I’m only posting this now because I randomly remembered the whole honne/tatemae thing a few minutes ago and it made me think about one of my JTEs.
This year, I only work with one JTE, and I have class with her every day in elementary. I just realized that every time I ask her how she feels, she always answers “I’m happy.” Every single time. And I’ve noticed some of the students look a bit confused or surprised when she says it, like they’re thinking, “Again?”
I don’t know if the kids are too young to pick up on it, or if they’re starting to sense something’s off. It made me wonder if she’s keeping up this image because she’s a teacher and wants to model a certain attitude. Maybe it’s her way of sticking to the tatemae side of things.
Meanwhile, I’m just out here being totally honest. If I’m hot, I say I’m hot. If I’m hungry, I say I’m hungry especially before lunch. I feel like the kids find it funny and a bit refreshing, but now I’m wondering if it makes me seem too casual.
Has anyone else experienced this? Are most JTEs like this in your schools too? Just curious how common this is.
by foxxx182