American media tends to portray females as strong willed, goal minded, intelligent people. While anime does this as well, there tends to be an emphasis on characters driven by emotions.
How do females in Japan view representations of females in anime? In other words, what seems "off" or "wrong" about a certain female portrayal, and what seems accurate? What do females in Japan criticize or feel offended by with character representations.
For example, a shy, narrow minded, ditzy girl might seem "sexist" in the US, but would simply be one of any number of personalities in anime. Other examples include girls that are overly enthusiastic, overly emotional, overly shy, naive, innocent, hyper, etc.
Do Japanese females prefer certain types of personalities, or wish females were represented in different ways than they currently are?
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Anonymous2005-05-20 11:25
please understand this:
in japan only teens(13-15) watch anime.
What's the typical young Japanese like? Well, they seem to have a passion for being fashionable, wearing the latest trendy clothes, bleaching their hair, spending time drinking, hanging out in various places, and trying their best to get laid.
What's the typical Japanese anime fan like? Kind of the opposite. They aren't fashionable at all, in fact, their own appearance is nothing they seem to care about. They're quiet, reserved, unsociable, and have few friends. They don't usually have families of their own, or relationships. They are viewed at not being able to function well in society, and are generally disliked by anyone not into anime.
There are a lot more of the typical type than the otaku type. Unless you are at a convention, you will see a lot more of the former than the latter, as the latter rarely leave their homes.
The next question is, what's the difference between this and America?
The answer is obvious -- nothing at all.
Those who see Japan as Otaku Heaven will be sorely disappointed. Anime DVDs are far more expensive than their American counterparts (examples: most Ghibli films cost $40US, Ghost in the Shell costs about $85US, an Evangelion DVD with 4 episodes costs $60) because Anime is seen as a collector's thing, demanding collector's prices. TV is not all anime all the time. Most anime on TV is children's shows, which are generally unviewable by adults (e.g. Hamutaro and other saccharine offerings). There are few anime aimed at adult audiences. Most anime is just plain awful, with the most hokey scripts and dialogue. America really DOES get the best out there -- there are few hidden gems.
Adults generally don't watch anime at all. They might see the new Ghibli film, but that's about it. Some do have a affinity for the anime they saw in their youth, but generally don't run out and buy the DVDs. If they see it on TV flipping around, they might stop and watch it. Kind of like if someone from my generation was flipping around and saw one of the old Scooby Doo cartoons. This all seems to me pretty normal. It is not the anime-hungry populace that many otaku think exists on this side of the Pacific.
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Anonymous2005-05-20 15:16
>>41
Part of the fantasy for many Western anime fans seems to be the idea that JAPAN ITSELF is to some extent the magical land depicted in anime. I think that's why the idea is so persistent, despite loads of factual evidence to the contrary. It's probably also why anime is so attractive to many fans: the wish-fullfillment fantasy that nearly all otaku culture provides is percieved, to some degree, as actually being real in some far-off utopia. There's this almost-real pseudo-culture that gets created through things that happen in anime and random hearsay; Wonderland Japan.
Of course, when people actually participate in the culture, I'm sure the dream of streets paved in R2 anime DVDs and easy cosplaying-schoolgirl-pussy access is shattered. But how many people who have this perception will ever actually set foot in the country, right?
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Anonymous2005-05-25 19:46
First of all, I agree that Japan is a sexist culture, but then what culture wasn't at some point. Also I think that Japan is currently like America was before the fememist movement pushed through. Most people don't realise it, but except for radical femenists, women by and large were opposed to women's suffrage before it won out. They preferred the status quo. Also what was said about America making women into men culturally is sort of true. Modern women are accepted into what was once male only cultural bounries (working, wearing pants, etc), but are also allowed to remain feminine if they so choose. If everyone where truely equal then why shouldn't it be culturally acceptable for Men to wear skirts? (Not something I'm advocating, but something to think about). I don't know that Japan really wants to change either, they are masters of the status quo. Despite this, is it all that wrong that another culture not stand up to Western social norms?
Another point that came to me is that while many anime are blatantly sexist, not all are. It's rare for an anime to not portray a female character as having traditionally feminine characteristics. But I don't think a lack of femininity is attractive to either males or females in Japan. "Mai-Hime", shows a lot of strong female characters, but they still have their little feminine or maternal quirks to them. Also suprisingly enough, I think that "Harem Animes" (one pathetic guy gets fought-over by a bunch of girls that live with him) are some of the least sexist anime out there despite the somewhat sexist theme. This might stem from the fact the female characters are built strong so that you can feel sorry for the weak little protagonist.
Sorry if I come off as sexist myself, that's not my intent. I personally feel myself to be strongly anti-prejidicial. Althogh I don't think arbitrarily stating one cultures ideals as more virtuous than another's is right either. I'm from a white western male background, but I don't think our way is neccisarily better than anyone elses.
Samurai Champloo, have you seen it?
The lead female reminds me of my friend suzy way too much.. she even looks like the anime version of her, without glasses..
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Anonymous2005-07-05 4:12
Many anime characters are in fact drawn from certain types of people that have stood out among the rest, and that the authors and writers include them because it gives the rest of the world a more varied look at all the different kinds of personalities and mindsets that that mankind can offer. Besides, an anime or manga with your average, daily women would be so boring and depressing that it would never sell in any country. Human beings can be so much more satisfied with the extraordinary as opposed the ordinary, and that is the realm of fiction, to bring the extraordinary to the lives of the ordinary, so it seems to me that these arguments about sexism should have nothing to do with anime or manga, unless i completely missed my point.
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Anonymous2005-07-12 15:29
>>Besides, an anime or manga with your average, daily women would be so boring and depressing that it would never sell in any country. Human beings can be so much more satisfied with the extraordinary as opposed the ordinary
you're a really sad person,
get a life geek
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Anonymous2005-07-13 1:28
>>47
You post on 4chan. You are in no position to be calling anyone a geek/nerd/weeaboo or tell them to get a life... at least, not without looking like a fucking hypocrite.
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Anonymous2005-07-13 18:21
I think probably American feminism and Japanese feminism (and even European feminism, I suppose) are all in equally dire states, they just have different problems due to the different cultures.
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Anonymous2006-10-21 11:28
But surely the ideal woman in Japanese culture have deeper roots than just some contemporary anime character. I know this for sure, it just sounds too rediculous.
I'd like to hear the answer to that as well. I agree with the feminism comment. I also wonder what they think of American Feminism?
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Anonymous2006-10-26 5:16
feminists... bah.
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THe Wanker2006-10-30 10:45
To be honest, dont most men wish that there woman where more submissive? If you let females get away with it they will take the piss.
Also Japanese anime is full of woman punching perverts all the time. Its like the most boring and overused cliche ever.
God I find love Hina so annoying. (Nice artwork though.)
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Anonymous2006-11-16 5:33
Femals in anime/manga targeted at males tend to be male fantasies of some kind, they have to be attractive in a special way. In fact, most anime that western fans pay attention to is targeted at otakus, i. e. males. If you take a close look at shoujo manga you will discover that most males here are complete stereotypes too. In fact, there's about three different types of shoujo males that I can think of right now, it's either the cool, mysterious bishounen who is often rude to the heroine, the polite bishounen who looks like a woman and is a lady-killer, and every once in a while there's the happy-go-lucky big brother type.
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Anonymous2006-11-16 21:32
Sonno-joi, baby!
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Anonymous2006-11-17 8:48
gender roles in anime are especially retarded. airheaded girls and awkward guys. this is why anime sucks
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The Wanker2006-11-19 17:09
At least anime tends to portray woman more realistically than the western media. I think woman are diffrent to men, its a fact. Its only due to political correctness that all woman are portrayed as strong willed.
In the Kenshin manga people complained about the lack of strong female characters. I think that was quite realistic.
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Anonymous2006-11-21 21:06
Ranma 1/2 was pretty cool, it poked fun at gender roles
Yes, men and women are generally inherently different (there are, of course, exceptions to the preconceived gender stereotypes), but if you think that's it's "unrealistic" for females to be portrayed as strong-willed, then you need to meet more women. Certainly, there are shy, submissive women, but by no means are all females as such.
Anyhow, gender roles in Japan interest me greatly, and in particular, I would like to learn more about the ways in which they portray lesbianism. From what I can gather, the Japanese don't tend to take lesbians seriously; romance between young women seems somewhat acceptable, but continuing these relationships past youth is frowned upon, and a woman is expected to marry. Please keep in mind that this is only my opinion on the matter, which I have formed based on very limited research. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
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The Wanker2006-11-28 8:18
I tend to think woman are stuborn, not strong willed. They cant ever acept that they are wrong. I've met too many woman to be honest, would rather meet boys. (Perhaps just get a hooker from time to time.)
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Big Chauvinist Joe2006-11-28 15:31
Aww, you back off too easily, Wanker. Women are wrong. That's a fact. Women are for the men to conmingle with. That's also a fact. So why stoop to pedofag stuff. get yourself a cunt - I mean a woman.
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Anonymous2006-12-08 11:47
most are into Yaoi =__=...
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pasha2006-12-08 12:20
"ISLAM SEZ WIMMEN SHOULD BE TREATED LIKE SHIT! LOLLERS!"
o rly?
The image of the typical Muslim woman wearing the veil and forced to stay home and forbidden to drive is all too common in most peoples thoughts. Although some Muslim countries may have laws that oppress women, this should not be seen as coming from Islam. Many of these countries do not rule by any kind of Shari'ah (Islamic law) and introduce their own cultural standpoints on the issue of gender equity.
Islam on the other hand gives men and women different roles and equity between the two is laid down in the Quran and the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Islam sees a woman, whether single or married, as an individual in her own right, with the right to own and dispose of her property and earnings. A marriage gift is given by the groom to the bride for her own personal use, and she keeps her own family name rather than taking her husband's. Both men and women are expected to dress in a way that is modest and dignified. The Messenger of God (peace be upon him) said: "The most perfect in faith amongst believers is he who is best in manner and kindest to his wife."
Violence of any kind towards women and forcing them against their will for anything is not allowed. A Muslim marriage is a simple, legal agreement in which either partner is free to include conditions. Marriage customs thus vary widely from country to country. Divorce is not common, although it is acceptable as a last resort. According to Islam, a Muslim girl cannot be forced to marry against her will: her parents simply suggest young men they think may be suitable.
yeah, lollerz.
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pasha2006-12-08 12:21
"ISLAM SEZ WIMMEN SHOULD BE TREATED LIKE SHIT! LOLLERS!"
o rly?
The image of the typical Muslim woman wearing the veil and forced to stay home and forbidden to drive is all too common in most peoples thoughts. Although some Muslim countries may have laws that oppress women, this should not be seen as coming from Islam. Many of these countries do not rule by any kind of Shari'ah (Islamic law) and introduce their own cultural standpoints on the issue of gender equity.
continued next post.
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Anonymous2006-12-08 12:22
Islam on the other hand gives men and women different roles and equity between the two is laid down in the Quran and the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Islam sees a woman, whether single or married, as an individual in her own right, with the right to own and dispose of her property and earnings. A marriage gift is given by the groom to the bride for her own personal use, and she keeps her own family name rather than taking her husband's. Both men and women are expected to dress in a way that is modest and dignified. The Messenger of God (peace be upon him) said: "The most perfect in faith amongst believers is he who is best in manner and kindest to his wife."
Violence of any kind towards women and forcing them against their will for anything is not allowed. A Muslim marriage is a simple, legal agreement in which either partner is free to include conditions. Marriage customs thus vary widely from country to country. Divorce is not common, although it is acceptable as a last resort. According to Islam, a Muslim girl cannot be forced to marry against her will: her parents simply suggest young men they think may be suitable.
>>66
Sure, whatever ya say bro. I've lived in Islamic countries. Most of the women are not even allowed to go out of their homes alone. Of course some feminists women of 'enlightened' families disregard/fight the norm, but those cases are always the exception.
We're not talking about "according to Islam so and so", we're talking about the ground realities.
Ever been to the shithole called Pakistan? The women belonging in the elite do what most women in Japan or the West would do. Shop, gossip and gripe about shit. As for the rest, they're pretty much fucked. 'Honour-killings' happen pretty often where family members whack their neices or daughters who dared marry against their wishes.
>Islam on the other hand gives men and women different roles
That shit belongs in the 13th century. I am no goddamn feminist but even the Nips have a better egalitarian society.
>Violence of any kind towards women and forcing them against their will for anything is not allowed
Where the fuck do you live, Turkey? If you ever venture out of your urban elite/middle-class appartment and visit places like the poorer parts of India or Yemen, you would be surprised at what the real world looks like.