Art Transcending Cultural Barriers

Each culture in the world has its own brand of humor. This is because comedy is based on shared cultural knowledge. It is not often that a piece specifically designed to be funny in one culture will be viewed with the same humor when shown in a different culture. No matter the type of art, there are exceptions to this rule. Anime transcends many barriers in the world of film for both the large and small screen. It can also transcend cultural barriers.

Imagine a pair of robots interacting with each other. Robots have been in use for many years in the country of Japan. The Japanese have refined robots for manufacturing purposes. Their experimental programs are far in advance of the work of many cultures. This has been a background cultural fact that is not often thought about by the general public. Its use in anime has surprising consequences.

Part of the reason for cultural differences is due to the fact people have different values. They place importance on different aspects of life than that of other cultures. A culture where ancestors are revered will have people who take a great deal of time talking and visiting with the elders of their family. A culture that reveres youth tends to spend as little time as possible with the elderly. They prefer to spend time with younger people or work towards maintaining their own youth. These types of differences can lead to a communications gap.

There are concepts that all cultures share. Medical tests such as viewing eye charts are one example of shared cultural values. Passing these tests determines the need for a set of prescription glasses. If the test is passed with no mistakes, glasses are not necessary. This example transcends the cultural barrier. Using robots to illustrate the testing makes it humorous and continues to help unite different cultures by breaking down the existing barriers in communication.