Final Project - Conclusion of Topic

   After communicating with anime enthusiasts, Lolitas and cosplayers via the genre of online social media, I concluded that anime overall is not sexist. Sexualized content is ultimately the author's decision to include if they decide that their creation belongs to the harem, ecchi or hentai subgenres. These categories exclusively use fanservice, or mature content, to solely entertain their audiences instead of furthering the story's plot. Below is an analysis of how each stakeholder determined this conclusion.

Anime Enthusiasts 

   The research I conducted with Facebook friends belonging to the "anime enthusiast" community provided insight about how anime is not a chauvinistic form of entertainment. Both Nicholas McClary and Jenna Isaacs specified that an author may want to portray their character as being obviously attractive because they are both fictional and contribute enjoyable fantasy elements. Characters in Japanese cartoons, similar to Western animation, almost always wear the exact same outfit as previous shows in an effort to be consistently represented and remembered.

 Lolitas

  

  After posing as a prospective Lolita, as well as asking this stakeholder questions pertaining to their daily lives, I found that their answers contributed to the overall conclusion of anime not being a sexist form of entertainment. The Lolitas I spoke to stated that their subculture and the anime industry were not related just because they both "originated from the same country" and that most Lolitas in anime were portrayed "incorrectly." Similarly, the user "trialsanderrors," shown below, indicated that "different genres would have different representations of characters." The Shonen and Josei examples that she provided were true, as female characters in Shonen (typically catering to preteen boys and young men) might be shown as more motherly than those portrayed in Josei (usually watched by adult women), where the same character may undergo adult situations not understood by the latter. 

Cosplayers 

  When I posed the question "what can we do to reduce harassment at conventions" to this stakeholder on Reddit, I was surprised to see no reference to how the portrayal of certain women in anime may have contributed to disrespect. One user named "snek-queen" discussed how she was ridiculed more at clubs than conventions, which provided evidence that the atmosphere of the event may determine whether participants are harassed or not. Another user explained how "Dragon Con" illustrated their badges with a "code of expected behavior" that outlines acceptable behavior for attendees. Overall, it appeared that this stakeholder felt comfortable portraying sexualized characters accurately, as long as there were enough safety precautions present. 

  In conclusion, the research I conducted with each stakeholder proved to be effective in determining how anime was not sexist altogether, but in some specified genres, it was the author's choice in order to be labeled a "mature" anime. Japanese culture is more accepting of homosexual relationships, as well as revealing content, which may be considered chauvinistic to other countries who do not embrace the same ideals. 

Background of Stakeholders - An Interesting History

Navigate the slideshow below to access in-depth information about the Lolita, "living doll", cosplayer and anime enthusiast communities. 





Other sources to explore:

Sugar Coated - a documentary about Lolita culture
A blog by Princess Peachie, a sweet Lolita
Angelic Pretty, a store catering to various types of Lolitas
Too Fab - "human Barbie doll" Valeria Lukyanova discusses her childhood, lifestyle and plastic surgery 
The Doll House, a "living doll" blog by lifeinplastic21
Nerd Caliber - interviews with cosplayers about their "scariest experiences" at conventions 
A cosplay blog created by Yunie
BBC discusses anime - Jonathan Ross interviews Hayao Miyazaki, director and artist of many anime
Anime Obsession 101, an anime blog created by Brianna 

Stakeholder and Genre Analysis - 11/8/16

Analysis of Stakeholders:

The Cosplayer Community

   People who participate in cosplay, or “costume play” often look to portray certain characters from a series of anime, television show or favorite book. Before cosplayers attend comic conventions where they display their costumes, the process usually entails handmade elements created to represent the character as authentically as possible. However, the embodiment of certain female characters may cause harassment and unwanted sexual attention as cosplayers are habitually assumed to behave like the character they are dressed as. This issue stems from the series the character is derived from, where female characters may possess unrealistic physical attributes and flirtatious attitudes created by the author. Generally, cosplayers are concerned with accurately portraying their character instead of seeking attention from fellow attendees. Female cosplayers have often identified with the fictional young women they represent, as sexuality or modesty may not be the sole personality traits the character possesses. Furthermore, organizations such as “Geeks for CONsent” and cosplayers like Mandy Caruso raise awareness of convention-based harassment in their online communities, as well as the costume events themselves. As a stakeholder, cosplayers provide essential feedback on the portrayal of females in Japanese anime, the recognition of how these characters are overtly objectified and how to combat disrespect at conventions.

“Living Dolls” and “Lolitas”

   This stakeholder is necessary in demonstrating the effects of how female anime characters influence young women to the point of obsession. “Living anime girls” and “dolls” aspire to bring characters to life by achieving plastic surgery, altering their behavioral patterns and adopting new diets to create unrealistically-small waists. The subculture of “living dolls” ordinarily involves young women creating makeup and fashion tutorials, as well as blogs, to inspire other anime fanatics to embrace the same lifestyle. Female characters in Japanese cartoons are frequently depicted as slim-bodied teenagers, with coquettish mannerisms that make them popular and desirable to others around them, especially males. These traits are often revered in the community of “living dolls,” who attempt to possess the attitude of the character they derive their appearance from. The two-dimensional way that anime characters are rendered is difficult to attain, however, young women in this community do not hesitate to undergo medical procedures to achieve the image. The removal of ribs, breast augmentations and Circle contact lenses that enlarge eye shape are desired by “living dolls,” whose surgeries are typically funded by fans. Colored contact lenses that are reminiscent of anime-style eyes have been proven to cause health risks, including blindness, however, these implications do not halt usage by “dolls.” Young women in this stakeholder who are generally unhappy with their physical appearance likely suffer from Body Dysmorphic Disorder, a mental illness where flaws are mostly self-perceived. Contrastingly, the stakeholder of “Lolitas” differs from the aforementioned in various ways. These young women are characterized by pastel-colored Victorian outfits, describing items as kawaii, meaning “cute” in Japanese, as well as hosting tea parties. “Lolitas” are influenced by anime and value etiquette to express their femininity. Correspondingly, both “living dolls” and “Lolitas” tend to avoid answering questions about problems they may have in their daily lives, as they want to create a peaceful, fanciful environment for themselves and their fans. Overall, the stakeholder of “living dolls” and “Lolitas” reflects how female anime characters have influenced their audiences enough to change their lifestyles, often with unhealthy results.

Anime and Manga Enthusiasts

   This stakeholder involves people approximately ages 11-25 who have a passion for anime and its graphic novel form, manga. There are many genres of anime, including adventure and life at school, that appeal to audiences because of their relatable storylines. For instance, in Japan, homosexuality is a frequent topic of certain manga, which contributes to readers feeling that their life choices are accepted in society. However, during interviews with peers, I discovered their beliefs about how anime could be chauvinistic and exemplify the sexuality of female characters. This blatant characterization differs from the passive way that women are expected to behave in the Japanese culture and how anime is based on fantasy elements instead of reality. The term “fan service” relates to this issue and how the material is meant to entice the audience instead of further the plot. While “fan service” may apply to either male or female characters, it is often recognized explicitly in young women who are scantily-clad and behave coquettishly. As a result, anime enthusiasts may create “fanfictions” or stories that alter the scenarios of existing characters. They may choose to represent female characters in a more sexualized way than the original work in which they are featured, believing that they will garner a larger audience, supporting the phrase “sex sells.” However, people who have a passion for anime recognize that characters “seem to be perfect because we aren’t perfect ourselves [and] we want to create something that is,” as one of the interview participants indicated (Jenna Isaacs, personal interview). Hence, this stakeholder illustrates the opinions of anime aficionados about the representation of women in anime and how it may not reflect Japanese customs.

Genre Analysis:

Online Forums, Videos and Blogs

   The majority of people in the cosplayer, “living doll” and anime enthusiast stakeholders use online forums and blogs to communicate with each other about issues pertaining to the representation of women in anime. This genre increases awareness of topics discussed by reaching a greater amount of people than other formats, such as magazine articles. Video tutorials on the construction of costume elements by cosplayers inspires anime fans to attend conventions with their unique creations. Similarly, on their blogs, well-known cosplayers discuss the disrespect they have experienced at live events, praising organizations like “Geeks for CONsent” who combat the issue. Convention attendees recognize these booths that promote respect both online and in-person, creating a safe, supportive environment. The helpful nature of the cosplayer community was shown when Mandy Caruso, an avid cosplayer and fashion designer, vented her frustration with convention-based harassment after her experience at the New York Comic Con. After she retorted the lewd comments an interviewer made about her Black Cat superhero outfit, Caruso garnered over 20,000 comments on her Tumblr blog, which declared her an “inspiration” (Aja Romano, “Black Cat cosplayer sexually harassed at Comic Con becomes Tumblr hero”). Cosplayers like Caruso usually decorate their blogs with images of their costumes and opinions on various anime to increase page views. By discussing these topics, anime bloggers expand public knowledge about Japanese cartoons and encourage fellow enthusiasts to participate in the online community.

   Additionally, “living dolls” and “Lolitas” communicate with fans and others in their subculture predominantly through YouTube videos and social media. This medium is the most popular among young women, who usually participate in the “doll” subculture. Anastasiya Shpagina, also known as “Fukkacumi,” is one of the most recognized “living anime dolls” who initially became famous from her makeup tutorial. These videos, usually characterized by Japanese pop music and bright colors, are synonymous with the lifestyle of “living dolls,” who look to inspire others to adopt a similar lifestyle. As teenagers, they look to pursue art and modeling careers well into the future, claiming that their appearances are “particularly [examples] of how you can change your look using make-up” (Lifeinplastic21, “Anastasiya Shpagina aka Fukkacumi”). However, this seemingly innocent message is derived from how, at a young age, “living dolls” realize how female characters are represented in anime. Popularity and beauty are almost always traits to be desired by lesser-attractive characters, who are frequently drawn with small eyes and hair not as vibrant as their flirtatious counterparts. Blogs and social media pages dedicated to promoting the “living doll” lifestyle are abundant, as they constantly update discussions on fashion and makeup to their pastel-colored webpages. In their videos, young women, like Venus Angelic, complete their identity by speaking in a falsetto voice reminiscent of how a real-life doll would sound. Through the genre of online videos, aspiring “dolls” see how the makeup, voice and attire of this subculture is achieved, which originates from the representation of females in anime. Despite having millions of followers on video-sharing websites, most “living dolls” prefer photographs because they are able to perfect their images on editing software, such as Photoshop. After Shpagina admitted to manipulating her images and posting them on her website, her followers became divided. As a genre, her online blog was either characterized by loyal fans or people who realized that an apparently flawless image such as hers could not be attained naturally. Furthermore, the “Lolita” community prefers to use genres similar to “living dolls,” with the addition of online journals to document events they attended. Having no relation to Vladimir Nabokov’s novel, “Lolitas” use these journals to list Victorian-sounding names to embody the lifestyle completely, as well as the addition of articles about their culture’s origin in Japan. Young women in this stakeholder identify with a specific style under the “Lolita” category, such as gothic, sweet, or classic. Genres, such as online blogs and diaries, exemplify the type of “Lolita” who created it, advertising clothing and makeup unique to their audience. Princess Peachie, a “sweet Lolita” who almost always dresses entirely in pale pink, conforms to the lifestyle in which teenagers in this community are thought to possess. Her “Tumblr” blog consists of original digital art, videos on becoming a “Lolita,” and links to stores specializing in this type of fashion, such as “Angelic Pretty.” A reoccurring theme found in the genre that “Lolitas” use is how to avoid become an “Ita,” or the version of this stakeholder who do not embody typical values and traits of the subculture. Blog posts warning aspiring “Lolitas” to “stay away from cheap black and white dresses” with exaggerated lace details, illustrates how expensive the lifestyle becomes (F Yeah Lolita, “How To Avoid Being An Ita”). Victorian-themed garments and bonnets typically are priced at three-hundred dollars, with the addition of wigs and hairpieces needed to transform into an “authentic Lolita.” Correspondingly, YouTube videos demonstrating which behaviors and hobbies are accepted in their community reach hundreds of thousands of viewers, spreading their message to a greater amount of enthusiasts. “Lolitas” are usually knowledgeable about anime, especially the episodes in which characters exemplify their style. Victorique de Blois, the female protagonist of Gosick, is characterized by “Lolita” fashion, which offsets her cold, intellectual manner. Young women who share her clothing style glorify the Rococo era and possess traits derived from gentility, while maintaining a youthful appearance. Altogether, the lives of “living dolls” and “Lolitas” rely on the representation of females in anime and how their interpretation of femininity alters their way of life.

   Moreover, the stakeholder of anime enthusiasts use online forums found on websites where they watch these Japanese cartoons, as well as the video games they are involved with. “Twitch,” the leading online platform for gamers, involves people creating videos on constructing cosplay outfits, discussing anime and recording gameplay. The representation of women in anime is also mentioned on websites referencing female “Twitch” gamers, who are often ridiculed by viewers. “Reddit” users recognized the oversexualized nature of young women in anime and defended female “Twitch” streamers, as they concluded that “this is a world where it’s totally fine to put pixel women in lacy bikini armor but real life women showing cleavage are the worst ever” (MiriaTheMinx, “Can we discuss female streamers and bias?”). The majority of characters present in ecchi anime, which implies sexual conduct, are widely-recognized by gamers who are knowledgeable about various anime. Similarly, forums discussing the theme of moe, a Japanese word meaning “strong affection” between characters, reach many anime enthusiasts in agreement. Female characters frequently demonstrate moe or desperation for the male protagonist, which is found in “Clannad” and “High school of the Dead.” Discussions pertaining to the representation of females in anime are present in forums listed under the episodes themselves, such as “Crunchyroll.” This organization of information is helpful in creating communities where participants discuss topics relating to the anime, which forge new relationships and ways to perceive the online series. One user in a “Crunchyroll” forum discussing gender prejudice in anime stated that, “anime is sexist because Japan has a culture that is sexist by Western standards,” which illustrates the diverse opinions that people have about this issue (saprobe, “Real Talk! Why is so many anime so “sexist”). Additionally, anime enthusiasts use genres involving online communities allowing them to share their artwork, photography or fictitious stories relating to Japanese culture. Often times, users manipulate the physical attributes of anime characters, choosing to render them in a way they believe will garner renewed appreciation for the series, or spark a debate about their updated image. Anime enthusiasts may mock the appearance of characters who are traditionally characterized by formfitting clothing, such as Hilda, a trainer present in the Pokémon series. Primesui, an artist on “Deviantart,” used hand-drawn and computer-generated graphics to create a new version of Hilda, who transformed into a drastically-overweight young woman who devoured the fictitious monsters she caught. This humorous portrayal of anime characters is widely-recognized in online genres such as “Deviantart,” where members are aware of the obvious sexual representation of females in anime. Another creative vehicle that anime enthusiasts use is fanfictions, or “fanfics.” These stories may feature characters from various anime and manga, as well as behaviors different from the original series. People who experiment with new storylines and altered characterizations organize their creations online, where fans of the anime experience content possibly unlike anything they have read before. 

   Overall, genres consisting of online blogs, video-sharing websites and artistic communities raise awareness about the representation of females in anime and how enthusiasts can create their own versions of the story.

Summary:

   In summation, the Internet is the genre most relied on by the cosplayer, “living doll” and anime enthusiast stakeholders. Each community uses graphics, forums and videos unique to their lifestyle to share ideas with people who are interested in the topic. Many artists and gamers have recognized how the representation of females in anime is a detriment to the cartoon series, in the same way that cosplayers emulating the characters have experienced harassment. “Living dolls” and “Lolitas” use photographs and videos to inspire their followers to achieve the lifestyle and purchase items that will increase the authenticity of their appearance in this subculture. Japanese slang words like kawaii and moe are used by the three stakeholders, who are familiar with how certain characterizations of women may contribute to the plot or are based solely on entertaining the audience. Informing people about sexism present in anime is necessary to combat harassment during live events and raise awareness of communities striving to empower the status of women in this fictitious medium.

Annotated Bibliography - 10/18/16

Cooper, Lisa Marie. “The History of Anime.” Global History of Anime. RightStuf, n.d. Web. 27 September 2016.

         This source provides chronological information about the history of anime, as well as how Japan’s rigid gender roles influenced early cartoon productions. In order to establish a foundation of how women are represented in anime, exploring the origins of Japanese animated fiction is vital. The genres of anime that characterize women derogatorily are copious, which is a theme discussed throughout the article. The 1933 animated film, “Chikara to Onna no Yo no Naka” (Within the World of Power and Women) depicts a father committing adultery with his secretary after growing exhausted with his demanding wife. This example supports how Japanese animation combined adult themes with cultural bias during a time where gender equality was not considered valuable. Moreover, the current, fanciful portrayal of café waitresses adorned with catlike features and maid regalia emanates from early anime where anthropomorphic characters were initially featured. The passive nature of human and animal hybrid characters appeals to the Japanese population, which is demonstrated in various examples featured in the article. Useful passages pertaining to modern anime, including magical girl genres like “Sailor Moon,” contribute to female characters evolving from helpless to heroic.

Ochrymowicz, Lani. Personal interview. Facebook, 13 October 2016.

   An interview that I conducted with Lani Ochrymowicz, a peer, provided insight to support my topic of how women are represented in anime. She expressed knowledge about female characters featured in various genres, as well as recognition of chauvinism displayed in the cartoons. The example that dominated the interview was “Girls Bravo,” which involves a teenage male who is transported to a planet inhabited by young women. Yukinari Sasaki, the protagonist, becomes allergic to females after he experiences their relentless lechery and ridiculing behavior. This negative connotation of women is present in multiple anime, where overbearing females weaken the male characters, opposing their typical non-assertive nature. Women who erode the emotional structure of men are perceived as culturally undesirable because they do not conform to traditional female roles, which is illustrated by Sasaki’s acute aversion to them. According to Ochrymowicz, “10% of the population on this planet is male, so that’s why you see 4 year olds in the anime shout out, ‘Be my husband!’ As if it’s the only thing women have to aspire to.” Japanese fiction usually features unrealistic elements, such as Sasaki’s ailment to the young women around him, contributing to a fantasy where alien females of any age appear romantically desperate. “Girls Bravo” is classified as Shōnen, a genre aimed at men that exemplifies women behaving either coquettishly or salaciously. The contrast in Sasaki’s behavior is evident, as his illness subsides when he meets a young alien woman possessing a flirtatious, non-threatening demeanor different than the domineering female characters on Earth. Altogether, the interview with Ochrymowicz was essential to support how viewers perceive gender-related issues in anime. The fact that a male created the series, which indicates that women who behave submissively are rewarded, demonstrates how authors’ personal opinions about femininity and culture may affect the storyline.

Maeda, Jun and Key (VisualArt’s), creators. Clannad. Kyoto Animation, 2004-2007. Web. 16 October 2016

         As a romantic drama, “Clannad” depicts an array of complex female characters who display behaviors dissimilar to each other, supporting the diverse nature of how young women are represented in anime. The genre is considered “harem anime” because the main female characters demonstrate attraction for Tomoya Okazaki, the male protagonist. However, this characterization does not impair their individual personalities, but contributes to the evidence that romance is the leading attribute in certain fictional Japanese females. The series is prefaced by Okazaki witnessing Nagisa Furukawa, the heroine of the anime, comforting and speaking to herself before attending high school. Furukawa’s initial insecurity is relevant to the topic of how cartoon females in Japan are represented as hesitant and repressed from their peers. Her aspiration to establish a drama club is hypocritical because of her introverted nature, which she strives to overcome. Compared to the other characters, Furukawa is unique because of her susceptibility to illnesses, which caused her to be absent from school for an entire year. Conversely, her weakness is offset by other female characters such as Kyou Fujibayashi and Tomoyo Sakagami, who display irate behaviors and incite physical violence with males. Furukawa’s profound shyness evolves into maturity throughout the series, whereas the other female characters exhibit confidence on a constant basis. When climactic events occur, such as the death of a friend, Furukawa emerges as the most emotionally stable character compared to her companions, which illustrates her growth as a fictional young woman. The personal journey that she undergoes reflects the goals that Japanese women may seek to achieve in their own lives, triumphing over their domestic culture. Overall, “Clannad” provides a range of female characters exhibiting realistic emotions, demonstrating that young women in anime are vastly characterized. 

Romano, Andrea. “Cosplay Is Not Consent: The People Fighting Sexual Harassment At Comic Con.” Entertainment: Gaming. Mashable, 15 October 2014. Web. 17 October 2016.

       A topic that coincides with the representation of women in anime is sexual harassment present in comic conventions. People participating in cosplay, or “costume play,” embody characters often derived from Japanese fiction and demonstrate their artistry in contests. However, the portrayal of certain characters may garner harassment and disrespect to the wearer, which is the focus of this article. In these situations, women emulating anime characters who appear provocative in their attire or mannerisms are assumed to behave in that exact way, leading to unwanted sexual attention. At the “New York Comic Con” (NYCC), informational placards delineating appropriate ways to greet fellow convention participants are present, along with the message, “Cosplay Is Not Consent.” Victims claim that their harassers viewed them explicitly as characters instead of individuals, which illustrates how fantasy supersedes reality in certain instances. In actuality, people involved in cosplay strive to represent their characters as authentically as possible, whether they appear scantily-clad or realistic. Additionally, professional comic book artists have voiced their opinions on the issue of sexual assault and cosplay, stating that “better costumes” illustrating strength instead of sexuality would be more effective. Organizations combating harassment at conventions, such as “Geeks for CONsent,” encourage attendees to defend each other when necessary. According to Romano, “Cosplayers attend events like NYCC to build a sense of community in a place where their passions and their joy can be appreciated.” Unfortunately, conventions have developed into venues where unwanted attention, primarily directed towards women, is present, which may dilute the creativity of its participants. This issue stems from anime, where sexually-suggestive female characters are abundant. If their provocative nature is lessened and replaced with empowering characteristics, harassment at cosplay events may be reduced.

Lifeinplastic21. “Anastasiya Shpagina aka Fukkacumi.” The Doll House. Tumblr, n.d. Web. 16 October 2016.

       The effervescent nature of anime is admired globally, as it embraces characters with nearly ideal body structures, likeable attitudes and fantastical lives. However, this adoration becomes harmful when it turns to blatant veneration of these characters, who usually possess realistic human emotions that appeal to viewers. The blurring of fictional elements and reality is present in the lives of “living dolls,” a subculture of people, usually women, who exemplify flawless cartoon-like images. The persona of a “living doll” or “living anime girl” is characterized by contacts that achieve larger eyes and surgery to sculpt the body, which mimics the even tone of plastic. One of the most recognized of these young women is Anastasiya Shpagina, a Ukrainian 19-year-old, who drastically altered her appearance to embody the style of anime. Although her look is unique and does not mirror a specific character, Shpagina demonstrates extreme fanaticism with the way that women are represented in anime. Her desire to have surgery performed to modify her waist and augment her eyes is characterized by her unhappiness with looking human. Shpagina admits to using Photoshop to edit the images she posts online, claiming that, without makeup, she is “not a photogenic person.” Furthermore, anime provides an escape from reality for viewers, with characterizations of attractive, popular young women in imaginary situations. After Shpagina’s parents divorced, she began personifying characters that she observed from Japanese animation, creating a personalized world that was “free of family problems.” People who identify as “living dolls” likely suffer from Body Dysmorphic Disorder, a mental illness where they perceive flaws in their appearance, obsessively attempting to improve their physicality. Her disapproval of photographs of herself that she did not develop illustrates her self-consciousness with how she cannot control how she is viewed by others. Hence, the characterization of females in anime has influenced young women to the point of adopting a self-deprecating attitude to achieve unhealthy, idealistic results.       

Research Project Proposal - 9/28/16

Research Question: Are female characters in Japanese anime and manga representational of realistic women or reflections of Japan’s enduring establishment of gender roles?

Introduction:

Since the beginning of animation, cartoons have entertained their audiences with both realistic and fantastical characters, including Japanese anime and its book format, manga. However, the issue of sexism is present in many of these series, where female characters behave coquettishly or are depicted as helpless in an effort to seem desirable. Traits in these characters, such as unrealistically small waists, large eyes and demure composures, captivate viewers to continue watching. These attributes are brought to life with cosplay, when fans of anime dress as their favorite characters and attend comic conventions, which is an area that I am familiar with. Attendees may be harassed or falsely associated with the behavior of the character they are dressed as, which is an issue that many organizations are attempting to resolve. However, fanatics of anime may decide to take cosplay in the opposite direction and modify their bodies to emulate a character who is perceived as attractive. Sexism in anime and manga will continue to be present if its female characters remain overtly seductive or coy, instead of realistic or heroic. Unfortunately, the sexualized image of certain characters may inspire young women to undergo detrimental medical procedures to achieve a similar appearance. Overall, the goal of my paper is to discuss how females are represented in anime and manga and how these seemingly innocent cartoons contribute to sexism in society.

Preliminary Research That I Have Explored:

Through the preliminary research that I have conducted, I discovered that it is customary that Japanese women assume a submissive attitude to men and their elders, contributing to a domestic lifestyle. The use of gendered language segregates the sexes at a greater level because women are instructed to use non-assertive words, which are opposite to the domineering way that men communicate with them. Similarly, the consequence of women acting confidently is shown in vintage Japanese cartoons, such as “Chikara to Onna no Yo no Naka” (Within the World of Power and Women). Created in 1933 by Kenzo Masaoka, the story follows a man who becomes exasperated with his demanding wife and has an affair with an attractive secretary. Several anime series also represent unattractive female characters in obvious ways, such as smaller eyes and hair colors that are not as bright as others who are deemed more popular or appealing. I plan to re-watch several series of anime where a range of female characters are present to illustrate this. In my paper, I will discuss how the characters are viewed by fans of the anime and if their behavior changes to become more demure. This research will be collected from online discourse communities, such as forums and videos, as well as the people I know who can identify the characters I am referencing. Another area of research that I developed knowledge about is organizations combating sexual assault and harassment at comic conventions. “Geeks for CONsent” and “Cosplay is not Consent” raise awareness of these issues by posting videos about mandating respect at conventions. Additionally, I have discovered that anime characters influence certain young women so much that they have drastically changed their own appearances in order to look like them. Anastasiya Shpagina, a Ukrainian-born 19-year-old, developed a YouTube channel about the makeup process she uses to transform into a “living doll.” At 85 pounds and five feet two inches tall, Shpagina aspires to continue her fascination with anime by having surgery to make her eyes larger. I plan to research many of these young women who have decided to alter their appearances and if they believe that there are any downsides to it.

Further Investigation and What I Aim to Learn:

Through the research I will conduct, I aim to learn more about the lexis associated with how females are viewed in the Japanese language. An example of this would be the word, “kawaii,” which describes an entity, living or inanimate, that possesses large eyes and childlike characteristics. I plan to also investigate what makes anime appealing to adults and how certain characters and settings provide a safe escape from reality. My initial reaction to this is to research which language people prefer to watch their anime in, Japanese or English, and if this difference in dialogue contributes to the characters possessing altered personalities. Furthermore, the issue of sexism in anime is rampant and I look to research if female authors depict the women in their series as more heroic and less helpless in an effort to reduce the amount of sexualized characters. Another issue that I plan on exploring is if there are differences between female characters portrayed in anime, where there are spoken words, and manga, which is the graphic novel format.

Preliminary Sources That I Have Explored:

Cooper, Lisa Marie. “The History of Anime.” Global History of Anime. RightStuf, n.d. Web. 27 September 2016.

Izawa, Eri. “Gender and Gender Relations in Manga and Anime.” Rei’s Anime and Manga Page: General Essays and Analysis. Rei’s Homepage, 2000. Web. 27 September 2016.

Nerd Caliber. “Cosplayers Speak Out Against Harassment at Otakon 2015.” YouTube, 23 August 2015. Web. 27 September 2016.

Placko, Meredith. “Costumes Are Not Consent: Combating Cosplayer Harassment." Blogging: Cosplay. Geeks Are Sexy, 4 April 2013. Web. 27 September 2016.

Spooky. “Anastasiya Shpagina (Fukkacumi) – Ukraine’s Real-Life Anime Girl.” News. Oddity Central, 10 September 2012. Web. 27 September 2016.

Project Topic Reflection - 9/14/16

Topic #1: The lack of women in the field of animation.

Pros: I am currently taking a History of Animation class, which involves Pixar and major companies where few women animators are present. I am a prime example of this issue, as I am majoring in Emerging Media on the Experimental Track. There are organizations dedicated to this issue, such as “Women in Animation” (WIA) that I could contact or read articles from. I am passionate about women’s studies and how young women view themselves, such as how they may not want to be associated with a career where men dominate, such as animation. I am also taking a Virtual Women class and, as an administrator on the class blog, I may choose to conduct a poll to reach many people who want to voice their opinion about the issue.

Cons: There are not many animation companies where I live that I could conduct face-to-face research with. The scope of animation is very broad, so I would focus on American animation from major movies with the techniques they used, such as computer animation and clay modeling.

Research required: My History of Animation professor discussed how, during the early years of animation, women played an important part in the entire process by coloring and inking thousands of panels that created the movie, such as “Cinderella.” These women were seen as background artists and not necessarily represented upfront in the company, which is one area that I would discuss in my paper. Another area where I could conduct my research from is animated movie credits, where I would assess the amount of female animators from the beginning of cartoons until today. In my paper, I will discuss what improvements could be made to inspire women to join the animation industry and become leaders. I may contact the high school that I graduated from to see how many female students are enrolled in the Game and Animation class for further research. There is a lack of women-related clubs and organizations in the high school, so I could discuss how this may lead to young women not pursuing careers in animation. In order for me to research where the lack of women in animation originates from, I would view the college courses required for animation majors in various universities. If the courses involve physics, math, or typically male-associated subjects, I can research why women may choose to avoid majoring in animation. Women may feel that they could not succeed in computer-related fields because society’s definition of these careers is generally focused around men. The lack of women interested in fields associated with computers and animation may be a defining factor in the issue that I am aiming to research for my paper. Lastly, I would conduct research about how women view the animation field itself. The desire to appear “glamorous” may not come to mind when women think of animation, but my research would include how diverse and rewarding animation is, instead of the stereotypes about people in the career.

Topic #2: How females are represented in Japanese anime/manga.

Pros: I have read and watched many different types of anime, including English and Japanese versions. I attended conventions recently where I have seen women cosplay as characters and how they are viewed by the general public. I am knowledgeable about the Japanese culture and how it uses gendered language for men and women to communicate, or onna kotoba (women’s language). There are many blogs and online articles by female cosplayers that I could conduct research from. In my paper, I would draw parallels of the voices, appearances and emotions represented by the characters in different anime and how similar they are to each other. I am also familiar with the lexis used by certain female characters and how viewers of anime incorporate these phrases into their own lives. The word “kawaii” is widely known and embraced by girls globally, as it involves pastel-colored animals and inanimate objects with large eyes.

Cons: There are many anime shows and mangas to read, so I would focus primarily on the ones where women are major characters. I will analyze only anime and manga instead of videogame spin-offs of the same series.

Research required: This is a very familiar issue to me, so the areas that I would conduct research from are vast. I would watch seasons of anime where female characters exhibit traits of being emotional and desirable to others around them, which is quite common. Expanding from this idea, I would compare how other characters and fans react to the demure female characters versus the heroic ones. In some anime, the characters wear revealing clothes, have augmented, unrealistic body parts and possess superpowers. I would research if any of the aforementioned qualities contribute to the plot of the overall story or if they are present solely for the character to be viewed a certain way. Another area of research is from my own discourse community of friends. They watch many types of anime and I would ask them why they have a preference to watch it in Japanese instead of English, or reversed. Furthermore, anime is watched by many adults and I would research if its authors decided to create characters that would encourage older viewers to escape from reality while watching or reading. The ethereal, catlike characters with large eyes may seem comforting to people in any culture, such as the tea houses in Japan where women dress as well-known characters to provide a fanciful experience. For further research, I would explore the genres used by fans of anime. Online forums, blogs and YouTube videos featuring famous cosplayers and voice actors currently promote the issue of how females are represented in anime. The seemingly attractive nature of a particular female character may encourage young women to want to adopt the same lifestyle as the cartoons they see, such as a popular anime girl with multicolored hair. The world of anime extends much further than watching and reading, however, when some women have their bodies modified to emulate a character. Colored circle contact lenses have proven health risks, including eye oxygen deprivation and blindness, because of their large size. Unfortunately, some women who are professional cosplayers have resorted to dressing as male characters in fear of being verbally or sexually assaulted. Lastly, I would research the differences of how female or male authors depict their characters. Female authors may choose to create heroines instead of coquettish characters because, as women themselves, they want to inspire girls to be viewed as more than emotional or sexualized.

Topic #3: How teenagers escape reality and misrepresent themselves on social media.

Pros: There are many discourse communities that are prime examples of this topic, including social media websites where I am a member. I have access to many articles, videos and organizations striving to eliminate cyberbullying on social networks, including CNN and Common Sense Media. I am familiar with how YouTube stars inspire young people to establish profiles in the hopes of becoming Internet celebrities. However, besides the teenagers who use social media as an outlet to identify themselves, there are also young people raising awareness about the negatives of establishing an online presence. I would research the consequences of overusing social media, including accepting every friend request that arrives and altering photographs that are not accurate representations of the user’s appearance.  

Cons: Social media is global, so I would focus on countries that use it heavily, such as the United States, Europe and Australia.

Research Required: In my paper, I would discuss how the desire of appearing popular with hundreds of friends attracts teenagers to social media. In the video, “Generation Like,” adolescents and young adults admit their sense of pride when they discuss how many fans or followers they have. Similarly, I would research how teenagers use conversational tones in their posts to promote closeness with their fans. A false sense of friendship arises when teenage Internet sensations end their discussions with “I love you,” when in reality, they do not know the people who may be following them. Another area where I would conduct research from is social media comments on popular brands and how certain teenagers use conspicuous consumption to identify themselves. If young adults see that their peers are “liking” certain types of music and brand names, they may decide to conform to those beliefs and become a part of the conversation. A major area of research that involves teenagers’ social media usage is their recognition of how certain companies sponsor YouTube stars. Tyler Oakley, one of the most well-known Internet celebrities, is endorsed by fashion designers and fast food companies looking to advertise their brand to his fans. I would research how many “likes” different companies accrued and what percentage of them were by teenagers. Additionally, I would research why young people prefer certain social media applications and websites over others. Some websites may allow their users to create virtual avatars where teenagers can explore different personalities, genders and races. This misrepresentation of identity is very common in these games, where the body types and clothes available do not reflect users in actuality. Lastly, I would research how social media encourages teenagers to adopt superficial methods of thinking based on the images they view online. On applications like Facebook, profiles depicting teenagers with seemingly perfect lives is rampant. The appealing nature of an attractive person who is constantly busy with lavish vacations and friends inspires teenagers to post the best photographs of themselves, sometimes altering them in the process. Smartphone filters that brighten an image or add humorous animal ears to a person’s face allow users to escape reality and acquire more page views. Overall, teenagers view social media as an outlet to express themselves and possibly become celebrities with the content they provide. However, the constant usage of social media can be detrimental to a person’s reputation if they are not aware of the lack of privacy it includes.

'Cos I Love Anime: The Cosplayer Discourse Community

It can literally change someone's life; it's very positive for young teenagers to get into cosplay if they do it with their friends or with supervision from their parents - it can really foster their social skills -Yaya Han, famous cosplayer, model and costume designer 


   In order to discuss my issue with how women in anime are represented, I decided to speak with with cosplayers in the Reddit community. People who construct outfits, weaponry and props enjoy bringing Japanese cartoons to life as accurately as possible, despite certain characters appearing sexualized. Unfortunately, harassment occurs when convention participants do not appreciate or respect their fellow attendees. Fantasy often supersedes reality in these instances, when cosplayers are believed to assume the behavior of the character they are dressed as. Women who pursue a flirtatious attitude may willingly attract disrespect towards them, which is a theme discussed in many websites I researched. To provide balanced facts, it is obvious that male characters in anime are commonly sexualized, however, my topic pertains to the representation of women. 


  Below, I provided background in my question to people belonging to the cosplay community on Reddit. I outlined organizations like "Geeks for CONSent" who combat harassment at conventions, as well as Mandy Caruso, a famous cosplayer's, personal experience with this issue. I provided examples rooted in evidence to support how female anime characters are bluntly sexualized. I decided to pose a simple question to cosplayers in an attempt to attract their attention. I was satisfied to read their responses, as they provided their own analysis, experiences and communication with each other about my topic. 

The link to this subreddit outlines the constructive responses that I received: 

https://www.reddit.com/r/cosplayers/comments/5fsa2l/what_can_we_do_to_reduce_harassment_at_conventions/