Business Students Exposed to History of Japanese Culture

Business Students Exposed to History of Japanese Culture

Ben Karp, shares history of African-American and Japanese relations

Karp, who studies African-American studies and history, lived in Japan for eight years. His presentation focused heavily on W.E. B. DuBois’ relationship and views with the Japanese following their victory in the Russo-Japanese territory war in 1904. DuBois later traveled to Japan in 1936 and had a positive view of the Japanese culture and people.

“In recent times many have assumed that the Japanese were a very racist culture, which is untrue,” stated Karp. “On the contrary they respected the African-American story and used it in their case against the West. Dubois used this as a model… they never sacrificed their culture. That’s what Dubois wanted for African Americans, for us to be seen as equals while still being ourselves. ”

In an effort to expose students from various departments to the discussion Dr. Kanata Jackson, chair and associate professor in the Department of Management, invited students from the Departments of Sociology, Psychology and History to hear Karp’s message.

“This lecture brought a better understanding of cultures across the globe,” stated Zalika Bailey, a junior business management major. “As business students we may find jobs across the world. You never know what part of history you may need to know.”