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I think that should read "obviously North American feminists". Hopefully, not all women in North America have succumbed to the man-hating creed that regards "male narrative" as poisonous if it depicts the desires and fantasies of a heterosexual male.
John, of course we have the right to comment upon Murakami's work, regardless of where we have lived for the past 45 years. To imply that we don't is offensive. At times Murakami's narration and characters clearly reflect the misogyny persistent within most cultures, including north america, and not exclusive to Japan. This isn't to say that he is a bad person or that he produces worthless literature. His books attract many readers, and some may find his treatment of women upsetting, even within a fictional context, as it is the reflection of a larger reality. One of literature's most basic functions is to inspire people to question their reality and instigate change. Regardless of his purpose for writing, if Murakami's work can open a dialogue regarding how women are treated within art and within society in the larger sense, this is ultimately good for everyone, as by reflecting the pitfalls of our current reality it may lead to a better future.
I am reading 1Q84 at the moment, and although I enjoy certain aspects of it, I do find Murakami's tendency to objectify his female characters disappointing. Even within a story that seems to support women and condemn abuse, this objectification is very apparent.
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Hela
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Dec 13, 2016 01:44AM
I think that should read "obviously North American feminists". Hopefully, not all women in North America have succumbed to the man-hating creed that regards "male narrative" as poisonous if it depicts the desires and fantasies of a heterosexual male.
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John, of course we have the right to comment upon Murakami's work, regardless of where we have lived for the past 45 years. To imply that we don't is offensive. At times Murakami's narration and characters clearly reflect the misogyny persistent within most cultures, including north america, and not exclusive to Japan. This isn't to say that he is a bad person or that he produces worthless literature. His books attract many readers, and some may find his treatment of women upsetting, even within a fictional context, as it is the reflection of a larger reality. One of literature's most basic functions is to inspire people to question their reality and instigate change. Regardless of his purpose for writing, if Murakami's work can open a dialogue regarding how women are treated within art and within society in the larger sense, this is ultimately good for everyone, as by reflecting the pitfalls of our current reality it may lead to a better future. I am reading 1Q84 at the moment, and although I enjoy certain aspects of it, I do find Murakami's tendency to objectify his female characters disappointing. Even within a story that seems to support women and condemn abuse, this objectification is very apparent.
