Gwen Stefani’s comment “I’m Japanese” causes controversy

Singer Gwen Stefani is known for her love of Japan. His first solo album, ” Love.Angel.Music.Baby “, released in 2004, was inspired by the Harajuku subculture and included the song “Harajuku Girls”. In addition, Japanese and Japanese-American backup dancers were appointed and worked together under the name “Harajuku Girls” also launching a fragrance collection of the same name. Both the album and the fragrance collection were huge successes, although they were also criticized for cultural appropriation.

Gwen was recently interviewed by Allure magazine. When asked about this moment in her career by an Asian interviewer, she replied, ” Japanese culture is both traditional and futuristic . The artistry, attention to detail, and discipline were very appealing.” He revealed that his father worked for ” Yamaha ” in Japan and had been traveling between California and Japan for about 10 years. I grew up hearing stories of stylish women dyeing their hair colorful.” “When I grew up, I visited Japan, I went to Harajuku, and I thought, ‘Oh wow , I’m Japanese and I didn’t know it .’” When the interviewer was shocked by this comment and remained silent, Gwen said again, ” I’m Japanese “, she stated that her relationship with Japanese culture was ” simple ” and that she was “a super fan of Japanese culture”.

Gwen also commented on criticism that her “Harajuku Girls” series was considered cultural appropriation. “I think it’s weird that you get criticized for being a fan of the things you like and sharing them. We should be able to get inspired, otherwise people would be divided.”

However, this “I am Japanese” statement is also controversial as “Harajuku Girls”. There have been voices that point out that the representation of a culture or race must be carried out by the bearer of that culture or race. The interviewer also touched on his experience of increasing discrimination against Asians in the United States in recent years, saying, “While I claim to be a member of a vibrant and creative community (Asian society), I feel the pain and fear that accompanies it.”I don’t think Gwen said anything with bad intentions or with the intent to hurt, but even without animosity, words can hurt people.”Last summer, Gwen was criticized for “cultural appropriation” for using dreadlocks and wearing the colors of the Jamaican flag Is this also considered cultural appropriation?