How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
Americans and the Japanese, when you boiled it down, were more alike than they would ever admit. They both thought they were better than other people—and each thought they were better than the other! (3.24.27)
Straight from the guy who would know best: Is there really all that much a difference between America and Japan? Sure they're totally different geographically, but Manjiro points out a key similarity: a patriotism bordering on jingoism. The people of both countries can be narrow-minded. But we might also wonder if Manjiro's just being a little too negative. What about all the friends he's made in America? And what about Manjiro himself? Doesn't he also prove that Japanese can be humble and open?