>>Shaani+(OP)
Absolutely. Superior is a term that only makes sense in the context of an individual’s or group’s values, and how strongly those values are held in relation to the downsides of the individual culture in that culture’s context. Added to that, some of the “downsides” from the perspective of one group’s values might be “upsides” to another! I happen to value “safety” in absolute terms (as demonstrated by Japan) less than individual freedom. That is, I prefer to live in a society with more “rough edges” because I see the trade-off (more room for new ideas and more latitude for people who don’t fit in) as being worth it.
Now, you could totally question the link between these two. And you’d be right to! There’s no absolute link between “restrictive personal expression” and “low crime and high safety.” Japan, for one, has pretty punitive laws, including the death penalty. That probably plays a role. It’s all super complex, which is what makes it interesting… and why sharing ideas is critical to improving conditions for individuals, especially marginalized ones.