Biden calls US ally Japan 'xenophobic' along with India, Russia and China

[Polybius]

Source: CNN

President Joe Biden on Wednesday called close US ally Japan “xenophobic” at a Washington, D.C., fundraiser, just weeks after lauding the US-Japan alliance at a state dinner.

The president made the remark at the off-camera event while arguing that Japan, along with India, Russia and China, would perform better economically if the countries embraced immigration more.

“You know, one of the reasons why our economy is growing is because of you and many others. Why? Because we welcome immigrants. We look to – the reason – look, think about it – why is China stalling so badly economically? Why is Japan having trouble? Why is Russia? Why is India? Because they’re xenophobic. They don’t want immigrants,” Biden said, according to an official White House transcript released Thursday. An initial report of Biden’s comments that was released by pool reporters did not include India in the list of countries he mentioned.

On Thursday, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the president was attempting to make a larger point when he described Japan and India as “xenophobic.

Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/we-need-a-national-divorce-rep-marjorie-taylor-greene-calls-for-republican-states-to-secede-from-the-union/ar-AA17Islf?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=5c8edc94cdd3439b89c18122dc0b6ea3

[msongs]

1. one would think china and india have sufficient population already nt

[stopdiggin]

5. I think the point might be diversity - rather than sheer raw numbers? -(nt)-

[AllTooEasy]

12. That point doesn't help. China and India are very diverse.

Please don't stereotype the populations of China or India as being homogenous. The range of facial features, body types, skin tones, cultures, languages, histories, religions, etc. are extensive in both of these +1 billion population countries. It's like saying Europe (Scots, Italians, Georgians, etc.) or Africa (Moroccans, Congolese, Ethiopians, etc.) aren't diverse.

Japan on the other hand...

[stopdiggin]

18. you're correct, and 'diversity' probably isn't the best word

(although it is one that we use routinely in the US)
I wonder if cultural influx wouldn't better describe .. ? But a cross pollination of culture has clearly been an engine of creativity and growth down through time - and has served this country well. (which is kind of where this OP got it's wings)

[PSPS]

2. He's right. Immigrants are keeping our economy going. It's always been that way.

[Polybius]

6. But to put it bluntly, this country isn't exactly in a pro-immigration mood at the moment

I worry about the timing.

[BlueKota]

14. I get what you mean about the timing, and I am sure

the magats will try and use it against him, but maybe it can be used as a starting point for our side for a discussion that needs to happen.

The old argument that immigrants are taking jobs away from Americans is pretty much bunk at least in NY. Businesses all over have help wanted signs and even have billboards practically begging for help. Many often have to shut down early or not even open at all some days because they don't have enough employees. So where are all these supposed American citizens without work because of immigrants? Why aren't they rushing to apply.

It's not just fast food joints either. It's veterinary practices, hospitals, libraries, school bus drivers etc. It's been attributed to Covid, but it goes beyond that. The last of the baby boom generation are retiring. There are not enough people in the succeeding generations to fill those gaps.

Immigrants could be trained to fill those positions especially if they can speak English or Spanish. The only thing that stands in the way is bigotry.

Plus Americans hate the inconvenience of these businesses shutting down early, if that's pointed out maybe it would get through to a few people that we need at least some immigration or we are screwed.

[HUAJIAO]

3. I wonder how much he knows about Japan..

[HandmaidsTaleUntold]

9. He Is Correct

I grew up there. We allow them in here to do whatever they want. They barely let us in to live or conduct business especially. Korean families living there 500 years still can’t get citizenship.

[Steven Maurer]

11. Agreed. Even half-Japanese will be turned away in certain restaurants...

...people who literally grew up in Japan and speak the language fluently.

There are many positive things about Japan as a country and a culture, but they have a strong fear of anyone who even slightly sticks out.

[PatSeg]

17. I had no idea

I would have thought they would be more openminded, being they've absorbed so much of western culture.

[HandmaidsTaleUntold]

19. They Are

I love them. But they are a homogeneous society and for centuries who were under attack a lot. I’m mostly referring to doing business and citizenship. They are extremely kind and polite. So much so after I moved back here I was stunned at the rudeness here.

[PatSeg]

20. Very interesting

Thanks for sharing.

[Polybius]

21. They are kind to American tourists too

Great people, and super clean.

[PatSeg]

16. That is very disturbing

I did not realize that.

[AnrothElf]

4. Dark Brandon strikes again!

President Biden doesn't gaffe.

He's saying diversity encourages innovation. It helps find real solutions that work in the really DIVERSE world.

[Polybius]

7. Japan seems to be doing fine the way it is though

I wish he had kept them out of the discussion.

[AnrothElf]

8. He was probably referring to this...

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/may/01/akyia-houses-why-japan-has-nine-million-empty-homes

[HandmaidsTaleUntold]

10. It's Still True

Closed society compared to us. You can’t just go there and open a business. I love them immensely though.

[NickB79]

22. Their population is crashing

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/japans-aging-population-is-shrinking-at-a-record-rate/

It will play hell with their economy and social dynamics. They have no choice but to accept millions of immigrants in the future.

[betsuni]

13. True about Japan, but businesses need foreign tourists and foreign workers, more non-Japanese live

there and people don't freak out anymore. Old conservative men in government is the problem, I think. Not sure if having a non-Japanese parent still makes it difficult to get a job with a large company.

Went to my Japanese sister-in-law's 60th birthday party the other day at a sushi restaurant. After decades of seeing me eat Japanese food she still has it in her head that foreigners can't eat raw fish. While everybody else got a nice sushi plate I was stuck with the cooked stuff -- special order. LOL.

[Bucky]

15. This is a classic gaffe. It's impolite because it's true

Of course the deeper truth is the way that Japan is unwelcoming to foreigners is entirely different than the way that Russia is unwelcoming to outsiders.

Politicians have to be careful when they decide to speak uncomfortable truths; ignoring nuance like Joe does sometimes is an amateur's mistake.