Posted by:
Nightingale
(
)
Date: March 14, 2011 11:20PM
Definition of Geisha:
“Geisha are professional hostesses who entertain customers through various performing arts as gei means arts or performances, and sha means people in Japanese. Geisha are not either ordinary hostesses or prostitutes. They patiently went through extensive training to become geisha and keep improving their skills by taking many lessons. Nowadays, there are geisha who learn computer skills or English conversation to serve English-speaking customers. Also, the work of geisha is expanding, including modeling or international tours, for example."
“It's believed that the women who danced for warriers in the 11th century are the predecessors of geisha. Geisha are trained in a number of skills: traditional Japanese dance, singing, playing instruments like shamisen (three stringed instrument), flower arrangement, wearing kimono, Japanese tea ceremony, calligraphy, conversation, alcohol serving manners, and more."
http://gojapan.about.com/cs/japanesegeisha/a/geisha1.htmAs if it's rational to ignore an entire newspaper because of not enjoying one artist's work within it. Steve's daily toons don't take up the whole paper do they? I frequently skip over editorial cartoons if they don't interest me or catch my attention. That doesn't mean I can't read the opinion pages or enjoy other parts of the paper.
As if Steve Benson would deliberately insult an entire culture, especially in their time of greatest need.
As if the AZ Republic would OK the art, if so, and by extension deliberately insult an entire culture.
Even if for some bizarre reason the paper's bosses were fine with doing that (which would be so irrational as to be surely impossible) they need to protect their bottom line by being at least reasonably civil to all potential readers. This would be a big clue to their intent and their comprehension of Steve's intent, which is obviously all good.
I saw the tribute to Japan that Steve created, which to me is beautiful and poignant to a tear-jerking degree. I feel so very sorry for people who look at that piece of art and see ugliness. It surely does not arise from Steve's pen(cil?). Therefore, it must come from within the biased onlooker. How sad. You'd think these naysayers would be able to find a lot of other major issues to get incensed about...like half a million people newly homeless, like thousands dead, like thirst and hunger and fear and grief, like a nuclear meltdown.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 03/14/2011 11:26PM by Nightingale.