View Full Version : foreigner stereotypes in anime
Which non-japanese characters were depicted as stereotypes and not stereotypes?
I have noticed that many Chinese anime characters such as Li Syaoran, Revy (Black Lagoon), Hei/Li Shengshen (Darker Than Black), Lee Bailong (Shaman King), Li Kohran (Sakura Wars) and the main character cast of Cooking Master Boy were portrayed positively. However, some personality traits that many Chinese characters such as Syaoran, Hei, Bailong, Tao Ren (Shaman King) and Revy have in common was that they are angry, aloof and bitter individuals with a chip-on-the-shoulder atttude.
In the anime Cooking Master boy, Chinese people, usually in crowds, all look alike/the same, aside from the major characters, who however can easily be distinguished.
Why are almost all half-Japanese/half-Western characters blondes? In reality they have black hair.
Tamaki Suou (half-French, half-Japanese) from Ouran Host Club
Rebecca Miyamoto (half-Japanese, half-American) from Pani Poni Dash!
Momiji Sohma (half-German, half-Japanese) from Fruits Basket
Elise Housen (half-French, half-Japanese) from Canvas 2
Eri Sawachika (half-British, half-Japanese) from School Rumble
Maria Tachibana (half-Russian, half-Japanese) from Sakura Taisen
Heindrick and Elizabeth K. Strawberryfield (half-English, half-Japanese) from Kamen no Maid Guy
Niina Isokawa (half-American, half-Japanese) from Tona-gura
Sophie Balzac Kirisaki (half-French, half-Japanese) from Yakitate Japan
Meister Silvan Kirisaki (half-French, half-Japanese) from Yakitate Japan
Kouji Jefferson Sakai (half-Swedish, half-Japanese) from Hungry Heart~ Wild Striker has silvery-blonde hair.
Orihime Soletta (half-Italian, half-Japanese) from Sakura Taisen 2 and Yuki (half-Greek, half-Japanese) from the manga Love for Venus have black hair, not blond hair. But then again Italians and Greeks, being mediterranean, generally do not have blonde hair.
I have taken a look at the American characters.
The American main characters David, Lewis and Julia in Blood+ are depicted positively. But the U.S. government officials in Blood+ were characterized as duplicitous, manipulative and deceitful as snakes.
Many people say that Americans in anime are stereotypified as lewd, loud-mouthed, nosy, rude, boorish, obnoxious and inconsiderate. Roy Focker (Macross), Monica Adenauer (Yakitate Japan), Sarah McDougal (Love Hina) and Tina Foster (Ai Yori Aoshi) are typical examples of that stereotype. Another classic example of "loud and rude foreigner" stereotype is Kaere Kimura (Sayonara Zetsubo-sensei).
I read that Black characters were portrayed as stereotypes in anime. But when I saw Rodrigo (Afro-Brazilian) on Hungry Heart~ Wild Striker, he didn't look like stereotypical but rather a real person with fairly rich character depth.
The English/Britons such as Eri Sawachika, Heindrick Strawberryfield, Elizabeth Strawberryfield, and the full-blooded British guy from Gatekeepers are depicted as arrogant, snobby and acting high-class. Mayu Miyuki (Ai Yori Aoshi) may be full Japanese but grew up in England, so she acted the english stereotype of an arrogant and vain snob on a high horse.
As for the characterization of French people in anime, every French character (Iris, Glycine, Erica, Lobelia, Mer Raison, Ci Caprice, etc) in Sakura Taisen has their own distinct personality traits and do not share the same behavioural traits.
What's more interesting is that all half-Japanese, half-French children such as Suou Tamaki, Sophie Balzac Kirisaki, Meister Silvan Kirisaki, Elise Housen, Christine Hanakomachi have French mothers and Japanese fathers. Hanabi Kitaoji's grandmother is a Frenchwoman.
Radiosity
2008-08-13, 11:21
Why are almost all half-Japanese/half-Western characters blondes? In reality they have black hair.
Simple answer: it makes them look foreign. Japanese people have to stare at brown/black hair all day long already, I assume they like to make foreign characters LOOK foreign by giving them blonde hair instead, even though brown and black are hugely prevailant as well.
Any foreigner in anime seems to be tarred with that same brush actually, as you've already noted, and I'll include my favourite IchiMaro girl Ana as well :) I don't mind though, I like blonde girls ;)
edit: one anime I love that has a British (full British that is) character who isn't a snobby idiot is Stratos 4. Commander Reynolds is a real Gentleman of the WW2 era (ok so WW2 is 100+ years in the past in that anime but it's the best way I can describe him).
The English/Britons such as Eri Sawachika, Heindrick Strawberryfield, Elizabeth Strawberryfield, and the full-blooded British guy from Gatekeepers are depicted as arrogant, snobby and acting high-class. Mayu Miyuki (Ai Yori Aoshi) may be full Japanese but grew up in England, so she acted the english stereotype of an arrogant and vain snob on a high horse.
I like the higher-up, arrogant and snobby personalities that they sometimes gave to us as a stereotype. T'is one that I do not mind as it is in a lot of cases true. Code Geass reflected a lot of that on the Britannian people and they were shown with a lot of powerful and "the big I am" wisdom.
England is usually more or less in every anime with the gothic culture or references to the culture. If not a main factor in it then they are sometimes mentioned in it or in most cases have a British character in it. Alas, that is one of the British cultures, and also where the gothic culture originated from so that would explain it. Most anime that have vampires in usually have something to do with the UK too, obviously because a majority of the original Dracula story was based here. Their is Hellsing, Black Blood Brothers, and more that suggest that theme.
Also, most British woman in Anime are named "Alice". I think that is because of the famous novel "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" which was and still is a very popular novel in Japan. Then in Rozen Maiden ofcourse they have the "Alice Game" which is also a reference to the same book.
I actually start to hate this kind of stereotyping. In most animes, the stereotyped blonde characters are the most annoying characters. And it's start to being boring, too.
England is usually more or less in every anime with the gothic culture or references to the culture. If not a main factor in it then they are sometimes mentioned in it or in most cases have a British character in it. Alas, that is one of the British cultures, and also where the gothic culture originated from so that would explain it. Most anime that have vampires in usually have something to do with the UK too, obviously because a majority of the original Dracula story was based here. Their is Hellsing, Black Blood Brothers, and more that suggest that theme.
What is strange because the real Dracula was romanian, in transylvania when it was part of Hungary, and the famous vampirella, Elizabeth Bathory was actually a hungarian. She lived in the same city where my father comes from (Nyírbátor). It maybe had something to do with that fact, that I somehow like the taste of blood...
Also, most British woman in Anime are named "Alice". I think that is because of the famous novel "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" which was and still is a very popular novel in Japan. Then in Rozen Maiden ofcourse they have the "Alice Game" which is also a reference to the same book.
True. And actually Alice-chan from Aria is a half-example: Yeah she's not british, but her name: Alice Carroll. Carroll is from Lewis Carroll's name, who wrote Alice in Wonderland... And, actually she IS in wonderland. :heh:
Kagami~n
2008-08-13, 14:17
British people in American media are often portrayed as snobby and arrogant as well.
There was the Chinese girl Myao from Kazemakase: Tsukikage Ran. Rather than grouchy and aloof, she was endlessly energetic, outgoing, impulsive, and rather dimwitted. She had no accent (that I could hear) and her face/hair was drawn a lot like the Japanese characters, save for the long braid. Her clothing was very obviously Chinese though.
Patricia Martin from Lucky*Star, which is a show that focuses on otaku culture, is representative of a stereotypical American fangirl. She's strawberry blonde and blue-eyed, learned the Japanese language from anime and j-pop, and thinks that all of Japan's most important cultural and historical aspects revolve around anime and manga - that those things are basically what Japan is all about. If someone tries to tell her otherwise, she gets confused. She's also extremely bubbly and a little inconsiderate, as you described. As much as this could seem insulting to an American like me, since they are (playfully) jabbing at us, I can't help but see some truth to her stereotype in a lot of fangirls I've come across.
Now, how about black/african american people at the rare times they're portrayed in anime? Has anyone noticed a stereotype for them?
Military stereotypes. The U.S. Navy commander in Full Metal Panic made me groan with his, "We'll retaliate for the humiliation that our fellow soldiers felt! Remember Pearl Harbor!"
Absurd.
That one did bother me....mainly because it is suppose to be 2001 or so...That Navy Commander wasn't even born when Pearl Harbor was bombed in 1941.
That one did bother me....mainly because it is suppose to be 2001 or so...That Navy Commander wasn't even born when Pearl Harbor was bombed in 1941.
I think the only people who might hold onto that kind of bitter resentment are a few remaining Pearl Harbor survivors. Any naval officer who held that kind of attitude wouldn't be fit for command.
Of course we don't know exactly what sort of international relations (history) happens in Full Metal Panic either. Japan seems to be the fairly normal post-WWII Japan with American style military hardware in a Self Defense Force, while the United States is one of the main Naval powers of the world. Still a Cold War on.
The only resentment to the Japanese (if that was the reference) would be those who were alive during the Second World War, or those born just afterward to those that lost a lot of loved ones to the Japanese. That particular sub commander could not be 60 year old. He looks to be in his 40s (normal Commander age I assume), so he has no memory of Pearl Harbor in a anti-Japanese slant anyway.
They are chasing the "Toy Box", which is not a Japanese vessel. (Aren't all the "Toy Box's" readouts in English? With a British first officer and an American Captain?) The "Remember Pearl Harbor" line could be like "Remember the Alamo" for Texans, but it just doesn't fit too well. Unless they quailfy the "Toy Box" as a sneak attack weapon (which any sub is really), and even then it doesn't make a who lot of sense.
Considering the nature of Mithril...I'm expecting they are "actually" speaking English on ship.
KitsuneNineTails
2008-08-13, 17:23
I like when they try to have the Americans speaking Japanese and they get some Japanese voice actor/actress to seriously mangle their Japanese to sound "foreign". I wonder, do all Americans that are fluent in Japanese really sound that bad? They don't seem to do that to other English-speaking nationals... :)
In the few series I've watched, I haven't noticed too many racial stereotypes with blacks, hispanic, white, etc... It seems to be more stereotypes based on nationality. I've noticed that Americans are portrayed fairly poorly as deceitful or manipulative, inconsiderate and crude, or at the best as hotheaded and impetuous (SEARSS in Mai Hime, Asuka in NGE, Kathy in RahXephon, the sailors in the Kenshin movie that were itching to start a fight, the sailors in the baseball episode of Samurai Champloo... although that episode was hilarious).
BTW, I didn't know Roy Fokker was supposed to be American, either, heh. He was a bit hotheaded, true, but still an AWESOME character, esp in the Robotech series.
Ciao!
tripperazn
2008-08-13, 17:28
Moegaku5 (featuring Hirano Aya, oddly enough) is pretty much a showcase for foreigner stereotypes in anime format.
Also, every non-Asian foreigner in anime is rich (Sawachika Eri, Suou Tamaki, etc). They all live at drive-in mansions and are ferried around by chauffeurs. Apparently they don't know that Japanese people are on average, just about the richest on the planet.
karasuma
2008-08-13, 22:19
Sounds like you guys are spinning all westerners the bad way.
Like Sawachika Eri, she is not acting that way because she is half british. She is acting that way because she is a tundere type character.
On the other hand, Tina Foster to me come across as a typical straight forward, live for the moment, speaks her mind and very nice type of person. You will rarely find anyone like that in Asia, but you will find a lot of american like that.
Not all. As I mentioned, Tessa Testarossa is an American and her first officer is British.
I have noticed that many Chinese anime characters such as Li Syaoran, Revy (Black Lagoon), Hei/Li Shengshen, Lee Bailong, Li Kohran, Tao Jun and the main character cast of Cooking Master Boy were portrayed positively. However, some personality traits that many Chinese characters such as Li Syaoran, Hei, Tao Ren and Revy have in common was that they are angry, aloof individuals with a chip-on-the-shoulder atttude.
To be fair, Revy is not portrayed whatsoever as a Chinese stereotype.
She's cast as a "violent and unstable ruffian who grew up in worst ghetto streets of America" stereotype. Despite her racial makeup, she's isn't considered anything but an American both by herself and the readers. Her stereotype is completely that of an American. Specifically, ghetto-raised criminal one with abusive past.
I like when they try to have the Americans speaking Japanese and they get some Japanese voice actor/actress to seriously mangle their Japanese to sound "foreign". I wonder, do all Americans that are fluent in Japanese really sound that bad? They don't seem to do that to other English-speaking nationals... :)
Well, more and more foreigners in Japan are speaking extremely fluent in Japanese media, so it may gradually change.
For example, Dave Spector is on Japanese TV all the time, speaking extremely fluent Japanese at the native level.
Here's Dave. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBlTKUkYBuo
And here's Jero, a cool brother who can sing ENKA of all things, with perfect Japanese. :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqtgJ5TJi8M
Siegel Clyne
2008-08-13, 22:50
Maybe Japanese character designers in general visualize anime female characters who are of half Japanese and half Northern European extraction looking like real life American former Playboy centerfold, model and actress Teri Harrison. (http://www.spock.com/Teri-Harrison)
Teri Harrison - model/actress (http://onstage.atspace.com/teri_harrison.htm)
Teri Harrison was an American model and actress who was born in Bradenton, Florida on February 16, 1981. The daughter of a German father and a Japanese mother, she was a girlfriend to Hugh Hefner, and the last Playboy Playmate to appear both on the cover and as the centerfold. At five-foot seven-inches and 114 pounds, she appeared in the October 2002 Playboy, the November 2002 Spanish edition, and she shared the cover for the fall Playboy catalog. A natural blonde with Hazel eyes, she was a special favorite of the magazine and fans.
Playmate Pictures - Teri Harrison - Teri Harrison Pics (http://www.playboy.com/girls/playmates/pmom/teri-harrison/teri-harrison.html) (NSFW Link)
Teri Harrison is the product of two different cultures, but the 21-year-old Florida native relishes her diversity. "My mom is Japanese and my father is German," she says. "I have six sumo wrestler-looking uncles and a tiny Japanese grandmother, so I stick out like a Q-Tip in family pictures. Sushi and bratwurst -- that's my life!"
That one did bother me....mainly because it is suppose to be 2001 or so...That Navy Commander wasn't even born when Pearl Harbor was bombed in 1941.
But his granddad was! :rolleyes:
Lostdreams
2008-08-13, 23:32
Military stereotypes. The U.S. Navy commander in Full Metal Panic made me groan with his, "We'll retaliate for the humiliation that our fellow soldiers felt! Remember Pearl Harbor!"
Absurd.
http://blogs.nitobi.com/alexei/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/shipment_of_fail.jpg
half the people on the fmp submarine weren't even japanese. WTF!!!
Code Geass failed when they said Britannia and on the map it pointed to America. EPIC PHAIL!!!http://www.shipmentoffail.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/stairway_small.jpgSomebody is actually climbing the staircase
Also, it pisses me off that jap anime directors can't find who can speak decent English in anime for foreigners. Only anime that had perfect English accent was Macross:Do you remember love
Code Geass failed when they said Britannia and on the map it pointed to America. EPIC PHAIL!!!
Um....
In Code Geass's alternate reality, the Empire of Britannia rules over the American continent. The war over independence of America failed.
It's not a failed stereotype, that's the STORYLINE behind its world settings....
What, you didn't REALLY think Code Geass world wasn't an alternate reality now... did you? :uhoh:
No, to be relative to the thread, you're supposed to mock Code Geass of its rediculous stereotype of European nobility, not its alternate history.
No, to be relative to the thread, you're supposed to mock Code Geass of its rediculous stereotype of European nobility, not its alternate history.
Yes, my Lord. :heh:
Lostdreams
2008-08-14, 00:03
Um....
In Code Geass's alternate reality, the Empire of Britannia rules over the American continent. The war over independence of America failed.
It's not a failed stereotype, that's the STORYLINE behind its world settings....
What, you didn't REALLY think Code Geass world wasn't an alternate reality now... did you? :uhoh:
No, to be relative to the thread, you're supposed to mock Code Geass of its rediculous stereotype of European nobility, not its alternate history.
Ok, just to make an arguement, the show talks about Lelouch making a treaty with the US. Also, omg the stereotypes. They just blasted to your face that white people got rights and you don't. Also, it dissed America with the free treaty zone. They basically said all the japanese living in the zone where equal to the Britannians but the Britannians still conquered them. If you really want to be equal, then give them back their dam land. Also, they stereotyped China by symbolizing comunism
You need to rewatch the anime, hopefully withtout some terrible fansub translations from god-knows-where. :D
There is no United States of America. Lulu never made treaty with a non-existing nation.
There is a United States of Japan, proposed by Zero, as well as Ultimate United Nations, but no USA.
I don't understand the rest of your scribbling, it doesn't seem to be related to anything we were discussing. :rolleyes: If you just want to jot down general criticisms of the anime, take it to where it belongs, in the appropriate thread. Stay in topic in this thread.
Lostdreams
2008-08-14, 01:00
You need to rewatch the anime, hopefully withtout some terrible fansub translations from god-knows-where. :D
There is no United States of America. Lulu never made treaty with a non-existing nation.
There is a United States of Japan, proposed by Zero, as well as Ultimate United Nations, but no USA.
I don't understand the rest of your scribbling, it doesn't seem to be related to anything we were discussing. :rolleyes: If you just want to jot down general criticisms of the anime, take it to where it belongs, in the appropriate thread. Stay in topic in this thread.
I stayed on topic with my stereotypes
Another example to the hot headed, crude and lewd foreign stereotype:
Striesmann (sic) from Nodame Cantabile.
---------
And I think FMP people speak English. if they don't.. plot inconsistencies! But there already IS one... does everyone speak English, but Japanese to select people?... ETC
Irenicus
2008-08-14, 01:42
I had a very strong urge to shoot Patty the American full of holes, GTA San Andreas style (very American, ha!), when she showed up in Lucky Star.
We American anime fans are not that idiotic! -- well, some of us, err, me at least... okay I give up. She might be a decent approximation of the average weeaboo after all...
Striesmann (sic) from Nodame Cantabile.
Gustav Stresemann is rolling in his grave. :heh:
Well, he already rolled in it over and over since 1933, but you know.
But really now, I don't think the Maestro in everyone's favorite musical romantic comedy is that bad. There are many more Japanese "geezer" characters who act the same way: lewd and silly, but serious and wise when the occasion called for. His German nationality and name seems to be there so he would seem like a true Maestro, which is, of course, something of a stereotype by itself, but hardly a bad one.
What is strange because the real Dracula was romanian, in transylvania when it was part of Hungary, and the famous vampirella, Elizabeth Bathory was actually a hungarian. She lived in the same city where my father comes from (Nyírbátor). It maybe had something to do with that fact, that I somehow like the taste of blood...
Yes, t'is like that, although the actual story of Dracula was set in England, therefore that is just the country in which people think of when "Dracula" is mentioned, even though he is Romanian.
True. And actually Alice-chan from Aria is a half-example: Yeah she's not british, but her name: Alice Carroll. Carroll is from Lewis Carroll's name, who wrote Alice in Wonderland... And, actually she IS in wonderland. :heh:
Then in "Kiddy Grade" we have Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum. Another way of making references to Lewis Carrolls novel. Not to mention "Miyuki-chan in Wonderland".
I also love the way that they made the US president on "Read or Die". They based him on George Bush and made him want to just demolish everything that was his enemy, although when he was confronted by them he just wet himself. I thought that was great. Then we also had 'The Joker' whom was based on a stereotypical Englishman and even had a Golden Gun at the end of the series (reference to James Bond). I loved "Read or Die", the story and the way that they portrayed English people was awesome for our stereotype or being noble, powerful and smart.
Terrestrial Dream
2008-08-14, 12:32
Anyone ever watched Shin Getter vs Neo Getter? I suppose it has be the most extreme example of American stereotype by Japanese, especially the Engrish :D.
gz4HsAULtuM
I think most Japanese in Hollywood movies and American TV dramas are weird as well...
LOL, Oh man, black stereotypes are definitely one of the worst stereotypes out there. We were originally these super black skin. ( I don't mean dark brown, I meant black as charcoal) with big eyes, even bigger round nose, and biggest lips since the clown ages. Fortunately, lately things have been changing regarding appearance but it still happens.
Unfortunately, the personality stereotypes still live on, that we are these rapping dudes that can dance to the moon, and always have these hoof jive like we are from the 70's still.
To notice the latest in black steretypes, just check out the latest chapters of Naruto, the last place I expected it. The cat looks like a straight rip off of westley snipes and raven from Tekken. But what's bad is that the mofo raps almost throughout the entire scene's he's in. Let's just say quite a few people were unhappy about that. That was the last Naruto chapter I was going to read that's for sure. I get enough stereotypes about black people from American Television, I don't need to go through anymore from overseas.
Ash Falls Town
2008-08-17, 06:23
I'm guessing nobody reading this thread has watched Neuro or someone would of brought up David Rice.
He's blond, blue eyed, big nosed, tall. He has an American flag on his jacket and he wears blue jeans. He even has good random english since he was voiced by an American english teacher.
Of course this is all before he takes on his monster form which is mearly him with an even longer nose. In this form he randomly sings Star Spangled Banner, rants how American people are better than non-Americans (Because Americans only eat hamburgers and BBQ, only wear jeans and take drugs to cheat at baseball) and maintains that non-Americans not giving up there resources and hurting there pride is grounds for killing them. He then pulls a gun from his pants because he was insulted that someone would insinuate he would use a knife instead of a gun and proceeds to rant about how great guns are.
Aretsugu no Kimi
2008-09-11, 11:45
Speaking of Communism, Russia is frequently portrayed as the Soviet in 21st century. However, Russian characters in Anime are not antagonists. They are generally courteous and courageous.
It is interesting. In real world, Japanese and Russian governments are always disputing with each other.
SeijiSensei
2008-09-11, 11:56
Speaking of Communism, Russia is frequently portrayed as the Soviet in 21st century. However, Russian characters in Anime are not antagonists. They are generally courteous and courageous.
Are you including Black Lagoon's Balalaika in this category? She does display courtesy (often before shooting someone in the head), and she was certainly courageous while leading her forces in Afghanistan, but she's hardly a nice person by any stretch of the imagination.She's also trying to engineer a Russian takeover of a major Japanese yakuza clan.
Another example to the hot headed, crude and lewd foreign stereotype:
Striesmann (sic) from Nodame Cantabile.
I didn't know there was a stereotype in which Germans (or Austrians?) are lazy womanizers. Now, if he was an Italian (for instance Paolo from Friends), I might agree that it was beaten to death offensive stereotype. And anyway, the series is full with all kinds Japanese weirdoes too. :)
As far as most anime series is concerned, there is no Korean on face of Earth. You can get multitudes of foreigners on the series, yet despite being the most numerous minority in Japan, Koreans almost never makes any entrance.
As far as most anime series is concerned, there is no Korean on face of Earth. You can get multitudes of foreigners on the series, yet despite being the most numerous minority in Japan, Koreans almost never makes any entrance.There were a few Korean bridge bunnies I think, but I can only remember Hyo-Jin Yun from Super Robot Wars, or its anime Divine Wars.
I'd like to point out 'Chinatans' though. Why are they always so hot lol, can anyone point out one chinese lady that isn't pretty?
You see: Wang Liu Mei, Gin Rei, Li Mei Ling, Rio Meilong, Lin Minmei, Chun Li, Kuraudoberi Jam etc.
Aretsugu no Kimi
2008-09-11, 13:49
Are you including Black Lagoon's Balalaika in this category?
I forgot it. I'll make the excuse, saying that BL is full with villains of various nationalities, not only Russia.
As far as most anime series is concerned, there is no Korean on face of Earth.
I have heard the detailed explanation why there are very few Korean characters in Anime. In short, Japanese are afraid of protest by Korean themselves.
"Hikaru no Go" is probably the most famous anime series in which Koreans appear. In this series, however, they were portrayed as antagonists, though they had some honesty. And then some Korean people living in Japan violently protested this anime. So every Japanese writer or creater were shocked and began to refrain from portraying Korean characters as not only antagonists but also protagonists and such. That is why Koreans are excluded from Anime world. Currently, it is taboo to get Korean characters to appear in anime or manga as well as Japanese Emperor.
In defence of Koreans, I say that many Korean people are not so irritable and they did tolerate Korean portrayal of "Hikaru no Go".
MikoKikyo
2008-09-11, 20:35
To notice the latest in black steretypes, just check out the latest chapters of Naruto, the last place I expected it. The cat looks like a straight rip off of westley snipes and raven from Tekken. But what's bad is that the mofo raps almost throughout the entire scene's he's in. Let's just say quite a few people were unhappy about that. That was the last Naruto chapter I was going to read that's for sure. I get enough stereotypes about black people from American Television, I don't need to go through anymore from overseas.
:twitch:
seriously? Wow... It would be better not to include any black characters at all. That's how I feel about the females, too, better to have only one or two female ninjas who are decent than have 4 or 5 who only get in the way, drag everyone down, and have terrible personalities...
(Also, anime characters are quite uniform when it comes to skin color, which is interesting considering how generously diverse they are in terms of hair color.)
"Hikaru no Go" is probably the most famous anime series in which Koreans appear. In this series, however, they were portrayed as antagonists, though they had some honesty. And then some Korean people living in Japan violently protested this anime. So every Japanese writer or creater were shocked and began to refrain from portraying Korean characters as not only antagonists but also protagonists and such. That is why Koreans are excluded from Anime world. Currently, it is taboo to get Korean characters to appear in anime or manga as well as Japanese Emperor.
In defence of Koreans, I say that many Korean people are not so irritable and they did tolerate Korean portrayal of "Hikaru no Go".
I didn't realize anime shows had the power to trigger mild political unrest... On an unrelated side note, Hikaru no Go has got to be one of the most underhyped anime series I've watched.
At least most foreigners get some kind of sophisticated portrayal or some kind of complicated mindset. Mexicans in anime are portrayed as some kind of pseudo gorila's that speak like hitting, live to fight and are on the lower spectrum of the IQ. eg Lala from School Rumble and Chad from Bleach. I think the only decent portrayal (and even then it was just from an american latino) was Dr. Rodriguez from Kyou Kara Maoh!
Mexico is a desert and there are cactus everywhere. And it looks like some bad old western American flick. Eg. El cazador de la bruja.
... then again I think that's the stereotype we get worldwide so maybe it's just not a Japanese thing :heh:
Bakafool
2008-09-11, 21:06
Umm .... Shampoo from Ranma 1/2 anyone? I dunno if she portrayed a certain Chinese stereotype, but she was cute and kicked ass. So it's all good to me.
Bakafool
2008-09-11, 21:10
:twitch:
seriously? Wow... It would be better not to include any black characters at all. That's how I feel about the females, too, better to have only one or two female ninjas who are decent than have 4 or 5 who only get in the way, drag everyone down, and have terrible personalities...
(Also, anime characters are quite uniform when it comes to skin color, which is interesting considering how generously diverse they are in terms of hair color.)
I didn't realize anime shows had the power to trigger mild political unrest... On an unrelated side note, Hikaru no Go has got to be one of the most underhyped anime series I've watched.
Speaking of politics .... in the Philippines Voltes V was one of the Japanese animated shows banned by President Ferdinand Marcos in the late 70's, with the excuse that it bred violent tendencies in children. This same generation eventually grew up to overthrow his decades-long regime in the mid-80's.
:twitch:
seriously? Wow... It would be better not to include any black characters at all. That's how I feel about the females, too, better to have only one or two female ninjas who are decent than have 4 or 5 who only get in the way, drag everyone down, and have terrible personalities...
(Also, anime characters are quite uniform when it comes to skin color, which is interesting considering how generously diverse they are in terms of hair color.)
I didn't realize anime shows had the power to trigger mild political unrest... On an unrelated side note, Hikaru no Go has got to be one of the most underhyped anime series I've watched.
Exactly my point. The worst thing is that they performed an exact copy of my favorite black character from Japan, which is Raven. While true, Raven is heavily based off of blade, the guy's a freakin ninja's. How many animes/games/manga's have a black person as a bad a$$, silent destroyer, super ninja. I was telling everyone itagaki needed to take some lessons. Kishi literally ripped completely off of raven, someone did a side by side photo of each character and I'm like...what's the difference, oh that's right, killer bee has cornrolls * Facepalm* What's even worse is the guy was a fodder.
I completely agree that I also would rather not see a black person at all than see one that's a mockery like killer bee.
Oh and anime shows definitely don't just spark minor problems from overseas. I'm not sure if anyone heard about this yet, but the writers from jo jo adventurers "accidentally" used the Koran as a terrorist book. Little Japan was attacked by like 5 nations lol. It was even in the Japanese news. The government had to give out an official apology and ordered all anime/manga/game companies to perform extensive research BEFORE using foreign people and items. But it looks like good ole Kishi didn't listen when he created the character Killer Bee.
As a Korean myself, I would like to see more Koreans being portrayed in anime shows, being it a stereotype or not.
About stereotypes, I only have a grip against black stereotypes in anime. It's not like Americans shows are helping either is this department.
Intranetusa
2008-09-12, 20:51
Now, how about black/african american people at the rare times they're portrayed in anime? Has anyone noticed a stereotype for them?
Well, the average Japanese most likely have little contact with black people.
and James in Blood+ was positively portrayed.
As a Korean myself, I would like to see more Koreans being portrayed in anime shows, being it a stereotype or not..
In the early 1900s, Japanese propaganda posters showed Japanese soldiers as tall, white skinned, and looked very 'western' - whereas they had posters portraying Chinese, Koreans, and even Russians as darker skinned and 'squint eyed.'
Aretsugu no Kimi
2008-09-13, 07:38
I personally think that black people are relatively treated well. There are many good black characters in Anime. It is Hispanic whom I regard as less highly treated. They are not portrayed as negative people. But I have seldom seen them in Anime, though Japan is really known for friendly relation with Argentina, Brazil, Peru and so on.
MikoKikyo
2008-09-13, 10:20
The category of "Hispanic" is an American thing isn't it? Meaning that in other parts of the world, people from Latin American aren't seen as this separate race called "Hispanics" but just different geographically... Correct me if I'm wrong :) but that would explain why they're not portrayed specifically as a separate "kind" in anime
Terrestrial Dream
2008-09-14, 13:24
There were a few Korean bridge bunnies I think, but I can only remember Hyo-Jin Yun from Super Robot Wars, or its anime Divine Wars.
I'd like to point out 'Chinatans' though. Why are they always so hot lol, can anyone point out one chinese lady that isn't pretty?
You see: Wang Liu Mei, Gin Rei, Li Mei Ling, Rio Meilong, Lin Minmei, Chun Li, Kuraudoberi Jam etc. As for Korean bridge bunnies I could think of one from Tylor, Rahxephon, and SRW. Can't really think of any Chinese lady who were ugly in anime, then again in anime ugly female characters tend to be very rare
I forgot it. I'll make the excuse, saying that BL is full with villains of various nationalities, not only Russia.
I have heard the detailed explanation why there are very few Korean characters in Anime. In short, Japanese are afraid of protest by Korean themselves.
"Hikaru no Go" is probably the most famous anime series in which Koreans appear. In this series, however, they were portrayed as antagonists, though they had some honesty. And then some Korean people living in Japan violently protested this anime. So every Japanese writer or creater were shocked and began to refrain from portraying Korean characters as not only antagonists but also protagonists and such. That is why Koreans are excluded from Anime world. Currently, it is taboo to get Korean characters to appear in anime or manga as well as Japanese Emperor.
In defence of Koreans, I say that many Korean people are not so irritable and they did tolerate Korean portrayal of "Hikaru no Go". I never knew that that was the reason why Koreans in anime were practically none. I would like to see more Korean in anime and I did like the portrayal of characters in Hikaru no Go. As long as they don't too much stereotype I don't mind if some appears.
Are you including Black Lagoon's Balalaika in this category? She does display courtesy (often before shooting someone in the head), and she was certainly courageous while leading her forces in Afghanistan, but she's hardly a nice person by any stretch of the imagination.She's also trying to engineer a Russian takeover of a major Japanese yakuza clan.
And don't forget Maria from Sakura Taisen
Russians like Maria (Sakura Taisen) and Balalaika (Black Lagoon) are generally portrayed as courteous, cold, apathetic, calculating and militaristic/military-conscious.
I forgot it. I'll make the excuse, saying that BL is full with villains of various nationalities, not only Russia.
I have heard the detailed explanation why there are very few Korean characters in Anime. In short, Japanese are afraid of protest by Korean themselves.
"Hikaru no Go" is probably the most famous anime series in which Koreans appear. In this series, however, they were portrayed as antagonists, though they had some honesty. And then some Korean people living in Japan violently protested this anime. So every Japanese writer or creater were shocked and began to refrain from portraying Korean characters as not only antagonists but also protagonists and such. That is why Koreans are excluded from Anime world. Currently, it is taboo to get Korean characters to appear in anime or manga as well as Japanese Emperor.
In defence of Koreans, I say that many Korean people are not so irritable and they did tolerate Korean portrayal of "Hikaru no Go".
Ah..... I thought the lack of Koreans in anime was because of poor Japan-North Korea relations.
But then Japan-China relations were somewhat sour as well over Japanese government's denial of its war crimes against Chinese.
But I once thought the reason many Chinese characters such as Li Syaoran (Card Captor Sakura), Hei/Li Shengshen (Darker Than Black), Lee Bailong (Shaman King), and Tao Ren (Shaman King) were portrayed as angry, impulsive, hot-tempered, apathetic and bitter persons was because the Chinese's bitter resentment and arrogance left a big impression on the Japanese.
I personally think that black people are relatively treated well. There are many good black characters in Anime. It is Hispanic whom I regard as less highly treated. They are not portrayed as negative people. But I have seldom seen them in Anime, though Japan is really known for friendly relation with Argentina, Brazil, Peru and so on.
Well we can agree to disagree, but many good black characters is definitely pushing it. While they're are a select few, they are FAR from the actual normal that exist within the Anime spectrum.
After seeing the fodder killer bee on Naruto, I officially gave up on diversity in manga/anime. For that, I read American comics.
Tofusensei
2008-09-18, 13:38
Why has no one mentioned Jody Rockwell from Yawara? Blasphemy! :D
-Tofu
Intranetusa
2008-09-18, 18:55
The category of "Hispanic" is an American thing isn't it? Meaning that in other parts of the world, people from Latin American aren't seen as this separate race called "Hispanics" but just different geographically... Correct me if I'm wrong :) but that would explain why they're not portrayed specifically as a separate "kind" in anime
Hispanic = anyone who speaks Spanish
Spanish = someone from Spain
Latino = someone from Latin America
Xhokhusmak
2008-09-18, 19:36
Going by this thread, Monster has to be the best anime ever. XD
and does anybody have examples of hot black anime girls? I don't remember seeing a sweet chocolate portrayed, ever. No I don't want a black girl with an afro talking in jive, even if she was hot.
Going by this thread, Monster has to be the best anime ever. XD
and does anybody have examples of hot black anime girls? I don't remember seeing a sweet chocolate portrayed, ever. No I don't want a black girl with an afro talking in jive, even if she was hot.
Nope, none come to my mind. The only non stereotypical black girl I've seen from along that lines is the girl from RE5. She is based off of an biracial lady from Australia I believe, but the character herself looks full African. She's pretty hot in an artistic, 3-D style way I guess.
FateAnomaly
2008-09-19, 01:59
Stereotyping isn't that bad, at least it means there is something interesting about them. Its better than not being represented at all like Singaporeans.
X10A_Freedom
2008-09-19, 02:23
ARIA mixed a fair bit of races but gave them an "aria-esque" personality rather than anything related to real world.
Going by the names, the ARIA cast could be comprised of:
Japanese (Akari, Ai, Postman, Grandma, Akatsuki)
Italian (Alicia)
Chinese-Italian (Aika)
Japanese-Italian (Akira)
African-British/American (Athena)
English? (Alice)
Stereotyping isn't that bad, at least it means there is something interesting about them. Its better than not being represented at all like Singaporeans.Its better to keep our Singaporean behavious to ourselves lol
The only stereotypes we can produce would be pretty ugly lol
Royal_Devil
2008-09-19, 13:19
Oh and anime shows definitely don't just spark minor problems from overseas. I'm not sure if anyone heard about this yet, but the writers from jo jo adventurers "accidentally" used the Koran as a terrorist book.
No it wasn't. In the manga, it was just some random book. In the anime, they changed it into the Koran but why a BRITISH vampire passing the time reading it briefly without any real reaction somehow=terrorist book is beyond me.
Aretsugu no Kimi
2008-09-20, 21:14
Japan is very intimate with Islam countries where is not only Southeast Asia but also Central/West Asia and Africa.
I can never believe such nation have had hostility against Qur'an.
animeboy12
2008-09-21, 18:05
Going by this thread, Monster has to be the best anime ever. XD
and does anybody have examples of hot black anime girls? I don't remember seeing a sweet chocolate portrayed, ever. No I don't want a black girl with an afro talking in jive, even if she was hot.
april from darker than black
yoruichi from bleach
Claudia LaSalle from Macross
No it wasn't. In the manga, it was just some random book. In the anime, they changed it into the Koran but why a BRITISH vampire passing the time reading it briefly without any real reaction somehow=terrorist book is beyond me.
I did not state it was from a manga I do not believe. I just stated it was in jo jo adventurers, which indeed was correct. Here is an article dedicated towards it.
apan Publisher Apologizes For 'Inappropriate Use' Of Koran
23.05.08 16:31
A Japanese publisher apologized Thursday for "inappropriate use" of the Koran in a popular fantasy cartoon series in which a villain is seen holding the Muslim holy book, reported AFP.
Publishing house Shueisha said images from the Koran were unintentionally added to give a sense of authenticity to a scene in "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure".
The cartoon is based on a manga comic, which has sold 70 million copies in Japan alone.
The comic book, however, did not use any image of the Koran, although it had a battle scene inside a mosque, a spokeswoman for the publisher said.
Shueisha and an animation production firm stopped shipping the comic books, DVDs and videos containing images of the Koran and the mosque battle, she said.
"Our in-house reviews of the work have led us to take action for the inappropriate use of the Koran, which we realize is extremely sacred," the spokeswoman said.
In a joint statement with the animation firm, Shueisha said: "We sincerely apologize to Muslim people for causing offense." Comics from the "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure" series have been published in various parts of the world, including North America, Europe and Asia.
The comics are not officially translated into Arabic, but the company is aware of criticism among Arabic speakers about the scenes, the spokeswoman said.
http://news.trendaz.com/index.shtml?show=news&newsid=1206785&lang=EN
As for not understanding, more than likely, you'll have to be muslim to understand why it could be seen as offensive. It's very hard for an outside person to look and an be able to judge something to be offensive with they have little to no information about topic at hand originally (topic regarding to Koran and Muslim)
Yu Ominae
2008-09-22, 02:29
Pardon, but anyone else know the names of the other Korean characters in the SRW series aside from Hyo-Jin Yun? Thanks.
Xhokhusmak
2008-09-22, 03:14
april from darker than black
yoruichi from bleach
Claudia LaSalle from Macross
I guess you win on technicality that Yoruichi is black, but that's not exactly what I meant.
I looked up the other two and... they be hurtin' =\
animeboy12
2008-09-22, 05:37
I guess you win on technicality that Yoruichi is black, but that's not exactly what I meant.
I looked up the other two and... they be hurtin' =\
there's also a hot one in cowboy bebop
Well in episode 116 of bleach she's referred to as "kuro onna" (black women)
but forget the lack of black people in anime what the ambiguity of it? I can't tell how many show I've watch where I've seen I character that has African feature but since the show never never says it I don't know if she's african
Its better to keep our Singaporean behavious to ourselves lol
The only stereotypes we can produce would be pretty ugly lol
Faye Valentine is hardly ugly :D
Though she definitely doesnt look singapore to me.
animeboy12
2008-09-22, 15:45
Faye Valentine is hardly ugly :D
Though she definitely doesnt look singapore to me.
I think she's European
Erm yea lol, I have absolutely no idea why I was quoted.
In the history of anime, I believe only one Singaporean, a badly represented Singaporean, that was ever shown.
He was the pilot of the Neo-Singapore Gundam who along with Neo-Malaysia, got trashed in a tag-team fight by God Gundam and Nobel Gundam.
YouMightHaveAIDS
2008-09-23, 03:11
Anyone ever see Read or Die? The American Navy at the end is just hilarious. Their commander is like a scared child with a gun (gun being a button that deploys nuclear weapons). While the British are cool as fools with handling the threat.
april from darker than black
yoruichi from bleach
Claudia LaSalle from Macross
I guess you win on technicality that Yoruichi is black, but that's not exactly what I meant.
I looked up the other two and... they be hurtin' =\
:heh: No doubt.
http://www.geocities.com/pilgrimshark/robotech/claudia.gif
If that's your idea of hot, I'm scared. Very scared.
animeboy12
2008-09-23, 18:42
:heh: No doubt.
http://www.geocities.com/pilgrimshark/robotech/claudia.gif
If that's your idea of hot, I'm scared. Very scared.
she looks decent in this pic
http://images.animelab.com/gallery/Macross/Images/claudia.jpg
oh and there's also a hot in cowboy bebop
http://www.jazzmess.com/gal/ep17/coffee.jpg
I also found this person on macross frontier ,Canaria Berstein ( not too sure of her race though but see doesn't have common african feature (hair texture, dark skin, big lips)
http://randomc.maximum7.net/image/Macross/Macross%20Frontier%20-%2022%20-%20Large%2010.jpg
I personally think that Blacks in anime are treated well though. Sure they are some occasions (Seto no Hanayome).
There are three main things that brother about Blacks in anime
1) Where are the hot black women (or black women in general) . I don't know why, but it seem that anime series get can't get how to draw beautiful black women. Sure the one's I mention were decent but if you compare with other anime characters of other races they end up looking bland.
2) Blacks are treat well in anime, but it's alway they same role. It's either the military type, or athletic, basically anything that has to do with physical ability. I know we're known for our speed and strength but just once the black be average Joe or the Love interest.
3) the Ambiguity of most characters races. I seen so many chacters type have African features(Hilda from Eureka7, casca from beserk athena glory from Aria , Erika Campbell from Lemon Angel Project). the problem is that the also they traits assocaited with other races. I just with the races of anime characters could be more clearer
KitsuneNineTails
2008-09-24, 18:03
What about Elvy from RahXephon? I would think most would rate her character high on the "hot or not" scale.
Ciao!
Xhokhusmak
2008-09-24, 21:06
I now remember one. I remember somebody now, very well.
Nadia in the Secret of Blue Water. Even though her origin is Atlantean, she grew and came from Kenya. Now this makes me want to watch this series once again, it was great. :P And yes there was even a scene where the topic is about discrimating her because of skin color.
I've satisfied myself. =)
This one image will stop people from thinking that they didn't have hot black ladies in anime:http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/6032/11430684775469uf.jpgSuddenly remembered her while playing Super Robot Wars Z where Eureka 7 also takes part in.
For those who do not know:
Her name is Gidget.
There's also a black couple in Eureka 7 and along the entire crew of Gekko State, they are cool guys as well.
stormy001_M1A2
2008-09-25, 05:23
Actually most of people here are too young but the best portrayal of Chinese in anime is Admiral of the Fleet Yang Wen Li from Legend of Galactic Heroes. He is shown as genius yet humble, very respected yet friendly, a man full of honour yet compassionate, courageous and principled. A leader that I will follow to gates of Hell. It is no wonder many Chinese anime fans considered him as the best anime character despite the old age of the anime.
Legend of Galactic Heroes have several positive portrayals of Blacks and South Americans as well, several high ranking commanders in Free Alliance of Planets came from these 2 ethnic groups.
Don't forget FLAG and Moonlight Mile where most races were shown as human beings, not caricatures or fan service panty shot flashers who can't talk in proper sentences.
Erm, doesn't every nation run off of the stereotypes of others? I watch American shows use stereotypes of other nations, British shows use stereotypes, etc. Now, Japan is a little xenophobic and a little racist, but the same could be said for any nation. I seem to remember very recently the Spanish Basketball team took a picture that wasn't in the best of taste.
Only a few nations are completely open with multiculturalism. Canada and the US are the leaders, with the United Kingdom also accepting more and more cultures from other lands.
animeboy12
2008-09-25, 17:00
What about Elvy from RahXephon? I would think most would rate her character high on the "hot or not" scale.
Ciao!
she's actually Indonesian
I now remember one. I remember somebody now, very well.
Nadia in the Secret of Blue Water. Even though her origin is Atlantean, she grew and came from Kenya. Now this makes me want to watch this series once again, it was great. :P And yes there was even a scene where the topic is about discrimating her because of skin color.
I've satisfied myself. =)
I was gonna put that but people wanted hot black and nadia more of the cute type
This one image will stop people from thinking that they didn't have hot black ladies in anime:http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/6032/11430684775469uf.jpgSuddenly remembered her while playing Super Robot Wars Z where Eureka 7 also takes part in.
For those who do not know:
Her name is Gidget.
There's also a black couple in Eureka 7 and along the entire crew of Gekko State, they are cool guys as well.
I thought she was black too but there characters like this in ep 23
http://myillusion.net/ablogold/eureka23_02.jpg
that have darker skin than her and show a lot more common African features. Not saying that all Africans have dark skin but I've never seen to characters on the same non-Japanese race in an anime have different skin tones
American characters are usually either self-righteous prudes or military war hawks, no surprise. I'm neither, but I have no choice but to live here, this is why I am so alone. I like Japan better.
MidnightViper88
2008-09-25, 23:42
The Japanese are no more self-righteous than Americans; Take a look at the social stances some of the Japanese population have against Koreans, Chinese, and Filipinos...Whether that's good or bad depends on whether it's the difference between a feeling of superiority or just nationalistic patriotism, but every country is guilty of having self-righteous citizens, not just America...
Of course the "war hawk" thing is only a stereotype; That's why half of America in reality is made up of anti-war protesters... :rolleyes:
Um... This thread is about foreign stereotypes in anime... like how Americans are portrayed. Sounds like ya'll are mixing some personal RL into this and confusing the issues??? maybe?
Aretsugu no Kimi
2008-09-26, 08:22
I don't think that Japanese regard Americans as hawks or jingoists in general, because I rarely watch military anime and I find in other genre many pacifist Americans.
More often ... American stereotypes are simply loud, scary, invade personal space, make basic etiquette mistakes, and are rude but somehow manage to be simultaneously considered friendly and loyal.
animeboy12
2008-09-26, 22:33
I do agree that Americans are portrayed are loud and scary. Personally, I the thing that I find weird is that you look at how much Japan has been influenced by western culture. Then you like at the way they portray them in anime
I can't really think of any anime shows I have watched that have Americans besides Baccano! and the portrayed Americans in the 1930s very well.
Can't really think of any others with Americans in it that I have seen.
Irenicus
2008-09-27, 14:50
I can't really think of any anime shows I have watched that have Americans besides Baccano! and the portrayed Americans in the 1930s very well.
Baccano! was more pulp fiction than anything particularly "Japanese" though.
I tend to feel that more mature shows, more "cosmopolitan" shows, and more of what people usually acknowledge as "masterpieces" often display a higher level of multicultural understanding than your average otaku fare, which rarely even touch on such topics at all, and when they do so, awkwardly at best.
Not surprising; American TV is the same. The best ones are written by really smart people who know what they're doing after all, while lesser and lesser shows begin more and more to rely on stereotypes to carry on the impression of plausibility.
Oi, I just remembered Full Metal Panic has an American. The silver haired girl, right? She was ditsy, clumsy, but I don't remember seeing her in a bad light.
Did I miss something with that one?
animeboy12
2008-09-27, 20:54
Personally I don't think anime has ever had a good portrayal of of "Americans". When I look at stuff like full metal panic, or Baccano as good as those character were their mannerism was very Japanese.
Irenicus
2008-09-27, 21:06
Oi, I just remembered Full Metal Panic has an American. The silver haired girl, right? She was ditsy, clumsy, but I don't remember seeing her in a bad light.
Did I miss something with that one?
Well, the Mithril side of the cast is very international: the mistress of moe Tessa, who I believe is the one you're thinking of, is American; the squad leader Melissa Mao is Chinese-American (omg, the Japanese know there are Asians in America! :heh:); Kurz is of German descent; Tessa's aide Mardukas served in the Royal Navy; etc., etc. And none of them exhibit particularly strong stereotypical behaviors.
Although like animeboy12 said above you could make a case that they're essentially Japanese in demeanor, though it would be a weak one with a rather slippery slope to slide down on.
Plus, I don't quite see how Baccano! was Japanese, unless people like Ladd Russo are dime a dozen in Tokyo? :p
animeboy12
2008-09-27, 23:19
Although like animeboy12 said above you could make a case that they're essentially Japanese in demeanor, though it would be a weak one with a rather slippery slope to slide down on.
Plus, I don't quite see how Baccano! was Japanese, unless people like Ladd Russo are dime a dozen in Tokyo? :p
Baccano was a bad example but there other anime series with foreigners with japanese demeanor and even when you don't have a Japanese demeanor they're portrayed wrongly. I recently finished genshiken 2 and there was an arc with two foreigners came in (one from England and one from America) and it stuck me as how badly those two were portrayed. Watching it, in the back of my mind I thought "there's no way in hell that two western student would act this".
My one question is where the hell are Japanese people getting the bases of these stereotypes?
It isn't "japanese people" so much as japanese writers who write what they know... and they're actually somewhat unfamiliar with "thinking like Westerners" when it comes to developing Western characters, much like Western television writers often "get it wrong" even when writing western characters for Western television.
Sometimes I'll watch the Big Bang Theory ...a sitcom about nerds and geeks supposedly. They actually get a fair amount of the behavior and how the characters might react just flat wrong.
Just look at Hollywood, the asian stereotypes are no better than western stereotypes in anime.
kk2extreme
2008-09-28, 00:03
silver hair girls from soviet are the best, dont know why but silver hair girls from soviet are so cute, e.g. sanya from strike witch, the twins from black lagoon.
silver hair girls from soviet are the best, dont know why but silver hair girls from soviet are so cute, e.g. sanya from strike witch, the twins from black lagoon.
Twins were Romanian. Technically apart of the U.S.S.R., Romania was apart of the Warsaw Pact and basically a puppet nation.
I will agree that besides Baccano!, 'good' Americans are very 'Japonized'.(And it is getting harder and harder for the world to see us as good. At least the Japanese view of Americans is abetter than many Europeans). At least from what I have seen. But again, Baccano! portrayed Americans from the 1930s very well for coming from an eastern nation. Other than that, I don't think I have seen Americans portrayed 'good' while not being 'eastern'. But this can also fall into other nations. Either the character is 'eastern' in acting or half Japanese themselves.
As Vexx said, American media is just as bad about stereotypes. And many foreign(not Japanese) films and shows I have watched are also bad about stereotypes.
Also, I like Big bang Theory :p
MikoKikyo
2008-09-28, 00:25
Baccano was a bad example but there other anime series with foreigners with japanese demeanor and even when you don't have a Japanese demeanor they're portrayed wrongly. I recently finished genshiken 2 and there was an arc with two foreigners came in (one from England and one from America) and it stuck me as how badly those two were portrayed. Watching it, in the back of my mind I thought "there's no way in hell that two western student would act this".
My one question is where the hell are Japanese people getting the bases of these stereotypes?
How did they act? (The two westerner students).
I ask because I'm curious; I've seen some portrayal of stereotypical American behavior in anime, sometimes negative, but it's usually something that seems faithful to how a typical American might act. It's never something that makes me go like "an American/Westerner would never act like that." It's funny to think they might actually have a false stereotype.
I don't tend to watch the "serious action drama" type series with Americans or other nationalities in them. From other posts, it sounds like they follow the sorts of stereotypes we used to see in 1960s films like "The Great Race" or "Around the World in 80 Days", "Those Fabulous Men in Their Flying Machines" ... all international casts all richly portraying the silly stereotypes of their own countries.
The Americans I've seen portrayed in slice'o'life, romances, or comedies seem to all come from Texas or some place with brash bravado. Often they are fans of Japanese culture but don't quite get it right. Tina Foster (AYA), Patricia Martin (L*S), Winner Sinclair (Karin), ...
Ichigo Masimaro gives us Ana Coppola ... a little British girl completely raised as Japanese but trying desperately to act British because her blonde hair leaves her in between two cultures (not unlike Tina Foster in some ways).
In general, the "mistakes" or "stereotypes" seemed to be fairly on target even if it was clear the writers were misunderstanding the nuances.
animeboy12
2008-09-28, 01:13
lets not advocate two wrongs make a right though
Oi, just found another show with foreigners(many nationalities), but the show is so over the top...you would expect stereotypes. Soul Eater...seriously....lol. They even put cowboy hats on two of the Americans. That stereotype is from like the forties.
Irenicus
2008-09-28, 05:51
My one question is where the hell are Japanese people getting the bases of these stereotypes?
I think the origins are probably a mix of truth and cultural misunderstanding combined. Westerners can be seen as louder and more direct than the Japanese, and a rather not all that significant difference is blown by culture shock into majestic Texan proportions and passed down through the generations of clichés present in these mediums.
That is my hypothesis at least.
And, like Vexx said, these portrayals of Americans and other Westerners in anime that we decry so willingly follow the same routine as much of American entertainment some forty years ago did -- distinguish the characters the easy way: with stereotypes -- and some of the more inane of American entertainment today continues to do so.
I was quite thoroughly annoyed at...whatstheirname?...Cheetah Girls or something in a music video I saw where they claimed to be "multicultural" by just mixing the most stereotypical "Indian" sound possible into a segment of the song with the accompanying scene being some sort of Taj Mahal lookalike and Indian girls dancing. Like, huh.
Mind you, I don't like the "stupid Americans" stereotype either, even though I have no personal stake in it. It's often a rather jarringly stupid addition in an otherwise excellent or excellently over-the-top production.
*cough* Read or Die the OVA *cough*
Oi, just found another show with foreigners(many nationalities), but the show is so over the top...you would expect stereotypes. Soul Eater...seriously....lol. They even put cowboy hats on two of the Americans. That stereotype is from like the forties.
And those ladies are from Brooklyn... :heh:
Boy, that was amazing in a lolwut kind of way. New Yorkers in cowboy hats?
Maybe its just that you guys are overreacting.
Taking Liz and Patty for example, who cares which part of america they're from, I know I love how they look.
And they didn't wear cowboy hats from the start, they only had this dressing after they met Kid. Back in Brooklyn they wore normal fashion.
animeboy12
2008-09-28, 09:38
I don't think this is overreacting. There's nothing wrong with pointing at something you find wrong.
The reason why people are somewhat forgiving of stereotyping in American media is because there's a sense that the people actually are able to tell what is true about that stereotype and not because of America's diverse backgroud
Eh, what get so upset? We Americans make it very easy to give bad stereotype. Not like the writers care if we are offended or not. Just ignore it and move along. Besides Japan is a very xenophobic nations with a touch of racism added.(When I was there, the people around me who were disliked the most were Chinese).
Also, the youngest sister makes me want to shoot her. I hate that laughing.
Eh, what get so upset? We Americans make it very easy to give bad stereotype. Not like the writers care if we are offended or not. Just ignore it and move along. Besides Japan is a very xenophobic nations with a touch of racism added.(When I was there, the people around me who were disliked the most were Chinese).
Also, the youngest sister makes me want to shoot her. I hate that laughing.You see, your first sentence and last sentence have already proven my point. You've just shown that you have a tendency to overreact.
And back at stereotyping.
From all that I've read from the thread, it seems every single character as long as they have a known nationality/race, they are pointed out for stereotyping in anything.
See, if characters of a certain nation/race can be presented in so many different characteristics, doesn't that mean that they weren't stereotyped? What we've been doing in this thread is bring up characters of lots of races and from what we've seen or read, those characters from the same nationality/race vary alot.
Each nationality has a set of stereotypes, and they are almost always presented. They don't vary that much. And how do I overreact? It doesn't bother me that anyone is stereotyped. And have you watched that show? The laughing(Which has nothing to do with a set character) is just annoying. That sentence was off topic for this thread.
And like the rest of the examples in this thread, its all opinions, whether each character is stereotyping is also an opinion from the viewer. Your finding of her laughter annoying is also your opinion, but there are more who find her laughing cute and its also my opinion. Your reaction to her laughter, shoot her with a gun = overreacting.
Well for fasion stereotypes, maybe people from the countries of those characters don't like it, but the audience do.
Example:
Do chinese wear their cheongsams and qipaos all the time? No.
Why are they always presented as such? Because they look pretty in that and the audience like it.
I'd say the same for cowboys and such.
Lol, you take things way too literally. That was just an expression of how annoying she was. Trust me, I value human life far more than many.
Don't worry, I happen to be someone who takes things easy as well. Though I do take things very literally and use them against people in arguments and get things intense sometimes, I'm still someone who can still accept things very well.
You cool down and so do I, I'll end my argument with you here.
But back at the topic, I still hold that the stereotypes are there because the audience like them.
It can't be helped if the country of origin doesn't agree.
Just like Italy, from what I heard, Italians don't each spagetti every day.
And there's also stereotypes being accepted positively, like Hawaii, which got related to pineapples even though they weren't originally there. They took up the stereotype and everyone goes there for pineapples now.
ya'll really need to seek out those old 60s international cast "race" and "travel" films ..... each team was played by famous character actors from each country... over-the-top goofy.
Slice of Life
2008-09-29, 04:35
I don't quite understand the sudden turnaround from the general criticism in the
Spanish/Chinese photo thread (http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?t=69987) which I perceived as overly PC and essentially boiling down to "you don't do that because you don't do that because we have decided this is bad".
Now it looks as if the emerging consensus seems to be this one
But back at the topic, I still hold that the stereotypes are there because the audience like them.
It can't be helped if the country of origin doesn't agree.
which at least to me translates as "when [insert majority group/group in power] likes to ridicule or defame [insert minory/powerless group] then tough luck, the people have spoken."
I can't really bring these views together.
Nukerjsr
2008-09-29, 12:53
When it comes to Soul Eater, I don't think Patty and Liz come down to stereotypes of their culture, but more of character stereotypes with the Tsukkomi and Boke. But they do seem to be on rather serious sides of the spectrum since Liz appears more serious and has a large level of care. The extra thing you can tact on would be how she gets frightened easily. Patty is quite child-like and silly with how she talks, acts, basically everything. However, she does seem to have an untapped yandere side to her. Feels like the fact that they are from Brooklyn is just sort of random.
On an unrelated note, isn't it strange how similar Patty and Patty from Lucky Star look/act? Creeps me out, but I'm wondering if I'm the only one.
No. the 2 Pattys are completely different.
SE Patty sis a complete airhead who loves her sister more than anything. She will not become clever anytime soon but her love for her sister with continue.
LS Patty is eager to learn and adapt, her behaviour is the result of her observation on otaku culture. She shaped herself into an ultimate moe gaijin and will continue to improve.
Some users are comparing anime to western television, and that's incorrect. Because in essence, anime is an art form. So it would be weird to compare it to say, a drama show like 90210. Anime in comparison would be compared to western cartoons, not real life drama or shows. You would have to compare japanese drama's and shows to it's american counterparts.
And in that aspect, western cartoons and comics are way better regarding stereotypes and image than it's japanese counterpart. It's one of the reasons why I like it better.
Ex. Name one black anime lady as cool as Storm.
Exactly.
animeboy12
2008-09-29, 15:30
@babybro
I that agree people should that people should be compare should be compare anime to their western counterparts
but I disagree that western television shows aren't a art form beside art is a way of expression .Anime, television comics and many others are just the mediums used to express an opinion story emotion, or whatever.
Of course you're right that western entertainment does a better job regarding stereotype, however I think it's due to the fact that the west is so diverse where as in Japan it's more homogeneous.
I'm not making excuses though, If the creator want to add a foreigner in their anime they should aleast get it right
@babybro
I that agree people should that people should be compare should be compare anime to their western counterparts
but I disagree that western television shows aren't a art form beside art is a way of expression .Anime, television comics and many others are just the mediums used to express an opinion story emotion, or whatever.
Of course you're right that western entertainment does a better job regarding stereotype, however I think it's due to the fact that the west is so diverse where as in Japan it's more homogeneous.
I'm not making excuses though, If the creator want to add a foreigner in their anime they should aleast get it right
Hmm..television shows and movies being an art form? I never thought of it that way. So would that means play's and broadway shows are also art form? Just an off topic question.
animeboy12
2008-09-29, 19:53
Hmm..television shows and movies being an art form? I never thought of it that way. So would that means play's and broadway shows are also art form? Just an off topic question.
if it's an expression it's art form, so yes play's and broadway would be considered art
Um... yeah, theatre has always been an art form (of which television/movies are simply descendants of).
Theatre is art, film is art, drama is art, comedy is art, even hosting is an art besides a profession.
And western comics started out as a revolution against art in the west which is controlled by the church. People found that they can't express art freely because the church would state whatever pieces they want to see and for that people created comics and did not call them art so they can express their ideas freely.
And again @ babybro: name one Japanese that's even half as hotblooded as any super robot pilot in any western media.
Just having slit or slanted eyes for Japanese, Chinese and Koreans is as much stereotyping there in the west. And why is it this way? Like associating americans with cowboy hats, italians with spagetti and such? Its the identity that the world sees those nations and races with. That's why China had to do such a grand Olympics to try and change the world's opinions about them.
animeboy12
2008-09-29, 21:27
well there actually quite a few strong Japanese comic characters, Katana, Doctor Light, Psylocke, and Silver Samurai. Also you got Hiro Nakamura from heroes. Either way I agree babybro and the west has done a better job in portraying characters from other races.
Personally I really don't care for the noticeable feature slanted eyes, the spagetti, or the cowboy hats. Another problem, beside they fact that the stereotypes are outdated, foreigners in most anime series just feeling inferior in intellect compared to Japanese counterparts.
In code geass both sides Japanese and Britannian(European) felt equal in intellect and despite the which side characters were on they felt real respectable, and both sides acknowledged each and respected each other.
In a bunch of anime especially comedy the foreigner feel so fake and stupid. I've seen anime series were she/he finished highschool or college at a young age then I see the way the character acts and just shake my head.
well there actually quite a few strong Japanese comic characters, Katana, Doctor Light, Psylocke, and Silver Samurai. Also you got Hiro Nakamura from heroes. Either way I agree babybro and the west has done a better job in portraying characters from other races.
Personally I really don't care for the noticeable feature slanted eyes, the spagetti, or the cowboy hats. Another problem, beside they fact that the stereotypes are outdated, foreigners in most anime series just feeling inferior in intellect compared to Japanese counterparts.
In code geass both sides Japanese and Britannian(European) felt equal in intellect and despite the which side characters were on they felt real respectable, and both sides acknowledged each and respected each other.
In a bunch of anime especially comedy the foreigner feel so fake and stupid. I've seen anime series were she/he finished highschool or college at a young age then I see the way the character acts and just shake my head.Well, Japanese is infamous for their xenophobia and have great pride in their own country.
Really clever, amazing, pure genius, powerful westerners: L(he's british), Roger Smith(Big O), Lelouch, Sandman(Gravion), the Great Char Eznable(French origin), actually I can go on and on.
Anime like Big O, Eureka 7 and alot of others, can even have a full western cast, something you'll never see in the west, not even in their cartoons and comics.
There are also tons of times, the westerner is potrayed as a genius from overseas, a super bishie that the girls go crazy over his looks and even just engrish.
Theatre is art, film is art, drama is art, comedy is art, even hosting is an art besides a profession.
And western comics started out as a revolution against art in the west which is controlled by the church. People found that they can't express art freely because the church would state whatever pieces they want to see and for that people created comics and did not call them art so they can express their ideas freely.
And again @ babybro: name one Japanese that's even half as hotblooded as any super robot pilot in any western media.
Just having slit or slanted eyes for Japanese, Chinese and Koreans is as much stereotyping there in the west. And why is it this way? Like associating americans with cowboy hats, italians with spagetti and such? Its the identity that the world sees those nations and races with. That's why China had to do such a grand Olympics to try and change the world's opinions about them.
C'mon now, please don't even try to compare the west to the east in regards to the amount of stereotypes. You would be fighting a extreme losing battle. For every one (which is very rare nowadays) slanted eye character, you can name 5 to ten more that are cool to bad a$$. And yet even still, ESPECIALLY in comic books, you very rarely seen those stereotypes exist.
On the other hand, Killer Bee which was the latest addition to the stereotypical black image and he just came out no more than 3-4 weeks ago.
C'mon now, please don't even try to compare the west to the east in regards to the amount of stereotypes. You would be fighting a extreme losing battle. For every one (which is very rare nowadays) slanted eye character, you can name 5 to ten more that are cool to bad a$$. And yet even still, ESPECIALLY in comic books, you very rarely seen those stereotypes exist.
On the other hand, Killer Bee which was the latest addition to the stereotypical black image and he just came out no more than 3-4 weeks ago.You've just shown yourself to be arguing in about the same way as I am.
You feel the amount of stereotypes shown in the west is less than what Japan does. And I as an asian sees more or less the same amount of stereotypes being shown in western films.
Its just that you'll have problems with the stereotypes you're seeing, but I'm fine with what I'm seeing. Chinese traitors, evil chinese emperors and dictators, chinese/japanese who speak engrish, wielding kung fu to be shot by guns etc. I'm fine with them.
Unless you want to play who has the longest list the stereotypes.
By the way I'm Singaporean Chinese. In Singapore, we have shows from all over the world on our tv, we are multiracial and cultural, we see stereotypes of all other countries all the time. We can't be considered eastern or western, because our official language is Malay, while the majority of the population is chinese and we are encourage to speak English. We don't really side with the East or West, we just see that the west has more stereotyping, maybe because Hollywood has the most influence in film compared to others.
You've just shown yourself to be arguing in about the same way as I am.
You feel the amount of stereotypes shown in the west is less than what Japan does. And I as an asian sees more or less the same amount of stereotypes being shown in western films.
Its just that you'll have problems with the stereotypes you're seeing, but I'm fine with what I'm seeing. Chinese traitors, evil chinese emperors and dictators, chinese/japanese who speak engrish, wielding kung fu to be shot by guns etc. I'm fine with them.
Unless you want to play who has the longest list the stereotypes.
By the way I'm Singaporean Chinese. In Singapore, we have shows from all over the world on our tv, we are multiracial and cultural, we see stereotypes of all other countries all the time. We can't be considered eastern or western, because our official language is Malay, while the majority of the population is chinese and we are encourage to speak English. We don't really side with the East or West, we just see that the west has more stereotyping, maybe because Hollywood has the most influence in film compared to others.
I just want to be perfectly clear. I am not talking about American Television such as action shows, teen drama's and things of that nature because on that aspect, there are tons of stereotype, easily rivaling anime IMO. However, that is not what I'm talking about.
I am comparing Japanese Manga to American Comics, Japanese Anime to Western Cartoons, and in that aspect, (excluding the chinese/japanese speaking english) many of the stereotypes you mention a very low. Especially cartoons. Cartoons because there are not too many Adult cartoons and Parents are very vocal over things they find inappropriate for their children, and stereotypes are one of them.
(Hence why Ren and Stimpy were taken off the air, and Boondocks continue to struggle to get their next season out.)
You've obviously never seen the episode of Simpsons where they go to (something vaguely resembling) Japan. :rolleyes:
It was so offensive, it was banned from airing in Japan, thank you.
The Brazillian episode was heavily protested here, too. Even with a repeat "offending" joke in a later episode, as well. I, for one, didn't find any of it all that offensive, so I don't really think the Japan portrayed there was so bad (neither any other other country's representation, actually).
It is a comedy series, after all, and not many places are made to look weirder than their own Springfield.
Too much importance given to things you want forgotten actually makes 'em seem more important/interesting than they should be, so...
Funny that the Simpsons spend 99.9% of the time lampooning and skewering America, american sacred cows, american culture, and american icons... but throw in some jabs at japan, brazil, or whatever and suddenly that's offensive and not okay. sheesh..... the Simpsons simply follow the mantra of "IS NOTHING SACRED?" and skewer it.
It would be wrong NOT to be consistent on that matter.
well there actually quite a few strong Japanese comic characters, Katana, Doctor Light, Psylocke, and Silver Samurai. Also you got Hiro Nakamura from heroes. Either way I agree babybro and the west has done a better job in portraying characters from other races.
.
Actually Psylocke is an Englishwoman living in an Asian woman's body.
Sunfire, Katana, Doctor Light, and Silver Samurai all follow an American-perceived stereotype of the Japanese. Formal, strict, hotblooded, impulsive and conscious of their personal & family honor.
But then again, most Japanese protagonists of super robot mecha anime were hotblooded and impulsive.
Funny that the Simpsons spend 99.9% of the time lampooning and skewering America, american sacred cows, american culture, and american icons... but throw in some jabs at japan, brazil, or whatever and suddenly that's offensive and not okay. sheesh..... the Simpsons simply follow the mantra of "IS NOTHING SACRED?" and skewer it.
It would be wrong NOT to be consistent on that matter.
Uh, Vexx, it has nothing to do with how consistent it is with its humor.
It depicted Homer beating up the Emperor, and that's a no-no in Japanese television.
Hell, they even refrain from using imperial family depiction in fiction completely.
It has nothing to do with its track record of rediculing American culture.
It simply violated the broadcast code so it couldn't air in Japan.
It also portrayed the entire Japanese to be full of evil people hell bent on seeing others suffer, but that's a tolerable depiction for the sake of comedy. ;)
Cool?
Its useless to convince the opposing side. There's someone in there who uses poison cookies to stop you, it just shows that they will not accept anything you say. Such an argument has no staying value, I suggest you stop as well before you get really annoyed. In the internet there's times where you have hold back for the sake of your health.
Uh, Vexx, it has nothing to do with how consistent it is with its humor.
It depicted Homer beating up the Emperor, and that's a no-no in Japanese television.
Hell, they even refrain from using imperial family depiction in fiction completely.
It has nothing to do with its track record of rediculing American culture.
It simply violated the broadcast code so it couldn't air in Japan.
It also portrayed the entire Japanese to be full of evil people hell bent on seeing others suffer, but that's a tolerable depiction for the sake of comedy. ;)
Cool?
Aye, I've seen the episode and I can see that it violated the broadcast code (so it goes though "no satire or depiction of the Emperor" seems odd to other countries who routinely satirize their kings, queens, and icons). Though Japan does do a fair job of poking at their elected officials at times.
Personally, I took that episode as the Simpson's version of a "typical unprepared ethnocentric American's view of a trip to Japan". Couple that with the fact that a lot of Japan really is funny (even the anime series run with those bits). The real idiots are still the Simpsons :) :)
Aye, I've seen the episode and I can see that it violated the broadcast code (so it goes though "no satire or depiction of the Emperor" seems odd to other countries who routinely satirize their kings, queens, and icons). Though Japan does do a fair job of poking at their elected officials at times.
Oh, it's perfectly ok to poke fun of the politicians and others in power.
For example, the previous PM was frequenly referred to as a chimpanzee, and there's even a comic book where PM Koizumi fights world leaders with mahjong. (Bush Jr is portrayed as a moron, as usual, while Daddy Bush is portrayed like a powerful and wise warlord :heh:)
It's just the imperial family that's off-limits.
Aretsugu no Kimi
2008-10-04, 02:14
Reporters Without Borders have indeed declared that the Japanese government is tolerant to mock ministers and so on but except for the Imperial Family.
MidnightViper88
2008-10-04, 13:22
So can we deduce a Hoorah! for hypocritical political correctness? :p
Whoa, that's almost like a double-negative...
animeboy12
2008-10-05, 12:23
Actually Psylocke is an Englishwoman living in an Asian woman's body.
Sunfire, Katana, Doctor Light, and Silver Samurai all follow an American-perceived stereotype of the Japanese. Formal, strict, hotblooded, impulsive and conscious of their personal & family honor.
But then again, most Japanese protagonists of super robot mecha anime were hotblooded and impulsive.
then you can replace Psylocke with Sunfire, Sunpyre, Naiad, Surge, Tsunami,or Jolt
I don't understand this American-perceived stereotype of the Japanese because most of this superheroes have a lot of similarities,(scientist, use swords, fire powers, or yakuza) but they'll all individuals and their lives aren't ruled by the culture.
Funny that the Simpsons spend 99.9% of the time lampooning and skewering America, american sacred cows, american culture, and american icons... but throw in some jabs at japan, brazil, or whatever and suddenly that's offensive and not okay. sheesh..... the Simpsons simply follow the mantra of "IS NOTHING SACRED?" and skewer it.
The same can be said from Japans point of view though. They have offended themselves and their culture a fair few times, some scenes of which have been banned from Japanese television. I could pick out a lot of scenes from Excel Saga if you would like.
At the same time they get criticized by other countries a lot too, regarding what they allow and what is suitable for them, therefore they put it on their programmes and then onto television in their country. Example; Kiddy Grade. Criticized a lot by other nations because Lumiere, who was in fact over 200 years old (therefore they got away with it) appeared to look like a ten year old female and was shown in a very sexually explicit manner. Suitable for Japanese television, although not for some others.
The same can be said for Puni Puni Poemy too, which was also banned in New Zealand for the same reasons (child exploitation) yet that whole anime was simply showing representations of Japanese culture....mostly hentai and such, hence the many scenes that contained lolicon and toddlercon, notably the final scene. This was all an intentional part of the story because the genius director "Nabeshin" wanted to show people, and make fun of, some of Japans weird fetishes. And obviously as a result in that the anime was detested and marked as "Inappropriate" by some countries (New Zealand mainly). If you have seen the anime and read its reviews then you would know all of this already I suppose.
I thought of another one. Not all, but many foreigners(with more notable parts) are female. Either this is because they don't like foreign men or because young men are the normal viewers. I guess this is more and an archetype.
Also, what is acceptable in Japanese culture isn't in other nations. As said above me, many nations are a lot stricter on children in shows that involve sexual or even just plain romantic nature.
I thought of another one. Not all, but many foreigners(with more notable parts) are female. Either this is because they don't like foreign men or because young men are the normal viewers. I guess this is more and an archetype.
What? Char Eznable has a word with you.
Char Eznable being one of the most well known name in Japan, is a, foreign, western male.
Since I'm still very much into SRWZ now, I went through the total character list and what did I find? There are more western males as main characters than western female main and notable characters combined.
Maybe you don't watch mecha anime, that's why you don't see the amount of male western main characters. In mecha anime, its a biased genre mostly ruled by male characters, females get lesser chances to be main characters and even lesser western females, the rest of the ladies form up the fanservice party.
Nah, never really been into Mecha. Also, if you notice, I didn't say all, just said many.
Yes, indeed and I didn't say all as well.
But there can't be 'many' western female characters, because there's also 'many' western males. Unless we're going to combine them and say, there are many western characters in anime.
What I'm saying is, there are more western males than females. So it means that there are not as many western females as males.
Guess it is just watch I watch/read. I always see more females(I am not talking about background characters).
I can't help but notice There are more Western females with Japanese guys than Western guys with Japanese women.
Hiroki (full-blooded japanese) and Elise (half-French) from Canvas 2
Shirou (Japanese) x Saber (British) from Fate/Stay Night
Shiki (Japanese) x Arcueid (European vampire) from Tsukihime
Kai (Japanese) x Monica (German-American) from Yakitate!! Japan)
Harima (Japanese) x Eri (half-English) from School Rumble
Pete Bumps (Canadian guy) x Tazusa (Japanese girl) from Ginban Kaleidoscope
A male German knight x a female Japanese ninja from Rurouni Kenshin
Many of those are boy's romance type series and since the vast audience of Japanese viewers are japanese guys .... one might suspect the male lead is usually going to be Japanese. A dash of inter-racial makes it exotic for them just like many other males of other races.
I find that making a character half Japanese is just an easy way to give someone who behaves completely Japanese a little spice in their background.
Heck, for females especially it's not all that uncommon to make them fully foreign(British or French seem popular) and yet have them behave in a totally Japanese fashion. I kind of expect every ojou-sama character to have some sort of British or French connection.
A character to have a different cultural background, or half of a cultural background, just makes the anime and the character much more interesting. I know that if I were an anime director, I would want people of many different origins as characters. This is due to the fact that they will all have different cultures, fashions, and taken actions because of where they were raised. It also adds an interesting mix regarding all of the different countries, cultures and such.
In anime series' such as Ichigo Mashimaro we had the cute little blond girl, Ana Coppola. She may have simply been added to add more of a fun cultural standing to the anime as her culture and character was portrayed in comical ways. We saw this when we hear her father speaking in the house stating that he is going to cover his food in vinegar and then recommending that Ana does it too (a stereotype that the Japanese holds for English people, where all English people drown all their food with Vinegar), and also when Miu kept comparing breast sizes with her, another stereotype which is that a majority of caucasian females have big breasts. She could have also been added because, let us face it, British children are adorable, especially for Japanese Lolicons one can imagine. There was also the scene where she went to her grandmothers house and wore a Victorian-era styled dress, complete with a cute umbrella. This could be the director taking the advantage of a British girl by making her wear clothes in such a culture that is now very popular in Japan (Gothic Lolita/Lolita Complex).
It could also be to show that it is good to have mixed races regarding romance. We have Jiro Mochizuki and Alice Eve (Alice is another cultural reference, most anime which include British or Lolita Complex often have the name 'Alice' in them, referencing the popular British novel, famous in Japan, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland") Jiro being Japanese and Alice being English, et cetera.
As a whole, I would say that it adds different interests into the anime, as having every single character being of full Japanese origin in every anime would get repetitive and become dull. Adding different cultures in them would make it more interesting and fun to watch.
(Majority of this is just my own personal opinion.)
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