Pop Thoughts

Note: All PopThoughts should be between 300 to 500 words and emailed to me, preferably as an MS Word document attachment (Mac or Windows). If you must turn in a hard copy, it must be typed, double spaced, and stapled. Use these writings to prepare yourself for class discussions on the days that they all due.

1.

After viewing PopSite 1 and doing the readings for this week, apply Henry Smith's concept of "water" (as related in his essay "Sky and Water: The Deep Structures of Tokyo") to the Ryôgoku Bridge area.

2.

Based on your study of the readings and PopSite 2, characterize what you would consider ideal "male" and "female" types as represented on the Kabuki stage and in the streets and stories of Edo's theater district.

3.

Based on this week's materials, PopSite 3, and your own analysis, suggest how and why the Yoshiwara was fashionable--and, for the most part, socially acceptable--during the Tokugawa period. Consider any factors that you think are relevant to an explanation of this social and historical phenomenon.

4.

With Edo's sakariba in mind, analyze how the Ginza and Asakusa, as depicted in PopSite 4, in lecture and in the readings, represent a modernization of Edo-period sakariba. What's similar, what's different, and why? Re-reading Henry Smith's article "Sky and Water" might provide a starting point to think about this.

5.

With reference to items in PopSite 5, this week's readings, and the web links in the online Program Guide, describe ways in which Japanese youth form and/or are formed by consumer culture. In their practices of consumption do you think Japanese youths have been basically progressive, conservative, or something else? Why?

6.

Go to Guidelines For All within PopSite 6.