From the Daily News:Asian women are everywhere. We rank No. 11 on the blog "Stuff White People Like" and star in a host of iPhone apps: "Cute Asian Girls" promised; "If you have yellow fever, this app is the cure!" "Asian Boobs," which heralds our modest-sized racks, was a top seller for the App Store in October.
Now, we're playing peek-a-boo in "Puff!" In this app, the user selects a photo from a scrolling selection of Japanese women, then blows into the iPhone microphone to lift the woman's skirt and reveal her undergarments.
I'm infuriated at the thought of sitting next to some pervert on the subway furiously blowing and touching a woman who giggles adorably in response. But what I hate most about this app is that it feeds into an old and tired stereotype. The image of the voiceless, passive Asian woman is a common form of racism in visual media. She's the "Puff!" woman - cutesy and obedient, she'd never kick a creep to the curb. She's not too different from that saccharine Hello Kitty, the infantilized mail-order bride who promises to "love you long time" or the hypersexualized character in anime porn.
Passing off sexual stereotypes that reduce women as objects of so-called harmless fetishes is socially irresponsible. And it's not harmless. By fostering a culture of behavior that denigrates one group of women, all women are denigrated. And that is unacceptable.
48 comments:
One of the reasons why I enjoy visitng various news forums is that I am constantly being introduced to something I would ordinarily never know about - in this instance there are two - "Things White People Like" -written by a culturally ignorant and not too intelligent person from England - and "Puff" a soft porn interactive iphone app from Japan which peeks up a Japanese women's skirts - in Marilyn Monroe type fashion.
Although the author here objects to it being sexually demeaning to Japanese women, I couldn't help but wonder if this is instead a advertisement for the new app in disguise.
The app is created in Japan by Japanese men - but the author is angry at white American men??!! - for looking?! Am I reading this correctly?
Since the women in the app are most OBVIOUSLY being paid to have their skirts lifted virtually - I have to ask you - WHY SHOULD I CARE?!
You can't regulate taste, even bad taste.
First we have to protect schoolgirls and new immigrants from abduction into sexual slavery, then we can worry about how every obnoxious perv gets his rocks off.
The iphone thing sounds like a stupid toy for a 12 year old boy. Anyone older than that using it, get a life already.
More of the public, especially feminists, need to look at the works of Paul Nathanson and Katherine R. Young; Spreading Misandry, Legalizing Misandry.
Wow, I like Queens Crap.
This place is so educashionl.
The iphone thing sounds like a stupid toy for a 12 year old boy. Anyone older than that using it, get a life already.
---
Having met a number of Japanese years ago, many Japanese men, particularly the salarymen generation, act like 12 year old boys.
They love this stuff. Women are not treated well in that society.
"Woman is the Nigger of the World"
For not-to-bright-Babs:
"Stuff White People Like" is a blog that takes satirical aim at the interests of North American "left-leaning, city-dwelling white folk". The blog, hosted by Wordpress, was created in January 2008 by white Canadian Christian Lander, who grew up in Toronto, Ontario and graduated from McGill University in Montreal. Lander co-authored the site with his Filipino Canadian friend Myles Valentin, after Valentin teased Lander about his watching the HBO television series The Wire. It became popular very quickly, registering over 300,000 daily hits and over 40 million total hits by the end of September 2008.
My friend, that should be "not-TOO-bright-Babs"
Thank you, George. I can admit when I'm wrong. Unlike Babs who always is right.
Let Ackerman know what you think of the Trib's porn pages!
http://www.meetup.com/Nassau-County-9-12-Project/calendar/12184738/
For the idiot Anonymous Poster who THINKS the Stuff White People Like" blog is satire:
If that is satire - then it is the absolute WORST.
To say that all white people (unless they took an art history class) think that real art is Thomas Kincaide is not only NOT satire but NOT funny - I could give other examples of how stupid that blog is, but at the expense of the forum since this is too boring to continue a discussion on.
I can't imagine what one's IQ would be to think that that blog is funny.
I AM a HUGE fan of satire BTW - the blog that you are obviously pitching ISN'T and it SUCKS - big time.
How is it any different than when Chris Rock makes fun of other black people? You need to chill, Babs...
"Black people don't hate Jewish people. Black people hate white people!" - Chris Rock
Here's another "funny" -
"Under no circumstances should you ever bring a white person to a dancehall reggae concert, it will frighten them."
Mosh pit wussies that we all are . . .
For something to be considered satire, it has to have an element of truth to it. Since, as you say, this blog is somewhat popular - I can only assume that the fans of this blog BELIEVE some of this, if not most of this idiocy, is true.
For ALL these people to be THAT ignorant is a reflection on HOW isolated certain groups of people are from the rest of society - after reading your commentary - I asked myself - are these people all with the FLDS Church and behind barbed wire?
P.S. I do not find Chris Rock funny and therefore do not see his shows.
i'll paid for an app with Liu taking it in his pie hoe
"For something to be considered satire, it has to have an element of truth to it."
Okay, you lost me here. The "element of truth" is that the average white person would not allow you to drag them into a dance hall reggae concert. If you are one of the "liberated" minds that wouldn't mind, then it doesn't apply to you. Most readers of satire also think that what is being mocked doesn't apply to them.
This blog is part satire. For example, Peter Vallone does not go around posing with a crown and toilet statue.
Get it?
"The "element of truth" is that the average white person would not allow you to drag them into a dance hall reggae concert."
In and around New York City we have the MOST masterful, experimental and sophisticated musicians/music lovers in the WORLD - of all different races and cultures and ages. Reggae fusion is pretty hot right now in the dance clubs too. BLONDIE had a reggae hit (and a big one) years ago with "The Tide is High". Tell HER (and her fans) that she would be "frightened" entering a reggae club.
For you to use the word "liberated" is very telling. WHY is one "liberated" who enjoys great "black" music - You must come from a very segregated and "OLD world" environment yourself.
What about ALL the white blues musicians and black opera singers? . . . . is "liberated" the ONLY word you can think that describes them?
NOW you got ME frightened!
"Peter Vallone does not go around posing with a crown and toilet statue."
you sure?
Playing reggae music and attending reggae clubs are two totally different things. NYU college kids blast Bob Marley in their dorms, but they wouldn't go to Brooklyn reggae concerts they advertise on NY1. And I haven't seen any footage of Debbie Harry at them either.
Stuff white people like:
Screaming racism at fellow whites for not embracing everything while not applying the same standards to non-whites.
Babs:
As described, the satire on the blog SWPL is aimed at "left-leaning, city-dwelling white folk". Not ALL white people.
So your argument is flawed.
Crappy - I admit that my opinion is not the last word on the subject - BUT my argument should not be brushed off here as simply "flawed".
I AM a "left-leaning, city-dwelling white folk" myself who knows many others who fit the same description.
Brooklyn has long been a hipster's playground - perhaps no one is going to the reggae concerts there because the performers suck.
Also - reggae fusion is currently being fused with hip hop - NYU students - being from wealthy backgrounds for the most part anyway - might not like the sound simply because hip hop is more "street".
Marley is not reggae fusion BTW and Marley's smooth sound DOES appeal more to jazz fans than to hip hop fans.
Crappy sorry - but I'm white and proud. "Things White People Like" is offensive on a multitude of fronts -
"Screaming racism at fellow whites for not embracing everything while not applying the same standards to non-whites."
ng.
I think I know from wherest this comes from . . . .
There are those in our society unfortunately who did not vote for Obama simply because he is black.
I'm white and proud, too. But I can laugh at myself and others like me. I mean there is a post about "Mad Men". I hate that show. But I know many a white person (and no one of any other race) that LOVES that show. I like certain music, and I know if I go to shows by those artists, I will not see a black person there. That's not a bad thing or a good thing, it just is. And that's what that blog is about.
Crappy - what shows are you going to see - the David Duke Barbershop Quartet? I can't recall ANY concert that I EVER went to wherein EVERYONE was white - truly.
Anyway - if I can be off topic for a moment here -
I see that the post for Parker the missing dog was removed - is that because he now home safe?
AND - thanks to your blog and your initial efforts Justice's story TOOK OFF on Facebook. We all wished for a different ending of course, but many people will be keeping a protective eye on that family for a long time to come. Many positives came from this - people connected first of all on this very important issue.
you're not so bad for someone right of center really ;)
Why do you hate Mad Men?
I went to see the White Stripes and nope, no black people. We actually had a bet going to see if we would spot a black person.
Yes, the dog Parker was found this morning at the ACC in Manhattan this morning.
I think the Justice situation is being mishandled by everyone involved and the Facebook group is not helping but hurting. It's good that so many are concerned but some of their actions are questionable.
Mad Men has no plot. It goes like this: have a frustrating work experience, drink, have adulterous sex, repeat. It's like a soap opera, but guys like it, probably because back then it was ok to be a chauvanistic womanizer and that's not cool now - except if it's on TV in a period show.
How about the jazz shows where all the performers are black and the audience is white? It's like the Cotton Club in the 1930s all over again.
Here's more bands for white folks:
Barenakes Ladies
Phish
Belle and Sebastian
Tegan and Sara
I've been to all of the above and saw no one darker than a snowman. And after living in NYC my whole life, it made me feel kind of weird.
And to be fair, there's a blog called Stuff That Black People Like.
who wants a passive asian woman? i love some attitude, no matter what color the woman is.
see "my secret garden" by Nancy Friday. you might be surprised who her connection is to Bloomberg Inc.?
Babs said...
...I AM a "left-leaning,...
================================
Oh, so you are flawed.
"wink and a smooch*
GREAT news about Parker! Thanks for sharing!
The Justice situation can only improve from this point forward. Those in the forum that were more egocentric and self-serving will go their merry way and those who CAN make a difference WILL. I still would like to this story make print media as it sends a powerful message to animal abusers about how the public has zero tolerance for their behavior.
I haven't seen Mad Men yet, and I am disappointed to read your review. I worked in advertising in the early 70s as did many New Yorkers. Considering the times then, the writers have PLENTY of material to work with - shame they have chosen to be just another boring soap.
I like your taste in music - this compensates of course for your LACK of comedic taste (another wink to you).
I had to google Tegan and Sara as I had never heard of them until now - WOW!!! beautiful lyrics and even more beautiful harmony! Glad I got into an argument with you. I'm having a hard time believing that there are no black people in attendance at their concerts - BUT you were there . . . .
KLINK - right back at ya'!
AND to all a good night!
Anonymous said: "see "my secret garden" by Nancy Friday. you might be surprised who her connection is to Bloomberg Inc.?"
I read that book way back when - tell us more! What's the "Bloomber" connection?
I rikey!!!!!!
Giggity giggity.
How is the Asian woman who poses in her underwear for "upskirt" pictures any different from the supermodel who poses for Victoria's Secret ads? Aren't they both using their appearance to make money?
I love to rough play with Asian women.
(Ha, ha, ha)!
Where the "F" is the feminist movement...moving their bowels?
They should be picketing the Queens Tribune and Congressman Ackerman's office.
H-m-m-m....and Gary still insists he has no part of the Trib.
BS!
It's a matter of public record that he does!
I wonder who supplied the girls for Donald Manes' famous orgies...Nussie?
Could Nussbaum's "Shanghai" entertainment be connected to all this stuff?
Queens Crapper said...
I went to see the White Stripes and nope, no black people. We actually had a bet going to see if we would spot a black person.
Thank for exposing your true racist views. This is the sort of thing that you and your white friends get together and laugh about. Tell me how did the conversation turn to that? Was the N word used? Very disappointing...
What exactly was racist about what was said? If anything, it's a knock against the band for only appealing to one segment of society. See, when you grow up in the most culturally diverse county in the world and then find yourself in a roomful of lily white people, it stands out in your mind. Maybe not if you're originally from Nebraska or Bumblefuck, Iowa. But when you're from Queens it actually makes you feel kinda weird.
The only "N word" that was used that night was "nerdy" - as in "I think that nerdy kid is headed to the bar. Follow him and come back with a Corona. I buy, you fly."
Apparently what I found interesting is that in a diverse culture, I would expected people to be less ignorant and therefore able to get along and mix with different races similar to how I see in Soho or Greenwich Village in Manhattan. (you see blacks, whites, asians, hispanics, indians all in the younger generation hanging out together integrately in groups). People will talk about race openly and respectfully without any hints to being derogratory.
But in Queens, I sometimes find that the opposite, except maybe in Forest Hills. Maybe the younger generation knows better, or maybe Manhattan and Forest Hills is upscale which means more educated.
The lesser educated or low scale always seems to play the race card, race conscience or stay isolated.
That's the conclusion I see, from both end everywhere and noticed the trends. Note that this is regarding diverse cultural place or neighborhoods as in Manhattan as oppose to Nebraska or Mississipi. And no, I'm not a racist for noticing the what race the person is if anyone do try to play the race card argument.
"Upscale" means more comfortable with diversity? What brand of crack do you smoke? Ever been to Douglaston, Forest Hills Gardens, etc.?
Apparently what I found interesting is that in a diverse culture, I would expected people to be less ignorant and therefore able to get along and mix with different races similar to how I see in Soho or Greenwich Village in Manhattan. (you see blacks, whites, asians, hispanics, indians all in the younger generation hanging out together integrately in groups).
You need to get out in Queens more. Groups of mixed races have been "hanging out" together for decades. In my schools we had people of all races and we all got along, hung out together, went to the park or the mall, and traded clothes and music. I'm not sure what you're getting at. Some bands do not have broad appeal across ethnic lines. End of story.
Ok, maybe upscale wasn't the right word. Let's try Non-ghettoish. Forest Hill on was the number one thing that came to my mine and used an example since most people can related once they see Austin street. I mean I know Douglaston, Little Neck, Fresh Meadows just to name a few are also nicer places (aka non-ghettoish.) The places in my mine of 'attack' was Jamaica, Rockaway, Corona, Ozone Park, and Flushing.
I was getting at the overly-sensitive poster who accused Queens Crapper being racist whom said "Thank for exposing your true racist views. This is the sort of thing that you and your white friends get together and laugh about."
Assuming that poster was from Queens, I was surprise he was overly-sensitive about it, unless he is in a less diverse, or ghettoish section of Queens.
I mean there is a lot of overly sensitive people regarding race in Queens particularly in Corona. It could be because most are immigrants. I see less of that in a well mixed section in general.
This app is just wrong. I am disturbed to know that my young son can get exposed to this kind of stuff by some stupid man next to him on the subway. All this porn is digusting. Yes, I am a female and find all of it disgusting. One really negative thing about the internet is how porn is creeping into every bedroom of america, fueling the lust and sick fantasies of men.
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