Railway Workers Get Daily Smile Scans 385
More than 500 workers at Japan's, Keihin Electric Express Railway, must have their faces scanned each morning to determine their optimum smile. The "smile scan" analyzes a smile based on facial characteristics, from lip curves and eye movements to wrinkles. After the program scans you, it produces a smile rating that ranges from zero to 100 depending on the estimated potential of your biggest smile. If your number is sufficient, you can go about your day grinning like a maniac. If your smile number is too low the computer will give you a message such as, "lift up your mouth corners" or "you still look too serious." Every morning employees receive a printout of their daily smile which they are expected to keep with them throughout the day.
Re:Japan is insane. (Score:5, Insightful)
I can say only one thing (Score:5, Insightful)
Fuck. Right. Off.
I can be polite and professional without smiling.
Re:Japan is insane. (Score:5, Insightful)
To demean and control your workers. That is the ONLY use.
I'd be fired... (Score:3, Insightful)
I'm not a smiler. My wife gives me hell whenever we take pictures together because I don't smile. I don't like fake smiling. It's stupid and I can tell when someone is faking it. My "fake" smile is stupid looking.
They'd fire me after about a week. And you know what? I'd be cool with that.
Retarded policy, well done, Japanese company.
Re:Japan is insane. (Score:3, Insightful)
It's the same thing that TGIBennaChilies does. Make sure you have a smile, talk warm and friendly, and oh dear god make sure you're wearing enough flair [youtube.com]. :)
First thing in the morning, don't expect a smile on my face, unless I was up all night the night before, and had a morning quickie before leaving the house. Even then, I've never had a job that made me want to smile in the morning. Work is work, it's not to be freakin' enjoyed.
I prefer that work ethic. I don't need shiny happy people asking how they can help me. I need someone to answer my question correctly in only as many works as required. No, there's nothing else they can help me with. I don't care that your name is Melissa or Steve or Joanne, I can read your nametag just like any other literate customer. If I need something else, I'm not going to hunt you down, I'm going to ask the sales person who's closest. And no, I don't want to supersize it, and I don't care that it's only 35 cents more.
I went in a store today to buy cigarettes. There's a really cute girl working the counter. Eye candy goes a long way. :) I asked for a carton of cigarettes. She said they only have 9 packs. I said that would be fine, and she gave me my total. I paid, and was out the door in less than a minute. *THAT* is what I want. If I wanted warm and friendly, I'd go play with a cat. If I want a girl to flirt with me and blow smoke up my ass, I'd go see an escort. I'd say my wife, but any married man knows, once the ring goes on the finger, friendliness and complements are gone, unless she wants something. The friendlier she is, the more expensive the thing she wants.
Re:Japan is insane. (Score:3, Insightful)
I have a label for people who have that attitude about life. It's "WHORE".
Re:Japan is insane. (Score:4, Insightful)
What the hell is wrong with the Japanese? What practical purpose does this serve?
I do not agree. A big difference between Japan and the West is that Japanese do not live/feel this like a constraint. And a guy won't be fired because "he cannot smile". There are many other similar aspects of the Japanese companies that would be hard to understand West side. This one is certainly humorous and original, thus it was publicized.
Re:I can say only one thing (Score:2, Insightful)
You know, every time I hear that directed towards me, it sends me into a little rage inside.
Today is special though. It's bring your gun to work Monday. I have something a little more special for you today. I'd to introduce you to my friend, Mr. Glock. It's not a matter of workplace violence. It's a matter of attitude control.
Stay alert! Keep your laser handy! (Score:3, Insightful)
When you are happy, the Computer is happy! When the Computer is happy, you are happy! You are hereby promoted to Blue security clearance. Remain vigilant against the works of muties and communists... and above all, Be A Happy Citizen! Trust the Computer! The Computer is your friend!
Japanese Perfection (Score:5, Insightful)
Another option is to have them all wear smiley face masks
I am not a morning person (Score:5, Insightful)
If the smile auditing machine told me I didn't look happy enough, prior to my first work coffee of the day, there's be a serious danger that I'd attack it with a fire axe.
Re:Japan is insane. (Score:2, Insightful)
I agree. I'm sick of walking into stores and not being able to just look for a thing without being asked "Is there something I can help you with, sir?" The worst is RadioShack - I seriously don't go there anymore because spending two minutes comparing one device or cable against another must be seen by the employees as a sign of incompetence, and they MUST help you with your problem because only THEY, with their great RADIOSHACK training have the answer.
This is a tad silly... (Score:2, Insightful)
They're obviously doing this so that their employees provide a better experience to the customers (as in come off as happier/friendlier).
It is silly though as well as overboard. And from my experience the Japanese are polite/respectful enough that a smile (forced one at that) really isn't needed.
I'll tell you who does need this though: US Customs agents. Seriously. Only instead of measuring the 'smile' factor it should measure power-trip probability and general douchebaggery. Then they can wear the results around all day so we civs will know which agent booths to avoid.
Re:Japan is insane. (Score:2, Insightful)
Re:Japan is insane. (Score:5, Insightful)
First thing in the morning, don't expect a smile on my face, unless I was up all night the night before, and had a morning quickie before leaving the house. Even then, I've never had a job that made me want to smile in the morning. Work is work, it's not to be freakin' enjoyed.
I prefer that work ethic. I don't need shiny happy people asking how they can help me. I'd say my wife, but any married man knows, once the ring goes on the finger, friendliness and complements are gone, unless she wants something. The friendlier she is, the more expensive the thing she wants.
I feel sad that you think this is a normal life. If you are serious, so am I.
Re:Flair! (Score:5, Insightful)
You know, the Nazis had pieces of flair that they made the Jews wear.
Is James a Jew?
Re:Japan is insane. (Score:5, Insightful)
MTA workers are in a union and you have to have all these rules since the union wants there to be a good reason to fire anyone. where i work there is a 30 page book where half of each page is empty
Re:Japan is insane. (Score:2, Insightful)
And it's only crazy to you because you haven't lived their culture, history or know how japanese people have grown to think along the hundreds of years. I'm actually quite happy that theres still diverse in cultures, specially because USA and Europe seems to be getting so much like the other one. Your attitude shows the typical american attitude -- if its not like us, its bad or weird.
Re:Japan is insane. (Score:5, Insightful)
Actually, Sunshine, the ring effect is probably indirect. I'm guessing (just guessing!) that as the relationship got to the set-in-stone phase -- perhaps shortly after the honeymoon was over? -- your true nature began to assert itself. Your wife, I imagine, is just doing the best she can to deal with the horrible mistake she made. She'll be friendly and cheerful again when she finally faces the truth that things are never getting better and ditches you.
I've been married for 18 years. My wife still says nice things about me to my face and to our children all the time. She is independent enough not to have to "want something" from me -- she can do and get things for herself. We're both glad we didn't marry someone as congenitally cranky as you.
Now stop insulting women in general and your wife in particular. It's rude.
Re:Japan is insane. (Score:1, Insightful)
Not everything that happens in a different cultural is stupid or bad.
It's different, and while it may seem loopy to you, it makes perfect sense within Japanese society.
Try not to think you have all of the answers; you may have not even grasped all of the questions.
Happiness is Mandatory (Score:3, Insightful)
"WELCOME TO ALPHA COMPLEX, PERRY-R-ENL-2. HAPPINESS IS MANDATORY. HAVE A NICE DAYCYCLE."
That voice...It is the voice of authority. I should obey it.
"Thank you, Friend Computer."
"YOUR SUPERVISOR REPORTS THAT YOUR PREVIOUS CLONE, PERRY-R-ENL-1, HAD AN INSUFFICIENT HAPPINESS QUOTIENT. PLEASE REPORT TO RESEARCH AND DESIGN FOR A MALFEASANCE CONTROL DEVICE."
Research and Design... why does the name send shivers down my spine? Is it a half-memory from my previous clone? Or just treasonous rumors?
"Yes, Friend Computer."
The transbot is over there, it can take me to R&D. Just have to remember to keep smiling. Always smile. Happiness is mandatory. Cameras are everywhere. Never stop smiling. You're happy. You're in Alpha Complex, a wonderful place to be, and you're happy. You love Friend Computer. You've never heard of any secret societies. You aren't a dirty mutant. You're happy. Keep smiling. The Computer Is Your Friend. You're happy.
"Says here that your supervisor, Gregor-O, reported insufficient levels of happiness in your prior clone. Is that right, Perry-R?"
This citizen is a YELLOW. Respond to him quickly and humbly. "Yes sir." The lab is stark, bare, metallic. The items clustered on counters and tables are complicated, intricate, dangerous-looking. They are probably above my security clearance; I shouldn't look at them. All of the things in this lab--which one is he picking up? That one?
"This device is called the Joy Adjustment and Monitoring Elevated Device. J.A.M.E.D. for short, of course. Let me just strap this on..."
I can't move, or I'll be terminated for treason. I'm RED and he's YELLOW; I have to let him strap this metal cylinder on my head. Computer knows what it does. Those two arms--
"There we go, nice and snug. And these two little arms here go in the corners of your mouth like-- so. Now, the bot brain in here will monitor you for signs of unhappiness, and correct you into a smile if it detects any. Isn't Friend Computer generous?"
It hurts-- a bit. The wider I smile, the less it hurts. Smile. You're happy. Friend Computer is generous to you. "Yes sir." Keep smiling. Maybe your friends in the society will know how to get it off---ow--but you don't want it off, you're happy that it's on your head. You're happy...
The smell of the food vats is nauseating--ouch--the smell of the food vats is happy. You like working in the food vats. You like working for Gregor-O-ENL-4. You like making the algae that sustains all of Alpha Complex's citizens. You are the backbone of the society. You are important. You are happy. Smile. Smile at Gregor-O.
"You're late to your shift, Perry-R. Are you seeking to damage the efficiency of Alpha Complex?"
His face is unpleasant. And I saw the society propaganda in his office the other day. He's probably a traitor. Ouch-- it's really beginning to hurt, now. If I grimace at the pain, it only pulls up harder. My lips are sore and raw at the corners, my head is heavy with the weight of the bot. He isn't a traitor. You were mistaken. That was just paranoia. He's a loyal, happy citizen, just like you are a loyal, happy citizen. "No sir, Friend--augh-- Gregor-O." They pull up harder. It hurts. It doesn't hurt you, you're happy...
"Then why are you so tardy, Perry-R!?" He's fuming. His face is turning pink. "Production is falling behind because YOU aren't at your station!"
The smile is fading, the machine is pulling, the flesh is ripping. Drops of blood fall to the ground. You should be smiling--but he's making me so angry, he's the treasonous one, I'm the loyal one!
"Sir, might I-- yeagh!--" The pain... It won't stop pulling!
"Citizen! Answer my questions! Or have you been a traitor all along!?"
"No!"
Re:Japan is insane. (Score:3, Insightful)
No. I do not believe this. I want empathy from customer service employees. If I'm having a real problem, and some cretin is smiling at me, all that will happen is that I will be tempted to punch the smile off their face.
Re:Japan is insane. (Score:5, Insightful)
I might note that some of these are not so absurd, particularly when dealing with union labor. Procedurees and times allotted for bathroom breaks? When it is necessary that a station be properly manned at all times, you can't have everybody heading to the can at the same time. Approved travel time when summoned for a drug test? Well, yeah. If you can take two hours, it becomes much easier to set up arrangements to cheat. Why not just use common sense for these problems? 'Cause with union labor, you can't. You have to be able to point to a specific rule that states in some measurable quantity what the employee did wrong. So specific rules like these have to be set up.
Re:Japan is insane. (Score:5, Insightful)
Your attitude shows the typical american attitude -- if its not like us, its bad or weird.
Or, really, just the natural human response...which is not exclusive to Americans.
Re:Japan is insane. (Score:3, Insightful)
Southwest people are trained to smile and be cheerful. American Air doesn't.
Southwest has less delays and is more profitable and the passagers are better behaved and quiet and cuterious of others.
Correlation is not causation. There are hundreds of other factors as to why SW might have fewer delays and be more profitable. For example, SW doesn't adhere to the archaic hub system but instead runs a point-to-point flight schedule. They also fly exactly one (1) model of aircraft (B737) so they only have to train mechanics on one model and keep only one model's parts in stock.
As for SW passengers, sure they're behaved. There have been several incidents of SW passengers being thrown off of planes due to their clothing choices ( http://www.gadling.com/2007/09/09/southwest-airlines-imposes-dress-code-on-passenger [gadling.com] , http://money.cnn.com/2005/10/06/news/fortune500/southwest_shirt [cnn.com]). Nothing like a little Draconian discipline to keep people in line.
Re:Japan is insane. (Score:5, Insightful)
It is bad and/or weird. Japan, one of the most racist and nationalistic societies left on the planet (though not the only one left), practices many forms of conformity at the cost of the individual. Individuality is (sometimes literally) beaten out of the japanese since birth. There is no consideration of fairness, only service to the greater good, as defined by the politics of the day. I would be hard pressed to come up with a more accurate definition of institutional EVIL, quite frankly.
Yup, company-enforced smiling... Doesn't surprise me a bit. Most japanese will lie to you if they think that's what you want to hear. It's all about saving face, literally in this case. It's all a pack of lies to strengthen the greater good at the cost of the people. It's a broken model and should be treated with scorn and derision. It is bad and/or weird.
Gaijin-and-prefers-it-that-way
(Damn, now to post this comment, I have to hit "submit"!)
Re:Japan is insane. (Score:1, Insightful)
Funny, that's a typical Japanese attitude too.
Re:Japan is insane. (Score:5, Insightful)
That's all, incidentally, the same reason unions exist in the first place: if you don't get the company's commitments down on paper, in a legal contract, negotiated and enforced by someone with the power to do something about breaches, the company will find as many loopholes as possible to cheat you.
(This applies to large companies' interactions with consumers too, which is why there are consumer-advocacy organizations and class-action lawsuits.)
Re:Inquiring minds want to know... (Score:3, Insightful)
"Please make your smile wider"...
Re:I am not a morning person (Score:2, Insightful)
Just cover the lenses with back to front smiley face stickers!
Japan is insane, but so are gaijin. (Score:5, Insightful)
One question: How is your Japanese?
Because every time--every time--I hear someone blathering on about how racist Japan is, it's someone who can barely carry on a conversation, and who is almost completely illiterate.
I'm just sayin'.
Now, let me temper that with this: Yes, there are some things that need to be worked on (piss-testing foreigners in Roppongi is really disturbing, but... Well, they wouldn't be piss-testing them if they thought that they wouldn't get a lot of them on drug violations), but over all my life is just fine. In fact, it's great. I have a well-paying job and a nice apartment and Japanese food is the best. I want for naught.
The foreigner community has just as much work ahead of them to more peacefully assimilate into the host community as the host community has to challenge some of their racist notions and policies. Just as a "driving while black" story loses much of its punch when it ends with "and then they found a little pot I was taking to the party," a "walking while foreign" story shouldn't end with "and then they found out that I forgot that my visa had expired." Foreigners are mistreated here, yes, but many of them mistreat the locals. They act like the Loyola researcher in this Slashdot story [slashdot.org], and are similarly flummoxed when the absolutely predictable occurs.
To all the foreigners in Japan reading this, please, for all of us:
Re:Japan is insane. (Score:3, Insightful)
I can tell you exactly why they have books: because they need them.
There is always someone trying to game the system, someone looking for a loophole, an out, a way to abuse, steal, harass, annoy, slack, avoid and so on.
Whatever happened to managers simply handling each situation in an appropriate manner, and firing those who continually cause problems?
Oh wait, that would require managers to actually think and be a leader. Instead we get managers who use the rule book as a crutch to compensate for their complete lack of leadership qualities.
Re:Japan is insane. (Score:3, Insightful)
For years whenever someone asked what my job was, I said "corporate whore". Which is not far from the truth, since I passed up a low-paying but exciting job for making the big bucks at a corporate behemoth.
Ten years later I've reversed it, and now make nothing at a fun job, but I don't regret the decision.
What screws people up is that they don't want to admit, even to themselves, that they work at the job for the money. Either try to do something fun/good with your work and ignore the money, or realize that you're just there for the money and don't attach your self-worth to what you do.