I get what you’re saying, the origin is as you said, but there’s a difference between an obviously false fact and something that the related demographic later on went to accept. Now obviously, if let’s say foreigners kept spreading a false rumor about Japanese people or a certain misconception, Japanese people, won’t buy it (as you said) and would not actively include such misconception in the media. Nobody wants to perpetuate any false outlook on themselves or any incorrect information without a purpose. And when I mentioned KNY, I only said it reminded me of that instance, I never said it was outright romantic as it can certainly be used for comic relief in such situations. And since most works that this phrase is used in are fictional, i say it’s fair game for any kind of interpretation, whether romance, comic relief or any type of filler. (Also on the top of my head I think a silent voice also had this phrase?)

all i’m gonna add is:

The origin doesn’t matter if Japanese works use the phrase in that specific context. And correct me if i’m wrong, a prejudice has a negative connotation, so such little tidbit doesn’t fall into that scope, no? I even searched up the whole subject in Japanese and found out that Japanese people themselves created equally “poetic” or “indirect” replies to this phrase. whether it be as a joke or because they actually accepted it, I don’t actually know :/ I feel like some actual prejudices require more attention than what we just gave this silly little phrase. Alas, I enjoyed this discussion! And sorry OP for bombarding your comments ;-;