Session 3 readings, 9/18

[Cindy Nguyen]

After reading your post, it reminded me of a documentary I watched on Vice.  "Suicide Forest in Japan" was an episode focuses on a forest guard who patrols Aokigahara Forest for bodies or peoplel who are on the verge of suicide.  He explains that poor peasant families in the feudal era would leave their elders, sick, and disabled in the forest to ensure the survival of the family.  Seppuku is also a form of suicide committed by mostly samuarais as honorary deaths or self punishment.  The suicides that are committed in Aokigahara Forest in recent times can be seen as similar.  Many people who enter the forest feel they have dishonored their families by being a failure or they cannot live up to their families' expectations.  I wonder if this is culturally exceptable because of the long history of honorary suicide?  This subject makes me wonder if certain aspects of history is still influencing the attitudes and thoughts of the people in present time.

[Lin ZhaoDavison]

I agree with Catalina that social hierarchy in Japan is a good topic for student to learn about societies in different countries.  It would be interesting for students to compare social hierarchies in the U.S. vs in Japan.  Similar to Japan, China has social hierarchies of rulers, officials  and poor people.  In ancient China, the social status was reflected in people's clothing and personal decorations like hair pieces, colors of a robe, etc.  Classes were divided and lower class people were expected to behave in certain ways.  They would be penalized if they break social rules.  "Everyone is equal and has a chance" is ideal in modern societies.  We all should do our part to promote equal rights among all human beings.

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