MiHi Anh's story in Salon article about Gwen's geisha obsession

Free the Gwenihana Four! Visit the FTG4! website to show your support and download posters or buy t-shirts and mugs.

yeah!!! hate, hate, hate.....

are the G4 collecting checks? are they cashing them?

what would YOU do to become famous and dandy, just like amos and andy?

Umm.. you really think that the 4 harajuku girls dont want to be there? they are getting paid major money for being on tour with gwen as dancers. How does being Japanese change anything?

no one is disputing the fact that they are getting paid.

"How does being Japanese change anything?"

4 small "japanese girls" following a white blond woman around. hmm, let's see, does race have anything to do with this?

i guess the question is what is meant by her having 4 people of any type following her around with no apparent purpose but to follow her. if they were white, would you be concerned? irish to her italian (I presume)? mexican? redheads to her blond? brunettes? black? arabic? is there a 'cultural translation' of a harajuku girl in other cultures?

I think that Gwen is the shit....... Yall need to stop haten. She is an amazon person with outstanding talent....she is a person with style and she fucken rocks! She is different and expresses that through her music. I think that she is a Beautiful person INSIDE as well as OUT.

yall need to just shut the hell up cuase there getting paid major money to be on this tour and if they were white mexican irish or any other race im sure yall would be hating on gwen then too so just shut the fuck up cuase u dont know anything GWEN IS THE SHIT!!

wow Dallas, you are just so mature and articulate. thanks for such a convincing argument.

They're her dancers and they go everywhere with her because they're also her friends. Read some interviews with them. They love her and she takes them everywhere. And in Harajuku they lived well too...I mean they wear Versace and Chanel every day there. Gwen was amazed by their style and attitude she loved the four...and her new album is all about them. The title is their nicknames (Love. Angel. Music. and Baby.) It's the same as Britney marrying one of her dancers...she's friends with her's. So, in the end, it's like you're saying:" Hey everyone aren't you tired of Gwen having friends"

[SOME COMMENTS HAVE BEEN DELETED FOR NAME CALLING- ED.]

Wow for a journalist or whatever you are you don't do your research

I can see both sides of the argument, but it is slightly patronising on behalf of Gwen. Would you really let your 'friend' take you everywhere like some sort of accessory? It appears not much more than a clever marketing ploy to make gwen 'cool'. The fact she is the star, being followed around by giggling schoolgirls (that she has benevolently taken the duty of naming) is pretty typical of a sell-out popstar, regardless of race- though that certainly comes into it. Perhaps they could replace her old band members - or does no-one remember No Doubt?

i must certainly acknowledge my contribution to this round robin, but don't you think (this is the collective 'you') that Gwen Stefani and her

a) indentured servents,
b) self-loathing sycopants,
c) mind-controlled minions

are not even close to worth this level of discussion?

So Linda, where are these interviews with the dancers? I'd be surprised to see that -- Gwen doesn't seem to let them speak in public. Not very friend-like, is that? Let's see if I follow your logic here -- she pays them, and that makes them her friends? Do you pay your friends too?

It's call commentary, Alex. Get your facts straight.

I'd also like to remind everyone that name calling is not allowed on our blog. This is a place for discussion -- and that often means disagreements. Calling people names because they disagree with you is immature and will not be tolerated. Play nice, kids.

I do think Gwen Stefani is a decent person, hell I even like her songs from No Doubt. But does anyone remember how she was "wannabe Indian" when No Doubt first made it big? She used to wear a bhindi (the dot) and parade around. Being brown myself, I felt this was annoying, and do feel the pain of my East Asian brothers and sisters. It doesn't seem very genuine, sorry Gwen

Gwen rocks ! : D

I was furious when I saw Brad Pitt in a car commerical in Japan. The way the Japanese appropriate American culture is racist and fascist and horrible.

Have Gwen's Japanese mascots ever been interviewed?

I agree the bhindi-wearing phase was annoying as well. Her and Madonna both.

I don't think Gwen is a bad person. But her entourage thing doesn't sit well with me. Am I going to protest? No. But yeah, I agree it doesn't feel genuine.

Having 4 people of any ethnicity (if they are all portrayed as the same ethnicity) following you around when you are another race and having your entourage play up their ethnicity is kind of whack.

I mean, if they were all Mexican and only allowed to speak spanish when they spoke (just like they are all "japanese" in this case and only alllowed to utter japanese phrases even though I'm pretty sure they can speak english), that would also weird and uncomfortable.

well the point is, gwen just reminds me of those little blonde girls who are obsessed with anime and the japanese culture. why? obviously because theirs is so dull and lifeless.she is reminding me of those strange non-asians running around in cosplay costumes; it just looked absolutely stupid.

ok its good that theyre getting paid but their image is incredibly sterotypical. they laugh around and follow a humoungous blonde singing celbrity. ridiculous? yes. submissive-looking? yes.

sorry didn't mean to offend anyone. I'm just used to saying that word. Of course it's done for publicity too. And yes the girls are aloud to speak english. I've seen 2-3 interviews with them. All I know about them is that Gwen needed dancers and she chose them to be Japanese, because she was amazed by how advanced Japan is. Especially Harajuku. It's an amazing city. So she chose three girls from Harajuku and one from California because they were very talanted and she also got along with them very well. They are really friends that's what each girl says in the interviews and they go everywhere together, especially when touring. They do not get payed for walking with her. They get paid for dancing just like Gwen's other dancers and Gwen herself (for singing). But they go with her to the red carpet and other places because they want to not because she pays them. I don't see what's bad about it. I mean the girls are very talanted and deserve to be touring with her plus they love her and eachother. But it's just my opinnion. By the way Japan is a grea country. There are so many inventions anything you can imagine. It's amazing.They're gonna take over the world someday.lol

They're so cute the four. I've read an interview too. The girls said they're all very happy and don't care what other think. I don't think it's racist, I mean most singers have only black dancers. It's just because they dance better and they're talanted, not cause it's racist. Anyways, I'd LOVE to be any of those girls places. Oh well.

Hey I just saw this article and I tought it was a little weird people saying it's a stereotype for asians and japanese people.

Well, first of all Gwen only sings about one thing: the CITY OF HARAJUKU (not the whole Asia) and she only says nice things about it (like how it inspires her,etc).

Second of all, the CD is named after the 4 girls, not the other way around. So, when she's saying harajuku girls she means HER 4 harajuku dancers, not all the Harajuku population (altough they do have a killer style too). So there you go it's not a stereotype, she's singing about her girlfriends. :P

thanks for reading. ^_^

All you morons supporting slavery/Gwen, get real! She doesnt even let them talk in English around her. And they laugh on cue. I dont think that's what they had in mind when they signed the contract. And whoever said they wear Chanel and Versace daily on Japan is dead wrong. Because you probably haven't been there, the whole point of the crazy harajuku fashion is creating style with regular clothing, not buying the ready made shit.

If the girls are her friends and want to follow her around then that's their decision... but when Gwens out there making it okay to say things like "I dress them wicked...I give them names" then theres a problem.
Number 1)They're not your Barbies Number 2) Didn't she say she was inspired by the way they dressed...themselves?
And FYI Gwen...in a recent interview from the actual Harajuku district...hardly anyone knows who you are.

maybe the whole thing turns them on :D

really though. why is anyone bothering discussing this? there is REAL racist slavery out there, you know.

JESS GETS THE BIG PRIZE!!!!!
Drop Gwen and her girls. Deal with bigger stuff.

I love the Harajuku girls. I think they make mainstream America more curious about Asian culture.

http://www.salon.com/ent/feature/2005/04/09/geisha/

I think it's good Gwen is making Japanese culture more popular, but I do think it's a misinterpretation. Harajuku style is very controverse, but a lot of it is primarily gothic-looking, which Gwen doesn't show at all. The girls following her around do look like objects. They're wearing clothes with her clothing line in big print, they are acting like advertisements.

If the Japanese girls were slaves, don't you think someone would have done something about it already? It's been a year. Obviously they aren't slaves, because it's not as if they are stupid. Hello, they're famous! They walk around with a celebrity! How many Japanese girls get to do that? I'm sure they feel very lucky to be where they are, because I sure would.

Perhaps Gwen prefers them not speaking English, because it's not as perfect as a native speakers would be. I have a very good friend of mine who is from Japan, and I love her a lot, but sometimes she gets words mixed up. Imagine during an interview one of the girls said something she didn't mean to? The paparazzi would go nuts over it, and make them out to look like fools. I think Stefani's just protecting them.

Hello... the girls were totaly aware what they were "signing" for, and yes they are Gwen's friends.
Geez, other singers/bands have dancers too, but just because the girls are Japanese thats now "racist" and "slavery"!!!!
My god people! so if that is slavery then I guess Artists every where also have "slavery" issues.
And the thing on not letting them talk:
1.)They don't talk on stage or in music videos because, (duh!) Gwen is singing then, and plus no one else lets their dancers talk in their videos anyway!!!
2.)The majority of the interviews are directed towards Gwen, so they are not talking there either!!!
3.)They speak English quite fine actually, they have seperate interviews in which they speak their minds!!!

Gwen just has a facination with other cultures!!!.....and as far as I know she has said only positive things, nothing negative!!!!
And from her lyrics "I dress them wicked, I give them names"....it is not racist either, all she is trying to say is that she dresses them in cool outfits (other celebs dress their dancers too....so their clothes match when they preform, duh!), and "I give them names" , She just gave them nicknames!!!!!, and i will not believe that you don't know one person in your life without a nickname!!!

......And Columbia : They are free to talk English as much as they want (they're just nice friends to Gwen and don't interupt her in public)

Check out the Harajuku Girls fan site (I think they have interviews) they also have their real names and cool facts!!!! it is: http://lamb.mystic-water.net/

sincerly
Gwen Stefani's #1 fan

For you people who are against Gwen having the girls around, I have this to say..
Don't comment against things that you don't understand.
Clearly the girls don't mind being with Gwen, seeing as they're still with her. ¬_¬ Yeesh.

It's unfortunate that so many of you Harajuku fans believe what Gwen is doing is 'wrong'. I personally believe her new obsession with Harajuku is out of flattery and honest admiration for our culture. You can't exactly penalize her for it considering 95% of the people who posted here are not technically from Harajuku, Japan, or are even japanese to begin with. It would be like me telling the majority of you who love Harajuku style so much, to just quit bastardizing my country. I can easily say none of you do it 'correctly' either. But I don't because no matter how horribly you dress based on Harajuku fashion, I know it is your own way of enjoying the culture. And yes, if Gwen Stefani asked me to follow her around and take pictures with her, I would. How horrible of me for wanting some publicity and fame.

anyone remember orientalism? how is what gwen's doing not an example of imperialist exploitation?

I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT YOU'VE SAID THAT! I'm starting a petition-this is just getting stupid

your all stupid

Hello people! Trust me, it's nothing do to with slavery! Wouldn't something of been done about it already! Do you people not not what human rights are? Slavery is against thr law and I don't think they look like butlers either!
And they do talk english! Otherwise, how would they appear on Ant and decs saturday takeaway? Or how can they come on top of the pops? They were told to do it against thier will? I DONT THINK SO. People are just chatting it. They knew what they signed up for!And how did gwen come acrooss them? She was waling through japen one day? ha ha I don't think so.
This is my opinion. dont take it personal. xxxx wag 1 gwen! lol xxxx

Your perception of this is skewed. They are not "slaves" by literal or historical definition -- of course they don't clean her toilets and serve her filet mignon. As far as I'm concerned, YOU'RE taking more meaning than exists in the fact that the girls are only "allowed" speak Japanese/etc.

Gwen is "protecting" them by not allowing them to speak English?

First of all, why should they NEED to be protected? These girls are individuals -- something that is sorely unnoticeable the way Gwen presents them. They're girls, they're women, they've got thoughts and minds and personalities. Why is it Gwen's duty to "protect" them? Oh, right, because she's the superior white woman.

As far as I'm concerned, Gwen's mission in all this is to play up everything about the girls to HER wants and HER image. They are her canvases. They wear what she thinks is "authentic" Harajuku style, they giggle, they only speak Japanese. They've got to be "exotic".

I'm sure this wasn't Miss Stefani's intention, but ultimately, she is the ignorant foreigner.

I spent a year and a half in Japan, and during that time went to Harajuku nearly every sunday because my friends had a rock band there. I got to know a lot of girls like the ones in gwen's band, and believe me, it's a dream come true for them! Japanese girls really love doing the 'groupie' thing, and they do it so well. It's not degrading to them, it's fun! I've watched about 100 girls, all dressed identically, swinging their heads in unison for hours to Japanese rock bands in Harajuku. So they love to follow and be in groups. It's nothing to do with Gwen Stephanie being white. And I was happy to see Gwen sharing some of that with the rest of the world. It promotes globalisation, in my opinion, same with when she was wearing the bindis and doing the Indian thing. I was in India at the time and they absolutely loved her! I say, share the love!
P.S. what a lot of crap about her 'not allowing them to speak English' Why on earth would she do something stupid like that? Don't believe every rumour your hear or read. Come on, people!

Yes, the Japanese love doing the 'groupie thing', but you're putting this in a whole different context. Famously or perhaps infamously, Japan is a country of harmony, unity, and CONFORMITY. Historically, it is a country that tolerates very little diversity (though this is slowly changing). Even the "rebels" in Japan, like motorcycle gangs and Harajuku freaks (yes, they are perceived as freaks to the rest of 'normal' Japanese society), do it in a coordinating, almost uniform way. There are no true "rebels" in Japan. This is simply part of their culture.

What Miss Stefani is clearly doing is utilizing these "authentic Harajuku girls" to promote and build images. She "dresses" them, she "names" them, they FOLLOW her everywhere but are always one step behind her. The spotlight doesn't belong to them. Maybe the girls love it, maybe they don't, but as far as I'm concerned, they are simply tools in Gwen's image and public persona.

If Gwen is really wants to celebrate and spread Japanese street culture, she would not have four submissive Asian girls (in clothing that HARDLY reflects that of Harajuku youth, no less) following her, giggling, and serving no other purpose than being cute, painted, breathing decor.

Might I add, these girls are hardly the image of 'true' Harajuku kids. Look at their makeup. Clothes. Hair. Poses. School girl uniforms? Funky 'geisha' makeup? Cheesy 'oriental' hair ornaments? 'Sassy' poses? Um. Yeah. No.

I never thought she was passing them off as authentic. I always assumed it was meant to be more of a caricature of the Japanese rebellious young people, which I thought was rather cute.

Apparently Gwen doesn't know shit about the real Harajuku culture.
Harajuku style is mostly inspired by the japanese rock scene. The j-rock style is mostly punk and/or gothic and a little bit of glam mixed in.
Gwen just looks like one of those white anime freak that likes anything japanese without knowing the real culture and history behind it.

Where are the lolita dresses? >_

These aren't real Harajuku girls, needless to say.

Where are the lolita dresses? >_

These aren't real Harajuku girls, needless to say.

Okay... where are the visual-kei cosplayers? Hmm? No. I don't see them. Bleck. These girls could be posers... or they might just be one gang from Harajuku that prefers the school girl looks. Either way.... I don't care. :\

No way! the harajuku gals rok!Gwen's not treatin them like slaves or anythin so its fine u motha f***ers! The Girls have fun with Gwen and Gwen seems to have fun with them! so buzz off retards!

Peec N Luv,
~Gracie The Harajuku Luva!~

Konnichiwa! =^.^= hehe! I made a kitty!
lol anyway back to busyness! I'm part of the harajuku girls, not Gwen Stefani's but the ones in Tokyo, Japan. Most People who hang out there are my friends. But I have to say Gwen doesnt know much about Harajuku Life style, but Miss Kim? You don't know a thing about the harajuku girls, Harajuku none the less!It's a bunch of styles! Cuteness, (if thats a style!^^) Gothic, Punk, Hippie, Pop, any of those except for Rap and Ghetto. They take no part!And neither do you Miss Kim!Well If Gwen wants to say good bye to those nice girls she can but you people should stay out of HER businuess. Thank you all for your time!
Adiosu,
Love for all! Miss Suka Kaiya =^.^=

U ppl who think they r posers FUCK OFF! and ppl who hate gwen y r u even on here? U all should go to hell! every1 on my side, LUV YA LOTS! MWAH! BYES! `TORIKO`

hi again! YA! GO SUKA! U 2 TORIKO! KAILIE U ROK 2! YA! YA N KIM GO 2 HELL! BITCH!

TRC maybe its cuz they cant talk full sentances in english eva think of that?

Wow...
Just, wow...
-pokepoke-

dude, one of the gals is Chinese American. she can speak english. she's basically been hired to play a part -- that of a giggling, no-english speaking "japanese" "harajuku" girl.

That's really sad. :\

I hate how she is stereotyping ever Harajuku girl. There are so many fashions, you can't just get a group of, apparently not all Japanese girls, and dress them up like one particular group and parade them around.

Well, I just checked out http://lamb.mystic-water.net/ (the website of the Harajuku girls) and wow...disturbing. I agree that Gwen's use of these four women is incredible patronizing and even creepy. I'm glad to see it has spawned an active response.

Now, I generally don't argue on the internet, because it's generally pretty pointless...BUT. I can't allow the below comment, by "a reader," to go unanswered:

"well the point is, gwen just reminds me of those little blonde girls who are obsessed with anime and the japanese culture. why? obviously because theirs is so dull and lifeless.she is reminding me of those strange non-asians running around in cosplay costumes; it just looked absolutely stupid."

I'm a 26-year-old ardent fan of manga and anime. Does it enrich my life? Well, yes. That's why I read/watch it. So, by your deinition, one must be Japanese to appreciate manga and anime? That's awfully restrictive of you. And while cosplay is not something I'm interested in doing, what the hell do you care if "other-than-Japanese" kids engage in it? So if you're white/hispanic/black can't dress up as your favorite anime character without being percieved as disingenunuous?

What a dull world this would be if we all just stuck to our own cultures.

After looking at that pic above, they do look sort of retarded

Extremely tired of her. Specially since she's white as a glass of milk and sounds like a cheerleader.

To Christine

"What a dull world this would be if we all just stuck to our own cultures".

Well true, but you must understand before imitating another culture you must understand the does and donts. Even when you are trying to admire another culture you may be offending that culture. You may not even know it. Americans are the masters of doing that. Has Gwen Stefani taken time out to really learn Japanese Culture. Just because she takes 4 Asian girls and put them on her video isnt impressive at all. Especially if its just for fashion and show purposes. Mocking a culture is one thing, but to understand it is another.

Pacific, do you contend that the Harajuku girls are 'representative' of the larger Japanese culture?

Or are they a 'fashion trend' which happens to have begun in Japan and thus has a Japanese name?

I mean 'kids' can wear some pretty silly looking outfits (often designed to irk parents) the world over. Japan is no different.

Do most Japanese 'understand' harajuku 'culture'?

Questioner:

Harajuki, sounds Synonimous with Japn to me. Yes, Japan has its own culture and fashion. Every country does. How often do you visit Japan? I also think most of the Harajuku Crowd are Teens. Im far from being a Teen Ager, So therefore, im not really familiar with it.

Pacific (if that is your real name), harajuku is a Japanese 'thing', but the KEY item I questioned is whether or not it (harajuku) could be called a key element in Japanese CULTURE. In this, it is my belief that 'culture' is not the same as fashion or fad or trend. The ideas of individual rights and self-determination (however imperfectly practiced) are KEY to American culture. Even though many may argue about how to best protect or express those ideas, they are commonly understood as an underpinning (theoretically) of our system, our nation and our 'way of being'. They are essential to the 'culture' of America. Wearing baggy pants and showing off the pattern of your 'BVDs' to the public is not a common aspect of American culture. It comes from a very small subset (originally prison and not hip-hop and not as a fashion statement but a logical outcome of having your belt taken so you don't hang yourself) which has been taken up as a 'fashion' by another subset. It is NOT a common aspect of American 'culture' even though it may have started here. It, like many other fashions may come and go over time.

I think harajuku falls into this catagory - it is a 'fashion' thing for a subset of Japanese. I suspect that many Japanese do not hold it as a 'commonality' that goes to defining the Japanese.

Well we can go on to infinti trying to define what culture is. Who is entitled to claim/ participate with different cultures other than their own? There are Originators and Imitators. You have Harajuku Girls and probably youth that imitate Harajuku girls, Simply because they saw Gwens video. You have real Hip Hoppers and people that think they know what Hip Hop is(You). So why do people make comments as experts on cultures other than their own, thats the question? It sounds superficial, such as your statemant relating to Hip Hop and Baggy pants. I honostly dont think you know anything about either cultures, but try to sound as if you do and why people can appropiate ones culture in America, or abroad. Im not trying to say Hip Hop and Baggy pants go togethar, but were does the relation to baggy pants and Prison come from? Did you read this in some magazine. Im not going to make a statement about the Harajuku Girls, subsets of the Harajuku girls, or what catergory I THINK they should fall into. I dont live the culture, or participate in it, So why sound like a MR KNOW IT ALL. The question you are asking should be answered by girls living the culture. Is it safe to say you are on the outside looking in? No my name isnt Pacific, its the name of an Ocean He. He. He. So if you want to know if the Harajuku girls are a KEY element in Japanese culture then simply do this. Go to the source. Who determines what is and what is not American culture?

no expert on culture, but i can spell infinity without referencing an auto badge (actually made by nissan, but, no matter). the point is that there is the culture of a people and there is fashion, fad or trend. culture persists over time; fashions, fads and trends are much more volatile. this does not preclude a 'fashion style' becoming synonymous with a 'culture' (i.e. kiminos and Japan; or 'blue jeans' and America) but it takes time. not 10 - 20 years, but more time than that. until then it is a sub-culture or 'style' of a small group. pet rocks were a 'fad' - i hope that you wouldn't call that American 'culture'.

as for my particular knowledge of hip-hop culture or the genesis of the beltless and baggy 'fashion' (which indeed has been morphed from prison - DO YOUR HOMEWORK) - you have NO idea where i am, who i am or where i've lived so you are at a real loss to describe, define or determine my expertise or even my right to comment as an observer (since you don't know what i've seen). I never set out to 'define' Japanese culture but since i don't see MOST japanese acting like or dressing like harajuku AND 'the style' seems to disappear pretty precipitously amongst people (the japanese) once they get a little more maturity, it seems to fall more into the catagory of 'fashion'. could harajuku be japan's variant on mod\punk\new wave fashion? are 'skater punks' American 'culture' or just a 'style' popular in this time that happens to have originated in America?

the question of what the japanese feel about harajuku as it relates to japanese 'culture' has been asked. and you have yet to provide a thread of an answer.

so you can return to being 'anonymous'.
he. he.

I relate to those of you that believe that this is out of admiration. I have to say that I have been to Japan, and I loved the people and I don't understand the offense. I do see how that some can thing the way they are dressed is poser like but thats what happens when other cultures try to imitate something... might miss the mark. Bottomline we need to show a little more love here.
If a japanese singer asked me to go on tour with her with a group of 4 american gals I would be like hell yeah.

The Harajuku girls are hotties. They can dance. And the way they're dressed up in hollaback girl is a helluva turn on for me. I think Gwen made a good move regardless of what haters have to say. Racism this and stereotypical that... I wouldn't be suprised if the ppl that say that are the same white boys that think there's a difference between saying nigga and nigger. Anyway, I give her props and hope to see more of the girls in the future. Angel and Music are just too damn hot!

Ill be glad when she makes a new album and drop the Harajaku girls and find some other minorites to exploit. So this expired topic can cease. Which is ultimately will happen

about gwen being a wanab indian dosnt it flata u shes tryin sumn diferent how puthetic of you u moan bout ppl makin funof your cultutrwe tht ur pakis an smel of curry now ur goin on tht u dnt lyk it tht she wears a bhindi ppl do lyk different cultures uno i dnt see noone complain to you if u kum to england an wore our clothes ur fukin stupid gwen rocks her harajukus do so fuk al of yall hatin on her

about gwen being a wanab indian dosnt it flata u shes tryin sumn diferent how puthetic of you u moan bout ppl makin funof your cultutrwe tht ur pakis an smel of curry now ur goin on tht u dnt lyk it tht she wears a bhindi ppl do lyk different cultures uno i dnt see noone complain to you if u kum to england an wore our clothes ur fukin stupid gwen rocks her harajukus do so fuk al of yall hatin on her

Will someone just shoot this thread. I think Gwenn really did release the Harajuku Girls. Maybe on her next album she will find some other minority to exploit.

Yeah, it's true. They were released. I heard they were deported by U.S. immigration services and since Japan didn't want them, the girls were taken (not kidnapped) by the North Koreans. After making one record together, Dear Leader is threatening to arm his Taepodong II missiles with the Harajuku Girls and sending the girls back to Tokyo. Notified, the Japanese government is seriously considering whether to apologize for war atrocities, burn Yasukuni Shrine to the ground, and relinquishing its quest for a seat on the Security Council...

i dont understand this, we all are human beings, and although race is a part of us and our background, it doesnt govern our lives, personally, i feel its creative of her. Just because she wants to carry her dancers with her, thats her business, and the harajuke girls thing is business and they are doing this as work. they probalby had to audition and everythign so they are well aware. It doesnt matter that there japanese and that she's white. their humans, they work for her just like a secretary doesnt everythign her boss tells her, the'r following her is apart of their job description, so ppl get off the computer and do something worthwhile. Youve been surfing the internet too long and ur mind is making u crazy

they aren't even real harajuku girls. they are hired models. i hate gwen stefani.

listen its up 2 the girls, if they didnt like it they'd quit right? so stop moaning. I thank gwen because i never new nothing about harajuku before her and yea it might be a bit sterotypical but what isnt these days, she just wants to show a basic idea of the harajuku girls not the exact 1s

I watched the interview of the four girls and the fact that one of them (Angel) speaks English (publicly...not sure if the others know English, maybe Angel is just a ploy to draw attention away from the others in case of questioning) and she still let Stefani rename her is kind of sickening.

Also...I think Love and Music referenced Gwen's videos in their interviews. They said something about being in "Gwen's fantasy world" like it was REAL. I remember a specific quote from Music saying that she was shopping in a music store and "the rows of CDs turned into green hedges. I heard a 'tick-tock, tick-tock', saw a white rabbit run past and Gwen chasing it. At that moment, I knew I was a part of Gwen's fantasy world." (Referencing the music video of "What Are You Waiting For - Gwen Stefani")

It's like she's completely admitting to be a figment of Gwen's imagination. Not to mention, that same video features the girls giggling like the stereotypical Japanese schoolgirls.

I'm sure people outside of the Japanese culture wouldn't find that very offensive. Now let me ask you. Say you were American and you were in Gwen's video, featured as an obese fast-food eater, beer swilling redneck. Or if you were Indian and you were belly dancing while cooking curry in her video. How about an Irish leprechaun running around with marshmallow cereal and shamrocks?

Point made.

ENOUGH ALREADY ON THR OH SO TRIVIAL SUBJECT OF GWEN STEFANI AND HER 'BACK-UP' SINGERS\DANCERS!! I cannot believe that after 4 months this topic is still going on.

I agree, they are no more, she let them go

Now that they are gone, oddly, I miss them...

does it bother anyone that she has claimed the term "harajuku girl" as her own? Harajuku is a place in Tokyo that is well-known because it reigns as a fashion showcase. It is an amazing place where most people go to shop because it has the best clothing. Girls that hang out there are considered Harajuku girls. The term does not belong to Gwen Stefani.

We know, If you read any of the previous blogs we already covered the question you are asking. Anything you can possibly ask was covered it. Its just an old subject, time to retire this blog.

firstly - i dont think the issue is steroetyping. they are harajuku girls acting as harajuku girls. as steroetype would surely be portraying all asian women or japanese women as this subculture - which i dont think is hapenning. the whole attraction of harajuku is to be segregated (in terms of fashion and culture).
also, i think many readers need to lighten up a bit - and need to focus on the bigger issue. is it so wrong for Gwen to cash in on something she loves - and for her 'business associates' to do the same?
i find it more disturbing that people (black and white) are still using the 'N' word and (rappers especially) glamoring being a 'gangsta' - shown as being women haters and crime lovers.
in all - is it really that bad?? - just think before you protest so heavily.

"does it bother anyone that she has claimed the term "harajuku girl" as her own? Harajuku is a place in Tokyo that is well-known because it reigns as a fashion showcase. It is an amazing place where most people go to shop because it has the best clothing. Girls that hang out there are considered Harajuku girls. The term does not belong to Gwen Stefani."
Mikhala? i dont think she is, and myself have never been lead to believe this. she's never subscribed to 'own' harajuku, and quotes both in media terms and artistically to be inspired by the culture, and admire/look up to this sub culture. she clearly identifies this as a japanese sub-culture, and portrays herself clearly as an italian-american. i respect both her and her music, but funny you never heard about her 'stealing' the 'ska'/'punk' subcultures from us Brits. and they say colour doesnt come into it....

this is stupid. who cares if they dont speak english. neither do my grandparents and i respect them. who cares if one of them is chinese-american. all of them, im sure gwen included, think that harajuku girls are cool. the only ones who think that those harajuku girls are all submissive is you western-born asians with some crippling childhood issues and inferiority complexes. can't believe it would be THIS easy to make you feel insecure and get all fired up. give asians a bad name...

Ok, people. THEY ARE DANCERS! Let's face it regardless of their race; they probably want to follow her around (SHOOT FOR ALL THE MONEY THEY ARE PROBABLY GETTING I WOULD TOO). for all you know they can be just a bunch of groupies did they send anyone a SOS saying" save us from the evil Gwen Stefani"? NO they did not. I am sure if they did not want to follow her they wouldn’t have signed a contract! And if they did not have that in there contract they can sue or tell her that they don’t want to go with her. Backup dancers can be her friends too, maybe not originally there to be her friends but they could have built a relationship. They might become like her band. I personally think that harajuku culture is cool ,and Gwen likes it and it is part of her look, so what. The point is that it is SHOWBIZ, GROUPIES ARE GROUPIES, BACKUP DANCERS, and ARE BACKUP DANCERS REGARDLESS OF RACE!

I have an idea. Why don't you all just go about with your OWN LIVES. :)

ouhh...gwen stefani is so great!!!I love her music and her fashion!!!and i love the music art visual-kei!!was ich damit sagen will auch leute die eine etwas melancholischere musik mögen und eine lautere halt andere musik mögen, mögen auch die musik von gwen stefani!!!!^^°

As an Japanese girl, I don't find Gwen's harajuku girls offensive. As a matter of fact, i would ABSOLUTLEY LOVE to be one. Even if it means being called "Love" or "Music."

Gwen is the best.She is not doin anything to the harajuku girls.They probaly get paid alot and if they didn't like being the harajuku girls they wouldn't do it duh.I mean really idiots.Gwen u rock these people dont no wat there saying.And the harajuku girls u r great dancers.Love ya Gwen.

Just when you thought this blog was dead, it comes back up

Get over it, people. She loves Japanese culture. Big deal. So do I. People are trying too hard on being anti-stereotype and being politically correct. They're Harajuku girls. That's how they look and that's how they act. They obviously want to be with Gwen. Wouldn't you? Geez.

Look, Gwen Stefani is a pop star. Regardless of whether her music sucks or not, it sells, (and made her rich) and that's what matters. That's capitalism for you. Isn't that the point of this American Conusmerist Lifestlye? Everyone, all of you, haters and lovers of Gwen, are all a part of it whether you like it or not.
Yes, the Harajuku girls are probably lovin' being on tour with Gwen, and yes, it is Orientalism. The way we view those of the "Orient", the "East", and the "Other" as being exotic and interesting- This normalizes our understanding of another culture by filtering it through an American Lens and romanticizing the image to fit our Western mindset. (Come on audience--read up!)
That's the truth. And it happens all over the media, always has- It's not just Gwen Stefani. Whether right or wrong, entertainment is not about morals. Again, it's about what sells. If Gwen's stuff was more realistic and less "imaginary" audiences would not watch/listen to her work. Consumers get what consumers want.

Whoever here hates gwen, I wish I knew you 'cause I'de beat your sorry fucking @$$es!!! Gwen Stefani went to japan, was inspired and brought back groupies, she sais the voice in her head (alice in wonderland) told her too, they are her figment of the imagination. of corse their real, but still

No, i am NOT tired of gwen stefani at all! She is amazing and one of the best female singers and a designer in the world. and i am sick of u all saying stuff like that about her. i am sure tose harajuku girls get paid loads of money and enjoy what there doing.

what the shet are you thinking....gwen is thw most beautiful person in the world and I love her,and her style is so beauty than all style in world..people who say gwen is ugly,and her styl is shet,than they are not on the earth...this is my e-mail adress for all gwen fans..meggy_gwen@hotmail.com

I agree with the people who claim that it is unfair to stereotype these girls, but only in the same way as stereotyping anyone at all is unfair. It gives everybody who sees it the idea that all people in Japan are like that (I havent been to japan but I assume that people there can be as individual as anywhere else.)

It's not necessarily racist, just misconceived. Gwen Stefani probably didn't mean to insult anybody with this, she obviously is just interested in the style.

Plus, all the people saying that people who aren't Japanese shouldn't read manga, or dress in a way thats inspired by Harajuku, isn't that racist in itself? whether you're black, white, Japanese or American shouldn't come into it, by using terms like "white as milk" you are insinuating that the colour of a persons skin defines what they should or shouldn't wear.

That's my take on this anyway, I'm neither a big fan of Gwen nor do I have anything against her.

Greetings all,

I have read through the majority of these posts. Quite a few prove how ignorant and childish the human race still is, and has a long way to go to forgo self-righteous platitudes.

Gwen Stefani has done a great thing with her dance group, that no one in America has ever really EVER accepted.

Culture. A different culture that is from another country, and doesn't fully fit into our ideals totally, since we are so much better than all the other countries in the world (I'm being sarcastic with that last one btw - just to let those know what I am talking about, who don't understand that).
We have never accepted other cultures to well, and when one arises, it is either suppressed, or we try to wipe it out(which usually those people are smart and hide their culture so they don't get wiped out).

What is my evidence of this you may ask?

Native Americans - tribes were obliterated, and the rest subjugated and their culture destroyed.

Blacks - taken from their homes, their cultures obliterated to fit into our ideal society to serve.

Hispanic - they come to this country and are given the most menial and harsh jobs, and little ability to advance.

Jewish - nuff said. You know history, you know nuff on that one. Pick up a bible or read about WWII if you can to learn more.

Anyone not part of a standard Christian religion - ostracized by those around them, being slanderized, demoralized, and stereotyped.

Muslim - thought of as abusive, controlling and demeaning.

Catholics - same as muslim.

Prodestant - too lazy and money worshipping.

other Christian religions - full of controversy and innuendoes.

Personally, I think Gwen has done some beautiful things, and some crazy things. But then what star HASN'T done something people think is insance at some point in their life?

For those that are hating, give it a rest, and grow up. For those that are being overly-defensive of her, you too.
She's a grown women, who's is brining art to the world, and trying to expand everyone's perceptions, and acceptance, of other cultures.

The things mentioned in here kind of prove the point that we aren't fully ready for it yet, and we still has some evolving to do.

Well nuff of my rant.........

Enjoy life, love, and the world around you, for one day the world may no longer be around for you to enjoy it, and only then, will we all realize how we screwed up, and destroyed ourselves.

Wow, I can't believe people are STILL commenting on this thread more than 2 years after I posted 2 sentences about it.

I'm sure Gwen Stefani didn't mean to put on a minstrel show. She probably saw some actual Harajuku Girls, liked their style, decided to mass market it for her own clothing line and hired some dancers to dress the part, dance in her videos, and follow her around. But the fact that the girls are paid does not lessen the stereotypes.

I’m sure Gwen didn’t think it was racist or Orientalism. She thought she was being cool. She thought she was making an art project. But like lots of other people in positions of privilege, she Just. Doesn’t. Get. It. (Oh, and just because you didn't MEAN to be racist, doesn't mean you are in fact not being a bit racist.)

I’m going to let Margaret Cho have the last word on this one:
http://margaretcho.com/blog/index.php/archives/2005/10/31/harajuku-girls/

Thanks for all your comments, but it’s time to kill this thread.