Globetrotting

So, there were many images in this galley that I really liked, however I chose this one because I felt it more personally tied me to the concept at hand.

While going through the Globetrotters : Places galley, I found myself being attracted to certain pictures that reminded me of my own stay in Japan, which I found to be pretty ironic.

Pictures of places I had been to, pictures that reminded me of scenery I had seen in Japan, and even pictures of places that I had not gone to, but heard about stuck out in my mind. Thinking about that, I could more easily understand how photography companies at this time were able to make so much money off of globetrotters.

This particular image, of the Grea Buddha in Kamakura is definitely a location that would stick out in a globetrotters mind. It for one, is representative of the myth of foreign religion in Japan, something that westerns of that time would both be intrigued in, yet also feel superior from, due to the fact that Christianity was considered the only true religion in their eyes. This is enhanced by its large size, which creates a feeling of larger worship, and thus serves to be even more interesting.

The location itself is also quite memorable, with many temples in the surrounding area as well. Together, this culminates to make the Great Buddha appear representative of all the Buddhist influence a globetrotter may have experienced in the area.

Overall, this image would have captured both of the hegemonic western/globetrotter myths about Japan's 'otherness' in its beautiful and exotic, but also perceived to be barbaric nature.




These were the two pictures I managed to get of the Great Buddha. From these, you can kind of see how it is actually very tourist oriented today, with stalls nearby where you can buy various Buddhist influenced items, and even an opening made in the side of the Great Buddha so that you can go inside of it and make your way to the top. Just thought it was interesting how it changed over time...and how many westerners visiting Japan are still interested in it.




I thought this image was interesting, kind've cute and different at the same time, which I think is where its appeal lies...

It is obviously staged, but showcases many various Japanese connotations, the dress, the hair, the setting, the method of dance, etc. Yet, it also shows young girls, (one whom may have the mumps?), which is a little different from the standard showcasing of grown women.

Due to this, globetrotters could remember any dance performances they might have witnessed, along with any memories of children they might have kept. Again, this image also draws upon the exotic myth of Japan, and allows the viewer to make their own interpretations of what childhood for a young girl in Japan may have been like, suturing themselves into the image.