Comment by eqvinox

That does actually kinda make sense, but it works very differently... the politeness is anything but superficial (even counters the racism and xenophobia to a limited degree, but also hides it, coming out to ±0), and the latter two are indeed present but coded as to be ashamed of rather than proud… (unfortunately the coding of shame is also different and doesn't spurn action).

It actually makes it harder to tackle the discrimination, since it's not openly admitted. Glass walls and ceiling.

(Recommended read: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burakumin

'There is a "virtual taboo" in the Japanese media against discussing the topic, leading to widespread public ignorance.')