Election

"Political interest and electoral enthusiasm have generally picked up whatever politics has attained a high level of drama, offering spectacular storylines and flamboyant personalities rather than ideological standoffs or partisan bickering"

I do not entirely agree with this statement from the first reading. I believe that while drama storylines can boost a particular politician's popularity, it is still up to their personality and appeareance to win over the majority of the voters attention. Their policies and the deapth of understanding of their policies also plays an important role for the smarter than average voter as well.

J-pop

The accessability of female japanese idols compared to idols within western society is astoundingly easy and friendly, with the impression of "the girl next door", anybody can be an idol and the treating of fans as friends who should take care of them as opposed to worship them.

However, for male japanese idols, it seems different as they try to appear "out of this world" and exotic to their fans.

Maybe this is an indication of the target audiences of these idols to be of mainly female demographic?

Masculinities

A short clip on youtube on why asian girls go for white guys, frankly i find this kind of sad and depressing for us asian guys. Western influence on our culture and women are changing the ideals for an ideal man to be of more western appearance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SI3lPLsbwjw