Week 7- Japanese Teen Prodcuers

Week 7
ASA 141
Alejandra Verduzco

In the article "Japanese Teens as Producers of Street Fashion" by Yuniya Kawamura describes the sociological analysis of the social organizations in Japan street fashion that is formed by teen consumers creating subcultures that determine current fashion trends. Young generations are the future of the world, teens have such an impact on economical consumerism without even noticing. Most countries high fashion trends are dependent on the famous designers themselves, Japan looks towards teens for the next fashion trend. This trend also leads to different subcultures that divided individuals based on the look, clothing, and the way they acted. This was a way for the youth to be engaged and become noticed and have their voice heard. Media also has a major factor in determining what's in style right now or what's trending, allowing for many people to express themselves and get support from others. Many YouTubers are popular for their sense in style and makeup, making companies reach out to them and sponsoring them in order to get more customers. It's no doubt that many people want to fit into a certain, it's human nature to try and fit in with people we can relate more with. However, what happens when it gets taken to far? Or when that famous influencer does something bad, what happens to all those people following their trend?

Japan is known for its confirmative and uninformed nature, thus leading many people to seek to fashion as a form of self-expression and breaking boundaries. The video we watched in the class of Japanese Chicanos was honestly quite surprising. I actually grew up in L.A in a Chicano neighborhood and never once did I see a Japanese Chicano. I have nothing wrong with it, but I know many people who might take it offensively. Now, this gets me a bit confused because do they have a right to get offended? Is this considered cultural appropriation? If a Mexican were to dress in an Ao Dai, would Asians look down upon them? How do we determine whether people can take upon certain cultures and styles?