There is a question whether or not anime is high or low culture because of its popularity and simplicity to the public. Anime is such a broad genre of cartoons that a child could watch it. Despite this, there is plenty depth behind the stories.
However with such anime phenomenons like pokemon, it is regulated and refreshed. With over 700 episodes and 15 seasons the show has become somewhat propoganda. Originally made for the japanese market, it was picked up by the americans and became a huge success. The Show became so big it is now a part of their culture. As big as the show has become, there is also use of subtle hits at how american society works.
Anime can focus on the idea that americans consume so much and throw away they are destroying the earth. Its the anti patriarch with the use of a hero. I would say the use of anime can be either high or low culture depending on the show. It is dependent on how each individual sees a show and the subtext the producers have put in.
However the text may not only decide whether the genre is high or low culture. it can also be argued that the audiences may notice more in one location as opposed to another. for example in Japan, Japanese may see anime as another form of entertainment, just another story to follow or tv drama they can watch. Whereas Americans may invest a lot of money into the shows by importing they want to read more into it. Japanese culture maybe foreign to them that they see more subtext.
Anime may argue with the norms of how people in their enviroment work and live their lives. Despite the shows being taken and Translated Aka "Dubbing"there is still a market for people to buy shows in their original forms only understanding the show with the use of subtitles.
However with such anime phenomenons like pokemon, it is regulated and refreshed. With over 700 episodes and 15 seasons the show has become somewhat propoganda. Originally made for the japanese market, it was picked up by the americans and became a huge success. The Show became so big it is now a part of their culture. As big as the show has become, there is also use of subtle hits at how american society works.
Anime can focus on the idea that americans consume so much and throw away they are destroying the earth. Its the anti patriarch with the use of a hero. I would say the use of anime can be either high or low culture depending on the show. It is dependent on how each individual sees a show and the subtext the producers have put in.
However the text may not only decide whether the genre is high or low culture. it can also be argued that the audiences may notice more in one location as opposed to another. for example in Japan, Japanese may see anime as another form of entertainment, just another story to follow or tv drama they can watch. Whereas Americans may invest a lot of money into the shows by importing they want to read more into it. Japanese culture maybe foreign to them that they see more subtext.
Anime may argue with the norms of how people in their enviroment work and live their lives. Despite the shows being taken and Translated Aka "Dubbing"there is still a market for people to buy shows in their original forms only understanding the show with the use of subtitles.
Good points despite some problems with English.
ReplyDelete'However with such anime phenomenons like pokemon, it is regulated and refreshed. With over 700 episodes and 15 seasons the show has become somewhat propaganda' What kind of propaganda? Not sure what you mean.
The show Pokemon still runs in america and is quite popular still. every season they run the same themes or ideas a lot which go against what american's may do. such as their belief in consumption (buying and then throwing away products without thought) the show Pokemon teaches children not to litter and try to preserve. the other view point such as the economic side has little or no voice. It becomes a teaching tool and argues their way of life.
ReplyDeleteWell I used to watch pokemon when I was young and it seems that Pokemon was also fighting the evils and winning battles over the bad guys. Like you have said it can become a teaching tool and was definitely a hit for all children back then. The main characters showed their good sides of their battles and showed how to live with a good heart.
ReplyDeleteI know myself I grew up with the episodes, movies, card games and video games (gameboy color)and Pokemon was a big part of my childhood. I disagree however that it is focused on America specifically with the themes of not polluting the earth ect. This idea could be applied anywhere, as the world itself is attempting to become more eco-friendly, and is entirely conscious of not wasting things. A big phrase at the dinner table when I was a kid was the cliche "there are people starving in Africa, don't waste your dinner!"
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