Postby panegryst » Tue Jul 13, 2004 11:27 am
Anime is awesome not only because it emphasizes story and character development, but also because it often supports traditionally Christian concepts and values - values like collectivism (good of the group before the good of the individual), self-sacrifice, politeness, humility, honor, personal discipline, respect + protection for women and the weak or poor, respect for authority, and recognition of personal unworthiness. Of course there are plenty of exceptions to this. But American media often degrades women, marriage, and sex, promotes a 'MY needs/wants come first' attitude, makes fun of religion and authority, and is chock full of 'violence is fun' and 'other people don't matter' messages. Watch a Rurouni Kenshin movie and an American action movie like 'Payback', 'Total Recall', or 'Speed'; watch 'Azumanga Daioh' and 'South Park', and you tell me why America has a much higher crime rate than Japan.
In short, American movies and TV make me feel uncomfortable when they don't make me disgusted. Japanese film and television, while certainly far from perfect (*cough* hentai *cough*) is usually a much better choice than the majority of comparable American media.
"Reason is the Devil's harlot."
-Martin Luther
I'll stand for nothing less
Or never stand again
-Chevelle, 'The Clincher'