UlasanAnime.com – The idol unit SEM from The Idolm@ster SideM, whose name stands for “Science English Mathematics,” is said to have delivered an exceptional live performance. This brings to mind the futuristic and exotic image associated with these “SEM” concepts, but it raises the question of how these elements are integrated.
Science is a concept that is relatively easy to grasp in this context. However, the exoticism of English, and particularly mathematics, is more intriguing. While English might hold an exotic appeal from a Japanese perspective, mathematics seems more esoteric than exotic.
The abbreviation SEM also evokes STEM, which represents Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This acronym is often associated with “curriculum that will lead to gainful employment that actually makes money.” The SEM idols are depicted as three former high school teachers who taught these subjects. This connection triggers thoughts about public education policy and its link to STEM.
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SEM can be seen as analogous to STEM, representing core subjects in public education in Japan that are deemed important and relevant for the future, much like STEM subjects are globally. This focus on practical and forward-looking fields aligns with the image SEM aims to project.
If the title of my previous blog post is any indication, I recently delved into biographical accounts of Elon Musk. Musk portrays himself as a physicist-engineer-entrepreneur, a genius driven by the ambition to colonize Mars. This raises the question of whether this is the kind of aspirational image that SideM intends for its idols to emulate.
In a related thought, I recently encountered a spoiler for the latest Metal Gear Solid (V) installment. This reminded me of Itou Project’s Genocidal Organ. In both narratives, language plays a role within a larger science-fictional plot involving mass casualties. While this might seem like a novel concept, it prompts consideration of English’s place within STEM.
In the context of public education in English-speaking countries, English is obviously fundamental. However, from a global perspective, English is the language of science. For a scientist or an individual in technology or engineering, a lack of English proficiency can be akin to a “weeaboo” unable to understand Japanese. It’s difficult to imagine someone at the forefront of these fields not possessing sufficient English skills to navigate their work, even if it’s primarily through reading and writing rather than spoken fluency.
This linguistic barrier can be particularly felt by Japanese individuals. It’s conceivable that some might perceive English as a symbol of Western imperialism or, more recently, American cultural dominance on a global scale, or even as an instrument of global policing.
Ultimately, making SEM appear attractive and appealing is a positive development. It’s a commendable effort to imbue these subjects with a sense of allure and relevance.
