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ndltd-OhioLink-oai-etd.ohiolink.edu-osu12430279032021-08-03T05:55:49Z Phallic power of African American men: a study in Japanese literature (1930-present) Hobbs, Ayanna Bajita Doretha <p>The aim of this study is to explore the representations of African Americans in modern Japanese literature. By investigating prewar and contemporary Japanese texts, one can paint a picture of the language, images, and symbols used to introduce and illustrate African Americans to Japanese society. In this respect, this thesis examines the works of three authors, namely, Abe Tomoji (1903-1973), Yamada Eimi (b. 1959) and Murakami Ryū (b. 1952). Specifically, Abe's "Shinema no kokujin" ("A Negro in Cinema," 1930), Yamada's <i>Beddotaimu aizu</i> (<i>Bedtime Eyes</i>, 1985), <i>Hizamazuite ashi o oname</i> (<i>Kneel Down and Lick my Feet</i>, 1988), "Otoko ga onna o aisuru toki" ("When a Man Loves a Woman," 1987), "Seijin muki mōfu" ("X-Rated Blanket," 1988), <i>Torashu</i> (<i>Trash</i>, 1996), and Murakami's <i>Kagiri naku tōmei ni chikai burū</i> (<i>Almost Transparent Blue</i>, 1976).</p><p>Each of these authors have similarities in the fact that they were inspired to write about African Americans due to their specific experience(s) with them. Abe's infatuation with American cinema inspired him to construct a portrait of an African American filmstar, Stepin Fetchit (1892-1985). Yamada's principal involvement with African American servicemen stationed in Japan motivated her to write a collection of works illuminating certain aspects of African American men. Murakami's living arrangements with African American GIs was influential in his writing a novel about that period in his life.</p><p>A common thread mirrored in these authors' works is the sexuality of African American men. This research is organized in a manner to demonstrate the various levels in which sexuality is presented in modern Japanese literature. Chapter two depicts the more subtle ways in which the sexual attraction of African American men was suggested in the 1930s. Chapter three portrays explicit love obtained with African American men in the 1980s. Chapter four illustrates the extreme perverse sexuality of African American men in the mid-1970s.</p><p>Finally, the appendix of this thesis presents three translations, namely, Abe's "Shinema no kokujin," and Yamada's <i>Hizamazuite ashi o oname</i> [excerpt] and "Koi no daichōsasen" ("The Biggest Search Party for Love," 1988). The last translation is a comic strip and it will not be discussed in the body of the text, however, it provides a provocative insight into the way in which Yamada has been perceived by the public due to her intimate relations with African American men.</p> 1999 English text The Ohio State University / OhioLINK http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1243027903 http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1243027903 unrestricted This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.
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NDLTD
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| language |
English
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NDLTD
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| author |
Hobbs, Ayanna Bajita Doretha
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| spellingShingle |
Hobbs, Ayanna Bajita Doretha
Phallic power of African American men: a study in Japanese literature (1930-present)
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| author_facet |
Hobbs, Ayanna Bajita Doretha
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| author_sort |
Hobbs, Ayanna Bajita Doretha
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| title |
Phallic power of African American men: a study in Japanese literature (1930-present)
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| title_short |
Phallic power of African American men: a study in Japanese literature (1930-present)
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| title_full |
Phallic power of African American men: a study in Japanese literature (1930-present)
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| title_fullStr |
Phallic power of African American men: a study in Japanese literature (1930-present)
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| title_full_unstemmed |
Phallic power of African American men: a study in Japanese literature (1930-present)
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| title_sort |
phallic power of african american men: a study in japanese literature (1930-present)
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| publisher |
The Ohio State University / OhioLINK
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| publishDate |
1999
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| url |
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1243027903
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AT hobbsayannabajitadoretha phallicpowerofafricanamericanmenastudyinjapaneseliterature1930present
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1719428005000904704
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