BTheWriter

Japanese Society and “Hikikomori”

After watching too much Queer Eye: We’re in Japan, I started connecting the dots that Japanese society is embedded with deep social cleavages which do not allow for the normalisation of intimate, loving interactions and relationships. In fact, these cleavages encourage and perpetuate this engrained, societal mindset.

Japanese society appears to be very lonely and isolating, after reading one article in The Japanese Times which discussed how Japan has a patriarchal society, with many women and men often separating themselves from each other in Japanese pubs. If individuals would like to start dating, it may start off at matchmaking parties, however it seems that a mans financial status and economic value are more important than if their moral values align.

According to another article in The Japanese Times, sexless marriages in Japan are the norm and in fact, have been portrayed in the media positively back in the 1990s. This article also mentions a Durex (condom making company) Survey from 2005 which revealed out of a group of 317,000 participants from 41 countries, the Japanese population had the least sex, scoring a number of 45 times a year. In comparison, the world average was 103 times annually.

An Al Jazeera documentary also explored the lives of Hikikomori in Japan. Hikikomori individuals are people who are socially withdrawn from society, often having minimal contact with the outside world. According to an article by Kyodo News, Japanese government data have approximated that there are 1 million plus hikikomori people living in Japan.

The Al Jazeera documentary also explores the different circumstances as to how and why certain individuals become Hikikomori (some have disorders) as well as the challenges of being a Hikikomori. The documentary also briefly explores the lives of Futoko children (children who have a phobia of going to school).

This depression-inducing culture also relates to the high suicide rates in Japan. In 2014, more than 25,000 people committed suicide, with isolation and financial pressure being contributing factors.

I found this analysis of Japanese society intriguing, especially considering it’s stark contrast to Western society. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has temporarily induced measures of self-isolation, I think it’s interesting considering some Japanese have been living in isolation even prior to the outbreak of COVID, and it’s not just for months at a time, but for years. I genuinely hope change can occur in Japanese society. This engrained societal mindset devoid of love and intimacy, seems to have fatal implications.

Extra Resources:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography/proof/2018/february/japan-hikikomori-isolation-society/#close

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/06/13/national/social-issues/suicide-rates-help-japan/

An Honest Review: 1984

An Honest Review: 1984

George Orwell’s novel 1984, was a exemplary book about a dystopian world with a totalitarian government. This dystopian world explores how the citizens of Oceania are oppressed and how society is compelled to believe in a God-like figure, Big Brother. A class system is entrenched into Oceania, composing of Inner Party Members, Outer Party Members and The Proles.

Devout members of The Party act without independent thought and consciousness, praising the rules and confines of Big Brother and his message, Ingsoc. His message, that of complete submission and obedience and those who deviate from this norm, having their own thoughts and doubts about The Party are deemed to be “ThoughtCriminals”.

The story’s protagonist, Winston Smith (an Outer Party member) works at the heart of the oppressive system in the Ministry of Truth. His job, to rewrite history. Any publications which contradict the message of The Party, Winston must rewrite. The protagonist’s internal battle of desiring freedom but also his understanding that he must abide by Ingsoc and it’s rules creates an interesting predicament, driving audiences to read further in the hopes his conflict will eventually be resolved.

1984 took an unexpected turn when Julia, another member of the Outer Party reaches out and initiates a relationship with Winston, starting a secret romance. Julia’s character was deceptively defiant, she was the embodiment of the Party’s rules by being a member of the Junior Anti-Sex League.

However this romance is short-lived with their eventual capture. After being taken as ThoughtCriminals, the story follows Winston and his eventual physical and emotional degradation as a result of torture tactics used.

1984 concluded with an unexpected, however realistic ending. Winston finds himself succumbing to the Party and it’s power, leaving readers with a bleak reality of a brutal world. I propose Orwell’s intention was to show how insignificant the human individual is, in fictional world where citizens of Oceania become done-like automatons.

The first 1/3 of 1984 lays down the foundations about the totalitarian regime which, at some points, I found tedious, however I could easily relate this to real world governments. Once Julia’s character was introduced, the book quickly picked up as it revitalised the protagonist’s mental health from a coma-like state. The ending, although unexpected, was welcomed. Although I don’t think it’s an ending many would be satisfied with, I believe it was the most realistic way to end the book.

Shocking US Supreme Court Decision

Abortion laws in America have been apart of a highly contested debate on a global scale. If you are unfamiliar with the US Abortion laws, many states have implemented increasingly more restrictive laws to prevent access to abortion. Since America has a federal political system, state governments have autonomy. However in regards to protecting the rights for women to have autonomy over their body, the Supreme Court has paved the way for social liberalism in America.

The 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision ruled that states restrictive regulations in regards to abortion were unconstitutional. Earlier this week on Monday, the Supreme Court made a ruling about Lousiana’s abortion laws which limited doctors who can carry out abortions. Liberal Supreme Court justices, along with conservative Chief Justice John Roberts, ruled that Lousiana’s abortion laws breach the Roe v. Wade decision of 1973.

Justice Roberts had previously supported more restrictive laws on the procedure, however, since President Donald Trump has come to power, he appointed two Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Justice Niel Gorsuch. In saying this, both Justices along with Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas were for Lousiana’s abortion laws. The importance of Justice Roberts swing vote is that the Supreme Court has become increasingly more divided along partisan lines. Both Justices Kavanaugh and Gorsuch are conservatives appointed by President Donald Trump, this gave hope for the public who are generally pro-life activists who wish to ensure the restrictive laws are imposed.

This shocking Supreme Court decision is a massive breakthrough for womens rights in America, although American society may remain divided, let’s be proud the Supreme Court can make decisions with the best interest for the American people.