The other day I was thinking about tensions that exist in part because of British-drawn borders. Israel-Palestina, India-Pakistan. Can't believe I forgot NI.
this post was submitted on 28 Mar 2025
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As it happens you don't actually have to be a social chauvinist for the country in which you reside.
If Northern Ireland decided to reunite with the rest of Ireland it would solve so many problems... good luck trying to convince the Northern Irish of that.
These situations are not comparable in the slightest.
You're right, what the British have done to the Irish is immeasurably worse.
It's a really complicated situation as far as my understanding goes (I'm British for context). I believe most British would support Irish unification, at least from the people I speak to. But still the majority (or close to) would vote to remain in the UK. Plus it'll be outrageously expensive a transition for Ireland. I don't know why this is and would like to know.
It's not an easy situation, and in my own personal opinion we should be uniting as friends, allies and equals.
As a UK person, I look at Japan as a nation very similar to ours, they've successfully united 4 islands (plus many small) much larger than the UK and I'd love to understand how it seems so easy. They had just as many conquering bastards, but everyone is happy being Japanese.
They had just as many conquering bastards, but everyone is happy being Japanese.
you should definitely let the occupied people of Okinawa know that
Do they not want do be Japanese? I have no idea.
No they do not, and Japanese along with Americans continuously commit atrocities against them and poison their water with the outflow from the US military base.
Sorry, I was thinking of Hokkaido although I think both options could educate me. My understanding is that Hokkaido is the crazy northerners. Again apologies for misunderstanding you, I'm terrible at non English words.
Basically, the Ryukyu Islands have been historically an independent with their own distinct culture, and ties to China. They were annexed by Japan in 1879 during the Meiji Restoration, becoming Okinawa Prefecture. This annexation erased their sovereignty and imposed Japanese assimilation policies that suppressed indigenous language and traditions.
After WW2, Okinawa was placed under US military occupation due to its strategic Pacific location, hosting extensive U.S. bases. Today, Okinawa remains burdened with 70% of US military facilities in Japan, linked to environmental damage, accidents, and crimes by personnel.
The modern Ryukyu independence movement emerged from this history of subjugation. Okinawans want to restore their language, traditions, and identity suppressed by Japan. They want to evict US bases from their land, and to become independent from Japan.
That's a very good summary. Do Okinawans feel closer to other Pacific island nations that to Japan? Also, Pacific islanders are natural rugby players, does Japan get all their players from there? I could look this up, but it feels better to asm questions from someone who's knowledgeable. And I love rugby.
I read back my comment and realised I didn't acknowledge you effort enough. Thank you a lot for putting in the time to answer so thoroughly and it means a lot to me.
no prob glad that was helpful
Inspirational, never let "not being able to tell different words apart" stop anyone from having strong opinions about foreign politics
/s
Pretty sure I made it clear that my knowledge was limited and was very open to other opinions. Also admitted I was mistaken. Not sure what more you want. Learning new things is great and setting a foundation of what you think you know is useful to learning.
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