self-sufficiency.

GREGORY LARSON, Los Angeles