Japanese vs North American Style/Fashion. The power of media on men

English Intensive 2B July 2, 2009

THESIS STATEMENT

Japanese men are more fashionable than North American men. However, North American men are more self-conscious about their body than Japanese men.

NORTH AMERICA

North American Men & Culture Gain the confidence they need and

can be noticed by both women and their peers.

Factors strong influence through television. Famous dramas present many good looking and muscular men that are seen to be popular among women.

The OC: Survey with Japanese and NA women

Problem

N.A men are becoming more self-conscious and at the same time, losing self-confidence

Mass media are believed to be a pervasive force in shaping physical appearance ideals and have been shown to negatively impact females' body image.” In this study researchers found that males experience a similar sense of disappointment and depression concerning their own physical fitness or even the sex appeal.

It is no longer good enough to simply have a functional body. The media says men need to have a “perfect body.”

muscle dsymorphia In a study of 10,000 Ontario residents,

researchers at the University of Toronto found that one out of every six people who qualified for a full or partial diagnosis of anorexia was male.

http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-get-a-beautiful-girl-friend5-tips-for-Guys

Another factor

Abercrombie & Fitch

JAPAN

Japanese Men & Culture

Japanese men are known to be very fashionable amongst foreigners.

Main Factors Fashion magazines, peers, girls, posters, affordable for teenagers

Not just clothes, but hair, eye brow, accessories

Gyaru-O/Onii kei

Onii-kei combines the styles known in Japanese as Ame-kaji ("American casual") and Ita-kaji ("Italian casual") with rocker touches to create a glamorous, sexy look.

Shibuya Harajuku Kabukicho

Herbivore Men/草食系男子

Possible ‘problem’ arising in Japan amongst Japanese men?

草食系男子（ Literally: Herbivore men )

Or in simple English “Fashionable wussies”, are increasing across the country

2/3 of the Japanese men in Japan are Herbivores (twenties and thirties)

Herbivore Men/草食系男子

Not interested in careers, dating, marriage, and sex. Too shy to meet women.

They spend almost as much on cosmetics and clothes as women.

Totally far from the classic stereotypes of long, workaholic Japanese salary man

He will happily share a night with a woman without laying a hand on her

Sociologist Yuko Nakanishi says “Japanese men had it good for a long time. They were macho and sexist, and neglected their wives, so it's good that they're discovering their feminine side, and learning to cooperate.”

EXTREME CASE:

A Tokyo-based company called WishRoom is even selling men's bras, some to middle-aged salary-men.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6U7g-yFjw0

In Conclusion

Media plays a strong role in influencing our decisions in terms of appearances. Peers are also one key factor

NA Muscles and having a healthier body.

Japan Fashionable Despite the negative influences and

effects the media caused, it does have one positive influence amongst young adults.

Teaches us not to look sloppy, leaving a good first impression is important, helps gives us confidence