Viz DBZ Manga Censorship: Round Two

SonGohan-san · Post by **SonGohan-san** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 4:58 am

While I'm certain that the Japanese culture has a more sensable approach to many things, I also find it hard to believe that just b/c Japanese children were raised not to "buy" X or "watch" X, implies a more sensible solution in this case. I'm sure there are plenty of kids in Japan who go behind their parent's back or whatever and take advantage of its accessability, which makes things harder on parents if they wish to shield their children from watching whatever. So I can understand the separation of hentai and children's manga or the separation of Kamusutra (or however you spell it) books from Teletubbies or Bob the Builder or whatever. You can't be completely insensitive to certain inherent concerns that a parent may have at what age a child should be exposed to <insert contraversial elements>.

Does this not mean that I don't think we live in a ridiculously sensitive, double standard culture that adheres to soccer moms and right-wing christian zealots who bark louder than the majority of reasonable citizens? Of course, not. But I don't see Japan as being this utopian society that is so much more perfect and free of any backwardness. At least, not in all cases.

Zackarotto · Post by **Zackarotto** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 11:10 am

There are upsides to hiding hentai and porn from children, I know. I remember back in elementary school this kid who got to see porn like it was nothing, I assume his parents just didn't care. Either way, this kid became a pervert at a single digit age. Hentai is even more interesting to the young kids, too. I mean, with adults it's a fetish, but it certainly doesn't help for the kids.

At this time, I consider myself very mature for my age... I'll say right now that I approve of the American / Canadian sexuality morals more than the Japanese.

PsyLiam · Post by **PsyLiam** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 3:45 pm

The US's approach to sex is...strange. Generally, compared to the UK, we're looser on sex, and stricter on violence. As pointed out, the hysteria over Janet Jackson's nipple was really unbelievable for most people over here to comprehend.

PsyLiam · Post by **PsyLiam** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 3:49 pm

Also, Zacky, I like you, but...

Zackarotto wrote:At this time, I consider myself very mature for my age...

That really is a horrible phrase. If you took a poll of a random group of teenagers and asked them whether they were "mature for their age", I bet well over 3/4 of them would say that they are.

Only young people want to be mature. Just wait until you hit 22, and then all thoughts of maturity will be banished from your mind, replaced with "oh my god, I'm almost 30! I'm going to die soon!"

SonGohan-san · Post by **SonGohan-san** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 4:13 pm

Ugh...he speaks the truth. I'm 21 and really don't like to announce my birthday to the world anymore. After around 18, to me, they get depressing...

Anyways, back to the topic at hand.

Dayspring · Post by **Dayspring** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 6:39 pm

I'm already feeling old and I'm only 19.

I want to be a high school kid forever: no responsibilities, but people treat you like an adult and you have access to cash. Now I'm in Cegep and everything depends on me being above average marks-wise. If I don't do so well, I won't get into University. No University degree and no job. No job and my profession will be Street Zen.

SonGohan-san · Post by **SonGohan-san** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 7:16 pm

Yeah, 19 was a shit year for me. Not so much that I missed high school, but I can definitely understand what you mean. I'm a pretty small guy too, which makes me feel younger inside. I have a friend who is 18 and looks 24 b/c he's so tall and has a full beard. Anyways, you're right about getting all the benefits w/o the badside at that high school age, unless you like to drink a bunch. Me, I've been 21 (I don't know what the legal drinking age is in Canada) since November and I haven't even purchased any beer. It's just not...exciting, I guess. So I watch cartoons...go figure.

Jerseymilk · Post by **Jerseymilk** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 8:24 pm

Boy you guys! I'm older than all of you and you're freaking out about aging more then me!

Of course, I actually only look like I'm 20, which has it's advantages and disadvantages. I can't tell you how much fun it is to have 16 year-old guys bugging you.

Anyway, back to the topic. And never meant by my comments to imply that Japanese society was a utopia by any means. There are a lot of things wrong with it. The extreme pressures put on kids to be academically perfect or they're nothing, the hidden bullying in school that drives some youth to suicide, the "Lolita complex" problem, the stigmatizing of the "Buraku", and the slow progression of sexual equality are just some things I have a really big problem with. I was just making my statements to explain the differences in two particular cultures and why some things are excepted there and not here. I'm sorry if anyone misunderstood me.

SonGohan-san · Post by **SonGohan-san** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 10:21 pm

Right, I had a hunch that you weren't implying Japan was a utopia. I give you more credit than that, Jerseymilk. I mainly said what I said just to add balance to the discussion and also b/c I'm sure there are others who may actually feel that it is. Incidentally, I'd love to go to Japan. One thing I will say, though, is that I wish my country was willing to take the environment as seriously as they do. Anyways, that's my political rant for the day.

Oh yeah, and down with the censorship and stuff.

Jerseymilk · Post by **Jerseymilk** » Sun Feb 22, 2004 10:52 pm

Thanks for the faith! And I think it was a good idea of yours to point it out to anyone who might get the wrong idea. Who knows, someone could read my posts and say, "Wow! Japan's a land where pornography and violence are everywhere and boy I'm gonna go there and have a wild and crazy time!" It is interesting to note however, that as violent as Japan's manga is, they have one of the lowest crime rates in the world. And yes, I plan on going to Japan to someday. I'm currently working on getting my TESOL certification so I can make a living while I visit there, as well as experience the rest of Asia, I especially have this thing for Mongolia, don't know why.

Zackarotto · Post by **Zackarotto** » Mon Feb 23, 2004 6:00 pm

PsyLiam wrote:That really is a horrible phrase. If you took a poll of a random group of teenagers and asked them whether they were "mature for their age", I bet well over 3/4 of them would say that they are.

Only young people want to be mature. Just wait until you hit 22, and then all thoughts of maturity will be banished from your mind, replaced with "oh my god, I'm almost 30! I'm going to die soon!"

Heh. I could try to defend my statement, but it's not going to help. So... good point.

PsyLiam · Post by **PsyLiam** » Mon Feb 23, 2004 9:46 pm

Remember to bookmark this page, and return when you are 21. And realise that you are APPROACHING 30! And then panic a bit.

Jerseymilk · Post by **Jerseymilk** » Mon Feb 23, 2004 9:52 pm

Hey you're only as old as ya feel!

The S · Post by **The S** » Mon Feb 23, 2004 11:58 pm

I feel like I'm Kamesennin's age...

Jerseymilk · Post by **Jerseymilk** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 12:05 am

Hey at least he's immortal, so that could mean anything!

Zackarotto · Post by **Zackarotto** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 12:11 am

I doubt this page will be around when I'm 21. Not just the topic, but the forum. And not just the forum, but the internet. You know, cyber internet asteroids and such. They'll exist by that time, only to wipe out the entire internet, and maybe they'll be covered in cyber glitter. I can only hope.

Yeah, I've totally abandoned that maturity crap.

Jerseymilk · Post by **Jerseymilk** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 12:13 am

Zackarotto wrote:I doubt this page will be around when I'm 21. Not just the topic, but the forum. And not just the forum, but the internet. You know, cyber internet asteroids and such. They'll exist by that time, only to wipe out the entire internet, and maybe they'll be covered in cyber glitter. I can only hope.

Yeah, I've totally abandoned that maturity crap.

Trying to cover your tracks for when you destroy the internet, eh Zacko?

PsyLiam · Post by **PsyLiam** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 12:14 am

Good for you!

Jerseymilk · Post by **Jerseymilk** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 12:21 am

PsyLiam wrote:Good for you!

Why? You planning to be his sidekick?!

Zackarotto · Post by **Zackarotto** » Tue Feb 24, 2004 12:28 am

A regular cannot be the sidekick of a ___ newbie! Give me 20 or so posts and We can be partners...