in line with the topic of ridiculous cultural sterotyping, i would like to bring up this point on the authenticity of cultures.

in the recent years, it appears that the mainstream americans (let's just keep it to one region, shall we?) have developed a certain fetish towards Asian art and culture. Stereotypical art and culture, that is. The exploitation of the chinese race in order to cash in on movie ticket sells being part of that national fetish. Buddha statuettes are taken as a trend, along with articles of clothing with loud colors and chinese characters.

Problem is, the characters are often not of chinese origin. Most of the time, they are Japanese, and for some, just mere random brushstrokes. Unfortunately, the consumers cannot tell the difference, due to their cultural ignorance.

I would consider the Asian trend to be one of cultural commodification, where cultures are exploited just so a cent can be made out of it. It is indeed disconcerting to see culture becoming an accessory for those who have no respect for the culture itself. Perhaps in a way, this trend is a good thing, for it increases visibility for the chinese.

Yet, before we start to wave around the signs proclaiming our immense indignation at the violation of cultural integrity, can we ask ourselves what indeed would be the authentic Chinese style?

In fact, come to think of it, is there anything that is 'pure'?