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ASIAMS.NET |
ASIAN AMERICAN ISSUES
JAPAN'S IMPACT ON THE ASIAN IMAGE
t has long been seen as the fountainhead of consumer electronics technology. Its cars are consistently among the world's most admired. Its corporations own two major Hollywood studios. Its kiddie culture has all but killed off Mickey Mouse and Barbie. Its $4 trillion GDP is number two behind the U.S. and its workers earn 25% more per head than Americans.
Bravo Castrati!
That's how many Asian Americans see Japan. A nation that should command the stature of a powerhouse -- and elevate the image of all Asians in the process -- possesses the geopolitical profile of, say, Switzerland, a nation a thirtieth its size. Japan's leaders are seen as mere hand puppets in a sad half-century charade of democracy. Its homes are cramped. Its men function as soulless drones whose women fly into the arms of western males. Even its vaunted economy has been on the ropes for ten years and looks ready to go down for the count. What little testosterone it possessed seems to have left with Ichiro.
A nation that should champion the Asian image has only reinforced every insulting stereotype. To many Asian Americans, Japan has done less than its smaller, poorer neightbors. Little Hong Kong exports asskicking action stars. South Corea exports people who take hooey from no one. Taiwan exports tech entrepreneurs to Silicon Valley. Impoverished China, Vietnam and even nutcase North Corea showed balls in standing up to the west. But mighty Japan? Spiritually it seems never to have recovered from its defeat in World War II.
Is Japan carrying its weight or slacking in the Asian image department?
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WHAT YOU SAY
[This page is closed to new input. --Ed.]
(Updated
Tuesday, Apr 1, 2008, 06:00:42 PM)
We are playing on western playing field – American playing field may be more accurate – from dominence of media to setting the rules of the game. A recent article in business week mentioned the issues that even European’s have with US’s economic, cultural and of course the military dominance – that in the area of military capability that they are becoming almost irrelevant. For example, Germany’s historic military superiority and France’s culture.
So it’s not just Japan. I do think that Japan has done a great deal to elevate and advance the Asian image in US and around the world. They do seem lacking in testosterone department though, whereas the Koreans may have bit too much, sometime showing up in over-reaching provincial behavior. Maybe they should merge and form an economic block – they are opposites in many ways with complementary characteristics and assets that could help each other. China could get into the act and make it more interesting.
In my humble opinion, the US has the added benefit of the moral right/might, i.e. being able to associate its policies for the truth, justice and the “American” way, almost as if it has a mandate from God. It‘s a tough act to follow.
NYhomeboy
Wednesday, April 24, 2002 at 09:14:59 (PDT)
Other than exporting athletes, Japan can't really influence U.S. culture/attitudes more than it already has.
Yes, Japan has had enough balls to call Americans lazy and to stand up to them on trade matters. But, in Japan's current condition, who's going to back them up if they upset the states again?
When China can provide an alternative to the states, then we'll see China and Japan take turns slapping the U.S. around every once in a while.
I guess they can still direct American kids with all those cartoons being imported here.
huu76
Tuesday, March 12, 2002 at 21:50:12 (PST)
why is japan's time over?? everyone thinks they won't recover and china will take over. firstly in the long run china will probably take over but japan will always be close behind, there is a strong chance of recovery from japan, don't forget.
asian
Monday, March 11, 2002 at 21:33:20 (PST)
Japan's time as the U.S.' main economic rival is over. Japan has done its part.
It is now time for Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Corea to take up the torch. Once they further develop the Asian global image, they can pass the torch on to China.
When China gets going on all cylinders, it will overwhelm the U.S. media easy. Also, China's pop'n is also not as susceptable to the U.S.' whisperings like us here and in Japan.
At that time, all the Asian self haters will be more than glad to declare their Asianess, even people like Reeves and Kreuk who are far from being Asian. Heck, Tiger Woods will probably begin making every effort to point out he's part Asian then.
huu76
Saturday, March 09, 2002 at 10:15:58 (PST)
Japan still has one of the highest living standards in Asia, so does Hong Kong, but Taiwan and South Korea and Singapore is catching up quickly, heck even coastal cities in China is catching up, I think the other Asian countries should do something for the Asian image as well, not just Japan. I'm probably being a little too opitmistic, but I really hope Asian nations would make peace for past grievances (WWII) and help each other to prosperity.
Asian Kid
Monday, February 25, 2002 at 13:54:47 (PST)
AC Dropout,
It is as strange as Britain's monarchy. Although, the Japanese imperial family and the British monarchy are national tradition and identity than actual political power, the world has more "monarchy" than any other type of government.
World Traveler
Wednesday, January 02, 2002 at 06:07:59 (PST)
The only thing I find weird about Japan is that it still holds onto the Imperial Family. I can't believe a couple having a daughter first made headlines. I can't believe that having a female is making headlines because they might want to change some laws in Japan.
I was at Havard when the news broke some one from the school was going to marry some royalty in Japan. The rumor was she was not happy at all. Then I saw it in the headlines. It is just too strange.
AC dropout
Thursday, December 27, 2001 at 12:12:15 (PST)
Just because Japan is now in an economic slump, doesn't mean its people are going poor and hungry. I know for a fact, that Japanese save their earnings and worked longer hours much more than the average American worker. They still got money in their banks.
Don't go to movies or vacation
Wednesday, December 26, 2001 at 17:56:26 (PST)
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