How not to become a ‘soft rogai’
Published: 27 Feb. 2024, 20:11
LEE YOUNG-HEE
The author is a Tokyo correspondent of the JoongAng Ilbo.
Although Japanese people are armed with manners and kindness, I am sometimes surprised at their ruthlessness when I see newly coined words. In the mid-2000s, Japanese called the childless single women in the 30s “makeinu,” meaning a dog who lost a fight.
The latest keyword is “rogai,” which literally means “the harm of being old.” The online definition is “the act of the elderly causing trouble for young people without realizing their oldness, or the person who commits the act.”
The characteristic is embodied by “pushing one’s own opinion with a condescending gaze.” It is similar to the Korean word “kkondae,” but the Japanese term is far more merciless, lacking humor.
Lately, a new phrase — “soft rogai” — is spreading fast. Famous television writer Osamu Suzuki first used the term in his recent bestseller, “How to Quit Your Job.” While declaring his retirement from a 30-year career as a television writer, Suzuki wrote that one of the reasons was that he had found he became a “soft rogai.”
The “soft rogai” behavior he mentioned often appears among people over the age of 40 engaged in mid-level management. Although they are not yet out in the field, they perceive themselves as reasonable bosses as they still believe their intuition is outstanding.
A “soft rogai” is often displayed when transferring tasks ordered by superiors to junior employees. While the juniors protest that something “does not make sense,” they persuade the juniors “I understand you, but there is nothing you can do about it.” Though they decided to follow the superiors, they appeal to the young employees, saying, “I am on your side” or “It was worse in my time.” Their expressions are “soft,” but they are essentially “rogai” who rather discourage young workers.
The screen writer said he became aware of his old and condescending nature when a junior “revealed” that his long-contemplated idea was scrapped because of an opinion Suzuki offered without much thought in a meeting. There are various arguments on social media, where some say, “It stings” or “Being young doesn’t mean having a better idea.”
If you feel guilty, you should keep the writer’s advice in mind. It is hard not to be a “soft rogai.” But let’s make a habit of objectively observing ourselves from above.
If you can’t help being condescending, you must admit that your position has changed. If you should be hated, you should be hated properly.
The author is a Tokyo correspondent of the JoongAng Ilbo.
Although Japanese people are armed with manners and kindness, I am sometimes surprised at their ruthlessness when I see newly coined words. In the mid-2000s, Japanese called the childless single women in the 30s “makeinu,” meaning a dog who lost a fight.
The latest keyword is “rogai,” which literally means “the harm of being old.” The online definition is “the act of the elderly causing trouble for young people without realizing their oldness, or the person who commits the act.”
The characteristic is embodied by “pushing one’s own opinion with a condescending gaze.” It is similar to the Korean word “kkondae,” but the Japanese term is far more merciless, lacking humor.
Lately, a new phrase — “soft rogai” — is spreading fast. Famous television writer Osamu Suzuki first used the term in his recent bestseller, “How to Quit Your Job.” While declaring his retirement from a 30-year career as a television writer, Suzuki wrote that one of the reasons was that he had found he became a “soft rogai.”
The “soft rogai” behavior he mentioned often appears among people over the age of 40 engaged in mid-level management. Although they are not yet out in the field, they perceive themselves as reasonable bosses as they still believe their intuition is outstanding.
A “soft rogai” is often displayed when transferring tasks ordered by superiors to junior employees. While the juniors protest that something “does not make sense,” they persuade the juniors “I understand you, but there is nothing you can do about it.” Though they decided to follow the superiors, they appeal to the young employees, saying, “I am on your side” or “It was worse in my time.” Their expressions are “soft,” but they are essentially “rogai” who rather discourage young workers.
The screen writer said he became aware of his old and condescending nature when a junior “revealed” that his long-contemplated idea was scrapped because of an opinion Suzuki offered without much thought in a meeting. There are various arguments on social media, where some say, “It stings” or “Being young doesn’t mean having a better idea.”
If you feel guilty, you should keep the writer’s advice in mind. It is hard not to be a “soft rogai.” But let’s make a habit of objectively observing ourselves from above.
If you can’t help being condescending, you must admit that your position has changed. If you should be hated, you should be hated properly.
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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