Graduation Semester and Year

2007

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Communications

Department

Communication

First Advisor

Andrew Clark

Abstract

This research examines the Japanese cultural phenomenon of anime, and the cultural values that allow issues deemed more suitable for adults to be included in anime and viewed by all ages in Japan, but not in the United States. This study used five focus groups: two consisting of Non-Asian participants, one with Japanese participants, and two with Amerasian participants. Each focus group was shown clips from the anime films Spirited Away, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, and Princess Mononoke. Geert Hofstede's intercultural value dimensions were used as a guide to find greater meaning of the impact of anime among the different groups and cultures. Analysis of the focus group discussions showed that cultural differences was an overarching theme with the categories of exposure, usage, parenting styles and teaching ideologies as dominant sub-themes.

Disciplines

Communication | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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