Cultural Divisions and Japan's Path Forward in a Changing World

Professor Kevin Doak of Georgetown University recently delivered a thought-provoking talk at the Historical Awareness Research Committee. The committee is a Japanese organization dedicated to researching and addressing issues related to Japan's historical perceptions. In his talk, Doak addressed the cultural divisions and ideological shifts shaping modern America and their implications for Japan.

The Erosion of Tradition

"Conservative analysts may celebrate (Donald Trump's) recent electoral victory as a decisive defeat for the Democratic Party," Professor Doak remarked. "However, the slim 3.6% margin (of victory over Democratic nominee Kamala Harris) underscores the profound cultural divisions in America today." These divisions, he explained, are not just political but part of a broader cultural war over identity, religion, and morality.

Drawing a historical parallel, Professor Doak likened America's cultural conflict to Germany's Kulturkampf (1871 – 1883). Under this movement, Chancellor Otto von Bismarck sought to curtail the influence of the Catholic Church through measures like secular civil marriage. "However," he noted, "unlike Bismarck's realpolitik approach, America's cultural revolution is far more fractured. Christians — especially Catholics — are now a shrinking minority, making compromise increasingly elusive."

*Otto Von Bismarck, Germany's first chancellor (Wikimedia Commons).*

Obama's Legacy

A key turning point in this cultural upheaval, Professor Doak argued, was President Barack Obama's tenure. "Obama's 2008 pledge to 'fundamentally transform' the United States reflected a mindset that aligns with totalitarian ideologies," he said. Citing political scientist Paul Kengor, Doak explained that totalitarian regimes often seek to reshape human nature itself through political and cultural transformations.

Under the Obama administration — and later, Joe Biden's — fundamental changes to marriage, family, and sexuality advanced rapidly. "These transformations weren't just policy changes," Doak warned. "They altered the very moral foundation of American society, shifting it away from its traditional roots."

Identity Politics

Professor Doak highlighted demographic shifts exacerbating these cultural changes. "In 1972, Christians made up 90% of the American population. Today, that number has dwindled to 60%, with non-religious individuals now accounting for 29%," he said.

This decline in religious identity has been accompanied by the rise of identity politics and "wokeness." Author Shelby Steele explored these concepts in White Guilt: How Blacks and Whites Together Destroyed the Promise of the Civil Rights Era. According to Steele, White guilt over systemic racism has become central to America's social identity. It has now replaced traditional virtues with moral atonement for historical injustices.

"Modern ethics prioritize advocacy for racial and LGBTQ+ causes over Christian values," Doak observed. "What was once considered virtuous is now often labeled oppressive or hateful."

Historical Revisionism

The erosion of Christian influence coincides with growing advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. "Ironically," Doak pointed out, "while homosexuals remain a minority, they often enjoy greater economic and legal protections than many Americans." He argued that left-leaning elites champion these causes not to address historical injustices. Instead, they promote them to dismantle moral frameworks that constrain personal indulgence.

*Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2023. (© JAPAN Forward)*

This trend aligns with broader critiques like the 1619 Project, which reframes American history as fundamentally rooted in slavery and racism. Doak criticized the project, noting that Brown University historian Gordon Wood has refuted claims that the American Revolution aimed to preserve slavery. "These revisionist narratives replace the ideals of liberty and justice with a singular focus on oppression," he said.

Implications for Japan

Turning to Japan, Professor Doak urged caution against adopting Western cultural trends uncritically. "Japan must distinguish its path from America's declining trajectory," he emphasized. "While post-war Japan admired America's wealth and values, today's US is marked by ideological battles and diminishing global influence."

He warned that uncritical adoption of LGBTQ+ norms, often seen as a Christian issue, could undermine Japan's societal foundations. "Opposition to LGBTQ+ promotion is not exclusively Christian," Doak explained. "Muslims, Orthodox Jews, and many others share similar concerns rooted in natural law and the preservation of family structures."

To become a "normal country," as former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe envisioned, Japan must break free from post-war constraints, Doak claimed. These include constitutional limits like Article 9 and psychological ties to America's perceived exceptionalism. "By viewing America as an ordinary nation, Japan can reclaim its sovereignty and chart its future," he asserted.

Navigating the Global Order

Professor Doak concluded by addressing the geopolitical significance of these cultural shifts. "America's left-wing elites, with their focus on business ties with China, risk undermining alliances with Japan," he said. As the US distances itself from Christianity, Japan faces a widening values gap with its ally. Aligning with America's left could draw Japan closer to China's communist sphere, jeopardizing its independence.

"Ultimately," Doak stated, "Japan must embrace its strengths, reject guilt-driven ideologies, and preserve its traditional culture and moral values. By fostering independence, Japan can confidently navigate the challenges of the global order and secure its place as a leader on the world stage."

Author: Daniel Manning