Cultural Diversity in Japan - Midterm Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering the lecture’s midterm guidelines, key anthropological concepts, minority histories, and upcoming material on George Takei and the musical Allegiance.

Body Rituals Among the Nacirema

A satirical anthropological essay illustrating cultural relativism by describing ordinary American practices as exotic rituals.

Japan as a Modern Construction

The idea that the concept of "Japan" is a historically produced, modern identity rather than an unchanging entity.

Shift from Geographical to Temporal Otherness

Change in how foreignness is conceived—no longer only about distant places but also about societies viewed as existing in a different historical time.

Ainu

Indigenous people of northern Japan who have been marginalized and othered within Japanese society.

Ryukyu Kingdom

Historically independent kingdom (modern Okinawa) annexed by Japan, highlighting internal cultural diversity.

Microaggression

Subtle, often unintentional discriminatory remarks or behaviors that communicate bias toward marginalized groups.

Zainichi Koreans

Ethnic Koreans residing long-term in Japan, often facing legal and social discrimination despite generational roots in the country.

Formation of Zainichi Identity

Processes through which Zainichi Koreans negotiate belonging, heritage, and exclusion in Japanese society.

1923 Great Kanto Earthquake

Catastrophic quake in Tokyo-Yokohama that triggered scapegoating and massacres of Korean residents.

Passing

Adopting the appearance or identity markers of another social group to avoid prejudice or gain privilege.

Myth of Homogeneity

The belief that Japan is ethnically and culturally uniform, masking internal diversity and minority experiences.

The Cats of Mirikitani

Documentary about artist Jimmy Mirikitani linking WWII incarceration, homelessness, and resilience.

World War II Internment Camps (U.S.)

Government-run facilities that forcibly confined Japanese Americans during WWII on the basis of ancestry.

9/11 and Islamophobia

Post-September 11 climate marked by heightened suspicion and prejudice toward Muslims, used as a comparative frame for past injustices.

Framework of Nation

Conceptual lens that shapes who belongs, who is excluded, and how identities are constructed within national boundaries.

George Takei

Japanese American actor and activist celebrated for Star Trek’s Hikaru Sulu and outspoken social-justice advocacy.

Hikaru Sulu

Helmsman character played by George Takei on the original Star Trek TV series (1966-1969).

Allegiance (Musical)

Broadway production starring George Takei dramatizing the forced internment of Japanese American families during WWII.

Forced Internment of Japanese Families

WWII policy that removed over 120,000 Japanese Americans from their homes and confined them in camps.

LGBTQ Rights Advocacy

Public support and activism for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer equality—central to George Takei’s online presence.

Open-Book Exam

Test format permitting use of course materials and dictionaries while prohibiting internet sources or collaboration.

One-Attempt, Timed Exam Policy

Assessment rule allowing a single 60-minute attempt; students must start only when prepared to finish.