Stereotypes In The Film 'Memoirs Of A Geisha'

Since the mighty land of the sun opened their country to foreign eyes their women have been a popular subject of interest. With striking brown eyes, jet black hair their foreign customs have piqued the attention of the western gaze. Yet, with their fascination of them came negativity. Japanese women have been stereotyped to be submissive, weak, and respectful. While watching the film “Memoirs of a Geisha,” I found that all of these stereotypes were broken by the women in the film. Even in a movie taking place during pre-World War II to the American occupation, the women still defy theses labels. The main character of the movie is Chiyo, who is later known as Sayuri, shatters many stereotype about Japanese women. She is a feminist icon for many; when faced with an oppressive society she fights back in the best way she can. It is not just Chiyo who shatters stereotypes but also Mameha and Hatsumomo do as well. They all take matters into their own hands. As the girls attempt to move up the social ladder they can always see the glass ceiling above her heads.
First I looked at the structure of their society. Men are the leaders in both Japan and America. In this era both nationalities women use their relationships with men to elevate their own status. Japan is

Hatsumomo lashes out both verbally and physically when she is upset. She disrespects Mameha, a geisha who is above her in status. Unlike, the main character, she is bitter, resentful and manipulative. She also breaks one of the key stereotypes about Japanese society. When addressing the owner of the house she is disrespectful. She yells, throws a fit and even attempts to burn the house down. In their society respect for your elders is extremely important, yet the senior members of the house, act as though her attitude is normal. The owner of the house recognizes that she is rude and simply puts up with