I think the criticism is valid, especially from its own citizens. What I found most bizarre is how kids are trained/required/mandated to pledge allegiance to the flag EVERY day without even knowing what they are actually doing. 30minutes later as the lesson unfolds we hear of how atrocious those Nazi Germans were- how brainwashed the Japs were, condemning them as animals unworthy of life. You question it for a sec but 'Praise the Supreme Leader' comes on over the speakers so you jump again with your hand across the heart and join the rest of the group with Praise.