Looking Beyond the Mask

When American Women Marry Japanese Men

By Nancy Brown Diggs | Publisher: State University of New York Press

About the book

Looking Beyond the Mask focuses on the personal stories of the growing number of American women who—despite vast cultural differences, and sometimes because of them—are married to Japanese men. Although the problems encountered in such marriages are similar to those found in any union, there are cultural implications that can exacerbate almost any of them. Potential areas of conflict are examined, such as in-laws, customs and manners, values, living conditions, religion, communication, sex and gender, and raising children. The book deals with meeting such challenges and attempting to look beyond the cultural masks to see the real people behind them. The women in question stress the importance of commitment, a flexible attitude, a strong sense of identity, a support network, a sense of perspective, and a sense of humor. They also reveal the benefits of these marriages, including a greater appreciation for Japanese ways and the opportunity to continually grow and learn. Based on extensive research, the book provides a new look at Japan from the unique perspective of those American women most intimately involved with its culture.

Editions of Looking Beyond the Mask

Hardcover
ISBN 9780791450697
Paperback
ISBN 9780791450703
PDF
ISBN 9780791490105

Read an Excerpt

Looking Beyond the Mask focuses on the personal stories of the growing number of American women who—despite vast cultural differences, and sometimes because of them—are married to Japanese men. Although the problems encountered in such marriages are similar to those found in any union, there are cultural implications that can exacerbate almost any of them. Potential areas of conflict are examined, such as in-laws, customs and manners, values, living conditions, religion, communication, sex and gender, and raising children. The book deals with meeting such challenges and attempting to look beyond the cultural masks to see the real people behind them. The women in question stress the importance of commitment, a flexible attitude, a strong sense of identity, a support network, a sense of perspective, and a sense of humor. They also reveal the benefits of these marriages, including a greater appreciation for Japanese ways and the opportunity to continually grow and learn. Based on extensive research, the book provides a new look at Japan from the unique perspective of those American women most intimately involved with its culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Looking Beyond the Mask about?

Looking Beyond the Mask focuses on the personal stories of the growing number of American women who—despite vast cultural differences, and sometimes because of them—are married to Japanese men. Although the problems encountered in such marriages are similar to those found in any union, there are cultural implications that can exacerbate almost any of them. Potential areas of conflict are examined, such as in-laws, customs and manners, values, living conditions, religion, communication, sex and gender, and raising children. The book deals with meeting such challenges and attempting to look beyond the cultural masks to see the real people behind them. The women in question stress the importance of commitment, a flexible attitude, a strong sense of identity, a support network, a sense of perspective, and a sense of humor. They also reveal the benefits of these marriages, including a greater appreciation for Japanese ways and the opportunity to continually grow and learn. Based on extensive research, the book provides a new look at Japan from the unique perspective of those American women most intimately involved with its culture.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Looking Beyond the Mask?

Society and Social Sciences > Society and culture: general > Social groups, communities and identities > Gender studies, gender groups > Gender studies: women and girls

Where can I read a sample of Looking Beyond the Mask?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780791450697

How long is Looking Beyond the Mask and how many pages does it have?

Looking Beyond the Mask has 239 page(s)

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Looking Beyond the Mask?

Nancy Brown Diggs

Who is the Publisher of the book Looking Beyond the Mask?

State University of New York Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Looking Beyond the Mask is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780791450697) and paperback(ISBN 9780791450703) and pdf(ISBN 9780791490105)

Where can I buy Looking Beyond the Mask online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Looking Beyond the Mask from below

Where can I buy Looking Beyond the Mask?