A remarkably silly U.S. diplomat



Diplomats just don't say such things normally. And to call any Japanese lazy is really stretching it

"A senior U.S. diplomat supervising Japan affairs has been replaced for allegedly making disparaging comments about the inhabitants of a southern Japanese island where U.S. troops are based, the U.S. Embassy and an assistant secretary of state said Thursday.

Kevin Maher caused an uproar by reportedly telling a group of American University students in December that Okinawans were lazy and used their hosting of U.S. bases to extort benefits from Tokyo.

The comments have been widely reported in the Japanese media, and Japan's foreign minister called them hurtful and deeply regrettable.

Maher has been replaced by Rust Deming, the deputy chief of mission in Tokyo, as director of the State Department's Office of Japan Affairs, the U.S. Embassy said in a statement. Maher will continue to work for the State Department.

Okinawa hosts tens of thousands of U.S. Marines and other troops, more than any other part of Japan. Okinawans have often complained that they bear too much of the burden for Japan's security alliance with Washington.

Source

It is argued here that the "lazy" reputation of Okinawans began as a result of their passive resistance to U.S. occupation and that Okinawans going about their own business outdo Americans as hard workers. More details here also.

And apparently the guy has a Japanese wife and half-Japanese children -- who will never now be welcome back in Japan. Really smart! Feel sorry for his family

Posted by John J. Ray (M.A.; Ph.D.).