Importing Racial Stereotypes

The essay which follows was added as a postscript to my review of Beloved. When it was published, I received many polite comments from Japanese colleagues, but as I had tried not to choose my words too carefully, and had endeavored to be direct, to this day I still wonder what the Japanese who read it thought of it. Since it was translated by a Japanese colleague of mine into Japanese, I could only hope that the reluctance to offend on the part of the Japanese had not contributed to a dilution of my comments.

Beppu Daigaku Tandai, 1989

The story in Beloved takes place in a past that some may think is just a painful chapter in American history, one that is now closed and best forgotten. Yet, the past is like the Hydra of Greek mythology. It cannot be killed but rears up to torment a society later. It's clear that in the U.S., adopting a policy of slavery set the stage for the tragic social problems and bitter strife which plague the country today, from rural, poor areas to the inner cities. Americans are now confronting the harsh consequences of what was begun over three humdred years ago.

Japan, as an increasingly prominent player in world affairs, is already being scrutinized in the West, and the more powerful Japan becomes economically, the more necessary it is to acquire an understanding of what motivates other peoples. Moreover, Japan is now experiencing its own influx of foreign students and workers in various fields. These people, though seemingly small in importance, act as little ambassadors to Japan, giving an impression of Westerners to the Japanese as well as conveying to their countries images of this society. The far ranging effects of just such a group's impressions can be seen in the controversy generated by the sale of the black Hanna and Sambo dolls last year. At one point, certain black leaders in the U.S. were calling on all blacks to boycott Japanese goods. Thus, it's no longer even just a question of what is morally right, though hopefully many will argue that that is the the most important issue here. It's also a question of good business.

Not long ago I was asked what I thought of the Japanese attidtude towrds blacks. Since I was asked, I will share this "white" woman's views of "black" people in a "yellow" people's land.

For the most part, my experience in dealing with the topic of black Americans has met with two reactions in Japan, ignorance and complacency. Most of the Japanese people I have spoken to are aware, to some extent, of the sorry state of race relatrions in the U.S. But often this is limited to newspaper articles of racial strife in large urban centers in the United States and a small knowledge of the period of slavery in American history. This knowledge seems to bear no relation in the Japanese mind to the ubiquitous stereotyped images of blacks found in stores around Japan. Most of the Japanese people I have spoken to think these toys and knick-knacks are kawaii (cute). When challenged, they shrug off all objections with the pat justification, "Oh, you Americans are overly sensitive on this point."

What are some of these stereotypes? By now, most people must be familiar with the Little Black Sambo and Hannah images which appear on toys, keychains, ballpoint pens, pillows, clothes and all manner of consumer goods. Along with this is the "mammy", an image of a fat, smiling black woman dressed in the garb of a servant circa 1850. One specific mammy image is called "Aunt Jemima" here,and represents the happy slave/servant illusion with which Americans assuaged their consciences for many years after the Civil War and into this century. (In fact, Aunt Jemima is the name of a popular pancake mix still sold in the U.S.) Another common image is the stable boy, a little, black boy holding out his hand ostensibly to take the reins of the master's horse. For many years, this image could be seen in the form of small statues set on the lawns of middle and upper-class whites. Interestingly enough, after the race riots of the 1960s, the faces and hands of these statues were painted white, indicating a kind of grudging acceptance of the human and civil rights gained by blacks.

In Japan, these images pop up in many commercial spaces. In the year and a half I have been in htis country, I have seen the "Aunt Jemima" image on aprons, towels and various other kitchen articles. It was also, until recently, manifested in the form of a gigantic statue outside a family restaurant. This was taken down only after repeated requests by a black friend of mine. I've seen the "stable boy" as salt and pepper shakers and knick-knacks. Just a day before this writing, I saw a "mammy" in the form of a small coin bank for children set next to to the cash register in a clothing store. These are seemingly innocent expressions, yet there are blatantly ugly ones as well such as the grossly distorted head of a black man which I saw on a pair of socks at a store frequented by university students. Under the image were the words, "Nigger Head. Eat 'em and smile." This shocking display of racial hatred seems to go virtually unnoticed by Japanese.

As for the more "innocuous" stereotypes, why do Americans, especially blacks, find them so offensive? Besides the fact that they hark back to a not-so-distant period of vicious racism, inequality and violence, they also rob people of their individuality and perpetuate the racist myth that people of color are inferior.

To be fair, it may be true that due to the unique history of Japan and its isolation and racial homogeneity, people here are accordingly unfamiliar with racial problems, which is not to say Japan has no discrimination. Moreover, the perpetuation and dissemination of thiese images is in large part the result of cultural flooding on the part of the United States in the years follwoing World War ll. Yet, in an age when Japan seems intent on achieving a higher level of internationalization, it is important to take into account the very potent force that these images possess, a force which has been and continues to be an obstacle to true international understanding.

Posted by Jeanne Belisle Lombardo
April 20, 2002

Comments

And in these United States Abercrombie and Fitch is feeling the wrath of Asian Americans for stereotypes in their new T-shirt designs.

Comment by: M Sinclair Stevens. Posted April 23, 2002 11:02 PM.

I would just like to say that it is kind of petty to go after little things such as dolls and toys to show the Japanese the errors of their ways. You brought up in your article that it was the infiltration of American G.I.'s that forced these stereotypes on the Japanese. That's it. The white American sailors and soldiers that went to Japan, who already disliked blacks in the first place, did this with the intent to destroy black's credibility in the eyes of the Japanese. The Japanese not knowing the history of this country thought that the images they were seeing were cute. The Japanese can't make heads or tails of the situation because they do not know how deep the scars of racial imbalance has had on the black psyche.So what are black people to do? I think they should lead by example. Whenever they visit a foreign country they should always be aware of the fact that they represent America as well as black people. Boycotting corporations will get you nowhere. You will only look silly in the end. Do black people perpetuate negative stereotypes when they go to Japan? Look at the three sailors awhile back who raped that 12-year old girl. Now there has been a long running stereotype of black men being sexual predators and these three black men did nothing to alleviate that stereotype. I admonish all black people to be on their guard when going to foreign countries. We ask the Japanese are they aware of the affects that stereotypes has had on black people in the U.S. but the question is do we, as black people, know the aftermath of stereotypes. Until then we cannot expect the Japanese to be sympathetic towards us if we don't do anything to work on our own selves.

Comment by: Alexandra Bellamy. Posted March 4, 2003 12:07 PM.

Hi please join our friendly Black people and Oriental Asian group =) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/asianswholikeblackpeople/

Comment by: S J LIU. Posted March 16, 2003 03:00 PM.

Greetings. I'm just wondering if anyone can point me to a link with photos of some of Sanrio's racist products of the 1990s. I don't think I've ever seen them, and I'd like to get an idea of what the uproar was all about. Thanks. deeceevoice

Comment by: deeceevoice. Posted January 31, 2005 08:12 AM.

I just skimmed SL LIU's comments. You've GOT to be kidding! Keep your *&!@@(!!!&* admonitions to yourself. When I visit a foreign country, I don't take it upon myself to try to dispel stereotypes about black people. I go as an indiviudal -- not as an ambassador for the race. Japanese culture/society is notoriously racist -- and was so before the despicable actions of a handful of black servicemen. Odd, but I've read no similar outcry about the lasciviousness, hedonism and misogyny of modern-day Japanese culture -- the disgusting comic books, the sex trade -- that might feed such inclinations/behavior on the part of not only "tourists" of every ethnic background, but native-born Japanese men themselves. And, yes, white GI's brought their racism with them to Japan -- but that hardly absolves the Japanese of responsibility for their ignorance, long-standing anti-black bias and insensitivity. I doubt that if U.S. toy manufacturers exported millions of images of yellow-skinned, squinty-eyed, buck-toothed, camera-carrying, buxom blonde-chasing, bespectacled "Jap" dolls to Japan, the Japanese would "admonish" fellow Japanese to be on their very best behavior when visiting the States, lest they reinforce certain Japanese streotypes. Doubtless, they would not claim that objections to such racist caricatures on the part of their compatriots were "silly." Japan does not need apologists for some of the most backward and appalling aspects of its culture; it needs people who are willing to make a change.

Comment by: deeceevoice. Posted January 31, 2005 08:33 AM.

So America has a bad past, what can we do about it now beside move on. It is a shame that a lot of racial views from white Americans back in the day spreaded all the way to Japan and other various countries. There is a reason why pictures of old slave people anger blacks, if you want to know why go ask b/c I'm not saying it now. Of course if black ppl were to go to a foreign country ppl might look, probably b/c they've never seen a black person before...up close. (sarcasm,truth) If people in Japan know no discrimination, then, why do black people need to be "on their guard when going to foreign countries?" There was a time when black men, no matter what they did would be blamed for a crime, thankfully things have gotten better. Don't worry about black people, they're influentually paving their own way through society by inventions, rapping and just getting educated. There are many sterotypes about African-Americans, but aren't there about every race? I have nothing against the Japanese, they were merely influenced by what they saw, however times have changed and it's time to tear down that 'ain't ur mama' poster. Race really shouldn't be an issue anymore. As long as you have an education people are forced to respect you whether they like it or not. -peace-

Comment by: whatever. Posted December 11, 2005 04:16 AM.

So America has a bad past, what can we do about it now beside move on. It is a shame that a lot of racial views from white Americans back in the day spreaded all the way to Japan and other various countries. There is a reason why pictures of old slave people anger blacks, if you want to know why go ask b/c I'm not saying it now. Of course if black ppl were to go to a foreign country ppl might look, probably b/c they've never seen a black person before...up close. (sarcasm,truth) If people in Japan know no discrimination, then, why do black people need to be "on their guard when going to foreign countries?" There was a time when black men, no matter what they did would be blamed for a crime, thankfully things have gotten better. Don't worry about black people, they're influentually paving their own way through society by inventions, rapping and just getting educated. There are many sterotypes about African-Americans, but aren't there about every race? I have nothing against the Japanese, they were merely influenced by what they saw, however times have changed and it's time to tear down that 'ain't ur mama' poster. Race really shouldn't be an issue anymore. As long as you have an education people are forced to respect you whether they like it or not. -peace-

Comment by: whatever. Posted December 11, 2005 04:18 AM.

How would you feel if Japanese scholars came to the U.S.A and started questioning the lack of discourse or literary precipitation of the nuclear holocaust in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and Hollywood's perpetually insensitive treatment of the war in the Pacific? And that would in fact make a lot of sense. You are completely right in condemning any discrimination whether it be sexism, racism ageism or another valueism, but you should ask yourself whether your suggestions concerning the treatment of the literary representation of slavery in America to the Japanese academia come well-advised.

Comment by: Chris Scheele. Posted January 29, 2006 08:45 AM.

This does not surprise me in the least. Black people seen negatively abroad, wow, I'm shocked. No, I'm not the question really becomes what should be done about it and all I can say is exposure, exposure, exposure. If it is such a non-issue to the Japanese then surely they won't mind more American Blacks seeing exactly what they think of us... and to whomever posted the incident about three Black sailors, the next time three Black sailors equals demeaning a whole race, I'll think of you. We are not angels, but by no means are we "sexual predators" or judged by the mistakes of three fools.

Comment by: Shawn Williams. Posted March 6, 2006 03:27 PM.

Hey everybody. I just want to say that after reading your comments on race with regards to black americans I'm really sceptical about moving to Japan with my Japanese husband. I live in San Francisco in a district where African americans and Japanese have historically co-habitated. At the onset of the war the Japanese were sent to concentration camps down in Los Angeles. Black people came from the south, moved in where they onced lived and worked in the ship yards in that area. It saddens me that there is no compassion between African americans and Japanese people who have both felt the "wrath" of white people. There is no defense against an enemy that perpetuates hatered because of its own self-loathing and egotistical expression throughout world. On the global front "capitalism" knows no difference between Japanese people and white americans, they are one in the same when it comes to business. As long as African americans are not in the global game because they have no country to claim we cannot be part of the global market. We simply have nothing to sell because white americans own it all and just refuse to let us to participate. I hope there is a small black community in Japan cause it looks like I'm going to need some help. HOOK A SISTA UP ! cheshi@sbcglobal.net

Comment by: cheshi . Posted May 18, 2006 12:52 PM.

It will be 2 years very soon that I have moved from Canada to Japan with my wife - who is from Aomori. I read the article above and it's replies. There were some comments made about being ambassadors to your home country and how some individuals here felt they were only representing themselves. I would like to state that regardless of what you think, most Japanese - if you speak english - consider your actions and reflect on the USA as a whole. It doesn't matter if you are from Canada, they will assume you are from America. Some may consider this to be overly sensitive, I have been accused of being overly sensitive of the use of the word Gaijin as opposed to Gaikokujin with the implication of grouping all non-japanese into one "term". I have since relaxed this view *slightly* as the majority of people actually dont consider it derogatory. The symbols of black people here can also be viewed this way, most people here don't understand it is offensive to some. So, when people say Gaijin when referring to non-japanese it must be taken in context. If you understand even a little Japanese you can probably get the feeling behind what the speaker is saying - if even just by their facial expression or intonation. This is also true of the word Jap. You can compare it to using Nigger. I had an arguement with a french guy a few months ago about using Jap. He said in his country it is often used. When i told him it was a derogatory term made by american soldiers during ww2 he claimed society was ignorant of the fact. So, does ignorance of Jap or Nigger make it ok to use? That is a question I am still considering. The happy medium I have found *so far* is that I try to educate people about why Gaijin [ or any other racial term] is offensive to some people, and after being schooled, they can make their own decisions wether to use it or not. Should we start making t-shirts of steriotypical japanese salarymen chasing large breasted blondes? I bet those would sell in Japan.... =) But it doesnt help the issue of the OP - racism. We need to be a little bit more patient with this society. It is perhaps the most homogenous society in the world, but with time it will evolve - as every society does. Don't try to force it, just give it a gentle nudge in the right direction by teaching them what you feel as a "ambassador" from your home country.

Comment by: Eddis. Posted September 12, 2006 08:45 PM.

I am not sure why you people are freaking out. I have been to Japan several times, each time I spend about 4-8 weeks here visiting my girlfriend I met in graduate school. I have slept over at people's house, been taken out dinner, gifts, etc etc. I make them laugh ofcourse with my girl translating everything. They are shocked at how much I know about their culture and history. I had previously studied Japan alot, since I was a child and throughout business school. Besides, since I love sushi, I wanted to eat sushi in the Birth Place of Shushi. Anyway, people do stare sometimes, but that is if you are staring at them and hence you notice it. I got most stares from Japanese old guys, but I just stared back. I am used to living in 99.9% white New Hampshire in the U.S., so I am use to being noticeable so to speak. The fact that I am educated at the Masters Degree level helps alot, because they know they are not dealing with a dummy. Also, I am in my 30's, so not overly immature and can discuss at many levels. What I am saying is that, if you just be yourself, you will be surprised that they are willing to learn a thing or two about your culture. I don't "represent" black or America, just me. As for the dolls and all that stuff, I never really noticed. I have an advantage here, cause I have someone here that speaks English and Japanese and will defend me against anyone. My girlfriend is very protective of me. Amazingly her parents simply love me....They like me much more than their current Son In Law, who is Japanese. They know I am a good person and highly motivated. Anyway guys, have fun in Japan. If you go there, stay away from Ropoongi, its the foreign swamp and that is where all your wannabes are. If you go to other parts of Japan, not the typical tourist spots, you will be treated like diety. Trust me......

Comment by: Mr. Tibett. Posted August 9, 2007 10:50 PM.

Japanese dont see blacks as inferior, some see gaijins, or as they assume..all americans as loud, rude, careless and ignorant. Whats a black to do, do a million man march in Japan? I am sure the hatred of blacks comes from whites in the history of america. I admit, when i was in the isle of wight in the uk, my mum got me a golly wog. they still sell them in the isle of wight! why? because there are virtually no blacks in the isle of wight. In the 60s golly wogs in the uk were seen as cute until blacks began to be offended and make whites realise. Japan probably doesnt intend to put down blacks or hate them for whatever reason. In japan, if you are not japanese you are the minority..period. blacks shouldnt feel isolated and hated. Its hateless ignorants, unawareness. An earthquake "what to do" poster taken down because one of the characters featured in the drawing was a black minstrel look alike. parts of japan vary depending on the number of gaijins living there. Being black won't halve your chances of anything compared to whites, thats what ignorant whites, usually SOME americans..innocently/purposly think.

Comment by: jon. Posted September 18, 2007 04:01 AM.

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