Margaret Cho's not laughing about Gwen's Harajuku Girls

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dada Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 04:02 PM EST

First of all the Japanese don't hate the koreans.
Japanese loves America, and Korean also love Japan. There are some sterotypical stuff about each asian race, I know of it. But there isn't really anything against it is it?

Aaron Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 03:15 PM EST

"You've got the gender roles part correct. But women are CONSTANTLY used in the media for their appearances. But wanna know the difference? The Spice Girls were SINGERS. Wanna know something else? Irony. They authored the phrase "girl power."

Tallulah, you are as empty-headed as people can be. That's pitiful.

The Harajuku Girls don't even talk at all. They just strike poses...and wear revealing clothing. No singing"

wrong, they are back-up dancers, and basically a front to the band, do you think if they were taken away people wouldn't notice? theyre as popular as stefani, and more popular than anyone else in the band, bar stefani, also whats wrong with striking a pose and wearing revealing clothes, OF YOUR OWN WILL, getting paid probably however many times more than you do (it's called modelling ;) )

aaron Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 03:09 PM EST

how stupid, shes not saying she wants to own name and dress "asian" girls, its because of the dress sense, harajuku is a place, not a race.

if a japanese singer had the exact same song about "parisian girls" it would be like saying they want to own and dress "white girls"

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erica Sat, Apr 5, 2008 at 03:46 PM EST

i realy dont care about this issue, but i could see why margaret cho said this.

and just because theyre staying doesnt mean anything. just like the black people did the blackface skit, they couldve easily "just quit" but ovbiously money led them to stay

japanese are always hating on koreans. japanese.. please stop hating on koreans...

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Chris VonTanner Sun, Jan 27, 2008 at 03:39 PM EST

Gwen, you are an innovator and now , you are one that has stepped over the line...of racism.

Killy Wed, Jan 9, 2008 at 09:01 PM EST

How come only the lighter Asians get to be on shows, but you never see any of the darker-skinned ones? I've never, ever seen a dark Asian person on TV, but the they always have the very light Chinese,Japanese,and Koreans. Not the darker Viets, or people from Laos.

jessica Mon, Dec 17, 2007 at 03:11 PM EST

jeez,leave gwen alone,and shut up about her be racist,she's not,she's a talented
singer,designer,and she's drop dead gorgeous! so suck failure bitche's!

isau Mon, Oct 29, 2007 at 01:16 PM EST

I'm sympathetic to the Asian American-media issue, but would anyone would object if the dancers dressed as milk maids? Victorian ladies? Roman goddesses? Cheerleaders? Would they have anything to say if Gwen were Japanese and did this performance in Japan itself? I'm a fan of Cho, but IMO her reaction is... well... reactionary, and in some ways indicative of why no one wants to touch the Asian issue; walking on eggshells and all that.

Hagurin Sun, Oct 28, 2007 at 08:23 AM EST

As an American Japanese livin in Japan, I don't feel offended. Actually Japanese rn't so fussed by racist stuff. I think Cho is being nervous because she's Korean. Koreans r like that, they make a big fuss about minor things so nobody can enjoy the entertainment.
Besides the asian fasion(especially make up) in the US isn't cute at all anyway. They're so old fashion..

Pretty disgusted Sun, Sep 9, 2007 at 01:32 AM EST

Comparing japanese school girl outfits and blackface is INDEED VALID. Those outfits and that stereotypical "chinadoll" makeup are considered cute right? all for entertainment? So was blackface back in the day! The more I think about it, the more it creeps me out. And people, quit telling Margaret Cho to stick to comedy. She is an Asian American who was personally offended. She is entitled to her opinion. And how could you possibly tell someone that what they feel is wrong if they were personally offended??!!

I love Gwen Stefani circa No Doubt..and I'll even try to bop my head to her pop music..but the mute Japanese girls, I will not accept.

Chuck Wed, Aug 22, 2007 at 08:54 AM EST

this is not about ASIAN women it is about JAPANESE women, if people are going to complain about generalizing then don't do it yourself. Not that generalizing is evil, because actually, a lot of Italians do talk with their hands, a lot of French do drink wine and a lot of young Japanese girls do wear school uniforms, as they have to, and do giggle a lot. Good lord if this bothers you blame Japanese society and government don't blame an American pop singer.

Andrizzy Fri, Jul 6, 2007 at 04:32 PM EST

"If any of them were unsatisfied with their supposed "treatment," they can easily quit. The Harajuku Girls decide to work with Gwen Stefani because they obviously enjoy it - no one is forcing them to perform. I read in a newspaper article that Gwen is a very nice, down to earth person who treats her dancers well and with respect. I agree with some of the previous comments that Gwen has the Harajuku Girls as part of her performance because she obviously loves the culture of Japan (Harajuku to be more specific). I definitely admire Gwen Stefani and her music and the fact that she has Japanese back up dancers, to me is great!"

100% agree with everything you said. I mean, duh, they are professionals; they could quit if they were treated wrongly (not like Gwen would ever even do such a thing.).

Andrizzy Fri, Jul 6, 2007 at 04:28 PM EST

This is nonsense. The Girls are Gwen's muse. What the flip is wrong with that? Nothing. It's appreciation of a counter-culture, not a racist rant. Cho needs to stick to comedy, because she surely doesn't know what the heck she's talking about.

Shanise Sat, Apr 28, 2007 at 09:00 PM EST

I don't know why some people think it's such a bad thing dat Gwen has the Harajuku girls. I like the harajuku girls and i don't see anything wrong in what Gwen is doing. the harajuku girls aren't working for free, they get paid. I think their styles are very unique. I never saw clothing like that before. It's not cool that some people say those negative things about her. tell me this, Are the Harajuku girls complaining about it, No They're Not!!

Wendy Sat, Mar 31, 2007 at 07:58 PM EST

I think Gwen can be able to have the Harajuku Girls because they actually enjoy being Gwen's dancers and people who writes stuff about Gwen Stefani and how she uses the Harajuku girls are just making it up. I don't know why they write those kind of stuff. They have not walked in Gwen's shoes and I think they can't just assume they are above her. I am Gwen's #1 fan!

Katie Sun, Feb 25, 2007 at 07:50 PM EST

I think that Gwen Stefani should not use those Harajuki girls as a "prop" for many reasons.
First of all, it is racist. And I do not like racist people!
Second of all, I am Harajuki too.
And last, they can't dance!
In conclusion, I think it is bad for Gwen Stefani to use those Harajukis as a prop!
Sincerely, Katie

Dominic Z Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 11:43 AM EST

and i wish i was one, too... i think

Dominic Z Mon, Feb 19, 2007 at 11:41 AM EST

im not really that offended. i think she does it because its a nonconformist fashion thing. sorta like how harajuku girls purposely dress really different, Gwen Stefani has a possie of harajuku girls. Good analogy, no?

Fri, Feb 16, 2007 at 09:18 PM EST

I am a Japanese American and I just wanted to add my thoughts. I actually don't believe that this is some issue of racial inferiority. I think it's a little odd that people write about how she owns them like pets and even compare her to slavebuyer at a slave trade auction. If any of them were unsatisfied with their supposed "treatment," they can easily quit. The Harajuku Girls decide to work with Gwen Stefani because they obviously enjoy it - no one is forcing them to perform. I read in a newspaper article that Gwen is a very nice, down to earth person who treats her dancers well and with respect. I agree with some of the previous comments that Gwen has the Harajuku Girls as part of her performance because she obviously loves the culture of Japan (Harajuku to be more specific). I definitely admire Gwen Stefani and her music and the fact that she has Japanese back up dancers, to me is great! I believe that there are tons of instances of racism that exist today, but this is not.

A Sat, Dec 2, 2006 at 05:01 AM EST

"As for giving a group of girls names?... what about the Spice Girls? No one started a campaign against the MEN who put together the oh-so-ever-previosly-popular-girl-group "Spice Girls." Tell me that their names weren't derogatory... aimed at their physical appearance and racial background! Give me a break. It happens all the time."

You've got the gender roles part correct. But women are CONSTANTLY used in the media for their appearances. But wanna know the difference? The Spice Girls were SINGERS. Wanna know something else? Irony. They authored the phrase "girl power."

Tallulah, you are as empty-headed as people can be. That's pitiful.

The Harajuku Girls don't even talk at all. They just strike poses...and wear revealing clothing. No singing.

A Sat, Dec 2, 2006 at 04:56 AM EST

"I didn't mind them, but they are gettng tired. Throw them a blanket and pillow. However, I don't see what's so different from her carting around a posse of general stereotypes when many rappers and R&B artists have scads of entourage with them that embrace a different stereotype or fashion ethos."

B, that's because you don't see the difference: Racism. Quit being so ignorant and wake up.

tallulah Sun, Nov 20, 2005 at 01:28 AM EST

As for giving a group of girls names?... what about the Spice Girls? No one started a campaign against the MEN who put together the oh-so-ever-previosly-popular-girl-group "Spice Girls." Tell me that their names weren't derogatory... aimed at their physical appearance and racial background! Give me a break. It happens all the time.

tallulah Sun, Nov 20, 2005 at 01:18 AM EST

I have to say that if I thought Gwen were "parading" these girls around to show dominance over another, I would be irate. However... she seems to adore and admire the beauty of the costume, the makeup, the culture. NO ONE adopts a style that they don't admire. NO FASHION comes without inspiration. Gwen has dressed the part for years... adopting Japanese hair styles, Raggae colored wristbands, 1940's pin-up-girl make-up. Why are we so shocked now?
As for the way Japanese women are portrayed as being subservient... that fight should be directed at the men in their culture. In history, and today. No one has even mentioned that Gwen does not own these girls... she has hired them. No one in the free world does anything for free. These girls are in her "entourage" because they are getting paid, or they are taking advantage of the opportunity to tour with "Gwen Stefani.". If we were looking at a movie star or a rock star who had a Japanese body guard, a Japanese Tour Guide, a Japanese PA, a Japanese make-up artist, a Japanese book-keeper, no one would complain. God forbid she would have a Samurai warrior do a performance in a show... would we criticize her for exploiting violence, or would we hail her for acknowledging the beauty of the tradition? But because of the fact that Gwen has hired someone to play the role of the female... the beautiful, seductive, educated Japanese female, people are upset. Leave it alone... or pick fights with every artist who has been inspired or motivated by a foreign culture.

veto Sun, Nov 13, 2005 at 09:45 PM EST

I don't like how everything asian has become trendy. gwen uses her harajuku girls like props, it's really kind of sick and more than a little annoying. I'm not sure if this flood of "yellow fever" is better than not getting any mainstream attention, because where does that put us (asians) when this trend goes out of style?

No Lamb Sat, Nov 5, 2005 at 12:50 AM EST

For those who scream IN ALL CAPS not to compare racism against asians with racism against blacks - what the eff are you talking about?

I think the word you are loking for is EQUATE, not COMPARE. To COMPARE two things does not mean you're saying they are identical.

Without comparisons how would we ever be able to put anything into context or learn from history or one another?

Sheesh.

Keith Fri, Nov 4, 2005 at 09:52 AM EST

Jessica, I think you've attributed the wrong quotes to me. I never said "the Japanese girls didn't just wake up one day and say 'I'm going to start wearing these school girl outfits because I want to.'" That was brandok.

The identity of the poster is actually BELOW the comment.

Jessica Fri, Nov 4, 2005 at 02:10 AM EST

I personally don't think you can really compare two minority groups and the hardships that they have gone through. It IS TRUE that since she is carrying around 4 asian women no one really minds, but if she sang about naming and possessing 4 black women or 4 white women no one would allow it! Because Asians are viewed as passive and willing to just be the "model minorities" that they are, they allow it.

I'm just outraged that this is just another example of how Asians are being portrayed as the passive subservient and mute people.

In responce to KIETH, the Japanese girls didn't just wake up one day and say "I'm going to start wearing these school girl outfits because I want to." WRONG! It just comes from the fantasy that has been associated with Asian women. That was just a very ignorant thing to say.

In responce to JRSYGRL, fine go ahead and pull out the slavery card but what you probably didn't know is that Asians were also forced into slavery. What is ironic about that is that the Dutch imported Asian slaves into their colony in Africa. Also, while we're pulling out cards, how about the Japanese Internment Camp Card? Those who were of Japanese ancestry were forced out of their home to live in internment camps, even those who were born in America.

dma Thu, Nov 3, 2005 at 01:25 PM EST

Those Harajuku chicks creep me out. Someone save Gwen from them.

Gwenihana Thu, Nov 3, 2005 at 12:38 PM EST

Free the Gwenihana Four! http://gwenihana.blogspot.com

Carlos Thu, Nov 3, 2005 at 12:33 PM EST

Y'know, a lot of you seem to have so much of an opinion about what should be heard in the media regarding this stupid Gwen Stefani thing. I'm actually pretty surprised about how half of you are getting so offended by it and how no one said anything about this matter until this article was posted. A lot of you seem to provide pretty valid points indeed, BUT YOU'RE POSTING THEM IN AN EW BLOG. If so many of you are wondering why your opinions can't be heard, it's because you're posting all of your gripes and complaints on a blog which will provide no consequence to whatever you have to say. What do you think is going to happen? Is Gwen going to take time out of her busy schedule to read the Popwatch blog and realize, "hmmm, maybe this IS offending a few people. Maybe I should stop."? OF COURSE NOT! She's going to keep doing it because nobody has the sense nor the courage to actually start something and attack the core of the problem. It's crap like that which allows half the injustices occurring in this country today: Everyone wants to complain about what's wrong instead of assuming responsibility for any of it. Don't complain: DO SOMETHING!!!

To Kieth Thu, Nov 3, 2005 at 12:15 PM EST

"The portrayal of Asians in the mainstream media in 2005 is exactly how African Americans were portrayed in 1935" Are you sure you want to back up that comment? You are making a comparison. Thats what I dont get. Thats the problem. Your telling me about the Transcontinental Railroad, finished around end of the 1800's i think around 1869. Dude slavery was abolished in 1862. African Americans were slaves just a year before that horrible saga begain.

What angers me is that why must the comparison be made. If you want to discuss the experience of other minority groups why bring African Americans into the discussion at all. Why not just state historical references pertaining just to those trangressions against that particular minority group.

And to state "However, to say that other peoples of color did not see similar acts of injustice and opression is still seeing race in America as solely black and white." What are you talking about? Slavery is Slavery. What you are saying is that in order to push what ever point you want to push you are willing to IGNORE the unique historical differences that African-Americans have experienced in the Americas.

That just doesnt fly with me. If you feel you are up to schooling me, then please by all means tell me about the
massive slave trade routes from South America, Central America or Asia to the Continental United States. I would be really interested to read up on it.

Jai Thu, Nov 3, 2005 at 12:14 PM EST

Hmm... it all depends, right?

4 tribesman from Africa dancing around: no good.
4 K-Fed b-ballers dancing around: ironically funny.
4 white teenaged schoolgirls grinding: uh, hello, lawsuit.
4 Inuit running around in parkas: nope.
4 uptight rich white soccer moms: hysterical.
4 Enron execs who go around shredding things: played out.

I guess it all depends on the context. When posses are parody, it's okay. When you are part of the posse somehow, that's good too. (Madonna can carry around as many gay men as she'd like.) But, to bring them 4 Japanese girls around like Tamagotchi is more irrelevant than offensive.

Keith Thu, Nov 3, 2005 at 11:28 AM EST

I never said the Asian American experience was exactly like the African American experience. Though ALL people of color have faced their own form of struggle throughout the history of America.

However, to say that other peoples of color did not see similar acts of injustice and opression is still seeing race in America as solely black and white. Visit a reservation. Read about the building of the TransContinental Railroad.

So while I am NOT equating the Asian American struggle with slavery, I AM saying, however, that the portrayal of Asians in the mainstream media in 2005 is exactly how African Americans were portrayed in 1935. This is the point of Cho's original blog. There are millions of Asian Americans; yet, the only time they are ever seen are in subservient, stereotypical portrayals. Stefani's Harajuku Girls is just another example of a LONG tradition in American pop culture.

The Salon article is up. Try accessing via this link:
http://www.salon.com/src/pass/gateway/gateway550x480.html?http://www.salon.com/ent/feature/2005/04/09/geisha/index_np.html

JrsyGrl Thu, Nov 3, 2005 at 11:19 AM EST

Keith's link doesn't work because it has the second parantheses included in the link. Try this...

http://www.salon.com/ent/feature/2005/04/09/geisha/index_np.html

To Cara Thu, Nov 3, 2005 at 10:50 AM EST

"Race in America has always been more than black vs. white."

I'm glad that more Asians are stepping up and wanting to be heard now.. but DO NOT COMPARE THE AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE TO THAT OF THE ASIAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE. Its not even close. Loook I'm gonna have to use the card .. as a matter of fact its called the Slavery Card. You may not want me to mention is but its there .. you can't escape it. Attempts to try to equate (insert minority group here) historical experince is the same as the african americans experience is well kind of questionable.

To keith Thu, Nov 3, 2005 at 10:02 AM EST

the link didn't work, unfortunately, because i didn't realize some of the things you wrote and wanted to read more about them.

Cara Thu, Nov 3, 2005 at 08:57 AM EST

At this point it's just boring - enough already. Unfortunately for Gwen, she is the type of 'artist' who needs a gimmick instead of being able to rely on her music.

Keith Thu, Nov 3, 2005 at 08:31 AM EST

What's offensive is that she has these girls' (the Gwenihana Four http://www.salon.com/ent/feature/2005/04/09/geisha/index_np.html) only purpose is to perpetuate stereotypes of Asian women as voiceless, subservient (the upcoming movie based on Arthur Golden Geisha fantasies isn't going to help debunk these stereotypes either) and exotic.

It has been reported that these girls are actually either Asian American or speak fluent English but are contractually obligated to stay silent. Also, her lyrics actually discuss taking home Harajuku Girls and giving them names! As if they were less than human, which is the whole problem to begin with.

I have absolutely no qualms with Cho comparing the Harajuku minstrel act to blackface. Race in America has always been more than black vs. white. Because racial dialogues rarely include Asian Americans, any injustice that happens against an Asian person is dismissed. The way that Harajuku girls are portrayed TODAY (and a lot of Asians for that matter. Didn't anyone watch "Without a Trace" the other night? Sheesh) is exactly how African Americans were portrayed by Hollywood 70 years ago. A minstrel act is still a minstrel act.

brandonk Wed, Nov 2, 2005 at 11:47 PM EST

I don't know if Gwen should be criticized all that much for the Harajuku girls' style, although I'm sure she dictates a lot of what goes on. Still, Margaret's thing about schoolgirl dress being like blackface is silly, since the Japanese girls are the ones who started wearing that sort of thing themselves. Gwen just picked up on it and incorporated it into her act.

Liza Wed, Nov 2, 2005 at 10:21 PM EST

I've never liked Gwen's "girls", especially when she appeared on TRL and said that she was surprised everyone else could see them and how she was sure she just imagined them. They are real people and even though they are capable backup dancers/singers, they are treated like photo props most of the time. I never really noticed the race thing, they are supposed to be Japanese Harajuku girls after all but it does seem offensive. By the way, I am a hispanic girl. And, If I saw a white artist with 4 hispanic girls following them around, not speaking and wearing color matching and reavealing clothing I would be really disgusted.

B Wed, Nov 2, 2005 at 08:54 PM EST

Yes, Isabel... these women do not have voices, but is their lack of a voice (as a paid model/companion) any different from models on a runway promoting fashion, which is what Gwen is all about anyway... fashion instead of substance?

HumanityCritic Wed, Nov 2, 2005 at 07:52 PM EST

I can see why Margeret feels funny about that..

Isabel Wed, Nov 2, 2005 at 07:07 PM EST

It is very offensive; she treats these girls like they are her pets...The just follow her around and strike poses without speaking or deciding what they can wear or how they can act. Paris Hilton treats her dogs better than Gwen treats these girls

B Wed, Nov 2, 2005 at 06:53 PM EST

I didn't mind them, but they are gettng tired. Throw them a blanket and pillow. However, I don't see what's so different from her carting around a posse of general stereotypes when many rappers and R&B artists have scads of entourage with them that embrace a different stereotype or fashion ethos.

miv Wed, Nov 2, 2005 at 06:48 PM EST

i think it's a bit ridiculous to compare it to blackface! for her it was about a style movement she saw in japan and embraced it and tried to make it mainstream. i'm not a fan, purely because i think the first couple of times i saw it, it was cute. the 2nd million times i saw her with her crew was just tired.

EP Sato Wed, Nov 2, 2005 at 06:38 PM EST

Well, if Gwen had a back up band of hot Asian women (think the 5,6,7,8's but with talent) it would be a lot more okay.

But somehow, I keep imagining Gwen on some wooden block,inspecting the teeth on these women and such, saying "this one is good, this one is not so good", etc. If her posse was made up of several young teenagers from Africa who she dressed up in rags and never let speak, I am sure a few people would be pretty upset...

Shana Wed, Nov 2, 2005 at 05:14 PM EST

Remember, she stole a song originally performed by an old, Jewish man in a Broadway musical about Jewish ghetto life in Eastern Europe (If I Were a Rich Man from Fiddler on the Roof)for this album, as well as the Japanese schoolgirl posse. I found the song annoying because she IS, in fact, a VERY rich girl!