MÉDIAS ET STÉRÉOTYPES SOCIAUX Représentations de l'otaku japonais

Abstract

In Japan, the word otaku refers to people who have a deep interest in popular culture, particularly entertainment media such as comic books, cartoons, video games as well as their derivative products (action figures, models, costumes, etc.). Engrossed in his hobby and supposedly unable to distinguish fiction from reality, the otaku is perceived as being unproductive, socially awkward, and even dangerous. The purpose of the study is to examine this stereotype constructed by the media, and to compare it with the representations from within the otaku community. The analysis is based on the film Otaku no Video (1992), which explicitly aimed at challenging this image. The film comprises two parts, which are dialogically intertwined: First, an anime (Japanese cartoon) telling the story of a young Japanese who gradually becomes an otaku; this initiation narrative reflects the authors’ personal experience. Second, a series of ten live action yet fictional interviews each titled “Portrait of an otaku”. The first chapter explores the origin and forms of the “labelling” (Becker, Kam) as well as the reasons why the otaku are ostracised based on their interest for fantasy at the expense of “institutional functionalism” (Castoriadis). As a result, they can be considered as postmodern subjects, consumers and producers of “simulacra” (Baudrillard, Azuma). Focusing on the animated part, the second chapter examines the narrative devices used to deconstruct the otaku's stereotyped representations. It questions the social issues underlying the confrontation of two male figures: the otaku vs. the ideal, hardworking Japanese devoted to the common good. The third chapter seeks to understand the paradox by which the interviews use the misinformation propagated by the media in a self-derisive way to inform the public about unknown or less known aspects of otakism, now an international phenomenon that is viewed positively outside its country of origin.