4 ms·

> also rarely injects this with a pretense of authenticity as Western media nearly constantly does In other words, a show is just a show, instead of the way it

> also rarely injects this with a pretense of authenticity as Western media nearly constantly does In other words, a show is just a show, instead of the way it is in modern Western media, which is being an instrument of social change first and only incidentally a show. The latter is exhausting.

hourago 3y ago
> instead of the way it is in modern Western media, which is being an instrument of social change first All art is a form of personal expression and it is full of new views and political change. I think that the difference is that in the West reactionary criticism permeates all social media. If a Japanese show tells the story of a set of characters fighting the global goverment injustices its viewers enjoy the show. If an American show tries to do the same a very small part of the population but very noisy will criticize it as "communist" and "politicized" instead of enjoying the real feelings of love and justice that humans enjoy in their stories.
- jimmyjazz14 3y ago
  yeah I think there is absolutely a way to do a good show and have a social/political message and it usually comes down to tone and respecting the audience. Studio Ghibli is known for there positive and even relaxing tone but underneath the story is often a social/political message. That message is often subtle and weaved into the fibers of the story, its a message you feel not hear, if that makes sense. I think they achieve this because they respect their audience enough to give them something they will enjoy and to be smart enough to pick up on the subtle message in the content.
- imbnwa 3y ago
  Like how Vinland Saga is literally a critique of "might makes right" patriarchal culture and its viscissitudes.
AYBABTME 3y ago
Korean shows are definitely also an instrument for change. K-culture is a deliberate strategy from the SK government to increase its soft power. SK is resource poor, brain rich, and caught in between bigger players. It needs all the good will it can foster. In addition, the themes explored by K-dramas are often also meant to shape the narrative in Korea, or give visibility to problems. It's not uncommon for a social problem to be highlighted by a drama, and then for public outcry to cause the government to change laws or policies in response. But because SK society is quite conservative and patriarchal, it might not seem to you like social change or controversial.
- mixmastamyk 3y ago
  I’d agree, however it feels less preachy for whatever reason, which helps the “medicine” go down. Often I point to “Brokeback Mountain” as an example of progressive Western media made by grownups.

hourago 3y ago

> instead of the way it is in modern Western media, which is being an instrument of social change first All art is a form of personal expression and it is full of new views and political change. I think that the difference is that in the West reactionary criticism permeates all social media. If a Japanese show tells the story of a set of characters fighting the global goverment injustices its viewers enjoy the show. If an American show tries to do the same a very small part of the population but very noisy will criticize it as "communist" and "politicized" instead of enjoying the real feelings of love and justice that humans enjoy in their stories.

jimmyjazz14 3y ago
yeah I think there is absolutely a way to do a good show and have a social/political message and it usually comes down to tone and respecting the audience. Studio Ghibli is known for there positive and even relaxing tone but underneath the story is often a social/political message. That message is often subtle and weaved into the fibers of the story, its a message you feel not hear, if that makes sense. I think they achieve this because they respect their audience enough to give them something they will enjoy and to be smart enough to pick up on the subtle message in the content.
imbnwa 3y ago
Like how Vinland Saga is literally a critique of "might makes right" patriarchal culture and its viscissitudes.

AYBABTME 3y ago

Korean shows are definitely also an instrument for change. K-culture is a deliberate strategy from the SK government to increase its soft power. SK is resource poor, brain rich, and caught in between bigger players. It needs all the good will it can foster. In addition, the themes explored by K-dramas are often also meant to shape the narrative in Korea, or give visibility to problems. It's not uncommon for a social problem to be highlighted by a drama, and then for public outcry to cause the government to change laws or policies in response. But because SK society is quite conservative and patriarchal, it might not seem to you like social change or controversial.

mixmastamyk 3y ago
I’d agree, however it feels less preachy for whatever reason, which helps the “medicine” go down. Often I point to “Brokeback Mountain” as an example of progressive Western media made by grownups.