What is the ‘shojo’ and how does it often function in anime?
Shojo is as claimed by Napier (2005) the stereo type for anime of the young girl narrative.It is said that this particular character type is used to symbolise the changing of roles for females in the world. Napier (2005) also states that with Japanese Anime that it is “often this world is more provocative, more tragic, and more highly sexualized”(p.10). This would be an example of 'shojo' the sexualized character of the young female. It shows the young image of a girl becoming aware of her sexuality and showing a shift from the stereotype of a protagonist young male who usually goes to battle and claims victory to the young female the damsel in distress or a victim of weakness but also there are examples of the female becoming stronger in her role and not letting her gender make her weak however she is still seen as a sexual object. It is also often said for the Japanese culture that they have created this 'cute' image of girls which is characterised as a stereotype in movies and anime. It is also expressed by Napier (2005) that anime is important for demonstrating the issues with gender identity and how different sexualities relate. Anime is fascinated with gender roles, gender transgression and the tensions between sexes. Therefore the 'shojo' functions as the theme / role of the female sex and how they are portrayed in todays society and world.
I myself find the portraying of the female sex in works such as anime as offensive and demeaning and show to much sexual nature for something that could be considered a form of children's entertainment. It is making it acceptable for young females to dress provocatively and lower themselves. But this is only my opinion, obviously this is a worldwide issue and it is not only caused from anime but other forms of media also.
References:
Napier, S. (2005). Anime and Local/Global identity. In Anime from Akira to Howl's Moving Castle. Hampshire: Palgrave/ Macmillan.
Hi Jenna,
ReplyDeleteI agree that this idea seems offensive. However, the psychology behind it makes alot of sense.
Furthermore, anime contains alot of characters that are empowering to women. There are many great heroines despite them wearing short skirts and having bigger breasts then normal. But do we not watch western television and prefer to see good looking people? Are the men not expected to be buff and fit? The stereotype of boys needing to prove themselves, shown in anime by going into battle, is a much bigger ask then dressing provocatively - they have to risk their lives just to grow up!
I do agree that this is an issue occuring around the world by all forms of media, and it is shocking.