So my sister showed me this Japanese girl group called AKB48 today. Apparently it's one of those super groups with like a million members. At any rate, I can't help but feel that there's something really messed up here after reading the lyrics to some of their songs and watching some of their videos. I understand that there are differences in culture and all, but assuming the translations to the song above is accurate, how do people get away with making kids do this? I can't help but think what kind of firestorm would be sparked if a young girl group in this country came out with stuff like this... What's your opinion of this? I know some of them are 18+, but seriously.... WTF?
I actually saw them perform live in the New York Anime Festival last year. I think it was their first US concert. I remember how many people were screaming when they first entered the building (most of the screamers were actually guys). The area the concert was at was extremely packed.
On August 04 2010 11:18 synapse wrote: 48 members? WHY? It's not even like they have 3 or 4 part harmonies going on in the song... they're all singing the same line...
It's actually just a small team within the 48 members that sing certain songs by akb48.
So my sister showed me this Japanese girl group called AKB48 today. Apparently it's one of those super groups with like a million members. At any rate, I can't help but feel that there's something really messed up here after reading the lyrics to some of their songs and watching some of their videos. I understand that there are differences in culture and all, but assuming the translations to the song above is accurate, how do people get away with making kids do this? I can't help but think what kind of firestorm would be sparked if a young girl group in this country came out with stuff like this... What's your opinion of this? I know some of them are 18+, but seriously.... WTF?
I agree that it is pretty messed up. However, this stuff also happens around the world and in the United States with Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus albeit in a way that is less direct and with more euphemisms. Sex is one of those things that transcends cultures.
I am definitely not a proponent of underage promiscuity. Many people wouldn't directly admit to enjoying promiscuity and all its detriments. However, in the end, I'd be willing to bet that there is a part of us that enjoy this kind of thing, and that there is a market in all of us for this kind of thing. Is it sick? Definitely. Do we still enjoy it? I won't lie, I sort of enjoyed it.
The sexuality that oozes from their lyrics and dances excites men and inspires younger girls. It makes a hell lot of money and that is why these songs are made.
their lyrics r not that sexual and way less "messed up" than britney spears.
i will interpret 4 u
"Baby One More Time" by Britney Spears
Oh baby, baby Oh baby, baby Oh baby, baby ...
she has so much sex theres many babys. six to be exact. thats a lot of sex, over a 54 month time period. thats a ton of sex. way more than some japanese girl's one night stand.
[CHORUS] My loneliness is killing me I must confess, I still believe When I'm not with you I lose my mind Give me a sign Hit me baby one more time
now shes going crazy with sexual lust, combining BDSM (hit me) with incest (baby). way more extreme than some silly japanese teens fooling around.
Boy you got me blinded
clearly a reference to bukkake
Oh baby, baby Oh baby, baby Ah, yeah, yeah Oh baby, baby How was I supposed to know Oh pretty baby
at this point in the song its like 50+ babies, which is impossible for 1 person 2 have bc women's equipment dont work after that time
ya so that japanese song is pretty tame compared to USA
ROFL, at first i was like ok.. so there's gonna maybe be 14 members, video loads and i lol'd irl..
Dude, that's not even bad.. Someone linked me this like non-dance version of this girl group and they're like all 12.. Just face shots.. It was like giving paedophiles material to watch.
baller you and your appropriate name just made my fucking year.
and to op, don't worry so much, we're talking about a country that has separate carriages because molestation is such a problem*, this song is is about growing up and the women being in control with someone they trust, I'd mark that as a positive.
and as you say they're pretty main stream (hell there's enough of them to be a demographic) they won't be doing anything risqué, it hurts the cash flow.
Britney Spears has a reactor attached so she can make two babies at once.
I've been following this group for a while now after seeing them on one really cheap j-drama. What impresses me actually about them is their shrewd marketing strategy. They have this competition every so often where they vote for "top" members to sing the next single. You need a CD or something to get a vote, and 1 CD = 1 vote. So they are using the fan support of the hardcore fans to buy multiple copies of their CDs, etc.
Wait where have I heard of that? Using fan support to buy multiple copies of the same thing?
haha didnt know Canadian Lesbians could get it on earlier.
In Canada, unmarried persons under 18 cannot legally consent to anal sex according to national law, although provincial laws may vary.
As for the song.. yeah its pushing it a bit, but a lot of the members are legal.. And it's not like highschoolers being horny is a shocking concept even in North America.
plus I want to point out that a lot of these girls were born in 1995.... and Idols make photobooks. Do you even want to guess how slutty an AKB photobook would be?
Sells = good enough obviously. The music/singing kinda sucks, and they don't even look attractive to me, but I like the concept and I don't know wtf is supposedly wrong with it. Coz It's not like a kid will have no erotic thoughts whatsoever until BAM he/she turns 18 and then goes wild, or until graduation and then all of a sudden gonna go on a sex rampage, this is just not how things work in this world, I'm sorry OP.
On August 04 2010 11:52 D00dles wrote: ROFL, at first i was like ok.. so there's gonna maybe be 14 members, video loads and i lol'd irl..
Dude, that's not even bad.. Someone linked me this like non-dance version of this girl group and they're like all 12.. Just face shots.. It was like giving paedophiles material to watch.
On August 04 2010 12:22 meegrean wrote: oh great, a group for pedophiles.
you haven't seen even half of it. At least the music-idol groups (AKB excepted) tend to be tasteful; there is a whole market for non-musical junior idols (read: those under 15) basically just to model in. just from the little I've been exposed to it, it can be really bad - its basically softcore porn.
I think they are actually starting to crack down on it.
if we're talking about big idol groups, I might as well post a good one (just a shuffle group though)
Yeeeah we already flamed the hell out of them in the Japanese music thread lol. They're pretty infamous, but as someone mentioned the wotas eat up anything they put out. Their 'theatre' in akiba is always swamped. I even saw a bunch of guys trading/looking at the akb48 collectible cards in a mcdonalds in akiba, its pretty lol.
On August 04 2010 12:32 Taku wrote: Yeeeah we already flamed the hell out of them in the Japanese music thread lol. They're pretty infamous, but as someone mentioned the wotas eat up anything they put out. Their 'theatre' in akiba is always swamped. I even saw a bunch of guys trading/looking at the akb48 collectible cards in a mcdonalds in akiba, its pretty lol.
its fucking disgusting. Its lowest-common-denominator idol music specifically designed to appeal to the lonely, dakimakura hugging, memorabilia collecting, wota.
There is nothing redeeming about AKB music, or anything else they do. Its tragic that the majority of wotas are so easily swayed.
So they are only like 15 or 16 who fucking cares im sure that's old enough to have sex so wtf you prudes.
If they are pre-pubescent then yeah that's gross. Otherwise wtf? Believe it or not people who are only 15 or 16 can be sexual.
Honestly there is so much fucked up stuff in the world and this is the sort of stuff some of you guys find "disgusting"? Some younger women making tons of money with sexual dance moves and lyrics? *gasp*
she has so much sex theres many babys. six to be exact. thats a lot of sex, over a 54 month time period. thats a ton of sex. way more than some japanese girl's one night stand.
On August 04 2010 11:37 m30wc0w wrote: brb moving to japan
yo wanna book group tickets so we get discounted prices?
Lol.
I thought you were exaggerating when you said there are a million members... But damn, there are a million members! Do all of them even get to sing? wtf...
their lyrics r not that sexual and way less "messed up" than britney spears.
i will interpret 4 u
"Baby One More Time" by Britney Spears
Oh baby, baby Oh baby, baby Oh baby, baby ...
she has so much sex theres many babys. six to be exact. thats a lot of sex, over a 54 month time period. thats a ton of sex. way more than some japanese girl's one night stand.
[CHORUS] My loneliness is killing me I must confess, I still believe When I'm not with you I lose my mind Give me a sign Hit me baby one more time
now shes going crazy with sexual lust, combining BDSM (hit me) with incest (baby). way more extreme than some silly japanese teens fooling around.
Boy you got me blinded
clearly a reference to bukkake
Oh baby, baby Oh baby, baby Ah, yeah, yeah Oh baby, baby How was I supposed to know Oh pretty baby
at this point in the song its like 50+ babies, which is impossible for 1 person 2 have bc women's equipment dont work after that time
ya so that japanese song is pretty tame compared to USA
lol. Baller, statements like this and your graphs you made are why i joined your fanclub.
Anyways, this sounds about right, since in the song the girls were saying what they wanted, and i know plenty of girls that act this same way. They said something about this is what high school girls want.
It doesn't matter what i'm watching on the TV, it could be news, movies, series, the fucking weather forecast, it doesn't matter, there is ALWAYS gonna be at least one member of AKB48 on the screen.
she has so much sex theres many babys. six to be exact. thats a lot of sex, over a 54 month time period. thats a ton of sex. way more than some japanese girl's one night stand.
just keep in mind that the majority of the audience for these songs are lonely 40 year old men.
ie if an idol dates at any point, its considered a scandal. The wotas that cheer for her will break all the stuff they bought, boycott her/her group etc. Pretty much every girl who has a scandal is kicked out for good, because the wota are so jealous of their "waifu"
All it takes is an idol walking under an umbrella with some guy, and boom, kicked out, and the entire management will do their best to pretend she never existed (editing her out of released PVs/music tracks for instance)
On August 04 2010 13:42 fusionsdf wrote: just keep in mind that the majority of the audience for these songs are lonely 40 year old men.
ie if an idol dates at any point, its considered a scandal. The wotas that cheer for her will break all the stuff they bought, boycott her/her group etc. Pretty much every girl who has a scandal is kicked out for good, because the wota are so jealous of their "waifu"
All it takes is an idol walking under an umbrella with some guy, and boom, kicked out, and the entire management will do their best to pretend she never existed (editing her out of released PVs/music tracks for instance)
Wotas are pretty pathetic people if this is true.
Also, it seems like the majority of the views are from young girls in their teens.
among non-japanese its common for younger girls to follow them. But when we talk about any idol group's fanbase, we are talking about 90+% of it being single lonely guys (think otaku, but for idols) in their 30s and 40s.
On August 04 2010 13:42 fusionsdf wrote: just keep in mind that the majority of the audience for these songs are lonely 40 year old men.
ie if an idol dates at any point, its considered a scandal. The wotas that cheer for her will break all the stuff they bought, boycott her/her group etc. Pretty much every girl who has a scandal is kicked out for good, because the wota are so jealous of their "waifu"
All it takes is an idol walking under an umbrella with some guy, and boom, kicked out, and the entire management will do their best to pretend she never existed (editing her out of released PVs/music tracks for instance)
This is pretty hilarious. Extremely concerning, but hilarious at the same time.
I think its more of a "I'll do anything to be sorta famous, even if it means i have to sing these lyrics" type of situation. People try to become famous by doing random things that others would object to, and this is no exception, imo.
I actually own a couple of AKB's photobooks. I like their delinquent school drama (it's kind of cheesy, but it's also pretty well done.) I'm a fan because Queen and Elizabeth are guest stars in Kamen Rider W.
The youngest member is 16. Seeing as teenage girls of that age have very developed sexual feelings and desires I don't see how this is in the least bit upsetting. 16 is the age of consent in a large number of western nations.
Did you not have sexual feelings when you were that age? When you were 17-18 which the majority of the members of this group are? In fact the majority of this groups members, according to the wiki, are between 17-22. It's hilarious that anyone would be offended at that age range singing something suggestive.
I had strong sexual urges when I was quite a bit younger than 16. Should we pretend that people only start thinking about sex when they turn 18 because that's the way it is in the United States? Absurd. The song is pretty bad though.
i agree with doctorh, dont see what is song suprising or terrible about this song. ive been peeling the chilli since i was like 12 and smoked some clunge a few years after that, and i dont think theres anything abnormal or wrong with it. id imagine most teenagers get horny regularly
i watched the video on mute though, dunno if this makes any difference
On August 04 2010 18:30 Disregard wrote: Doc loves loli, of course its valid.
How is 16-22 loli
A group in which the majority of members are older than me I would hardly classify as loli. If you're going to make fun of me for being a "deviant" or whatever you think I am, do it in the right context.
On August 04 2010 18:30 Disregard wrote: Doc loves loli, of course its valid.
How is 16-22 loli
A group in which the majority of members are older than me I would hardly classify as loli. If you're going to make fun of me for being a "deviant" or whatever you think I am, do it in the right context.
On August 04 2010 18:30 Disregard wrote: Doc loves loli, of course its valid.
How is 16-22 loli
A group in which the majority of members are older than me I would hardly classify as loli. If you're going to make fun of me for being a "deviant" or whatever you think I am, do it in the right context.
On August 04 2010 13:57 fusionsdf wrote: among non-japanese its common for younger girls to follow them. But when we talk about any idol group's fanbase, we are talking about 90+% of it being single lonely guys (think otaku, but for idols) in their 30s and 40s.
Yeah, yeah, just wait til you're 40 yourself, we'll see what you have to say then. Goddamn hypocrite.
Also for the sake of it I should point out that exactly 12/48 members are under 18, the youngest being 15 and that's only 2 or 3 of the members. I certainly had much dirtier thoughts at that age. I still fail to see what is wrong with adolescents expressing their sexuality.
Teens are often too young to use condoms, especially if they feel young and invincible; "only older people have kids, so I don't have to worry" Parents don't want teens to have sex because it distracts them from education and potential career advancement, or at least that's what my asian parents tell me.
The song wouldn't be so bad if old men didn't grope young girls on trains >< Not the kind of good sexual encounter I'd be scared of those old men too, even as a guy!
Theres a lot of mannerisms, like talking and having a conversation on your phone on the train/bus... is being very rude. I forgot what the cultural thing was it for women not speaking out or something.
edit: Here in the states, who gives a flying fuck if you yell or laugh like a hyena in front of everyone on the subway or something. And oh yea thats why they have separate train cars for women these days.
On August 04 2010 18:09 DoctorHelvetica wrote: The youngest member is 16. Seeing as teenage girls of that age have very developed sexual feelings and desires I don't see how this is in the least bit upsetting. 16 is the age of consent in a large number of western nations.
Did you not have sexual feelings when you were that age? When you were 17-18 which the majority of the members of this group are? In fact the majority of this groups members, according to the wiki, are between 17-22. It's hilarious that anyone would be offended at that age range singing something suggestive.
I had strong sexual urges when I was quite a bit younger than 16. Should we pretend that people only start thinking about sex when they turn 18 because that's the way it is in the United States? Absurd. The song is pretty bad though.
I wanted to drive and drink when I was still in grade school. Doesn't mean they should let me.
On August 04 2010 19:21 DoctorHelvetica wrote: Why are people so afraid of sex?
There are a lot of cultures that aren't. For some reason they haven't been as successful historically as the moralizing (crapfuck) cultures.
What can we do about it? Do what these girls do, express your sexuality!
Talk about sex with your relatives and friends. Don't clear your history after browsing porn.
I truly believe that these are small things that everyone can do to make the world a more openly sexual and better place. Sex is always good (but use a condom).
On August 04 2010 12:58 travis wrote: So they are only like 15 or 16 who fucking cares im sure that's old enough to have sex so wtf you prudes.
If they are pre-pubescent then yeah that's gross. Otherwise wtf? Believe it or not people who are only 15 or 16 can be sexual.
Honestly there is so much fucked up stuff in the world and this is the sort of stuff some of you guys find "disgusting"? Some younger women making tons of money with sexual dance moves and lyrics? *gasp*
btw the song is boring as hell lol
there may be a lot of fucked up shit in this world, but many of us are not exposed to it. does that mean it's bad for me to think that spiders are disgusting? since there's a lot of stuff in the world that's bad, i should just shrug this off because it's not as bad as the "other" stuff right?
On August 04 2010 19:02 imperfek wrote: akb48 - River dance <3
On August 04 2010 18:09 DoctorHelvetica wrote: The youngest member is 16. Seeing as teenage girls of that age have very developed sexual feelings and desires I don't see how this is in the least bit upsetting. 16 is the age of consent in a large number of western nations.
Did you not have sexual feelings when you were that age? When you were 17-18 which the majority of the members of this group are? In fact the majority of this groups members, according to the wiki, are between 17-22. It's hilarious that anyone would be offended at that age range singing something suggestive.
I had strong sexual urges when I was quite a bit younger than 16. Should we pretend that people only start thinking about sex when they turn 18 because that's the way it is in the United States? Absurd. The song is pretty bad though.
I wanted to drive and drink when I was still in grade school. Doesn't mean they should let me.
When a 17 year old girl consenting to sex gets some innocent people killed you may just have a point. Until then though try to realize that society is simply evolving into this route. If you're a virgin by the age of 17 you're in the minority, that's just the way it is.
Has it really come to the point where we equate sex at 16 to drunk driving or was that just your attempt at trying to exaggerate a situation? 17-22 year old singing things like this is hardly offensive. Maybe if the average age was 14 or something you'd have better ground to stand on.
Also LOL at that song. "My school uniforms getting in the way" dear lord. Though this song is a bit more catchy than girls generation...and yea
On August 04 2010 18:09 DoctorHelvetica wrote: The youngest member is 16. Seeing as teenage girls of that age have very developed sexual feelings and desires I don't see how this is in the least bit upsetting. 16 is the age of consent in a large number of western nations.
Did you not have sexual feelings when you were that age? When you were 17-18 which the majority of the members of this group are? In fact the majority of this groups members, according to the wiki, are between 17-22. It's hilarious that anyone would be offended at that age range singing something suggestive.
I had strong sexual urges when I was quite a bit younger than 16. Should we pretend that people only start thinking about sex when they turn 18 because that's the way it is in the United States? Absurd. The song is pretty bad though.
I wanted to drive and drink when I was still in grade school. Doesn't mean they should let me.
When a 17 year old girl consenting to sex gets some innocent people killed you may just have a point. Until then though try to realize that society is simply evolving into this route. If you're a virgin by the age of 17 you're in the minority, that's just the way it is.
Has it really come to the point where we equate sex at 16 to drunk driving or was that just your attempt at trying to exaggerate a situation? 17-22 year old singing things like this is hardly offensive. Maybe if the average age was 14 or something you'd have better ground to stand on.
Also LOL at that song. "My school uniforms getting in the way" dear lord. Though this song is a bit more catchy than girls generation...and yea
oh man.. i just imagined a situation where you would hear someone singing these lyrics in public(english of course) or imagine the looks i'd get if i sang these lyrics LOL "na na na na na i don't know this part, my school uniforms getting in the way, na na na..."
lol @ the 48 members and the lyrics but meh, I can't see any problem with this actually. Pretty tame and if it was one of my kids I'd might reconsider but that would probably just be naive.
I have to say I was expecting some knd of terrible twised translation based off of a japanese --> english translator misinterpreting a lot of words. The whole thing is spot on haha, and I have to say while the lyrics are SUPER suggestive, yeah super, i just went there, the tune is prettty catchy.
On August 04 2010 19:21 DoctorHelvetica wrote: Also for the sake of it I should point out that exactly 12/48 members are under 18, the youngest being 15 and that's only 2 or 3 of the members. I certainly had much dirtier thoughts at that age. I still fail to see what is wrong with adolescents expressing their sexuality.
Why are people so afraid of sex?
I'm not afraid of sex. It simply bothers me that children are essentially being exploited in such a manner more or less for the pleasure of people that could be their fathers. Of course sexuality will always be a part of adolescence, but to me, there's a difference between accepting or even embracing that fact and blatantly singing:
"My school uniform's getting in the way" "Take off my uniform" "You can do whatever you like" "I'll cling to you and take you in" "I want to experience adult pleasure" "If somebody looks I don't care." "That's how it is for high school girls"
Age of consent aside, the fact that young girls are singing this and the types of messages this and other AKB48 songs could potentially send just seems wrong to me. I'm certainly no prude and of course I've had sexual experiences as an adolescent, but as an adult now looking back on those experiences and the world as its changed, I really don't feel it's something that we should be openly encouraging or glorifying. Sure, you can make the argument that similar themes present themselves in various other forms of media, but usually it's nowhere near as obvious as this.
On August 04 2010 11:10 LegendaryZ wrote: I know some of them are 18+, but seriously.... WTF?
It is a little... Risqué. However, not all countries follow the US laws in regards to age of consent at 18. Even in Canada, it is 16. Not sure what Japan's law is nor do I know much about their culture in relation to this topic : \
I don't think this would be at all adopted by North American culture because parents tend to be fairly protective of what their children are exposed to (for the most part).
On August 04 2010 11:10 LegendaryZ wrote: I know some of them are 18+, but seriously.... WTF?
It is a little... Risqué. However, not all countries follow the US laws in regards to age of consent at 18. Even in Canada, it is 16. Not sure what Japan's law is nor do I know much about their culture in relation to this topic : \
I don't think this would be at all adopted by North American culture because parents tend to be fairly protective of what their children are exposed to (for the most part).
What?
A vast majority of the US has an age of consent law at 16, some 17, only 6 or so states at 18. Hell we have 3 states with a 15 age of consent and 2 states with a 14 age of consent.
Wouldn't be adopted it? Two words, JUSTIN BEIBER. Kid has no clue what he's singing about but he's just about the most popular pop icon out in the US right now.
A vast majority of the US has an age of consent law at 16, some 17, only 6 or so states at 18. Hell we have 3 states with a 15 age of consent and 2 states with a 14 age of consent.
My mistake. Seems I was misinformed
On August 04 2010 22:38 Jayme wrote:
Wouldn't be adopted it? Two words, JUSTIN BEIBER. Kid has no clue what he's singing about but he's just about the most popular pop icon out in the US right now.
I haven't listened to a full Justin Beiber song at any point, however I somehow doubt his lyrics are as 'explicit' (relatively speaking) as the song in the OP. Could be wrong; but I don't really want to take the time sifting through Justin Beiber lyrics to confirm that.
On August 04 2010 21:29 LegendaryZ wrote: Sure, you can make the argument that similar themes present themselves in various other forms of media, but usually it's nowhere near as obvious as this.
And therefor potentialy even more harmfull.
There is a reason pedophiles open with "hey little girl, do you like candy?" instead of "hey little girl, do you want to get your tiny ass ripped up in some basement somewhere?"
On August 04 2010 19:21 DoctorHelvetica wrote: Also for the sake of it I should point out that exactly 12/48 members are under 18, the youngest being 15 and that's only 2 or 3 of the members. I certainly had much dirtier thoughts at that age. I still fail to see what is wrong with adolescents expressing their sexuality.
Why are people so afraid of sex?
I'm not afraid of sex. It simply bothers me that children are essentially being exploited in such a manner more or less for the pleasure of people that could be their fathers. Of course sexuality will always be a part of adolescence, but to me, there's a difference between accepting or even embracing that fact and blatantly singing.....
I don't think they are being exploited. I think they're the ones doing the exploiting because they understand they will make bank being a little slutty. Miley Cyrus is being slutty simply because it sells, and horny teenage boys jack it endlessly to her when she comes on stage while Chris Hemsworth or w/e his name is actually gets to stick it in her vajayjay.
There is nothing wrong with what they are singing. God, people are such prudes these days it's shocking how people get offended by the most ridiculous things.
I think that you'll find such sex crazed lyrics in the US culture too. The difference is that it's not going to the forefront of culture or coming close at least for girls that young.
The band name is coming from Akihabara! There is no chance that it won't be weird/sex crazed. That place is the nexus of all Japanese wierdness.
The Akihabara part is basically enough to say why the song would be written the way it is. Akihabara is filled with ero-manga, ero-doujin, anything H, DVDs, adult material, etc. Therefore, it fits and is perfectly relevant.
On August 04 2010 23:36 SolHeiM wrote: I don't think they are being exploited. I think they're the ones doing the exploiting because they understand they will make bank being a little slutty. Miley Cyrus is being slutty simply because it sells, and horny teenage boys jack it endlessly to her when she comes on stage while Chris Hemsworth or w/e his name is actually gets to stick it in her vajayjay.
There is nothing wrong with what they are singing. God, people are such prudes these days it's shocking how people get offended by the most ridiculous things.
Just because they happen to be making money doesn't mean that they're not being exploited. And what Miley Cyrus does or sings, although there are certainly undeniable sexual themes present, comes nothing close to this in terms of suggestiveness. I don't think anyone is particularly offended by it, but rather somewhat troubled. Also, the fact that someone is not a proponent of the sexualization of adolescents in media doesn't make him/her a prude. Please go look up what "prude" actually means... -_-
On August 04 2010 23:36 SolHeiM wrote: I don't think they are being exploited. I think they're the ones doing the exploiting because they understand they will make bank being a little slutty. Miley Cyrus is being slutty simply because it sells, and horny teenage boys jack it endlessly to her when she comes on stage while Chris Hemsworth or w/e his name is actually gets to stick it in her vajayjay.
There is nothing wrong with what they are singing. God, people are such prudes these days it's shocking how people get offended by the most ridiculous things.
Just because they happen to be making money doesn't mean that they're not being exploited. And what Miley Cyrus does or sings comes nothing close to this. I don't think anyone is particularly offended by it, but rather somewhat troubled.
I think you could extrapolate quite a lot from a song called "can't be tamed" She has had a very recent uh...slutty transformation actually.
You say they are being exploited but it is well within their rights to just not do anything. You can claim outside pressure sure but the fact of the matter is that most of them know this sells and they want more money. I think Sol was right, they are the exploiters.
Dakota Fanning could have made way more bank than she did but she refused to do roles that weren't appropriate for her age...something im sure will fly right out the window when she turns 18 but regardless....
I pretty much died laughing when "I want to experience adult pleasure" popped up on the screen
That G-Masta MV.... holy fuck haha
I initially thought this was pretty bad, but it's not like sex hasn't been introduced in lots of pop culture songs already. Although this just seems worse at any way I look at it.
On August 05 2010 00:54 LegendaryZ wrote: Please go look up what "prude" actually means... -_-
prude (pruːd)
— n a person who affects or shows an excessively modest, prim, or proper attitude, esp regarding sex
mod·est [mod-ist] Show IPA –adjective
3. having or showing regard for the decencies of behavior, speech, dress, etc.; decent: a modest neckline on a dress.
prim1 [prim] –adjective 1. formally precise or proper, as persons or behavior; stiffly neat.
prop·er [prop-er] –adjective 1. adapted or appropriate to the purpose or circumstances; fit; suitable: the proper time to plant strawberries.
I win?
So being against the idea of having 15-18 year old girls in schoolgirl uniforms blatantly singing about wanting a guy to take her clothes off, penetrate her, potentially impregnate her (which I interpret from the "if something happens, it'll work out"), all while she doesn't care if other people are watching and that is just how high school girls are is being excessively modest, prim, or proper"? If that's your definition of a "prude", then I'm a bit scared to ask what your definition of "normal" would be... The keyword for prude is excessive, not modest. So no, you don't win. Try again, please.
Besides, in what reality do you live in where this is what is going through the mind of the average adolescent girl and how do you feel it benefits society to have them singing these types of songs to a bunch of middle aged men (probably their primary audience)? I think you might be letting all the contrived porn stories skew your view of the world a bit...
And frankly, this is one of the more tame videos I've seen from them. I know you're probably attracted to cute young girls and stuff, but there should be a line drawn somewhere...
You seriously think that 15-18 year old girls doesn't have fantasies about being fucked beyond their wildest dreams? Women are a lot more private when it comes to their sexual fantasies than men are, and the reason they can say stuff like that in a song is because there are virtually no consequences because they can just deflect by saying that it's "just a song lyric."
You should read the book called "My Secret Garden" by Nancy Friday and open your minds about female sexuality. Women aren't fucking angels. They enjoy no strings attached, down and dirty sex just as much as any guy.
I must admit I kinda did not expect that but come to think of it I've heard alot worse lyrics coming from the US and stuff. Although when I heard it I just thought that they were some really slutty japanese girls and I kinda agree with OP ...wtf :p
But they aren't children. A few of them are older teenagers and the majority are adults. Quite a few of them are in their early 20's. If this was a C-ute song, I'd see your point. But most of these girls are adults, and all of them are well above the japanese age of consent.
I've never understood why teenage sexuality is frowned upon but once you're 2 years older (18) it's perfectly alright. If these girls were 12, 13, or whatever I think it would be completely different. For a lot of teenagers, sexuality is a new and exciting part of their life so it's not surprising that it's in the music they listen to or that is targeted to them.
I'm perfectly fine with mainstream songs being as sexual as they wish to be, even if it was being sung by a teenager. What bothers me are lyrics that are sexist or demeaning, something that objectifies and cheapens sexuality.
This is absolutely no different than the crap you hear on the radio here. You don't think innuendo is a huge part of lyrics by slutty little 17 year old singers here?
This is just a lame attempt to get people to listen to shitty K-Pop. Ban the op BAN HIM
On August 05 2010 04:19 Hawk wrote: This is absolutely no different than the crap you hear on the radio here. You don't think innuendo is a huge part of lyrics by slutty little 17 year old singers here?
This is just a lame attempt to get people to listen to shitty K-Pop. Ban the op BAN HIM
You're so wrong on the type of music though lollllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll. And no, Japanese, Koreans, and Chinese people aren't the same k thx
On August 05 2010 00:54 LegendaryZ wrote: Please go look up what "prude" actually means... -_-
prude (pruːd)
— n a person who affects or shows an excessively modest, prim, or proper attitude, esp regarding sex
mod·est [mod-ist] Show IPA –adjective
3. having or showing regard for the decencies of behavior, speech, dress, etc.; decent: a modest neckline on a dress.
prim1 [prim] –adjective 1. formally precise or proper, as persons or behavior; stiffly neat.
prop·er [prop-er] –adjective 1. adapted or appropriate to the purpose or circumstances; fit; suitable: the proper time to plant strawberries.
I win?
So being against the idea of having 15-18 year old girls in schoolgirl uniforms blatantly singing about wanting a guy to take her clothes off, penetrate her, potentially impregnate her (which I interpret from the "if something happens, it'll work out"), all while she doesn't care if other people are watching and that is just how high school girls are is being excessively modest, prim, or proper"? If that's your definition of a "prude", then I'm a bit scared to ask what your definition of "normal" would be... The keyword for prude is excessive, not modest. So no, you don't win. Try again, please.
Besides, in what reality do you live in where this is what is going through the mind of the average adolescent girl and how do you feel it benefits society to have them singing these types of songs to a bunch of middle aged men (probably their primary audience)? I think you might be letting all the contrived porn stories skew your view of the world a bit...
And frankly, this is one of the more tame videos I've seen from them. I know you're probably attracted to cute young girls and stuff, but there should be a line drawn somewhere...
Dude, you are overreacting. You seem to imply that something really horrible is coming out of this. Do you expect this song to turn those middle aged men into rapists or something, in Japan where rape stats are among the lowest in the world? (Yes, I know, rape stats aren't the most reliable, but still indicate well whats the situation.)
And hell, even when I entered puberty, at the age 13 or so, I started thinking alot about sex and got interested in it. I thought that was natural and NECCESSARY for our species to survive? Who is to say girls don't think about sex too? Also considering most of these girls are indeed in their teens and even older... It's not like these girls are 10.
Here's something that might shock you: Girls think about sex too. They just don't go about it and announce it the way men do, and there's social reasons for that too. For example: A guy says I love sex. People respond: Cool. Girl says I love sex, people respond: Slut. Maybe this is the reason you are so shocked? Your just not used to girls announcing and bouncing their sexuality around in this manner?
And in their age it is perfectly normal to think about sex, maybe these lyrics were a bit too suggestive, but no where near to start flipping out. Naturally, it's not ALL they think about, but I'm 100% sure it's what pops in their mind more often then we think.
The United States is way worse when it comes to lyrics, but this song is much more sexually explicit. And I can't help but imagine that there are a variety of middle aged men out on the internet finding amusement in these videos.
As much as I'd love to bash on weird Japanese fads, critics here are being pretty ridiculous.
Not only is the video tame compared to much more prominent pop standards, the lyrics aren't that much worse than shit by Zeppelin, Zappa, Third Eye Blind, Janet Jackson, etc. Even My Sharona and Afternoon Delight are pretty explicit songs.
Oh my little pretty one, pretty one When you gonna give me some time Sharona When you make my motor run, my motor run Gun it coming, off the line Sharona
*Never gonna stop, give it up Such a dirty mind, always get it up For the touch of the younger kind My my my i yi woo My my my my Sharona
Come a little closer huh, ah will ya huh, Close enough to look in my eyes Sharona Keeping it a mystery gets to me Running down the length of my thighs Sharona
(Repeat *)
When you gonna give it to me Give it to me It's just a matter of time Sharona Is it just destiny, destiny Or is it just a game in my mind Sharona
First off, AKB48 is just a name. There is more or less than 48 girls in it depending on the time, and it's always more if you count the "student" members that are not officially part of the group. In fact, the AKB Project is actually made of three groups based in three places, with a fourth group upcoming in September. AKB48 is based in Akihabara, Tokyo. SKE48 is based in Nagoya. SDN48 is the 20+ only "semi-retirement" group (Japanese adulthood, e.g. for beer drinking, is at 20) and is not based anywhere that I know of. NMB48 is the new upcoming group based in Nanba. They total more than 120 members as of now.
Second, who sings what is decided by the producer, Akimoto Yasushi. It can be anyone from any group, though mostly the girls form units within their groups. The members chosen depend on the lyrics, etc. Akimoto is known for racy lyrics, having produced another idol group in the 90s called Nyanko Club. He made off with one of the girls after she retired from the group (she was 18 and he was in his twenties at the time). For the big single releases, the fans elect the girls and they can come from any of the three groups (mostly from AKB48 and two or three from SKE48).
Third, the average age is high now in AKB48 because they started 5 years ago with pretty much the same core members. SKE48 is lower (but still high, like 16 or so) and thus they don't have have as much racy lyrics.
Fourth, while I think their music mostly sucks, they are now a household name in Japan, with their big single topping the Oricon chart last year (the reference music chart in Japan). Pretty much like Morning Musume, only with 100+ members. Names most people know : Maeda Atsuko since she plays in TV dramas (she sucks ass imo) and Oshima Yuko since she does variety programs and movies (I'm a fan). Name people will know : Matsui Jurina, she's only thirteen and in 2009 was 19th in popularity, now in 2010 she's 10th.
Fifth, the main concept of the AKB Project is "Idols you can meet". Thus they are not necessarily the best looking girls around, nor the most talented singers/dancers. They're mostly a bunch of interesting girls that can appeal to the broadest audience, so that everyone will have a desire to meet at least one of the girls in private. They're mostly normal girls, with some exceptions for those that want something out of the ordinary. Hence the girls do a lot of variety shows, which is not something most idols do because they have to maintain their image of false purity. The only purity these girls have is the "no boyfriend" rule that's common in showbiz for idols. Still, many are probably not virgins, especially the girls that enter in their late teens or the SDN48 girls. Also, you can actually meet them face to face and shake their hands at a "handshake event" if you buy one of their CDs. Not a bad deal considering, especially if you actually like the music anyway. And yeah, there are also girls at handshake events nowadays, and there is even some girl wotas because of them.
If you want to know what variety idols can do for you, and you know Japanese (or not?), watch AKBINGO! It's one of those crazy Japanese program like Takeshi's Castle, only with lots of young girls, which makes it auto-win.
The way I see it (that is from a Canadian culture point of view), the music video posted by OP reflects a common problem that young girls experience: confusing sex and love. Wanting to be loved and to please at all costs.
I don't see it as a sexually provocative song or video at all, more like a though provoking reflection on that said problem.
EPT
