I hope you enjoyed our "anime" week. Please do the readings and post your answers to the following questions here by 5 pm on Monday, 22 October 2007.1. On Tuesday, I proposed that one way that Memorizu is a reaction to the U.S.'s (and Europe's) "Japan Panic" is in its insistence on depicting the dystopian future as not Asian (as Blade Runner and Star Wars do) but as specifically European, with abundant visual and textual references to 19th century Europe, WWI and (the European theater of) WWII. Are there any other ways that you interpret Memorizu as a reaction to the West's Japan Panic of the 80s and 90s? You can either develop my line of reasoning further (i.e., suggest other ways that Memorizu is a European futuristic dystopia), or you can come up with completely different ideas about this.
2. I also argued that Aeon Flux plays out certain aspects of the Asian-American-as-"Model Minority" myth. I don't think that Aeon is regarded as a "model minority" by Trevor or the Breen at all (quite the opposite, they think of her as a dangerous radical, though what cause she backs is always a question). Rather, I think that Aeon's fraught relationship with the dominant power (personified by Trevor) allegorizes the ambiguous, alliance-and-resistance, love-and-fear, desire-and-mistrust relationship that Asian Americans have with the dominant powers (government incorporations, corporations, and wealthy whites) in the U.S. While Asian Ams as a group do have some of the advantages that the "model minority" myth ascribes to them (on average, higher education levels and more experience establishing and running businesses than other immigrant groups), there is a question as to whether they will use these advantages to assimilate totally into mainstream U.S. culture or defend (or create) a very distinct, and perhaps oppositional, American culture of their own. That's my interpretation of Aeon Flux as an Asian Am text. What is your interpretation of Aeon Flux as an Asian Am text? As with the Memorizu question, feel free to build on my theory, or propose your own original reading.
3. I was surprised to see that so few people in the class had ever heard of Japan Panic or the Model Minority myth. Since these were prominent in American public discourse just a decade ago, I guess I had anticipated you had at least heard of, or experienced traces of, these ideas. As you read the Morley & Robins and the Palumbo-Liu essays, what (from each essay) did you find surprising, or especially informative? I just want to hear more reactions about Japan Panic and the Model Minority myth, now that you've read something about them.
I hope to have pass your graded midterms back to you next Tuesday. At the very latest, I'll hand them back one week from Tuesday.
20 comments:
1)I believe the elements displayed in Memorizu are just symbolic and figurative. We can all closely relate and associate the visual depictions as usually fascist, communistic, totalitarian with all the russian looking writing, to the SS symbols, to the fact that the entire country just seems to be a working state. Working towards what? There is no goal at the end of that, they're just working just work and to fuel the guy in power. I believe that is the true western concept. You're not really just working to keep yourself alive, you're also working to keep the big man in power whether the person ins power is white or not. It is that throughout history Europe seems to be the only ones not wanting only land, but the spread of their religious influence, correct way of life, where a person belongs on the social and racial ladder that it is not surprising that Memorizu decides depicts a European like character in this anime. It just makes sense, if it were any other race it would not parallel anything we have been accustomed to.
2)I don't think Aeon Flux is relevant to anything model majority or racial whatsoever. I believe she just embodies what is left of liberalism, free thought, free mind, free choice, a paradox like irrational behavior yet correct in choice at the time where one person reigns with his knowledge and opinions as law. Their personality are just opposites which probably attracts them to each other so much, because no one else can be on their level in any facet. To me Trevor is more of a model minority as he is more systematic, full of knowledge, goal oriented and he himself is the system.
3)I wanted to hear if anyone in class knew what model minority was. I felt it would've been odd for me to explain what model minority was, even though model minority is a racial term, the idea and motivation behind it is generally stressed in any household, but I feel more so in an Asian household anyways. The model minority is basically saying Asians seem to be better academically especially in math and science, musically talented (more so performance I don't hear to much about Asian composers), and simply hardworking and successful. It is definitely a political tool, more so a negative way to try to empower people than a good way. However people should model themselves to ideas anyways and not race, because their are horrible people in every race.
(1) A blatant clue as to Memorizu's goal was its use of Russian styled writing and references to a Nazi state that is built on war. The references to western society were strong, but I also feel that the references to western media were just as prevolent. Every time the TV was on it reminded me of the times we are in now with the War on Iraq. Every day, a U.S. kill count, an Iraqi kill count, and then a few words from a "professional." It gets tiring and I think that is what the makers of Memorizu were trying to show. News was no longer news, it is a form of media working its ass off to beat the internet, so it sacrifices quality stories for the quick direct information that they would recieve from an internet site.
(2) It could be that Aeon Flux embodies in that she is educated and skilled, but is at a constant battle for getting what she wants from who is in power. Aeon Flux is going to extreme lengths to get what she wants from the dominant powers, in this case Trevor, but they don't seem to take her seriously. Instead of listening they are too busy checking her out and being drawn in by her exoticism that they don't listen. Trevor's interest in everything about Aeon except what she thinks I think embodies the dominant powers of the west and the Asian population.
(3) An idea that I had not thought of that Morley & Robbins brought up early on in the essay was the idea that the west feared Japan's rise to economic and political power as a threat simply because of their past. The cruelty of the Japanese army is evident if you speak to any neighboring country. The west heard about and saw in WWII their cruel methods and saw that as a hint, a hint about what would come with Japanese power. This supposed threat beame even more threatening when Japan ceased being direct and up front about collecting power, as the west is used to and does frequently, and entering a country by business and merit. No storming beaches or air strikes, but becoming one of the wealthiest minorities in the U.S. and bringing their products with them.
1. I think that the visual elements in Memorizu are what they are and nothing more. I really didn’t think I needed to explore the idea beyond what was being shown. Clearly the ideas behind Memorizu are opinions by those who already have thoughts on a working society.
2. I liked Aeon Flux. I found her to be strong, opinionated and feel willed. She embodied what a feminist may exhibit. I really don’t think that she displayed any "model minority" behavior.
3. I completely agree with the first person to respond to this question. I was shocked that it was saying that Asians were predominantly smarter in areas as academics as well as being more hard working. It’s a statement that is so general and can be very offensive. In every race or culture there is good and bad. The statem
1) I can see the point being made in this question and I do agree with it as well, especially seeing that it did not seem Asian in many, if any ways. I’d also like to go off of what Mason said in his response and how it made him think of our news and the Iraq War and I agree with that as well. I think that Memorizu was a critique on Western society in many ways. One point that struck me was that they don’t know who they’re fighting or for what reasons, but it is a sort of totalitarian control that people don’t question and do as they told, that made me think of some views of America and Germany and how nobody questions things all too often and just go with what they’re told. There was a lack of creativity in the society and most people there were mindless drones , however there were a few that tried to stray apart, but that wasn’t explored, I’m thinking of the woman who refused to the salute in the factory.
2) I didn’t really see Aeon as a symbol of “model minority,” but at the same time I can look and make some references to her as being one and not being one at the same time. Trevor respects her for who she is at times, but he is constantly telling her that she doesn’t see things in the right way and tells her that her thinking at times is wrong, while he just obsesses over her sexually. Aeon seems like she has the entire world against her, that she has to work hard and be patient to achieve what she wants, in this sense she has the aspects of the “model minority,” but it doesn’t seem like anyone in the system applauds her for the effort she put in at all and either wants to sleep with her or kill her. There are similarities, but it doesn’t seem like a direct reference to the model.
3) A decade ago I was eleven and I don’t remember much from that time period in my life. It didn’t have much of an affect on my Dad and he never raised the issue up, so I never knew about it until class. Though even upon just hearing the term and how we’ve talked about the yellow peril earlier it makes a lot of sense. I think both ideas are ridiculous and I’m continually surprised that there are people that think like some of the authors quoted within the articles. It’s informative that I now know what the terms mean and how they are applied and how the American society reacted to everything. I think the American society is severally flawed and these essays help enhance my beliefs about that nation that we live in. A lot of people are afraid of change and afraid of losing control, especially if they had complete control, or what seemed like complete control beforehand. If Japan is really going to be the height of the next era, I support it, they’ve got their shit together and it seems like many of the United States are running around like chickens with their heads cut off. I also still don’t understand why we have to be so different from other nations, why can’t we just compliment each other and build off of what we do in order to make a better society in general. I don’t know, reading about peoples reaction to certain things set me off, especially if it is racist or demoralizing in someway to a certain person or a group of people.
1. I’m not sure if my opinion necessarily directly links Memorizu to Japan Panic, but I do believe my opinion is in the right direction. While watching Memorizu I was wondering what it was that this nation was fighting, and why it seemed that no one was fighting back. What I found most interesting was that when the little boy directly came out and asked his father about to war his father did told him he will tell him about it when he is older. By the end of the movie, there was still a question of who and why? I personally think that it could be that the father was not even sure why they were fighting or if he was even sure who he was fighting. I think view was suppose to show how America seems to be quick to jump into wars which seem to have no reason, and the actual target becomes lost in the idea of fighting. I feel the creators of Memorizu were trying to point out how much our nation (or nations if Europe is included) will suffer from the on going wars. I feel the clouds or foggy haze that surrounded this town is a form of symbolism to represent how our on going wars (especially with the Middle East) is over casting our perception of what is really going on in the world around us. We know we are fighting, but we no longer can “see” what it is that we are fighting and what it is we are fighting and killing for. I also like how the higher general is depicted as a fat man who does very little in this fight and yet has no emotion toward this war other than to continue on with it. It is a way the “other” sees our government, individuals who want to fight a war to feel powerful and in control.
2. I do agree that Aeon is the complete opposite of the “model minority myth” theory. She does not wish to live by the rules that seem to be set out for her by Trevor, and instead she only works for what will benefit her. Although in the first episode we watched in class I almost got the impression she wanted to be successful in the Breen culture. Aeon seemed to have been caught up in the “role” she played and truly wanted to be the “good girl” in this new world. What I thought was interesting was the clone Aeon was not affected by this “other world,” and I believe it is because she did not have to stay there and try to adapt to their culture like the real (?) Aeon had to. I also found it interesting that there were several other clone Aeon’s which seemed to also be submissive and not as rebellious as their original, thus they were perhaps made into “model minorities” but they were “born” into that situation and therefore did not know any other way of life. This I believe shows how those raised outside of their culture seem to lose sight of who they really are.
3. While reading the articles I found the “Spaces of Identity” article to be the most interesting. I found it odd to hear Japan to be “described in a displaced and sublimated was, through the discourse of exotica and aesthetica.” For me, I can agree that Japan is described as being exotic but never thought of it as “displaced and sublimated.” I think the opinions of Japan for my generation is very different of those of older generations which grew up knowing the bigger threat of Japan. I also believe that is why there are so many individuals my age which have a greater respect and fascination of the Japanese culture. My generation knows the culture as almost graceful and imaginative (thanks to video games and animes). I also agree with the writers view on the buy out of Hollywood. When you gave your lecture I thought it odd for the negative out look on the Japanese purchase of Hollywood, the reason is quoted in the article by Ishihara, “But the American public… should realize that it takes two to make a deal: Americans put these properties on the market.” I agree with that statement, if this real state was not to be bought out by someone other than an American Company then they should have either not sold it to a foreign company or not put it up for sale at all. As far as the “Orientations” article goes, I found it seemed to be rather biter or angry about America. I may have just been having a bad day while reading it but I did take it that way. I think in a way the “model minority myth” hold unfair beliefs, but not for some Asian American’s but for others who come into this country hoping for a better life. I do feel that categorizing someone as being a “model minority” does take away from ones culture and sense of being of a different decent.
1. Memorizu explores a multipart culture panic the Japanese experienced during the later half of their economic boom in the 80's: they feared that their culture was becoming the mechanistic society that Western media panics portrayed them as, producing a kind of racist media feedback loop hearkening back to Marshall McLuhan's “global theater,” and that by following a Westerner's program for national industrial development, they were catapulting themselves forward toward becoming the unnatural society free from national character that both Soviet rivals and Fascists imperials had threatened and imposed on them. Memorizu plays with steam machines in order to make a visual pun about a culture “under pressure” and waiting in a precarious balance, always ready to blow like their cathartic cannons, taking shots at a model past of symbolically egalitarian classical architecture in which we can see the historical Utopian recurring nightmare of an ideal society containing the seeds of its own destruction.
2. If Aeon Flux is an Asian American text then the implications for AA's are both typical and startling. While Aeon doesn't break any model minority myths, she does turn them on their head a little bit by saying to a group of people who have their cultural identity fixated on how mainstream American media and culture have informed their notions of what it means to be Asian American, and how being a powerful minority enables AA's to make decisions on how to use that power. If the order of American society upsets them, and they continue to see themselves as outsiders, then they have the power to change it, or Aeon is the picture of the outsider in contention, seductive and seduced, a dangerous female like that Asia has been traditionally depicted as in archetypal James Bond form, on her back and with subtle poisons or daggers poised to strike. Because there is such a thing as “Chinatown,” American media has been able to rewrite the American myth as it contains Asian Americans, where instead of being ghettoized, AA's have self-segregated in order to preserve their culture and remain aloof in Western society.
3. I was surprised by Palumbo-Liu's assertions about the passage of the modern age. While it is generally accepted that we are post-post-modern, it's weird to hear in the context of an article discussing the implications of a policy I hadn't heard from since the mid 90's. While I suspect most assertions are due to Takaki's political essays to that effect, the identification of Asians and Asian Americans as the same makes for baser political fare than I'm usually willing to tackle. It's too easy to see something and simply say after the first failure to distinguish and go, “oh, racist” and put it down, but because racism is such a touchstone of American politics it would be petty to do so simply because it is unpleasant to read. As for model minorities, I always get the feeling that I'm looking at the tyranny of statistics and bureaucracy in action. When a group is isolated based on their ethnicity, it ignores the underlying factors which promote one kind of success and fixates on the shallow and exists only to reinforce stereotypes instead of informing our notions of the world. While the semiotic snap that gives weight to stereotypes may have been a useful tool when the world was more composed of tribes, ethnic trades, and a caste system, now they are psychological baggage preserved in a toxic cultural formaldehyde, a haunting reminder of the racism we cannot escape, creating new castes, and stratifying a society in denial of its roots while firmly in their grip.
1.)Memorizu Cannon Fodder was the complete opposite of Japan panic. Where western ideals and films built on Japanese influence and Japan panic showed the Japanese with great and mighty diabolical plans, and creative and memorable characters, inevitably being defeated by the white man of the west, and also including undertones of open ignorance and racism. Memorizu Cannon Fodder portrayed European themes plainly, and left out any creativity. Everyone in the film seemed to be zombies, no individuality, just masses of faceless individuals fueling a 20th century war machine, and since the enemy was never shown, it made it seem like the society/western civilation was defeating itself with its own lack of social individualty and need for war.
2.)Aeon seems to have no reason to exist. It's as if her sole purpose in life is to never succeed, but be acknowledged for trying.Trevor on the other hand has to exist. He is the system on which life is govererned. Trevor wants Aeon to understand his way of thinking, and Aeon wants Trevor to not have so much control, although there is little to nothing she can do about it. Maybe the US feels the same about Japan. The US wants Japan to submit or assimilate into our way of life and lose themselves in the process. Japan doesn't want this but it's little if nothing they can do about it. The US also needs Japan to Exist or else there would be no other, non threatening opposition. Like Mason said Trevor's interested in everything about Aeon except what she thinks. The same could be said about the US and Japan. Don't feel that she' s has much to do with the model minorty myth though.
3.)Concerning the Model Minority Myth, I had never heard that term before. I knew this as a different term that means the same thing; stereotyping. To say that Asians are smart, hard working, good at math, gifted and dedicated, but also bad drivers, and small in stature. Blacks are athletic, and musically talented, but also lazy, ignorant, and prefer to eat chicken and watermelon. Whites are perfection, but also are thieves and liars who can't dance and lack creativity. These are all stereotypes, and doing so completely devoids a race or nationality of all individuality. I found that, in essay form interesting. From the first essay I found that the fear of Japan Panic was real. Even shows like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were built off of Japan Panic, making the villain Shredder a samuraesk ninja, who was a force to be reckoned with, lived underground, had footsoldier ninja. I always thought that ninja were frikkin awesome, and I loved the Shredder, but the fact that he was of Asian influence and a villain to American sounding teens just shows how real the Panic was. Very interesting to put two and two together.
1. Well, I think that this piece was a way for Japan to say “This is what you [the west] would be like without us. Without our influence, the one that you hate so much, you would be a bulky, dirty society with rudimentary technology and fake ethics.” I think that this was a very good way to respond to the fact that the West was completely terrified by the East and made themselves seem so much better than this place they owed so much of their advances too.
2. In general, I can’t really tell the concrete meaning behind Aeon Flux as of right now, but in the last episode we watched, I could see some lines of similarity between Japan panic and the episode. When the alien first came, the humans were afraid, and then they admired the technology of the alien and completely embraced it. The, years later, that’s what humans had become. Isn’t that exactly what American’s were afraid would happen with Japan.
3. In the Morley/ Robins’ essay, I thought it was so interesting that they brought up the fact that the West expected Japan to absorb their culture without complaint. However, the West was terrified of accepting the Asian culture. In the Orientations essay, it just prompted me to start thinking about how Asians are considered to be the cliche overachievers in our society and that they really want to make themselves Americans, when the stereotypes of other races tend to imply laziness. I suppose just my thought is that if we are talking in stereotypes, the Asians can handle the “thinking” jobs and the other races can handle the manual labor while whites can make art and criticize the other races for whatever they see fit to demean them more. while all the while, white people are the true slackers. This is all based in thinking in stereotypes, though.
1.I think that Memorizu was a cartoon that wanted to express their own interpretations on West Japan panic. It was almost done in a sarcastic and exaggerated way. They took war/panic and stretched it out to their own extent. The way they made the characters go through each day afraid of war and almost afraid of life. I thought it was a creative interpretation on how Japan truly feels.
2. I think that Aeon Flux is a strong and independent character. She doesn’t take orders from anyone and continues to fight for what she thinks is right. This alone takes the cartoon to another level. Men are usually the “hero” in action movies or TV Shows but Aeon Flux is different because she is a strong female character. I think that they created this show so that we would interpret our own thoughts on it.
3. I thought that stereotyping these people was very ignorant. I didn’t realize until after reading this article that Japan Panic was a basis for so many movies and shows. It definitely opened up my eyes to how stereotyping in cartoons can offend people just as easily. I guess that stereotyping won’t ever really go away; especially when they continue to make movies/cartoons/shows that represent them.
1.) Another way I think Memorizu is a reaction to U.S.'s 'Japan Panic' is the fact that in the film thats all you see, European people and European buildings, there is no other trace of any other cultures. Even when there is a shot of the outside world, there is still nothing there it is desolate and barren. It depicts a society where our fear or 'panic' has become so great we destroyed everything else and now are in a secluded paranoid land.
2.) The way I saw Aeon embodying the model minority is that she is a strong, intelligent,attractive outsider. And although she isn't necessarily accepted by everyone in Breen, it is those qualities Trevor seeks while creating his perfect people or society.
3.) Although I was unaware of the term Model Minority, I was some what aware of it's actual effect and meaning. The idea that minorities and immigrants, mainly Asians, have to assimilate and conform to the America's idea or belief of what that should be. Also that they should abandon any traces of past heritage as to make it easier to fit it and become a Model Minority. Reading the articles only further bothered me that this actually exists, that people expect immigrants to conform to the country's beliefs and ideals is just so wrong. Having different cultures and beliefs is what is supposed to make living here so great, although at times it does seem like we are all the same.
1) Memorizu shows a dystopian future that is totally European in style. In Memorizu, there is a fascist state that thrives on a war that is going on. The style of government is extremely European. the people serve the interests of the state. the ethnic oneness is also very much fascist. The technology shown in the film is pre-Japan technology. The machinery is steam based and there are no signs of computers.
2) I think that Trevor views Aeon as only a sexual object. She is something rare and exotic to him. She can, however, fight back and threaten the control that he has over his people. She is fighting for her own views and ideologies and strives to defend her culture. In this regard, she can be seen as a minority fighting to protect their dying culture against assimilation.
3) I have heard of the terms before and heard them used but I never really understood what they meant fully. I didn't know the fear of Japan's economic superiority was so ingrained in society. Since I never really heard of any violence happening between Japan and the US during the 80's so I figured that there was no tension. I was surprised to read how fearful people were of Japan working behind the scenes to economically conquer the US.I kind of knew what the model minority myth was I just wasn't as sure of what it totally meant.
1. I think that the movie really focused on how the west seemed to really stress the fact that they have to win over the other unknown nation and become this gigantic uber military driven nation. It seems really sad, but I think that is still the way it is. Not as exaggerated but there still seems to be a big idea that 'WE' must win over 'THEM'. Most Americans don't know who the 'THEM' is and still sign up to join in the fight.
2.For me, being a minority in this country I can identify with how some asian americans can feel from time to time. what with the judging and other people not understanding what it's really like to live in a place where your sometimes looked down upon just because of the skin your born into. But I think it is easier for asian americans with the 'model minority' to deal with the day to day. yes, yes I don't truely know what it's like, but I do have a lot of Asian american friends, and when we're out in public I see that they never get the critiques and looks that I do, especially in the south.
I think that Aeon is the 'model minority' inside everyone. The one with the smarts, the agility and the flexiblity (just like in a minorities daily life with stereotypes, you have to be flexible around certain situations and people). Plus she's thew type of secret agent that lives in everyone (well at least me). The want to become a rebel and go against the grain and be successful at it, to be that 'sexy' yet dangerous creature that even the enemy wants, the one with the knowledge, confidence, and power to do what needs to be done to not only help themselves but the world from uncivil behavior and/or distruction.
3. For some reason I copuldn't open the files. Hopefully I can do it later this week.
!.) I agree with the fact that Cannon Fodder can definitely be interpreted as a response to 'Japan Panic'. However, to expand upon that idea, i think that it's also a commentary on white people and western culture in general. The way I interpreted it, the society in Cannon Fodder was a gross exaggeration of European military and industrial complex. What Otomo did was take any kind of progressive quality western culture might have and made it non-existent. Throughout the film Otomo recalls the various historic western, super nationalist and fascist qualities of countries like communist russia, nazi germany, and even modern day america and he makes a point in the film that if these qualities are to build up in the future then we'll be nothing but an isolated population fighting an enemy that exists only because there's a higher political god telling you that it exists and because we know nothing else but war and a struggle to progress to nowhere.
2.) Aeon Flux to me was all about 2 very different kinds of power and chaos constantly needing and rejecting various qualities about each other. You can definitely use this story as a conduit for describing the concept of "the model minority" but to me, there's so much more that this story can be used to describe. I think the real underlying concept behind Aeon Flux is chaos and order and how we've built our society on a structure of order and law, but life and the universe is a chaotic force in itself. Aeon Flux is about how we struggle with order in a world that is chaotic and how we've grown to need structure in our lives even if the universe, fate, and life in general doesn't always reflect structure at all.
3.) Well, seeing that i was at the tender age of 10 when the concepts of the "model minority" and "Japan Panic" were coined, I was probably way more into playing Zelda and breaking glass bottles under bridges at the time to really care or think about human culture at the time. Although, i do remember my grandfather saying things like "JUST YOU WATCH! WE'LL ALL BE SPEAKING CHINESE IN THE NEXT 20 YEARS!". However, i was just interested to find out about these concepts in general. What I found particularly brilliant in the first article "spaces of identity" was the quote from Shintaro Ishihara where he talks about how the western mindset has reached it's apex and is starting to decline into a completely non-progressive society. In many ways I believe this to be true. I think that as a culture, we've hit a brick wall. The fact that we fight wars for absolutely no reason at all and feel like progression comes from defeating far off enemies that don't really, truly threaten us shows that we've turned ourselves into something that will be very hard to change.
1. There are many elements in Memorizu that points to it being a Western themed short. Such as the total working state, the SS symbols, Russian style text, and the Nazi style regime all of which were present in this futuristic dystopian setting. There are also some other interesting details that were present in this short that point to it being a European dystopia, for example all of the architecture appeared to be very Victorian, from the large white buildings even to the design of the entire town, which resembled one giant castle. What is really interesting however is the fact that these old fashion building were built on what appear to be the reconstructed ruins of a more futuristic society. So it’s almost as if there was a post modern city there to begin with, but it somehow got destroyed. Then, from out of the ashes, the people built a more antiquated city, both in appearance and societal structure, to harken back to the warlike days of Europe during World War 1.
2. Aeon Flux is an outsider to the Breen; however she is an outsider that exhibits a very high level of skill and talent. She possesses natural gifts the every day people of that city do not. Therefore she is able to accomplish her goals to a much higher degree. This is what the Model Minority myth is all about, especially in terms of the Asian American group. However what is interesting here is that you never really know what she is fighting for, so she is using her gifts and talents to accomplish something that we are not aware of.
3. Japan is both the “chrysanthemum and the sword.” This sentiment refers to America’s view of Japan and the orient, both as a beautiful, exotic and “aesthetic” culture, and as the “dehumanized martial culture” (referring to japans brutal past both in feudal Japan with the samurai and their World War 2 era military brutality). This strange mixture of seemingly uncomplimentary themes has given America a very strong sense of “Other” in terms of the Japanese. This sentiment of the alien other is all the more frightening to Americans when the Japanese take a strong foothold in America, and become a formidable economic superpower within our own borders. This is what Japan panic and the Model Minority Myth are all about.
1.) From what I wrote down in my notes, if you look at the highly creative writings on the posters and signs and such in Memorizu there is a symbolic writing that incorporates styles from Russian writing or an eastern european looking writing. As natalie mentioned there was a lot of nazi references. I saw it in the clothing, in the language, in the ways in which they presented the dictator, in the moustache and everything. Everyone it seemed was a clone of one another, everything and everyone was so drab. The references to western society were strong and i didnt really see any references to asian culture at all, except maybe the look of them a little bit.
2.) I also agree that Aeon is the opposite of the “model minority myth” theory. I say this just because she wants to rebel against what society says and also by Trevor, i see a big feminist in her. I think Aeon Flux represents, the beautifully educated and skilled she is always looking to get what she wants and battles with what she thinks is right. I really just saw Aeon Flux representing the disappearing liberals and freedom in speech, thoughts, and voice. I thought it was interesting to see trevor and aeon's personalities unfold and see how opposite they were from one another YET they were so similar. in that case I saw that they were oppsites, yet similar enough to balance eachother out, and I think that is why they are attracted to one another. Trevor seems the more "model minority" type for he is sneaky and goal seeking. Although i did see A SIMILARITY between japan panic and this anime episode for when aeon's trips over the alien round case holder, she was scared and others were too yet then it seems the humans did a 180 and accepted the technology the alien's brought. there was something alluring yet dangerous about it all. Interestingly enough later. the human's all became just like the aliens. (minus aeon) In your lecture about the Americans fearing becoming like the Japanese I think is legit and effectively communicated through this episode for it, in a sense, foreshadows the future. I say this because, (whilst not Japan) they say that China is the next big superpower and we'll all speak Chinese and adapt to Chinese culture. This in effect made me realize...that from all of these clues and predictions it could come true.
3.)
Well for starters, I knew and had heard the term "model minority" before I never really knew what it was till I read both articles. From what I gathered from the articles model minority is saying that a certain ethnic group in a sense is superior to the rest of the population average because they are more successful whether it be in the least number of divorces, or the lowest poverty rate, or income rate. I am an Asian American and what bothered me most from the Morley & Robbins essay was that the West just thought and expected that Japan would soak in their culture but yet the West was scared to let Asian culture into their own. I've spent a great deal of time in Japan and from what I've seen this has been achieved, Japan (especially Tokyo) is very Westernized and actually women are getting eye lid surgery's to become and look like Westerns, yet you never seen American women getting their eyes cut to have a more almond shape. We've let the stereotypes effect all of us to the point that they are just thrown out there as nothing truly important and something almost widely "accepted" I think that this is wrong but at the same time will never go away due to the history that our past ancestors have laid for us...
1 . it seemed like it was showing that the west / europe didn't have a mind of their own. kind of like a communism. everyone dresses the same, works at the same job, none of them are wealthy, and life just seems to be sucked out of their faces...except that one man who pulls the trigger for the cannon. That one man who is powerful, wealthy, distinguished from the rest, and people idolized him as kind of like a God.
2. aon flux and asian ams.
aon flux goes back and forth from fighting for her personal belief and going back to trever. She will constantly fight trever, but always at the end she'll somehow show compassion to trever. my guess is how aon flux and asian ams relate is that asian ams fight for what they believe in, they hold onto their culture, but at the same time...they live in a white world, so they kind of know they have to assimulate someday.
3. I haven't heard of model minority before, but I have heard of model citizen. So I was guessing it meant kind of the same thing... Someone who is a true american, who will do the right thing, who is a role-model to others, etc...
But like we discussed in class, model minority was more to do with stereotypes. Someone who will excel in business, excels in academics, they succeed more than other races, & etc. The Japan Panic discussion...Westerns being afraid of Japan because of their economy doing far better was kind of a given. No offense to them, but back then white people were ignorant. They hated what they feared, they believed to be the power house of the world, anyone who wasn't with america was against america. then again...america still holds onto some of these idiotic beliefs.
1. In Memorizu, it seemed inevitable that they would be at war forever. The child still had hope and pride, but the father had given up due to a life of war. I think the fact that it looked very European was simply because it embodied the mood best. The cannons everywhere and primitive weapons in a futuristic world made it seem like as time goes by, they keep fighting but never progress.
2. I did not even think of Aeon Flux as Asian American, she just seemed Caucasian to me, so I didn’t really think of this while watching it. However, I do see some symbolism in that she is an outsider who is allowed in more so than most outsiders would. I think that is sort of the idea of the “model minority” theory. She is opening doors for people like her and in Aeon’s case, I definitely think she is creating a culture of her own, but she does see some good things about the mainstream (Trevor).
3. These were concepts I was familiar with more so than the terms “model-minority” and “Japan Panic”. If heard the term “model-minority” used to describe any minority living their life the way white’s find acceptable, but not specific to Asians. What I found most interesting about essays was all of the fear discussed. It makes a lot of sense when think of it all throughout history. This sort of epitomizes a lot of the things we’ve been talking about in class. We’re are afraid of these countries, not only because we don’t understand much about them, but because what we do understand intimidates us: huge military, very well-educated, great technology. There are not many countries that America fears can do these things better than them.
1.) I feel that Memorizu features a disturbingly western depiction of an militaristic, totalitarian society. Much like Orwell’s 1984, the entire city is galvanized against an unseen enemy who, despite never making their presence known, remain a persistent threat. The characters resemble white Europeans and their dress and cultural icons reflect a similar setting. Take for instance the officer who actually fires the cannon. His dress mimics that of an early 20th century Prussian officer. Adorning his body are the old standbys of Western military tradition, the shiny medals pinned to his chest and the classic saber at his hip. We also see in some of the panning shots of the city what appears to be classical Greek architecture, juxtaposing what Western thought considers the beginning of civilization with grotesque cannon laden society it has become. If this was meant to be a response to “Japan Panic” it certainly makes a startling impression.
2.) If Aeon Flux is taken as a response to the “model minority” theory I wonder where the other “Asians” are. If Aeon herself is the face of a revolution against the oppressive, dominant society where is the rest of her city. I know nothing about this show other than what you explained to us in class. Knowing that Aeon represents a whole other city where is her support. When Martin Luther King strove to end segregation and remove African-Americans from a permanent low class status he did it with marches of thousands and the support of dozens of other prominent black leaders. How can Aeon hope to liberate her people all by herself?
3.) The discussion of the “model minority” in class was interesting but included so few people because of the issues of racism and minority rights that many are uncomfortable discussing in such a public setting. I did not speak up in class but when the term was mentioned I immediately knew what we were talking about. Some of the first things that popped into my head were Asian stereotypes, laundromat owners, waiters, brainiacs and mathletes. Almost none of the established Asian stereotypes feature a violent or lazy individual as opposed to say, an illegal Mexican immigrant or a black gang banger. So while we all know that Asian endure the same struggles as other minorities in our countries, we like to believe that they are the de facto model for adapting to our society. It makes us think that we aren’t an oppressive and racist nation, simply put the myth exists because we want it to.
1) I agree with you completely that Memorizu is about a European dystopia not an Asian dystopia. In fact I didn’t even see one single Asian reference that I can recall. Even the language was in Spanish which I found very odd for a Japanese anime. Everything has a strong European feel and look to it. The lower class family striving to move from the bottom up to the middle or noble class. The fact that they lived inside of a giant castle laden with cannons. Their clothing looked like WWI military fatigues. They even had old anti-chemical war posters and gasmasks like those of WWI.
2) Once again I agree with you as well. Although we never see Aeon’s home Monica, I’m assuming it is the complete opposite of Bregna, the technologically advanced civilization. I think it’s the Model minority being given a choice. They can stay the way they are, impoverished and living in terrible conditions or they can assimilate and move into the city of Bregna and live life well. I also think that Aeon is stuck between these two choices which is why she can never complete her missions to take out Trevor Goodchild.
3) I think that the model minority myth is really interesting. I didn’t know about it until we talked about it in class. I understood how it’s being applied to Asians but I never actually heard anyone talk about it. To me it’s kind of stereotyping but in a good way. I wouldn’t mind being considered smarter then every because of my ethnicity, but then again I can also see how it would be offensive.
[1] What Memorizu was trying to show still holds true today. We are in a war state, not as extreme as in Memorizu though, and that is all we hear about anymore. It will be a lucky day if I don't hear anything about Iraq on the news. It's always bad news.
[2] Well, I have to bring up the stereotype, but when I think of "Model Minority" in Asian terms, I think of successful business men/women like we discussed in class. I didn't really see or think "Model Minority" when I saw it.
[3] I never heard of "Model Minority" before you mentioned it in class. We have all heard of the stereotypes, but never that phrase. The article was interesting because I didn't really know how severe the fear of Japan taking over economically was. It seems kind of ridiculous to me because I really don't see Japan taking over economically as a bad thing. They have made so many innovations in technology that I wish they would expand over in America even more so the Americans can have more access to it.
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