The Lobster Dance

In this gender reader: the gendered politics of skin-whitening creams; public bathing; bad reporting on the “sex strike”; Facebook genders; and more–and I even think we can get through this without a discussion of giri-choco!

Chanel’s Le Blanc (ルブラン) skin-whitening cream. Image via Chanel Japan.

Japan

Kyunyeon Chung. “Symbiosis in the World of Beauty: The Cosmetics Industry and the Western Beauty Ideal.” Japan Sociology. 10 Feb. 2014.

One of the student guest bloggers over at Japan Sociology writes on skin-whitening products marketed to women in Japan and Asia:

By constantly being made to consume products designed with a limited set of objectives and outcome, the consumers are constantly reminded of the beauty ideals behind the products. The global cosmetics industry and the Western beauty standards based on colorism, mutually reinforce each other’s existence and influence….

In essence, the models [for the product] will look Caucasian enough to fit the White beauty standard, yet still possess enough ‘local’ features not to alienate the viewers too much.

Out of curiosity, I popped over to Chanel Japan’s website to see Le Blanc, one of the creams the author mentioned. The copy reads, “A medical skin-whitening cream for Japanese women’s skin” (日本女性の肌のために開発された薬用美白クリーム). It’s “medical” because it may reduce dark spots, freckles, and blemishes, but the copy contradicts itself: “Medical Whitening Cream (non-medicinal product)” (薬用ホワイトニングクリーム＜医薬部外品＞). Interestingly, the copy on these creams mentions everything but lightening, focusing in both languages on euphemisms: “brightening,” “smoothing,” preventing “unevenness”–but sometimes what is omitted is more telling than what is included.

Ken Y-N. “What goes on in a women’s public bath?” What Japan Thinks. 20 Jan. 2014.

I’m a fan of public baths because, as one of my textbooks once put it and as research backs up, it’s good for people to see all sorts of bodies in all stages of life. I think that’s what the #1 answer (checking out other women’s bodies) reflects: partially wondering about aging and partially comparing yourself to others and wondering whether you’re normal. (Caveat: men do it, too, and “female competition” is a learned activity, not biological predestination). Also, I miss yuzu baths.

James. “Yoichi Masuzoe faces ‘sex strike’ over misogynistic comments.” Japan Probe. 7 Feb. 2014.

Some of the misogynistic statements Tokyo Gov. Masuzoe made in the 1980s ended up in an opposition infographic (with some weird anti-vaxxer commentary). The “sex strike” news hit the Western media in a display of trite reporting on Japan and click-bait titles–“a modern-day Lysistrata!”– and typos aplenty. Masuzoe is definitely pro-nuclear and probably as misogynistic as in the 80s if he hasn’t yet apologized for his statements–just less vocal. Also, a choice between sex or politics? My advice, dear readers: do not have sex with misogynists.

(For more brief but good coverage, see The Guardian.)

Rie Alkemade. “Women of the Yakuza.” Japan Subculture. 18 Feb. 2014.

An excerpt of new research into the lives of the women involved with the yakuza, Japan’s mafia.

Unlike Western mafia wives, yakuza wives have remained outside the sphere of criminal activity in this organized crime structure, remaining in the passive emotionally and financially supportive role. This research further explores the ways in which these women have adapted to their set circumstances by creating a parallel shadow subculture, an exclusively female ‘sub-subculture’ within the yakuza itself in which they create a sense of solidarity, pride, and confident identities by adopting and mimicking the yakuza rituals and customs as their own.

Outside Japan

Debby Herbenick and Aleta Baldwin. “The Complete Glossary of Facebook’s 51 Gender Options.” The Daily Beast. 15 Feb. 2014.

No word on when these will be rolled out in other languages, but on English facebook, you now have more gender options. It’s not perfect yet–you can limit who can see your gender, but you can’t seem to limit who can see your pronouns, etc., yet. Still: big step in the right direction, and bravo for that amended version of “sex vs. gender.” HT to my 妹.

Tina Vasquez. “It’s Time to End the Long History of Feminism Failing Transgender Women.” Bitch Magazine. 17 Feb. 2014.

Trigger warning: because the article criticizes Cathy Brennan, Janet Raymond, and the history of TERFs’ (trans-exclusionary rad fems) gross ideas, there are a lot of transphobic statements and ideas quoted to show how their actions legally and socially harms trans people.

 “I’ve often wondered what their [radical feminists’] end game is. Do they really believe that they’re going to cause thousands of companies and hundreds of towns to roll back trans protections?” Williams asked. “TERFs were the first to politically weaponize the trans-bathroom meme back in 1973 and they pioneered the end of trans healthcare in the 1980s. It’s high time that 40 years of focused, unrelenting hate be pulled into the light of day.” – Cristan Williams

Clinton Andor. “Words That are Transphobic and Why.” UC Davis LGBTQIA Resource Center. Via Everyday Feminism (Facebook).

One comment (which you can see on the Facebook page) I see constantly on articles about trans issues  is “asking questions is the opposite of a phobia! Ugh, I’ll ask what I want!” You have the responsibility to educate yourself. There is no lack of intersectional gender resources on the website–though, of course, there need to be more. This infographic is an education device from a respected queer resource center. Use it.

Something Fun

Princess Princess by strangelykatie.

“I am no prince! My name is Princess Amira, and I have a grappling hook!” This comic has gender-bending and sword-fighting, so I’m there. Thanks to redcowrise.