A2 Level Media: Collective Identity

Asians - Japanese -Written research

In July 2012, a programme was aired showing the culture of Japan and how it differs to the more common perception in the 21^st century (Stacey Dooley: The fall of the Rising Sun). Japanese people have often been stereotyped as “tourists” as well as being the technology base of the world. However, the Japanese as a collective identity are often stereotyped as being naïvely important. Their work ethic is of a much higher standard than that of the UK for example and “benefits” is hardly an option. A majority of those who are leaving the Universities end up without jobs and have a 2 year bracket to find one before they are cast off. After watching this programme about their society and way of life, it has opened questions as to how and why they live in this society.

The Japanese are also associated with manga, and that they are all obsessed with it to the extent where they dress up (make up and all) to look like the characters. This however is not true. Their society is quite the opposite, and the majority of the population have a more serious and negative view on the world.

“Even in fashion, Japanese people have a strong complex about the West” – This is a quote from a BBC Choice programme, aired on Japantv, and suggests that it works both ways. Fashion is another collectivist view from the public, and it takes an isolated form in this study. The Japanese schoolgirl look is very reserved and conformist, as they live in a conformist society, however – like every school – there are those who rebel, known as “The Black-faced girls” who want to be like foreigners from more Western countries i.e. America. As an advance on this, Kim Stringer, a fashion director and Vogue consultant, has launched a Japanese version of Vogue to portray the Japanese culture in a more even light. This is an example of the society that Japanese people exist in which is dominated by the male’s idea of perfection. This is where a majority of conformity and expectations is derived from.

The views and opinions portrayed in this programme by the presenter are a kick of reality on how much better it is for people living in an individualist society, such as the UK. There are places in Japan where the public sleep in cubicles not much bigger than a public toilet because they have no house. It gives depressive and demoralising views of Japan, and how much of a state the country is actually in.

The only side we see to this society is that of which is presented to us in a biased manner via the media via print such as newspapers as well as on tv. For example, a jokey gameshow called “Takeshi’s Castle” which is the Japanese equivalent to “Total Wipeout”. The Japanese are represented in a fun and carefree manner, embarrassing themselves in many ways, however this is the stereotypical view that the Japanese face and struggle to overcome.

In a similar way, the general public perceive Japan (the country) in a single assumption i.e. Tokyo is the haven for the Japanese public and every city must be like this. In fact, regarding the BBC3 programme hosted by Stacey Dooley, in some areas, they aren’t as built up as Tokyo, however they are quite heavily populated. Baring in mind, when venturing to various places in Japan, she happened across a valley where people go to commit suicide. This was because of their meaningless and consumer driven lives where there isn’t any jobs, money or subsequently housing for them, and so no longer wish to put up with it.

The actual nature of the Japanese community is a lot harsher than the general public expect. Although the public may think that they are fashion driven, manga obsessed tourists, they actually exist in a crippling society where only the strong and the lucky survive.

Stacey Dooley - Japan - Fall of the Rising Sun.

http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/broadcast/2012/07/bbc3-documentary-broke-all-rules-reporting-suicide

"Thirty Minutes Over Tokyo" is the twenty-third episode and season finale of The Simpsons - tenth season. It initially aired on the Fox network. In the episode, after being robbed, the Simpsons visit a money-saving convention, where they learn ways to save their money.

The family can afford a cheap last-minute flight to another country. They find out that they are going to spend their vacation in Japan.

It was one of the last episodes written in the series, with reference to the war film '30 Seconds Over Tokyo'. Guest-stars included George Takei as the host for The Happy Smile Super Challenge Family Wish Show.

The episode mocks several aspects of the Japanese culture, including the perceived cruelty of Japanese game shows.

The episode was seen by approximately 8 million viewers in its original broadcast. In 2005, the episode was first released on home video, and in 2007, it was released as part of the tenth season DVD box set. Following the release, the episode received mixed reviews, especially due to a scene in which the Emperor of Japan is thrown into a trunk filled with sumo thongs, the episode has never aired in Japan, as the scene was considered disrespectful.

Similarly in another episode of The Simpsons, the Japanese are represented as unprofessional, greedy predators (a danger) to other cultures in the world.

Homer takes his family to the new sushi bar, The Happy Sumo.

After sampling most of the items on the menu, he tries sushi made from the fish fugu. The chef in charge is occupied with Edna behind his shop in the car park, so his apprentice has to cook it for Homer. Certain parts are toxic. The apprentice tries to do it but Homer starts yelling impatiently. He serves it, unsure if the poisonous portions have been removed.

The chef soon returns and believes that the fish has not been prepared correctly and tells Homer that he may have been poisoned.

10/10/12

Stereotype that Japanese are technological masterminds – positive in their knowledge and ability but narrow minded negative stereotype that this is all they do.

Family Guy

In family guy they have a Japanese news reporter - Tricia Takanawa who they often mock.
In one episode the American news reporter - Tom Tucker - says in traditional asian tone "She's gunna tell us all about the rain"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDfNbr7n5Wc
This represents them in a minority with a mocking tone and negative representation.

Theorists

Postmodernism -
Marxism -
Cultivation -
Levi Straus -

Televised Comedians:

RUSSELL HOWARD'S GOOD NEWS REPORT ONLINE - THE TELEGRAPH

The Above is taken from The Telegraph - 2011 online

It regards Russell Howard's take on the most recent Japan Earthquake and if maybe he should be more selective with the comical remarks he makes for fear of offending other cultures.

Quotes: "putting a quirky spin on current affairs using nifty clips and direct-to-camera chat"

"boasting more than a million viewers"

"sensitive subjects"

"risks being branded as sick-taste"

Furthermore, Russell Howard showed a clip on one of his shows about how instituations such as "Sky" in this instance, had an ignorant answer to the Tsunami/Earthquake in Japan by agreeing to show an advert between news reports on the Tsunami on "Lesson 24: How to ride a wave".
Although many were offended by this, Russell Howard managed to put a comical spin on it, slightly softening the blow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqk2jcwv0Kc

Film - The Grudge 1, 2, 3

The Grudge is a series of films set on a cursed girl in the streets of Tokyo. It's based on a book series and is a horror film initially.

This representation of "naive" japanese is very false and has negatively represented them throughout the film. It is largely based in Tokyo in a majority of the films, although the main JAPANESE character travels to Chicago in the third edition of the current trilogy.

They are victimised within the films as the victims of the curse - however we also receive an insight to their culture i.e. the setting reveals a very lifelike and realistic impression of what Japan is actually like. We are exposed to the back streets and we see the housing of traditional Japan, and not the over mediated Tokyo - despite being set there.

Babyliss Advert 2012 - "Made from Japanese steel" - Audience assume its good quality because it's from Japan.
Colour of text at bottom of advert primarily white bar two words which are red - japanese flag
Advert in black - dark colours imply the japanese are negative and boring - predictable - not colourful or exciting - dull

A2 Level Media

Pages

Collective Identity

Asians - Japanese -Written research

Televised Comedians:

Film - The Grudge 1, 2, 3

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