I see from this morning's Globe and Mail that Japan has the same problem as you seem to be describing in your discussion about "who killed him." Young people in Japan have been working six day school weeks. Now the Japanese government has decided on "Relaxed education" and "Zest for Living". They are trying to loosen people up. Japan has been called "one of the world's most stressed-out societies."
Many students can't relax with this change in educational approach because they have been taught since they were little how important entrance exams are, that they must excel in school and get highest marks, top education, and top jobs. They think if they don't pass "it is the end." (No wonder students kill themselves, with this kind of catastophic thinking. Catastrophic thinking is considered in mental health classes here to be a mistaken way, that causes clinical depression.)
Instead of relaxing with the new rules, some students in Japan are taking cram school. They used to be told what to study, but now they have to "think for themselves." (Poor little dears. Imagine, having to think for yourself! --That is how this complaint strikes this Westerner.) If they don't get into the right school they may not get into the *right* university, then not the *right* job, a terrible blow to their anxious parents. Especially in Japan's economic downturn.
Their government explains that it is making these educational changes to prepare students for the needs of the global economy. "Instead of relying on the legendary rigours of its system of memorization and formal rote learning, Japan wants its young people to be creative, imaginative and free to learn independently."
The government slashed Saturday classes and the formal curriculum 30%, reduced hours devoted to science, math, history and Japanese language and replaced with field trips and general studies. This is a revolutionary idea for these workaholics. More than 140 people work themselves to death in Japan every year, and some people work as many as 50 hours overtime each week.
More than half the parents are oppposed to the shortened school week and conservatives call it a "recipe for the ruin of the nation."
Richer people are sending their children to private schools which still run Saturday classes, and hiring tutors. This is widening the gap between rich and poor as it costs $30,000 a year to do so.
One principal (whom I think is wise,) said "Of course the parents are worried about the exams, but it's more important for the children to learn how to live. Before, the whole system was just students receiving facts and memorizing and never speaking. This wasn't helping them. It was too rigid. Now what's more important is what you enjoy and what you're good at, your feelings and your imagination.
Personally, I consider the old way the height of materialism. It is without balance. It is based on prestige, power, pride, and money. What else besides this is wrong with our world today? I see now that you are saying this driving happens in your country, too. It doesn't happen that children are driven to such an extreme extent here, but it is growing.
I continue to believe that a life well-lived is more important than a rich, powerful or prestigious life. These things pass, but a life well-lived will build inner riches. Some, including me, think that these are all that you can carry with you to the next world.
Some, including me, think that our world itself desperately needs people who live well-lived lives, if it is to finally survive. Greed, power, pride and money hunger are ruining it.
Maryk
