F2F Class Notes (Nicholas)

Next Class Focus

Choose a speaking topic not related to beauty or cosmetics.

Homework

Imagine you have a son or daughter, and they come to you and they tell you, at a young age, that they don’t like their appearance, and they want surgery to change it. What will be your answer? How will you respond?

Reading

Nissin takes down Osaka ad after backlash

Naomi Osaka taking press photos with the Australian Open trophy. (AP Photo)

Naomi Osaka did two things exceedingly well in the last two weeks: claiming her second Grand Slam title and reaching the world No. 1 ranking.

She also had another smart move during the Australian Open. When questioned by media members after her tough, three-set semifinal victory over Karolina Pliskova, Osaka offered thoughts about Nissin Food Holdings’ recent ad. The Japanese company and sponsor of hers since late 2016 depicted her with a pale complexion and light brown hair in an animated advertisement.

”I’ve talked to them,” Osaka said in the press conference. “They’ve apologized. It’s obvious, I’m tan. It’s pretty obvious.”

She believed that Nissin wasn’t trying to “whitewash” her, but she noted something that global marketers should heed: ”But I definitely think that the next time they try to portray me or something, I feel like they should talk to me about it.”

It was a smooth response from the Japanese 21-year-old. A spokesperson for Nissin—no, not Nissan the car company—apologized on the company’s behalf. ”We as a company put human rights first, and our stance of valuing diversity is unchanged,” said Daisuke Okabayashi, as reported by Sports Illustrated and other outlets. He echoed Osaka’s statement that the company had not sought to “whitewash” the Haitian-Japanese star, who was born in the city of Osaka, but lives and trains in the United States.

This wasn’t the only time that Osaka was portrayed in a strange manner, drawing criticism from fans. After her 2018 US Open championship win against Serena Williams, an Australian political cartoonist drew Osaka to basically appear white.

Based on the backlash, Nissin certainly has a lot to ‘noodle’ on, and with this controversy an important precedent has been set: inclusion.

Pronunciation

doe / though /

they / day

Grammar

which is sponsor to her / which sponsors her 

more light hair color than real Naomi / lighter hair color than the real Naomi

Japanese never draw people as a real person / the Japanese never draw people as a real person / Japanese people

it is affected from deep inside (racism as reason for beauty standards) / it comes from deep inside / instinct

women also like younger guy / women also like younger guys

people’s preferences is of course different / people’s preferences are of course very different

I haven’t stay in western part long enough / I haven’t stayed in…