I am writing a paper on this exact topic and one of my...

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Answer by Liashi
Submitted on 5/1/2004
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Well, I think (though I cannot speak for the whole of America) that slowly, yes, this image has a chance at changing if ppl become interested in Japan enough to look into it more. For example, consider the recent anime popularity boom. I recall some girls being offended that the translators dared call rice balls wrapped in nori sheet (nori is seaweed.) a donut. That stuff they call donuts on Pokemon isn't close to a donut! WHAT? I was disappointed when I discovered this because it seemed American kids had been cheated out of finding out about Japanese culture. And, although I myself have a positive image of the Japanese, I pay attention to the media very little. (I perceive some common media as having an extremely skewed view of life in general . . . which, makes me realize, I have a far more negative opinion about things in my own culture.) The one article I did read about Japan--again, it was negative, although it /did/ admit to "cultural differences . . . " as a reason behind the Japanese's actions. So it wasn't as bad as it could have been. But again--even with my own interest in Japan, I found myself strongly offended somehow by the Japanese after reading the article. And to think, this article was written by someone at least with a Japanese name. But it is one of few articles on Japan, unless you're talking the anime pop culture craze. You can see what I mean by going to http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/22/international/asia/22CND-JAPAN.html?ex=1083556800&en=15eb0606017ab1a9&ei=5070 The main reason why I felt offended by it: If some Japanese realize that the group opinion is such a big thing, how dare they invoke it on those who have already been through enough! See? Anyone can make a stereotype, but it takes knowledge to break it. It is probable that not all in Japan share this opinion of those who were held hostage in Iraq. Just like the people in America do not all oppose the war in Iraq. But guess what gets major news time? Protests! Although we can be pleased that the media does report poles now on how everyone feels. I suppose you have to still admit that if going to Iraq was an option for these Japanese, maybe it was inconsiderate towards the families. But if they meant Japan to benefit . . . ? Um, so to get back on subject! Yes, popular opinion may change, but likely it's going to be among the younger generation first, because they're more open. And, it still looks unlikely that it will come through the media. But even if not so, it will come indirectly.

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Question by nyielis@yahoo.com
Submitted on 4/27/2004
Related FAQ: American misconceptions about Japan FAQ
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I am writing a paper on this exact topic and one of my questions is if you believe that Americans will eventually stop believing in the media and discover Japan for themselves?

Answer by J. Piles
Submitted on 5/4/2004
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Hey Liashi: "Me Love You Long Time" is one of my favorite Jap phrases; hope its one of yours!

Answer by crapper
Submitted on 5/6/2004
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that was a phrase from Full Metal Jacket....and those were vietnamese, not japanese you idiot

Answer by Carmen
Submitted on 8/12/2004
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J. Piles you are truly an idiot! I'd kick your a if you were here!**

Answer by SHAG ME HARD
Submitted on 12/18/2005
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y dnt u all get a life

Answer by Liashi
Submitted on 5/22/2004
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C'mon, be nice.

Answer by baasdiiq
Submitted on 3/26/2007
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abdulkadir

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