Misconceptions about geishas

Due to how the media has portrayed geisha’s they have developed misconceptions regarding in who they are and what they do. The role that the geisha’s have is to entertain by painting, dance, playing music or having the ability to sustain a conversation with the opposite sex; the services are paid. Traditionally they use a wig, painted white faces, jewelry, or red lips. This leads for others to see them as prostitutes, the article Helium mentions, “The first reason is that when the first group of geisha’s began trading in japan in the 1700’s, they began in the red- light district. Joining the ranks of the many prostitutes located in the district, the geishas offered more in the way of music, dance and further conversation. Separating from the common red light district, the geishas soon became a profession in its own right and became an elite group” (Hanlon1). “The second reason came when after World War II Japan was occupied by soldiers from the United States. The prostitutes introduced themselves as geisha’s and when they returned home they mentioned they had been with beautiful women named geishas” (Hanlon 2).  Another reason stated in the article mentions, “In the years 1900 to 1945 in Imperial Japan, it was very common for poor families to sell their daughters into prostitution and give their sons to monasteries, it was preferred to find a home in a geisha house for your daughter instead of becoming an unknown prostitute, they would then service the house by cleaning and cooking and hopefully become a successful geisha after their training was finished” (Hanlon 3). These factors have led to the misconception of the geishas. The media as well is another important factor because the audience sees them as something they are not, in this case prostitutes. Before judging someone or a culture research should be done first before stating a false statement that can affect someone. Every culture has their own traditions or beliefs therefor society should respect them.  

                This article helped me understand that before stating a false concept on someone information should be done. It has also given a background on how the geishas began and what their roles are. Based on my personal opinion it would bother me knowing that my culture is being displayed in a falsely manner. There are those who believe and rely on what the media presents to them.