The culture of any group of people has several critical characteristics: it is comprehensive in that it fits in a logical manner, it is learned knowledge and it is made manifest within moral boundaries. Cultural standards cannot be fully understood especially in the conscious awareness across individuals. The ability of a culture to accept makes the definition of culture as i static or dynamic. The differences in the American and most East Asia countries such as Japan have a broad aspect. However, in any study or anywhere cultural differences are considered there emerges the dangers of stereotyping and generalization. This paper will therefore use the example of the differences between Japanese and American cultures to demonstrate stereotyping.
Stereotypes in the American and Japanese cultures
A stereotype in general definition is a popular standardization and a simplified conception of a specific cultural group or individuals. The American and East Asian cultural differences have led to the creation of several stereotypes as the global interactions and art developments make progress in both cultures. The American culture is characterized by modern cities, mixed ethnic groups and races, fashion industries, alternative religions which give it an exotic outlook from other cultures. On the other hand, the Japanese culture is characterized by major concern for values, traditions, family unit and elderly members of society are respected. The major difference is that the American culture is more extreme and liberal whereas the Japanese culture is more defined and conservative.
Another stereotype of Americans in Japan is that every white man is American even if he comes from Europe. A black man would also be stereotyped as American with an afro hair style or tuft hair. The Japanese take that the visitors in their country of Caucasoid race are American even they are brought up and originate from other countries.
The third stereotype common in America is the conception that the Japanese women are aggressive and opportunistic people. They are often portrayed in American movies as dragon ladies who are sexually opportunistic and predatory by using their feminine powers. The women are stereotypically taken to posses magical sexual karma sutra powers which they allure American men with opportunistic motives hidden behind their advances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these three stereotypes are from both countries and genders. The yellow peril was formed as a result of apprehension and so to demean the Japanese and East Asian races. This created a negative impact of the migration of the race into America. Secondly the Japanese conception of male Caucasoid as Americans is a as a result of limited interaction and knowledge about other cultures. This assumption leads to them taking the Americans and other visitors as having money to spend easily. This is a stereotype brought about by social need and poor interaction between Japanese and Americans. Lastly, the American conception of the Japanese women as dragon ladies is created out of a speculation and rumors. The portraying of these women is one that has led to a certain barrier between these American men and Japanese women. The creation and popularization of these three stereotypes is different and limited to gender and race as well as culture. However they all lead to discrimination or a peculiar and funny conception of the stereotyped culture, race or gender.
