Comments on: An Interview with the Founder of Giant Robot Magazine http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/ Japan News Sun, 21 Mar 2010 04:58:24 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: cacafuego http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-390039 cacafuego Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:03:30 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-390039 Personally I dont find Tanaka to be offensive necessarily, because its clear his intentions are not maligned. Racial stereotypes however are a gray area, albeit a very sensitive one, and Im not so sure that someone outside the given race being stereotyped has any authority to say whether or not it is in fact offensive. If a native Japanese finds this offensive, it simply is, whether or not someone white, black, or orange can justify it to themselves. Ultimately Claytonian, youre right, in that you can do whatever the hell you want with your blog. As far as racial/cultural stereotyping is concerned on Japan Probe... not much of a surprise considering how many posts take an anti Korean tone. Personally I dont find Tanaka to be offensive necessarily, because its clear his intentions are not maligned. Racial stereotypes however are a gray area, albeit a very sensitive one, and Im not so sure that someone outside the given race being stereotyped has any authority to say whether or not it is in fact offensive. If a native Japanese finds this offensive, it simply is, whether or not someone white, black, or orange can justify it to themselves.
Ultimately Claytonian, youre right, in that you can do whatever the hell you want with your blog. As far as racial/cultural stereotyping is concerned on Japan Probe… not much of a surprise considering how many posts take an anti Korean tone.

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]]> By: silas http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-119371 silas Fri, 28 Dec 2007 23:19:40 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-119371 Wanted to note that "Ken Tanaka" lived for years in Japan, attending a Tokyo university where he received his degree. Be assured that though he has created a character perhaps somewhat in the style of Andy Kaufman's Latka, he very genuinely cherishes, understands, and respects Japanese culture. Wanted to note that “Ken Tanaka” lived for years in Japan, attending a Tokyo university where he received his degree. Be assured that though he has created a character perhaps somewhat in the style of Andy Kaufman’s Latka, he very genuinely cherishes, understands, and respects Japanese culture.

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]]> By: Schizodoxe | le blog des mutations : sciences, technologie, robotique, culture, video, news, infos, analyses... http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-118478 Schizodoxe | le blog des mutations : sciences, technologie, robotique, culture, video, news, infos, analyses... Wed, 26 Dec 2007 09:18:03 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-118478 [...] Source : Japan Probe. [...] [...] Source : Japan Probe. [...]

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]]> By: Wing_Goddess http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-118173 Wing_Goddess Tue, 25 Dec 2007 10:10:13 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-118173 I'm not going to join the fight, but i just want to say that I'm also NOT a fan of this Ken Tanaka. I don't find Ken Tanaka nowhere NEAR annoying as his videos on his other account, YouloveKaraokeSteve. It's so bad it makes me cry :( http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=c-sLC2e_P3s&feature=related I’m not going to join the fight, but i just want to say that I’m also NOT a fan of this Ken Tanaka. I don’t find Ken Tanaka nowhere NEAR annoying as his videos on his other account, YouloveKaraokeSteve. It’s so bad it makes me cry :(
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=c-sLC2e_P3s&feature=related

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]]> By: ponta http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-117255 ponta Sun, 23 Dec 2007 04:48:39 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-117255 "what IS his intention? It started off with him pretending to be an adopted child looking for his birth parents, but no idea where it is going now." Probably even he has no idea where it is going. But I just don't think he has a malice intention. As for whether to broadcast, surely it is a gray zone;some people including a native Japanese like me and a Japanese American on the video find his videos just funny,; others find it offensive. I wonder how many Japanese really care about the vidoes. Sure there will be some, but some native Japanese are working with him. The majority Japanese won't understand he is mimicing Japanese accent and I wonder how many Japanese who understand it really care about it....it is a gray zone. It is up to the Japan Probe blogger to decide. And of course people have every right to express their opinions to influence the blogger. “what IS his intention? It started off with him pretending to be an adopted child looking for his birth parents, but no idea where it is going now.”

Probably even he has no idea where it is going.
But I just don’t think he has a malice intention.

As for whether to broadcast, surely it is a gray zone;some people including a native Japanese like me and a Japanese American on the video find his videos just funny,; others find it offensive. I wonder how many Japanese really care about the vidoes. Sure there will be some, but some native Japanese are working with him. The majority Japanese won’t understand he is mimicing Japanese accent and I wonder how many Japanese who understand it really care about it….it is a gray
zone. It is up to the Japan Probe blogger to decide. And of course people have every right to express their opinions to influence the blogger.

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]]> By: Dakk http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-117245 Dakk Sun, 23 Dec 2007 04:26:26 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-117245 I don't find him "offensive" in the least, I just find him utterly drab and a waste of space. I don’t find him “offensive” in the least, I just find him utterly drab and a waste of space.

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]]> By: The Overthinker http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-117244 The Overthinker Sun, 23 Dec 2007 04:18:50 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-117244 "The context is wrong, for instance, when you mimic the inability in front of the person who is trying hard to overcome it and feel the inability as a disgrace." Which is why this should not be broadcast on YouTube to the entire world. Yeah, "free speech" and all, but the legality is not the issue. And what IS his intention? It started off with him pretending to be an adopted child looking for his birth parents, but no idea where it is going now. “The context is wrong, for instance, when you mimic the inability in front of the person who is trying hard to overcome it and feel the inability as a disgrace.”

Which is why this should not be broadcast on YouTube to the entire world. Yeah, “free speech” and all, but the legality is not the issue.

And what IS his intention? It started off with him pretending to be an adopted child looking for his birth parents, but no idea where it is going now.

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]]> By: ponta http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-117225 ponta Sun, 23 Dec 2007 03:33:28 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-117225 The members of group who make fun of their inability and enjoy it usually have the ability to distance themselves from the inability and the ability not to take it seriously and it is likely , in my opinion , that they can enjoy a non-member making fun of that inability if the intention and the context is right. I don't find Ken's intention and the context wrong. The context is wrong, for instance, when you mimic the inability in front of the person who is trying hard to overcome it and feel the inability as a disgrace. To the extent that there are some people who find it a disgrace, Ken's act might be in the grey zone, but for my part, I find him just funny. The members of group who make fun of their inability and enjoy it usually have the ability to distance themselves from the inability and the ability not to take it seriously and it is likely , in my opinion , that they can enjoy a non-member making fun of that inability if the intention and the context is right. I don’t find Ken’s intention and the context wrong.
The context is wrong, for instance, when you mimic the inability in front of the person who is trying hard to overcome it and feel the inability as a disgrace.
To the extent that there are some people who find it a disgrace, Ken’s act might be in the grey zone, but for my part, I find him just funny.

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]]> By: The Overthinker http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-117191 The Overthinker Sun, 23 Dec 2007 01:45:51 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-117191 It's the "nigger" issue here - it's okay for members of a group to make fun of themselves (eg gaijin learning Japanese), but would you be happy seeing Japanese 'tarento' on TV, say, mimicking "gaijin Japanese"? I know I am not. It’s the “nigger” issue here – it’s okay for members of a group to make fun of themselves (eg gaijin learning Japanese), but would you be happy seeing Japanese ‘tarento’ on TV, say, mimicking “gaijin Japanese”? I know I am not.

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]]> By: Karisu http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-117189 Karisu Sun, 23 Dec 2007 01:41:05 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-117189 Hmm... I find it a little odd that people are trying to defend Japanese people that can't speak English properly, but I'm fairly certain that most of these same people are the first ones to jump down a non-native Japanese speakers trouble pronouncing Japanese words. Hmm… I find it a little odd that people are trying to defend Japanese people that can’t speak English properly, but I’m fairly certain that most of these same people are the first ones to jump down a non-native Japanese speakers trouble pronouncing Japanese words.

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]]> By: ponta http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-117121 ponta Sat, 22 Dec 2007 22:13:29 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-117121 Jokes and Comedies often makes fun of somebody. Some of them are unacceptable partly because they have malice intentions. I don't feel a malice intention in Ken. The Japanese themselves often make fun of their inability to speak English. For instance, a pair of stand-up comedians goes: Asked,"...and sex ?" in English at the airport, in response he said, One ... a weak (once a weak) or syuu ikkai" with an odd English flavor. he is stupid(bakayayanaa)....laughter follows. This is a make-up story and nobody takes it seriously. I laughed at Ken's mimicking a Japanese person in a similar sense. Jokes and Comedies often makes fun of somebody.
Some of them are unacceptable partly because they have malice intentions. I don’t feel a malice intention in Ken.
The Japanese themselves often make fun of their inability to speak English. For instance, a pair of stand-up comedians goes: Asked,”…and sex ?” in English at the airport, in response he said, One … a weak (once a weak) or syuu ikkai” with an odd English flavor. he is stupid(bakayayanaa)….laughter follows. This is a make-up story and nobody takes it seriously. I laughed at Ken’s mimicking a Japanese person in a similar sense.

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]]> By: The Overthinker http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-117038 The Overthinker Sat, 22 Dec 2007 16:43:58 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-117038 Maybe there should be a poll like "Is 'Ken Tanaka' offensive?" I'd vote Yes. Maybe there should be a poll like “Is ‘Ken Tanaka’ offensive?”

I’d vote Yes.

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]]> By: Marcus http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116892 Marcus Sat, 22 Dec 2007 09:14:40 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116892 I don't think Tanaka is very offensive, more like really boring. Of course you get to present your side of the argument, but starting by saying you will ignore whatever your readers happen to think isn't very... constructive. I don’t think Tanaka is very offensive, more like really boring. Of course you get to present your side of the argument, but starting by saying you will ignore whatever your readers happen to think isn’t very… constructive.

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]]> By: Claytonian http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116891 Claytonian Sat, 22 Dec 2007 09:13:43 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116891 whoops deleted Dakk's comment by accident. He very kindly said "You're acting like a pretentious child, Claytonian." whoops deleted Dakk’s comment by accident. He very kindly said “You’re acting like a pretentious child, Claytonian.”

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]]> By: sod http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116844 sod Sat, 22 Dec 2007 06:56:18 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116844 ken isn't funny and his vid's are getting worse.i always get the feeling that he's drunk in some of them as well.i understand that the guy is trying to make a career but he really aint got the talent for what he's trying to pull of.its not borat by a long shot!!! ken isn’t funny and his vid’s are getting worse.i always get the feeling that he’s drunk in some of them as well.i understand that the guy is trying to make a career but he really aint got the talent for what he’s trying to pull of.its not borat by a long shot!!!

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]]> By: Claytonian http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116823 Claytonian Sat, 22 Dec 2007 05:45:36 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116823 I value your patronage, ShazzbOt, I just can't agree with you on the offensive-or-not issue, and do indeed feel bad that you feel dissatisfied. I don't feel I've belittled you by disagreeing though. When all points are moot, I'm gonna stick to my plans. I value your patronage, ShazzbOt, I just can’t agree with you on the offensive-or-not issue, and do indeed feel bad that you feel dissatisfied. I don’t feel I’ve belittled you by disagreeing though. When all points are moot, I’m gonna stick to my plans.

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]]> By: shazzb0t http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116818 shazzb0t Sat, 22 Dec 2007 05:40:16 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116818 A disability and inability are two different things. There are many Japanese people who have real hard times with English. I guess that you have tried to help someone out who was struggling with certain parts of speech no matter how hard they tried. A disability and inability are two different things.

There are many Japanese people who have real hard times with English. I guess that you have tried to help someone out who was struggling with certain parts of speech no matter how hard they tried.

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]]> By: shazzb0t http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116816 shazzb0t Sat, 22 Dec 2007 05:37:47 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116816 No one is saying that you are anyone's 'slave'. All we are saying is that responding to our thoughts on these videos with 'I'll post whatever I want whether you like it or not' is not only childish, it shows that you don't know how to treat the people who frequent your site. As well, trying to scoff off people's thoughts about Ken Tanaka's act as simply being 'negative' is more than a little dishonest. If you want to post Ken Tanaka videos thats fine its your site, but don't disrespect the people who are offended by those videos. Furthermore, don't be surprised if people stop coming here as often as they do. I usually like just about every post you, James and Dave have put up, but these ones I really feel we could do without. You don't want to acknowledge the fact that it could offend people and you make apologies for it. That bugs me just a little. No one is saying that you are anyone’s ’slave’. All we are saying is that responding to our thoughts on these videos with ‘I’ll post whatever I want whether you like it or not’ is not only childish, it shows that you don’t know how to treat the people who frequent your site. As well, trying to scoff off people’s thoughts about Ken Tanaka’s act as simply being ‘negative’ is more than a little dishonest.

If you want to post Ken Tanaka videos thats fine its your site, but don’t disrespect the people who are offended by those videos. Furthermore, don’t be surprised if people stop coming here as often as they do. I usually like just about every post you, James and Dave have put up, but these ones I really feel we could do without. You don’t want to acknowledge the fact that it could offend people and you make apologies for it. That bugs me just a little.

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]]> By: Claytonian http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116773 Claytonian Sat, 22 Dec 2007 03:20:42 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116773 Oh but you might be right; this feels hardly like it is worth my time to fuss over too. Of course, your comments come right to my inbox, so... Oh but you might be right; this feels hardly like it is worth my time to fuss over too. Of course, your comments come right to my inbox, so…

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]]> By: tarukin http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116772 tarukin Sat, 22 Dec 2007 03:15:30 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116772 The readers post what they want. It's your choice to read. Skip over the post next time. I think your time would be better spent on other issues, Claytonian. （棒読み） ...Ok I was being a little childish. But seriously, it's not really a constructive way of argument, or is it? The readers post what they want. It’s your choice to read. Skip over the post next time. I think your time would be better spent on other issues, Claytonian. （棒読み）

…Ok I was being a little childish.
But seriously, it’s not really a constructive way of argument, or is it?

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]]> By: Claytonian http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116766 Claytonian Sat, 22 Dec 2007 03:07:50 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116766 I suspect Ponta is not an exception in liking the vids (Ken has a sizeable following on youtube). But he is an exception in that he is not afraid to speak his mind when the negative people come out. Thanks, Ponta. I suspect Ponta is not an exception in liking the vids (Ken has a sizeable following on youtube). But he is an exception in that he is not afraid to speak his mind when the negative people come out. Thanks, Ponta.

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]]> By: ponta http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116763 ponta Sat, 22 Dec 2007 03:03:44 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116763 I for one appreciate you posting it. I enjoyed it. If you don't post it from now , I have to go to see youtube on myself. I really enjoy his talk:honestly I've watched his videos several times. I for one appreciate you posting it. I enjoyed it.
If you don’t post it from now , I have to go to see youtube on myself. I really enjoy his talk:honestly I’ve watched his videos several times.

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]]> By: Claytonian http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116756 Claytonian Sat, 22 Dec 2007 02:50:15 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116756 Ironically, your comment was deleted for being offensive. Ironically, your comment was deleted for being offensive.

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]]> By: Claytonian http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116754 Claytonian Sat, 22 Dec 2007 02:49:30 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116754 I am not you're guy's slave, nor do I have agree with you. I don't feel it's wrong to present my side of things when I am criticized. I am not you’re guy’s slave, nor do I have agree with you. I don’t feel it’s wrong to present my side of things when I am criticized.

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]]> By: Claytonian http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116752 Claytonian Sat, 22 Dec 2007 02:47:38 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116752 Now accents are disabilities? Have you never imitated an accent in your life? If so, you are apparently no better than a minstrel singer. Now accents are disabilities? Have you never imitated an accent in your life? If so, you are apparently no better than a minstrel singer.

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]]> By: kt http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116711 kt Sat, 22 Dec 2007 00:53:15 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116711 this guy is a joke and a loser. definitely stop posting his sh*t. freakin ridiculous this guy is a joke and a loser. definitely stop posting his sh*t. freakin ridiculous

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]]> By: shazzb0t http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116665 shazzb0t Fri, 21 Dec 2007 23:03:30 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116665 Oh, you wrote another worthless comment. Not surprising. Oh, you wrote another worthless comment. Not surprising.

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]]> By: Dakk http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116654 Dakk Fri, 21 Dec 2007 22:24:12 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116654 Would you stop wasting everyones time with garbage videos like this? Nobody likes Ken Tanaka, stop sponsoring him. Would you stop wasting everyones time with garbage videos like this? Nobody likes Ken Tanaka, stop sponsoring him.

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]]> By: sireB http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116585 sireB Fri, 21 Dec 2007 19:25:10 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116585 You can delete my comments all you want, but at some point you are going to have to realize that this jack-ass is unpopular with your readers. I am surprised you think this little blog is a public declaration of your quirks, and not simple entertainment for a tiny niche of people, many of whom think this ugly 'Ken Tanaka' retard is offensive. You can delete my comments all you want, but at some point you are going to have to realize that this jack-ass is unpopular with your readers.

I am surprised you think this little blog is a public declaration of your quirks, and not simple entertainment for a tiny niche of people, many of whom think this ugly ‘Ken Tanaka’ retard is offensive.

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]]> By: VonSkippy http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116580 VonSkippy Fri, 21 Dec 2007 19:12:18 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116580 Ironic how several of these comments show a known Japanese problem - that is, they can "dish it" but they can't "take it". Kettle, meet 黒. Ironic how several of these comments show a known Japanese problem – that is, they can “dish it” but they can’t “take it”. Kettle, meet 黒.

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]]> By: Karisu http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116572 Karisu Fri, 21 Dec 2007 19:00:58 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116572 I'm not going to get into what I think about Ken Tanaka, but I did actually enjoy this interview/video. I’m not going to get into what I think about Ken Tanaka, but I did actually enjoy this interview/video.

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]]> By: Marcus http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116552 Marcus Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:06:36 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116552 I was surprised by that comment too. Maybe you should try and adopt a more humble attitude towards your readers. You exist because of them, don't you? You should make an effort to appreciate the input rather than just go "oh no, criticism! F*ck you!" I was surprised by that comment too. Maybe you should try and adopt a more humble attitude towards your readers. You exist because of them, don’t you? You should make an effort to appreciate the input rather than just go “oh no, criticism! F*ck you!”

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]]> By: The Overthinker http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116533 The Overthinker Fri, 21 Dec 2007 17:43:46 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116533 He does make fun of inabilities. Specifically, the inability of many Japanese to pronounce English properly. If Japanese spoke English like that on purpose, it might be fair game. But since they do not, it comes across as mocking and condescending. And he probably does say "flied lice" as well. He does make fun of inabilities. Specifically, the inability of many Japanese to pronounce English properly. If Japanese spoke English like that on purpose, it might be fair game. But since they do not, it comes across as mocking and condescending. And he probably does say “flied lice” as well.

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]]> By: tarukin http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116486 tarukin Fri, 21 Dec 2007 15:39:29 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116486 Wow. You really are a determined man. Wow. You really are a determined man.

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]]> By: lost in ube http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116476 lost in ube Fri, 21 Dec 2007 15:19:13 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116476 I won't touch the Ken Tanaka thing. I will say that even though I haven't read an issue in several years Giant Robot will always hold a place in my heart. It was one of the first zines that I really got into. It was written by and for Asian Americans of my age at a time when Asian culture wasn't quite as mainstream (this was around when Jackie Chan finally broke into the mainstream American market with Rumble in the Bronx). I'm surprised it has lasted while other bigger and slicker magazines geared at Asians (A. Magazine and Yolk to name ones off the top of my head) have had to close up shop. I won’t touch the Ken Tanaka thing.
I will say that even though I haven’t read an issue in several years Giant Robot will always hold a place in my heart. It was one of the first zines that I really got into. It was written by and for Asian Americans of my age at a time when Asian culture wasn’t quite as mainstream (this was around when Jackie Chan finally broke into the mainstream American market with Rumble in the Bronx). I’m surprised it has lasted while other bigger and slicker magazines geared at Asians (A. Magazine and Yolk to name ones off the top of my head) have had to close up shop.

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]]> By: Claytonian http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116463 Claytonian Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:41:44 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116463 For reading every day, I owe you a thanks and little more. So thanks for reading. You can't dictate what we should decide to post, though we welcome your opinions on what we post here in the comments. You can trash Ken every time I post one of his vids if you so choose, but I think your time would be better spent on other issues. Ken does not make fun of someone's culture or make a quick buck off oppression like the minstral singers; he introduces Japanese culture to many people. He is not running around in a straw hat with buck teeth talking about flied lice. Nor is his act something sinister; it's just a gimmick to engage the audience. For reading every day, I owe you a thanks and little more. So thanks for reading. You can’t dictate what we should decide to post, though we welcome your opinions on what we post here in the comments. You can trash Ken every time I post one of his vids if you so choose, but I think your time would be better spent on other issues.

Ken does not make fun of someone’s culture or make a quick buck off oppression like the minstral singers; he introduces Japanese culture to many people. He is not running around in a straw hat with buck teeth talking about flied lice. Nor is his act something sinister; it’s just a gimmick to engage the audience.

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]]> By: shazzb0t http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116455 shazzb0t Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:26:03 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116455 'Sorry, we post what we want.' So, your readers' input doesn't make any difference? I think thats a rather belligerent stance to take towards someone who has been reading this blog for quite awhile. 'Observation of non-native speech patterns..' Hate to tell you but the odd English speaking Japanese character is a stereotype and a very visible one at that. Go ask a couple of Japanese folks about how they felt when they saw "Lost in Translation," you'll see what I am saying. Ken doesn't break the stereotypes he makes them acceptable by donning this character and speaking in this manner. He makes us think that how he is speaking is funny because it is an actual representation of Japanese who make English mistakes or sound a little different. To be honest I think saying this isn't offensive makes one seem a bit culturally insensitive and unsophisticated. 'If anything, Ken breaks stereotypes, by being a white guy...' This is like saying 'Well, Al Jolson knew a lot about the black culture he mimicked and made fun of, so its ok'. No, I hate to say it to you, since you have your mind made up and all, but its not ok, he does present a stereotypical image of Japanese English speakers and it is offensive. I think so far the majority of the comments have reflected the fact that they do not like this character nor do they do like these posts. That you do not care what a few of your more active posters feel about this reflects poorly on you and on JP. ‘Sorry, we post what we want.’

So, your readers’ input doesn’t make any difference? I think thats a rather belligerent stance to take towards someone who has been reading this blog for quite awhile.

‘Observation of non-native speech patterns..’

Hate to tell you but the odd English speaking Japanese character is a stereotype and a very visible one at that. Go ask a couple of Japanese folks about how they felt when they saw “Lost in Translation,” you’ll see what I am saying. Ken doesn’t break the stereotypes he makes them acceptable by donning this character and speaking in this manner. He makes us think that how he is speaking is funny because it is an actual representation of Japanese who make English mistakes or sound a little different. To be honest I think saying this isn’t offensive makes one seem a bit culturally insensitive and unsophisticated.

‘If anything, Ken breaks stereotypes, by being a white guy…’

This is like saying ‘Well, Al Jolson knew a lot about the black culture he mimicked and made fun of, so its ok’. No, I hate to say it to you, since you have your mind made up and all, but its not ok, he does present a stereotypical image of Japanese English speakers and it is offensive.

I think so far the majority of the comments have reflected the fact that they do not like this character nor do they do like these posts. That you do not care what a few of your more active posters feel about this reflects poorly on you and on JP.

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]]> By: ponta http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116443 ponta Fri, 21 Dec 2007 13:54:15 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116443 Well probably I am crazy, but I love this guy. Well probably I am crazy, but I love this guy.

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]]> By: Claytonian http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116440 Claytonian Fri, 21 Dec 2007 13:49:05 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116440 Sorry, we post what we want; it's your choice to read and watch. Skip over the post next time. As for whether or not Ken is as offensive as a minstrel show, I disagree. I feel his schtick is based off of observation of non-native speech patterns, and not stereotypes. If anything, Ken breaks stereotypes by being a white guy with an Asian language background. You can argue with me on that point, but my mind is made up on the Ken issue. Sorry, we post what we want; it’s your choice to read and watch. Skip over the post next time.

As for whether or not Ken is as offensive as a minstrel show, I disagree. I feel his schtick is based off of observation of non-native speech patterns, and not stereotypes. If anything, Ken breaks stereotypes by being a white guy with an Asian language background.

You can argue with me on that point, but my mind is made up on the Ken issue.

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]]> By: The Overthinker http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116416 The Overthinker Fri, 21 Dec 2007 12:51:26 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116416 Yeah, this guy pisses me off, and the guy he was talking to was a saint for not putting his fist in "Ken Tanaka's" face. Yeah, this guy pisses me off, and the guy he was talking to was a saint for not putting his fist in “Ken Tanaka’s” face.

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]]> By: 404error http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116413 404error Fri, 21 Dec 2007 12:47:51 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116413 dude i so dont like this ken tanaka -.- and the vids are pure crap sry my opinion dude i so dont like this ken tanaka -.-

and the vids are pure crap sry my opinion

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]]> By: shazzb0t http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116405 shazzb0t Fri, 21 Dec 2007 12:38:44 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116405 Seriously though, could you stop posting this guy's videos. They are garbage. They aren't funny, they aren't original and in fact they are basically a minstrel show without the face makeup. His schtick is offensive and obnoxious. I'd really appreciate it if you stop posting these. Seriously though, could you stop posting this guy’s videos. They are garbage. They aren’t funny, they aren’t original and in fact they are basically a minstrel show without the face makeup.

His schtick is offensive and obnoxious. I’d really appreciate it if you stop posting these.

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]]> By: Claytonian http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116307 Claytonian Fri, 21 Dec 2007 08:31:42 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116307 someone missed the hate train the first time around... someone missed the hate train the first time around…

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]]> By: mk1311 http://www.japanprobe.com/2007/12/21/an-interview-with-the-founder-of-giant-robot-magazine/comment-page-1/#comment-116297 mk1311 Fri, 21 Dec 2007 08:20:12 +0000 http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3479#comment-116297 Ken Tanaka? is that your real name? and why do you talk to us japanese like we are retards? Ken Tanaka? is that your real name? and why do you talk to us japanese like we are retards?

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