>>It's a cultural thing. I'm not surprised it isn't happening, but IMO, as time goes on and people get desparate, it'll happen.
>>
>>>Considering the earthquake and tsunami and ongoing nuclear problems have left 10s of thousands dead and hundreds of thousands homeless cold and hungry, where are all the looters and shoplifters and murderers and such like were crawling around New Orleans?
>>>
>>>Previous pathetic excuses for their (New Orleans residents) actions were based on how terrible the tragedy was.
>>>
>>>New Orleans after the hurricane and flood pales in comparison with the ongoing catastrophe in Japan.
>
>Yes, there have been many times in urban America where the level of desperation following a natural disaster ( like an unpopular jury verdict ) has let to the natural desire to restore justice by liberating a TV set from a Korean.
>
>As you say, it is cultural.

In the Japanese way of thinking is any dishonor you bring upon yourself is also brought down on your family, community, and ultimately counrty. Even if your relatives had not taken any part in some awful act you may have commited, they will still feel some amount of shame. Most Americans seem to be baffled as to why I can't help feel some amount of shame over the brutalities commited by the Japanese military during WWII -- considering that I (nor any member of my family) never played a part in it. At the same time I feel uneasiness as an American about some of the apparent deal that was made between representatives of the USA and members of the infamous Unit 731.