Charlie, Thank you for your insightful and thought-provoking post.
I have seen actually not seen many samurai movies, but am certain I am not missing anything as regards the focus of this discussion. I believe samurai movies reflect actual Japanese culture about as well as BAYWATCH or the recent Batman movies reflect US culture. Theyre both romantic dreams of how some people think things should be, but not a good depiction of how things are, or in this case were. Having said that, however, in the few samurai and other Japanese movies I have seen I have not noticed any specific denigration of homosexuals. So - I think you can continue to enjoy your samurai movies without any worry about your obviously well-refined sensibilities being offended by overt denigration of homosexuals, or being burdened with the possibility of learning anything particularly useful about ancient Japanese culture; and ESPECIALLY not be in danger of being exposed to anything even remotely resembling zen . Sayonara Bill! From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Charlie Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2008 11:17 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [Zen] Re: Gay Roshis? "Bill Smart" <> I have never read or heard anything about the attitude of Japanese zen towards homosexuality. Many medieval Western and Asian cultures were more tolerant of sexual preferences than today's societies.> If you have seen enough Samurai movies, it is clear that homosexuels and fleabag faggots were condemned and shunned and regularly beaten and then killed off. You need to check your sources, mister. Gays were hated in the Samurai culture. ------------------------------------ Current Book Discussion: any Zen book that you recently have read or are reading! Talk about it today!Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zen_Forum/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
