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Asian Persuasion: Whether Asian culture (specifically anime) affects western people's aesthetic views after adolescence. by Francisco De Jesus Jr. Spring 2014

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment

of the requirements for a baccalaureate degree

in Communications in cursu honorum

Reviewed and approved by:

_______________________________________________ Dr. Cynthia Walker Thesis Supervisor

Submitted to the Honors Program, Saint Peter's University

Submitted April 29, 2014

Abstract Asian culture has had an impact on America in a number of areas, especially in entertainment. One of these better-known influences is anime, recognized for its artistic creativity. Previous research such as Chambers (2012) and Starka (2008) shows that anime has had an important impact on America, bringing several benefits such as artistic innovation and conventions that boosts economic growth. However, there is also a stigma to anime, criticized for content that influence viewers negatively than positively (Chambers, 2012). But how does anime really influence its audience and if so, how? To find out, 161 respondents were asked to participate in two separate surveys, answering several questions on anime and its role in their lives. In addition, the surveys were distributed at two locations: Saint Peter's University and New York Comic Con. Results from the first survey indicate that although 48% of respondents no longer watch anime, their aesthetic views and values were still influenced. The conclusion of the second survey study is similar, despite differences in the degree of influence anime had on respondents due to their other interests. In addition to this independent variable, several dependents were also verified, such as respondents learning right from wrong, associating themselves with certain characters from anime, and anime contributing to their artistic pursuits. Therefore, anime not only influenced respondents' aesthetic views, but also affected some areas such as their careers and/or artistic pursuits.

Table Of Contents 1. Literature Review: Pg. 1 2. Research Question: Pg. 6 3. Research/Methodology I: Pg. 7 4. Research/Methodology II: Pg. 8 5. Results/Discussion: Survey 1 (Saint Peter's University): Pg. 9 6. Results/Discussion: Survey 2 (New York Comic Con): Pg. 15 7. Conclusion: Pg. 22 8. Appendix I: Pg. 24 9. Appendix II: Pg. 26 10. Bibliography: Pg. 27

? Table 1 - Pg. 9 ? Table 2 - Pg. 10 ? Table 3 - Pg. 11 ? Table 4 - Pg. 11 ? Table 5 - Pg. 12 ? Table 6 - Pg. 12 ? Table 7 - Pg. 13 ? Table 8 - Pg. 14 ? Table 9 - Pg. 15 ? Table 10 - Pg. 16 ? Table 11 - Pg. 16 ? Table 12 ?Pg. 17 ? Table 13 - Pg. 17 ? Table 14 - Pg. 18 ? Table 15 -Pg. 19

Figures and Charts

De Jesus 1

Literature Review For most kids growing up in the U.S., coming home after school and watching television

was a traditional past time. I was no exception. Among my favorite television programs, one that stood out was Toonami back in 1997. This program was a daily ritual for me, as I would always come straight home after school in order to watch it on time. What made this program so special was the showcasing of several unique cartoons that were visually different from the traditional norm I had seen. Little did I know, what I was seeing was a popular form of Japanese cartoons, otherwise referred to as "anime."

Little by little, this genre influenced me. I would listen to Asian music throughout the day, purchase merchandise such as posters and manga, and attend various conventions, meeting other people who shared the same love for anime as I did. Before I knew it, anime had become part of my life, reaching the point where it influenced many important decisions. One decision comes in the form of visiting Japan during a semester abroad in Seoul, South Korea. Immersed literally in Asian culture, I met various people, garnered wonderful memories, and gained more experiences in those few days than I had in my entire life.

It was this moment that led to the development of both my thesis and the research that would help verify it. From anime, I learned various moral views: knowing right from wrong, good and evil, and how to be more the former under harsh situations. It was also instilled in me a love of Asian culture. If anime influenced me in such a way, would other people who watched it feel the same? Is there a connection between anime and its influence on one's views? My research attempts to find that out.

Many will argue that if any country possesses a strong influence in popular culture, it would likely be the United States. For example, films and television series in the U.S. have been

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