hitmanNo2 Posted January 21, 2014 Report Share Posted January 21, 2014 So I was wondering if I could get some thoughts on this from our Japanese members. I can't see why there is such a massive furore over it but am am told there is context I am missing. Could anyone please explain. http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/01/20/national/ana-to-modify-commercial-after-accusations-of-racial-stereotyping/#.Ut6Y9rRFCUk Link to post Share on other sites
Pistol_Dude Posted January 21, 2014 Report Share Posted January 21, 2014 I was slightly confused for a second as I couldn't see any good reason for the Afghan National Army to be advertising in Japan, and even less for them to be racist. As it is, I think it's just a storm in a teacup. Some people always feel the need to be offended, and to be very vocal about how offended they are. But even so, it's probably the worst Owen Wilson impression I've ever seen..... Link to post Share on other sites
hitmanNo2 Posted January 21, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2014 That's the thing. From the sound of the story, it is mainly foreign people being offended for the Japanese. Link to post Share on other sites
Pistol_Dude Posted January 21, 2014 Report Share Posted January 21, 2014 Exactly, it's the same in the UK; Guardian readers getting offended on behalf of other people who probably don't care either way. Personally, I'm offended on behalf of Owen Wilson, his family, friends, and the bloke who was his gym teacher when he was at school. Link to post Share on other sites
FireKnife Posted January 21, 2014 Report Share Posted January 21, 2014 Erm, I didn't see blackface, the BNP logo, UKIP or the Daily Mail so it clearly isn't us being racist . I am not really sure how this classes as racist or are they trying to imply that all Westerners have big noses and blond / blonde hair? If so I find that neither hilarious nor offensive in anyway, if context is given then fine but as it stands I just don't get it? But maybe today is the day for disturbing adverts, just saw this myself: http://dailycontributor.com/in-belgium-organ-donation-could-get-you-laid/5052/ 'FireKnife' Link to post Share on other sites
Inari Posted January 21, 2014 Report Share Posted January 21, 2014 Yeah, I can't see this as racist. The ad tells you everything you need to know - "Let's change the face of Japanese people" BOOM; face change. I fail to see the problem. Link to post Share on other sites
ollie_ty Posted January 21, 2014 Report Share Posted January 21, 2014 Theyre saying "Let's change the face of Japanese people" As in 'Let's make Japanese people look better' Then showing them with Blonde hair, and longer noses, as in looking Western.You don't think that's racist? Link to post Share on other sites
amateurstuntman Posted January 21, 2014 Report Share Posted January 21, 2014 No, they are saying let's change the image of Japanese people - the normally reserved and austere people would never wear a stupid costume like this - and now I am. They even refer to it in the ad - do you want a hug? - blank look - such a Japanese reaction. Bah! Link to post Share on other sites
Smoke Posted January 21, 2014 Report Share Posted January 21, 2014 No, they are saying let's change the image of Japanese people - the normally reserved and austere people would never wear a stupid costume like this - and now I am. They even refer to it in the ad - do you want a hug? - blank look - such a Japanese reaction. Bah! This. Afraid the professional offence takers (and internet amateurs) will have to find something else to moan about. Certainly does show how perception is everything though! Bit like this whole football dude getting a telling off. Link to post Share on other sites
Habakure Posted January 21, 2014 Report Share Posted January 21, 2014 I think stereotyping is just a no-no when it comes to commercials. If you use a stereotype to represent a nation ofcom will be all over you, especially if it comes across in a negative way. It's what I call the Judge Dedd approach; no stereotyping of any kind equals fairness for all (or some other ). Regarding Anelka (the footballer), he made a gesture that a comedian in France has been seen doing. The comedian is very negative towards Jews and has even invited people onto stage, who don't believe the holocaust happened. There is more to it than just a silly salute. I believe it's sick to make jokes about the holocaust but that's just me. I wouldn't say people should go to jail over it, maybe just a fine. Link to post Share on other sites
hotelkilo Posted January 21, 2014 Report Share Posted January 21, 2014 surely the point being made in this ad is that it is the very people which the stereotype is portraying that are poking fun at themselves, i dont find that racist myself ymmv Link to post Share on other sites
aznriptide859 Posted January 22, 2014 Report Share Posted January 22, 2014 Sigh, people need to really loosen their panties and stop being so uptight. Link to post Share on other sites
FireKnife Posted January 22, 2014 Report Share Posted January 22, 2014 To me this just feels like a case of both people getting on high horses about nothing and about an advert that pokes fun at us all rather than being specific. If you are willing to spot your own flaws while pointing out someone elses that is fine, to simply point at someone and brand them a steretype is just wrong. This advert is doing the former, bit like the 'Dirty Harry' approach. 'FireKnife' Link to post Share on other sites
Cannonfodder80 Posted January 22, 2014 Report Share Posted January 22, 2014 I can't see the issue here, they're basicly making fun of a stereotype of themselves. As for making them look western, what a load of *badger*s. Simply wearing a joke nose and wig makes them look no more western than me putting on an Afro wig makes me look black, it's just them trying to break down the stereotype that Japanese people have no sense of humour Also I notice this in that article "Earlier, an ANA spokeswoman said the carrier “has received calls from customers, mostly foreigners, complaining about the ad.” So basicly it's people getting offended on behalf of others Would it be considered racist if BA made an ad taking the out of British people drinking tea and wearing bowler hats? Link to post Share on other sites
FireKnife Posted January 22, 2014 Report Share Posted January 22, 2014 Would it be considered racist if BA made an ad taking the ###### out of British people drinking tea and wearing bowler hats? I so want to see that, especially using the American stereotype that exists for us. You know the whole 'we all drink tea, have bad teeth and are best buds with the Queen'. 'FireKnife' Link to post Share on other sites
Smoke Posted January 22, 2014 Report Share Posted January 22, 2014 Any stereotype, symbol or gesture can only ever have the power that perception attributes to it. I happen to believe that the media encourages people to seek offence (gets ratings, and people discussing events... Like this...), and it's getting to silly levels. The Anelka (cheers for the name - I don't do football) thing being an example. He has clearly stated that it is not Anti Jewish. He's explained its meaning and use to him, and by him. To be fair... That could all be a nonsense as far as I know, and he could be a raging nazi. But my point being that somethings meaning to him, is quite obviously different to that of the majority viewing him. Perception. No one accuses Hindus of fascism, and their temples have swastikers (sp?) bloody everywhere! The symbol has an entirely different association (a simplistic argument I know, but hey, it's an internet forum). I really wish we could lose this culture of butthurtness we seem to have globally decided is cool. Link to post Share on other sites
Skarclaw Posted January 22, 2014 Report Share Posted January 22, 2014 I'm confused - is this video supposed to be racist against Japanese people or racist against white people? re: swastika the hindu one is slightly different to the nazi one - the latter being rotated somewhat. semi related: http://www.naturalsearchblog.com/archives/2007/09/26/google-maps-forces-navy-to-redesign-swastika-building/ Link to post Share on other sites
scorch Posted January 22, 2014 Report Share Posted January 22, 2014 In reply to Smoke's "culture of butthurtness" comment. www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHMoDt3nSHs 3:20 onwards. Link to post Share on other sites
Skarclaw Posted January 22, 2014 Report Share Posted January 22, 2014 similar subject: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25839299 Stan Collymore whining about the "abuse" he receives on twitter. Now I'd suggest that "twitter" abuse is no where near as bad as actual abuse... like punching your girlfriend (in this case Ulrika Johnson) in the face... Link to post Share on other sites
Leon Kennedy Posted January 22, 2014 Report Share Posted January 22, 2014 Regardless, I don't see racism. Perhaps if they said, "Lets look like *dampsuitcase* Westerners har har har" but they don't actually denote anything as being "bad', just different from the Japanese standard. Link to post Share on other sites
Skarclaw Posted January 22, 2014 Report Share Posted January 22, 2014 Regardless, I don't see racism. Perhaps if they said, "Lets look like *dampsuitcase* Westerners har har har" but they don't actually denote anything as being "bad', just different from the Japanese standard. yeah again its quite a different kettle of fish to say blacking up or something. There isn't, afaik, a culture of Japanese-Caucasian racism like there is say Japanese-Asian racism. Link to post Share on other sites
hitmanNo2 Posted January 22, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2014 I looked again at this and they're claiming it is racist to westerners. Supposedly westerners in Japan have big noses, blue eyes and blonde hair...If you're offended by this you should probably do the world a favour and jump off a bridge. Link to post Share on other sites
FireKnife Posted January 22, 2014 Report Share Posted January 22, 2014 I looked again at this and they're claiming it is racist to westerners. Supposedly westerners in Japan have big noses, blue eyes and blonde hair...If you're offended by this you should probably do the world a favour and jump off a bridge. Erm, I love how the supposed 'offence' is that we are the opposite to them. Oh no, because that is such a bold statement to make, that people might actually not all be exactly the same down to every single detail! Seriously some people just need to grow up and not assume that everything is racist and offensive when someone claims someone is different. Yes everything the EDL says is racist but that is because they are a racist party. A group of Japanese people having a little fun about how they and Westerners are perceived by their own countries culture, give me a break. 'FireKnife' Link to post Share on other sites
Azubi Posted January 22, 2014 Report Share Posted January 22, 2014 What a load of *badger*s. Link to post Share on other sites
paranoiddroid Posted January 25, 2014 Report Share Posted January 25, 2014 Unless you are part of the grpup its offensive too you should stay out of it Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.