Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Spreading the disease

"Behind the kawaii phenomenon, according to Brian J. McVeigh, a scholar of East Asian studies at the University of Arizona, is the strongly hierarchical nature of Japanese culture. 'Cuteness is used to soften up the vertical society,' he said, 'to soften power relations and present authority without being threatening.'" -Natalie Angier, NY Times, Jan. 3rd
"Darwinian aesthetics"? Y'don't say...
Link, via the NY Times.

2 comments:

Mr. Alex said...

"You must die for Hello Kitty!"

Don J. said...
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