"It appears that the English think the Japanese... are fond of opium, and they want to bring it here also"
- Townsend Harris
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This quote by Townsend Harris recommends that the English have an unfavorable understanding of the Japanese, thinking that they love opium. This might be analyzed as a reflection of the English's own views on opium, which was viewed as a harmful and addictive drug. It might also be seen as a reflection of the English's views on the Japanese, as they are suggesting that the Japanese enjoy opium which they want to bring it to England. This could be interpreted as a worry of the Japanese and their culture, as the English might have seen opium as a foreign and harmful compound. It might also be interpreted as a worry of the Japanese's impact on English culture, as the English might have seen the Japanese as a hazard to their own culture. In general, this quote recommends that the English had a negative view of the Japanese and their culture, and that they were fearful of the potential impact that the Japanese could have on their own culture.
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