White hot heroes: Semiotics of race and sexuality in Hollywood ninja films. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pua, Phoebe; Hiramoto, Mie
• Is Part Of: Language & communication. Volume 72(2020)
• Page Start: 56
• Page End: 67
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: Sexuality -- Masculinity -- Semiotics -- Race -- Ninja -- Hollywood; Communication -- Periodicals; Linguistics -- Periodicals; Communication -- Periodicals; Linguistics -- Periodicals; Communication -- Périodiques; Linguistique -- Périodiques; Communication; Linguistics; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.langcom.2020.02.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0271-5309

Abstract

Abstract: While the properties of gender across different cultures have degrees of overlap, representations of Japanese men in popular Western media are characterized by distinctive elements. This article discusses popular Hollywood action films featuring ninja and tracks its portrayal in Anglophone media. We pay particular attention to cinematic constructions of masculinity and sexuality from the integrated theoretical viewpoints of sociolinguistics, masculinity studies, and film semiotics. Based on the notions of linguistic and visual enregisterment, we employ concepts of mediation and simulation to illustrate two points— (1) a widely accepted martial arts typecasting of the ninja is a 'copy without an original' in Hollywood productions, and (2) characteristics of heroic and villainous ninja are conventionalized via dominant discourses of hegemonic masculinity based on race. Highlights: Hollywood ninja films are sites of racial (geo)political contestation. The dôjô is a key location in establishing the white ninja's Japanese roots. The white ninja simulates Japanese-ness via visual and linguistic performances. Yet, American heroic traits of virility and independence are retained. Race remains the ultimate factor governing the mythologies of ideal heroes.