STRUGGLE
AND SUCCESS The African American Experience in Japan
From the remarks of
prominent politicians to sambo dolls and "darkie" toothpaste, the
perception of most Americans is that the Japanese view African Americans and other
ethnic minorities as inferior.
These negative perceptions have led to anger and
frustration among African Americans in the US. Ironically, despite the perception, some
African Americans have made Japan their home
and profess to find Japanese culture overall
more tolerant than American culture. How can
they find a home in Japan? What is it about
Japanese culture that can generate such
enthusiasm and passion? What are the internal conflicts African Americans must
experience living in Japan?
Independent film and television Producer, Regge Life is proud to present STRUGGLE
AND SUCCESS: The African American Experience in Japan. Narrated by Ossie
Davis with music by Paul Jackson of the Herbie Hancock group, the 85 minute
program examines the complex lives of African Americans living in Japan. The program
features African Americans from all walks of life in Japan. Andre De Cordova,
originally from California has developed an energetic method to teach young children
English. Bill Whitaker, network correspondent, relates a heart felt story of how Japan
affected his children. Others include Glenn
Boggs, the only African American working
for a Japanese securities company,
Panzellia Leslie, a fashion designer from
Fukuoka, Rodney Johnson, a former break dancer turned Osaka businessman and
Lance Lee, formerly stationed in Japan with the Air Force, who returned to set up a
successful fitness company.
STRUGGLE AND SUCCESS is an excellent teaching tool for schools, businesses and
internationally focused organizations. An ideal tool for any audience seeking to
understand the social and cultural dynamics of contemporary Japan. Appropriate for
Asian Studies, Anthropology, American Studies, African American Studies, and
Multi-Cultural curricula and International Affairs. The film is an important human
resource tool for Japanese companies interfacing with America's multicultural
workforce and for those with African American employees in Japan.
These negative perceptions have led to anger and
frustration among African Americans in the US. Ironically, despite the perception, some
African Americans have made Japan their home
and profess to find Japanese culture overall
more tolerant than American culture. How can
they find a home in Japan? What is it about
Japanese culture that can generate such
enthusiasm and passion? What are the internal conflicts African Americans must
experience living in Japan? 
STRUGGLE AND SUCCESS is an excellent teaching tool for schools, businesses and
internationally focused organizations. An ideal tool for any audience seeking to
understand the social and cultural dynamics of contemporary Japan. Appropriate for
Asian Studies, Anthropology, American Studies, African American Studies, and
Multi-Cultural curricula and International Affairs. The film is an important human
resource tool for Japanese companies interfacing with America's multicultural
workforce and for those with African American employees in Japan.