An Interesting Anime Analysis

[Lyrs]

"When Americans are anime otaku, they are in a sense admitting that they want to be colonized by Japanese culture. As much as they may dislike or avoid American culture — and even if they are from Asian racial backgrounds — they are still Americans, and they are rejecting their national culture in favor of another national culture. Furthermore, the act of doing so seems to threaten them with feminization and disempowerment. This suggests that fans are engaging, consciously or unconsciously, in an imperialist relationship where Japan is dominant..." - quote

http://bad.eserver.org/issues/1994/13/newitz.html

Doubtless, there is bias within the analysis and maybe even a few overexagerations, but just think about what is being said, review what you know about japanese culture, american culture, and the clearly symbolic representations produced within anime, and maybe you can come to intellectual terms with what the author is saying. Other than that it'll prove to be purely propagandic material.

[J-0080]

lol @ propagandic material

[dokool]

Hey, neat. I'm actually writing my senior thesis on anime fandom (in particular, whether or not having a participatory fandom is a good thing for the industry), and this article poses a lot of interesting questions. Thanks for this!

[prettysoldiersailormoon]

"When Americans are anime otaku, they are in a sense admitting that they want to be colonized by Japanese culture.

Not. The only thing I'm admitting is that I like Japanese anime. I like my own culture, thank you very much, whatever it may be.

...and they are rejecting their national culture in favor of another national culture.

Not. I've been a fan for 7 years, others longer than me, and I haven't rejected it. That's just stupid.

This suggests that fans are engaging, consciously or unconsciously, in an imperialist relationship where Japan is dominant...

No comment. Seriously.

[x_rex30]

bullshit

[MAS PRODUCTIONS]

I didn't read all of it but for the most part it hits the nail on the head for most otaku I've seen and met. More the heavily addicted ones though. Bits and pieces of it were stages I went through so I understand where the author was trying to get at. A bit harsh in wording at times but blunt and too the point when needed on occasion. A rare read for sure.

[older_gohan]

By nature I must argue this.

When Americans are anime otaku, they are in a sense admitting that they want to be colonized by Japanese culture.

That is completely wrong. Although we may like the general feel of japanese animation, in no way have we admitted to wanting to be colonized by japanese culture. What your mistaking is the want for these as the want for all japanese traditions. While I do appreciate and admire some japanese traditions I do follow and love the traditions of my origin. The idea of wanting japanese culture here has never come across. I would prefer only watching the shows and enjoying them.

As much as they may dislike or avoid American culture — and even if they are from Asian racial backgrounds — they are still Americans, and they are rejecting their national culture in favor of another national culture.

I have no hatred towards the american culture. I find it in no way repulsive or disgusting. Infact I find our country to be strong and faithfull in their belief of what this country is about. i am proud as hell to be an american. frankly i would hate being anywhere else but america. I know what kind of liberties I recieve by being here and I love it.

It's like telling someone because they eat mexican food and like it alot they are rejecting their american heritage. Your taking alot of this out of context.

This suggests that fans are engaging, consciously or unconsciously, in an imperialist relationship where Japan is dominant..."

I'm going to guess that this person speaking is a very extreme conservative. I'll go as far as to guess he thinks that everything not from america is bad and those who use it are denying their country. He needs to get a life.

My guess is he can't accept the fact that american isn't it's own little race or ethnic background. I bet he would shut his ears and sing loudly if you tried to tell him that all americans came from different countries and that our 'American' culture is just a mix of others.

He probably also needs to get out of his mothers basement but that's about it.

[Purge]

reading the whole article is definitly nesseary here - the point made at the end is that - Anime brings forth the sense that the cultural world that creates the anime (Japan) is superior to the culture of America. This is the words of the writer is dangerous.

Considering the article was written more then ten years ago - makes me think this whole thread is necro - I thinks its a branch of the fear that Japan tech was taking over america tech industry - much like china is now with socks and other apparel, its a totally different world now but there are still some good points mentioned there about mecha and romance anime but the point of the article is seriously outdated

[bum]

American culture is pop culture and anime fans listen to metal and foreign music which is anti-pop culture so off cource anime fans reject american culture. So do comic book geeks, rpg'ers (not just videogame rpg'ers) and anyone els you can pants and staple a GEEK sign onto. Honestly fuck western pop culture and everything it stands for.

[Chocobuddha]

By that logic, I'm admitting that I want to be colonized by the German culture just because I love the hell out of bratwurst, sauerkraut and hefeweizen.

Not buying it.