Sneezeta - Sneeze

On some Japanese social issues I had learned about at uni and abroad):

(Rb ok!)

Legit had an epiphany about the true hidden meaning of the last arc of Mob Psycho 100. It’s hella projection but for real there is nothing neurotypical about Mob or Mob Psycho. I do not wish to enforce my interpretation on others (ironic bc I do that all the time but this is a serious social theory). There are some interesting and very sad social issues in Japan that the west really doesn’t understand but would I think help people understand a lot of context behind not only Mob Psycho, but also a lot of other anime. I learned this at my shitty university (prestigious but horrific) and while studying abroad in Japan and talking with Japanese peers. Get ready here we go (and tw for bullying and darker things):

Unfortunately in East Asian education systems, bullying can be extremely intense. Growing up I assumed it was over exaggerated extremely in anime for drama but it really can be so horrific. From what I’ve heard, there is often a single kid or so who is just shit on by everyone else, even the teacher. Mogami land *is* the reality of some Japanese kids. I’ve read that in Korea, this social punching bag sometimes is just the darkest skinned person (yayyy colorism /angry) and or someone who does not fit in. I mean, we have that in America too, but maybe not as common for the bullying to be as focused on one misfit rather than several. These kids just can’t escape the stigma too, kids from other schools find out they were a major victim at their old school and it starts anew. Thus there is so much stigma and incentive to join in on bullying so you aren’t the one. Sadly, this also ofc leads to higher suicide rates. That’s where the “shoe on building roof” anime trope comes in, bc somehow taking off shoes is relayed to death (I forgot why sorry)

There is a difference in how intense in general high school vs college is too. In the West, commonly college is the more intense curriculum and is harder than high school, but in Japan it’s usually the opposite. Grind suuuupppeeerrrr hard for entrance exams (huge standardized tests that determines what college you can qualify to) bc unlike the ACT or SAT here, that test is by far the most important factor for college admission. Then chill and relax a bit in college. Can’t relate. Name and prestige is very critical for job application, more important than here. That’s why planning out your future is sooo much more intense for Japanese high schoolers than in America, and why there is sooo much more pressure to excel in high school than here. Japanese school years and holidays are done different than ours, I’d suggest looking it up.

Social prestige of going to an American high school or college is nuts. Like whyyy do you value our shitty education, Japan’s is much higher quality (it’s bc we neo colonized them). Being able to speak English is very, very highly valued and any association with Americans make you cooler. From my experience, some Japanese students got very excited to practice speaking English with us, and their biggest issues with learning it is pronunciation, lmao. Wasai english is unique slang that is indeed English words but it’s kinda different and it’s kinda jarring to remember lol. So, Teru having parents that are working overseas isn’t too uncommon, idk about leaving him absolutely alone, but I did have a ex-friend who just came from Japan in middle school who’s situation probably wasn’t too far off from that. Empty wealth with no love, it’s no wonder those kind of people can end up being huge bullies (minori?)

I did a presentation on 引きこもり(hikikomori) for which means “shut in”, (like Serizawa) and it’s fucked up. It’s a social phenomena where according to some Japanese researchers a mix of undisciplined parenting, guilt/not living up to expectations, and hopelessness makes an alarming amount of youth/ young adults literally never go out side their house/room. Often a parent is “enabling” the behavior by supporting them, but idk the articles seemed a bit victim-blaming to me when I read it, but I don’t think I should make a judgement too hard, not my place. I will say I do suspect and believe I read something to support that ASD might play a role in hikikomoris (there is pitiful resources for autistic people in Asia, much much less support than even here, to the point I don’t think most know it exists). Like come on, with the other points I laid out my personal opinion as an Asian American with autism is that it really seems it’s unknowing ableism against autistic classmates, but I didn’t grow up in Asia so I don’t want to say.

Mental health in general is tragically quite abysmal in Japan, and with it being so hyper competitive and brutal work culture, it’s no surprise birth rate in Japan is so low; some Japanese young adults say it seems unethical to bring a life to such hostile world. Suicide rate is of the highest in the world. It’s fucked, I’ve interacted with some of the locals in Tokyo and they were so nice, but the business men just looked dead inside, it’s so sad.

Relationships between child and parent is also strained bc of this intense work and school culture. Quality time is too scarce when you gotta work so much. And the pressure from parents to do well in education or else you might end up socially stigmatized is rough. Bc your job is who you are, it’s hyper capitalism (thanks us for making them do this)

With autism being so unknown, support for parents in raising autistic kids is almost nonexistent. What happens if the “darker” side of ASD shows up in kids? I used to be a menace when I had meltdowns, I felt so bad but really just became so indiscriminately violent. See where this is going? Legit, I think ESP is a sort of metaphor for neurodivergance to ONE. There is so much stigma around it, and even less way for kids to understand why they are different than the others. My Korean family can’t admit we all got ASD, too much fear and internalized shame.

I got finally diagnosed with ASD as an adult and I’ll tell ya, I relate too much to Mob hurting Ritsu. I felt so bad, but also not in control, I knew what I was doing but not how to stop. Luckily, is was blessed in that my hyperfixations involved science and logic, so I did well at school. Sadly, our boy Mob just don’t got the passion or ability to do well at school. His kanji is very bad, even to point of not being confident he wrote a kanji (世) they learn when they are 9, in elementary school (thanks @katyatalks). Him being a bit berated by his parents for having bad grades and bending spoons seems harsh to Westerners I think, but IMO it’s pretty tame from what I’ve seen of some Asian parents (I get to say that lmao). Ofc, however the shaming is very real and Mob just agreeing with them about how weird and stupid he thinks he is so sad. There is even more pressure for the eldest to be better than here, I feel from some interactions. Nonetheless, it’s implied Mob is quite emotionally detached from his parents, even though he loves them, which also adds to his emotional complex. Combined with originally fragile self esteem and feelings of worthlessness, we got one emotionally stunted boy. However, contrary to common belief people with ASD are sometimes hyper empathic and experience emotions very intensely. We are prone to having “meltdowns” which if not assisted with can be quite violent if very intense. For me, my worse meltdowns as a kid came from when I didn’t understand why I wasn’t getting what I wanted, it seemed selfish and cruel of me but I couldn’t control it. I wanted to be a good kid, so why did hit my moms leg at target when she refused to buy me Pokémon toys? I couldn’t come up with a good reason for why my mind just commanded my body to do bad things, just a single thought was controlling me, I want I want I want I want I want ____. Which I argue could be what ???% represents… bc well…. Yeah….. hmm….. not in control of self (mob unconscious), selfish (not actually, I’ve forgave myself but my “normal” kid self was so ashamed), destructive, hurt family, wanting to stop but can’t, that’s kind of…. Too relatable.

But legit, since realizing my new HC, I’ve started to think of the last chapter of mp100 when I “explode” and it helps me feel better and I do gain “control” a bit easier. I don’t feel so bad anymore either, Mob!

It's Tome Kurata from Mob Psycho 100! Everyone's favourite normal weirdo. This was a very casual piece so I don't feel there's all that much interesting to say about it unfortunately. It started off as a little flowy gesture doodle, and then I kept working on it. I don't think It's particularly standout compared to other stuff (only because it doesn't have dramatic lighting or really saturated colours, I am shallow). It's just a very nice, solid, normal drawing, and it was easy on the brain. Although... ...I've decided to be more thoughtful about the colours I pick. I really wanted to make this look like early morning golden hour but it ended up looking like a handful of minutes past that. I'm kind of tempted to go back and add more yellow in the highlights, blues in the shadows and bump up the contrast manually, but I'm not sure. It doesn't really feel like the piece to go above and beyond effort wise. In regards to the physicality of the scene, I think it's better than what I'm normally capable of. I'm quite proud of the sense of depth. ( This description is old. )

These are Omar(2) and Salah(5), Bilal's nephews. 8 months ago, they were enjoying the warmth of their home and being pampered by their parents and everyone in the family. The pictures below are from Omar's first birthday. Bilal told me how he was the one who prepared everything for the surprise party. He was,then, so excited to gather the whole family and give Omar a memorable first birthday and bring joy to everybody.

Now, Omar and Salah are going through hardships no child should be experiencing. They are surrounded by rubble and unsanitary conditions wherever they go; not to mention the random bombings that threaten their lives every moment of every day. Omar took his first steps while being displaced in a tent in Rafah. Imagine your baby learning to walk in a refugee camp under the constant buzzing of drones! The children and the whole family had to endure the cold winter and being drenched by rain in their flimsy tent, and now they have to go through the unbearable heat in the same inhumane circumstances. As if all this suffering wasn't enough, the occupation is currently asking everyone in Rafah to evacuate again, even the hospitals!

The survival of Omar, Salah, and the whole family in now more than ever at stake. Bilal has been in Germany for a year or so now. The thought that he might never get to see his beloved nephews again haunts him every day. He humbly asks for your support to help him keep his loved ones safe until he has the chance to reunite with them, hopefully as soon as possible. Please donate any amount you can spare and reblog this post. Every contribution can make a difference and restore the family's hope!

gofundme.com

Donate to Help Evacuate My Family from Gaza to Safety, organized by Bilal salah

Hi everyone, I am Bilal, 22 years old, from Gaza, Palestine. I am reaching… Bilal salah needs your support for Help Evacuate My Family f

Happy Halloween!! 🎃✨️

Cg5 should change "I see a dreamer" to "I see a minor" to make it more realistic

cue that audio thats like 'i cant stop thinking about those tragic little gay men, they consume my every waking thought' cause yeah

something that always heals my soul a little is how every time jimmy picks up norman he kisses his little head :(

epic cuddle mmnt T_T<3

Anime and Manga Fictional Characters

Found family goals.

Loid Forger | SPY x FAMILY

Anya Forger | SPY x FAMILY

Yor Forger | SPY x FAMILY

Reigen Arataka | Mob Psycho 100

Gojo Satoru | Jujutsu Kaisen

Bakugou Katsuki | Boku no Hero Academia -3

Wei Wuxian | Mo Dao Zu Shi -1

Midoriya Izuku | Boku no Hero Academia -6

Lan Wangji | Mo Dao Zu Shi -2

Dabi | Boku no Hero Academia -9

Geto Suguru | Jujutsu Kaisen +33

Kageyama Shigeo | Mob Psycho 100

Levi Ackerman | Attack on Titan -9

Uchiha Sasuke | Naruto

Roronoa Zoro | One Piece

Hua Cheng | Tian Guan Ci Fu +25

Xie Lian | Tian Guan Ci Fu +19

Nanami Kento | Jujutsu Kaisen -4

Fushiguro Megumi | Jujutsu Kaisen -8

Uzumaki Naruto | Naruto +17

Aizawa Shouta | Boku no Hero Academia -12

Edward Elric | Fullmetal Alchemist +3

He Tian | 19 Days +12

Jiang Cheng | Mo Dao Zu Shi -3

Hatake Kakashi | Naruto

Mo Guan Shan | 19 Days +12

Sanji | One Piece

Miya Atsumu | Haikyuu!! -13

Haitani Ran | Tokyo Revengers

Sakusa Kiyoomi | Haikyuu!! -3

Monkey D. Luffy | One Piece

Jotaro Kujo | Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure

Damian Desmond | SPY x FAMILY

Light Yagami | Death Note +5

Jolyne Cujoh | Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure

Shigaraki Tomura | Boku no Hero Academia -17

Todoroki Shouto | Boku no Hero Academia -29

Dazai Osamu | Bungou Stray Dogs

Eren Jaeger | Attack on Titan -23

Toji Fushiguro | Jujutsu Kaisen

Haitani Rindou | Tokyo Revengers

Present Mic | Boku no Hero Academia -24

Haruno Sakura | Naruto +6

Manjiro Sano | Tokyo Revengers

Nami | One Piece

Itadori Yuuji | Jujutsu Kaisen -29

Trafalgar Law | One Piece +3

Serizawa Katsuya | Mob Psycho 100

Oikawa Tooru | Haikyuu!! -19

Tsukino Usagi | Sailor Moon

The number in italics indicates how many spots a name moved up or down from the previous year. Bolded names weren’t on the list last year.