I've experienced one major typhoon and then been lucky enough to have been in FL during hurricane Andrew and then Wilma. One involved 30 days with no power, Wilma was 15 days. Water, gas and certain food items get scarce. If people get so crazy, as I have seen during limited duration events, then I can only imagine what would happen, if the event is of a longer duration. Conversely, Japan's string of disasters, didn't result in mass looting and disorder as far as the news has reported. And it can classify as a longer duration event now.
Indeed. But compare Japan to America. Who enjoys a more racially homogenized population? Lower crime rate? And greater income equality, per capita?
It's largely cultural, too. Looting would be considered very shameful in Japan, just as it would be in some rural/suburban areas of the U.S. In inner cities, there's an entitlement mentality + love of all things thuggish which is a deadly concoction.
I agree. That's what I meant to imply with the 'racially homogeneous' statement, despite technically, as you pointed out, it's more cultural than racial. Japan is a remarkably upright and insular society. America is not. Nor is the UK, France etc.
hey morganist, have you had the bottle to leave your house yet, or are you still cowering under the table wearing your pyjamas and black belt in origami? dont worry son, its all over now. you can come out....
Since time began to the mid 19th century there was no need for expensive prisons in Japan - the accused was beheaded. The lower orders didn't try to question the system and still don't much. Western cities have a sorta criminal under-class that riot and loot when they feel energetic enough and can find a cause. An annual cull would soon sort them out though.
Ya know you are the king of origami when you have taken a massive shit and there are only three sheets of paper left.