Escapism: An unhealthy addiction or harmless entertainment?

May 17, 2006 on 6:57 pm | In Anime, *Discussion |

At the risk of duplicating responses and posts, I bring you my own desultory ramble on media addiction. Not otakuism, but anime-watching and escapism in general, as causes of a possible social problem. This isn’t exactly a response to Jeff’s response to Shingo’s response to self-proclaimed otaku Sakamoto, but more of a post that sprang out of a would-be comment over at Jeff’s place. But the comment got a little out of hand and developed a little too broadly, and well. You know how that goes.

  • “Is ESCAPISM such a bad thing?”

Escapism could be defined as “an ‘escape’ from the perceived unpleasant aspects of daily reality” (Wikipedia). Some forms of escapism have existed since humanity was advanced enough to require them, and continue to develop as technology advances. A large boom for the media in the U.S., especially Hollywood, came during the Great Depression. Movie admission became affordable and the weight of the sagging economy on everyone’s shoulders would be partially numbed by the succession of images flicking across a screen. People could not afford to drive a car and buy good food, but, by God, they got out there to see those pictures. It was one of the first times electronic media other than the radio actually played a solid psychological role in peoples’ lives. From the creation of cinema, we have progressed to include all forms of electronic entertainment available today, and a lot are interactive. A dynamic method of escapism. One that could even replace real life…?

I don’t think “escaping from reality” is necessarily harmful unless the means of escape is unhealthy, illegal, or abused. I work very hard every day at school, work, for the city (I’m on two commissions), and in relationships. My mind also tends to be buzzing constantly with things to do. I don’t think there is anything harmful about me “taking leave” after a 12 hour school/work day to watch one or two episodes of anime, even if I blog about it.

But some otaku, American or Japanese, really take escapism to the extreme. I agree with this point. Reality melts away, and a social problem DOES arise. Whether desiring persecution or not, people spend less and less time living, and more time playing, watching, sitting. Alone. Many males would rather immerse themselves in an anime series with idealized female characters and [harem] situations than actually step foot out the door and meet with a real girl. It has gotten to the point in Japan that grown men purchase life-sized dolls instead of attempting ritual human courting—dating a live girl! But it isn’t just anime. People won’t leave the house on certain days at certain times because they might miss their favorite show on TV. Many MMORPG addicts forget to eat while the are at their computer, level-grinding away.

Sure, a problem exists. But it is a social issue that extends to all forms of electronic media and entertainment. Are there antisocial movie enthusiasts? Cult TV followers? Video game addicts? Yes, yes, and yes. Modern entertainment enables an extremely accessible variety of escapism every day. So one could argue that it poses a significant problem. However, anime, moeism, and otakuism are just a tiny speck in the entire spectrum. I think the problem IS excessive “tuning out,” but it doesn’t matter what you’re using to tune out with.

  • So, is delving into anime really that harmful?

To preface, I love to blog anime. I love to talk about anime and I love to watch anime. But analyzing anime (which is what I try to do in my posts) is as pointless as watching anime. Which is already very lacking in purpose. I realize this, so I do think of anime as an escape from reality, as would be WoW or any other video games people become immersed in. It isn’t real life, and it will in no way “advance” your career (unless your career is anime), enrich your life, or any of that good stuff. I strongly believe that PEOPLE matter more than any pop culture, money, or material items. And anime, while it may connect you on a superficial level with someone, will not fulfill you socially. It is a very trivial consumerist enthusiasm , as with the millions of others, that humans have devised to amuse themselves. In the big picture and “web of life,” it means nothing. When it comes to the very end, and you die, every minute you spent watching anime or playing a game could have been spent doing something else. Spent with a loved one, or traveling, experiencing new things, working out those relationships. Not spent with a monitor, TV screen.

That sounds deep liek woah. Am I overthinking things?

Basically, it all comes down to this: Everything in moderation, folks. Spend only as much time watching anime as you do with the people you love or your innate passions. Unlike other addictions, at least anime won’t give you cancer. Yet.

(Wait, when did this become a moral piece?!)

Any thoughts? Or corrections, since I’m not a media expert like some people.

[EDIT:] To clarify some things, as my original post did not do that well:

My main message is not that you need a love-life or friends to be happy. I know many otaku and non-otaku alike who are very unhappy. Ultimately, happiness is a state of mind you achieve on your own through your own actions and decision TO be happy. There is no perfect formula. I realize this. I wasn’t suggesting that you need any of the things I described. I just believe, personally, that a life consisting of only one or too much of ONE thing, (be it anime, video games, or anything else) is unhealthy.

The point of this post is actually to suggest that people should think carefully about how they spend their time, as it is the most limited resource in their lives. Moderation does not mean deprivation. I am not suggesting to anyone that they ration their anime-watching time. I just think people should spend their time wisely. That way, when you are about to die, you won’t wish you spent more or less time watching anime. Or doing anything else.

53 Comments »

RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI

  1. This is not to sound nitpicky but I honestly found taking the following two quotes out of context and putting this

    >> Everything in moderation, folks. (May 17, 2006)

    in contrast with this

    >> ANIME IS LIFE! x__X (April 22, 2006)

    hilariously amusing ^^0

    Comment by melange — May 17, 2006 #

  2. Fact: people during the Depression used movies as escapism
    Fact: otakus use anime as escapism
    Fact: both Depression-era movies and anime/manga/eroge often had tsundere female leads

    I forgot where I was going with this.

    Comment by jpmeyer — May 17, 2006 #

  3. >> I forgot where I was going with this.

    The amount of escapism is directly correlated with the amount of tsundere female leads? ^^0

    Comment by melange — May 17, 2006 #

  4. How about tsundere is out and intelligence is in?

    Anyway, I don’t see why so many people are riled up over this. I have people screaming “Fxxx you!! Sakamoto Mimei!!” but why? How are we remotely related to Japanese otaku?

    And why exactly are people proud to call themselves otaku?

    Comment by tj han — May 18, 2006 #

  5. >>melange: Shhhh, you saw nothing!

    >>tj han: This post isn’t really about that Sakamoto article at all. It sprang up when I was about to write a comment for Jeff’s response. This is more like escapism as a social hazard, not otakuism and how much Sakamoto sucks.

    Comment by Saria — May 18, 2006 #

  6. When it comes to the very end, and you die, every minute you spent watching anime or playing a game could have been spent doing something else. […] experiencing new things

    A peeve of mine, watching anime (or movies, or reading books, or playing video games, or…) can perfectly well be considered “experiencing new things”. Certainly watching the same anime repeatedly doesn’t count, and if all you do is watch anime you’ll not have many unique experiences, but with a good storyline it can certainly count as a new experience and change your outlook on the world.

    Comment by winterkoninkje — May 18, 2006 #

  7. In regards to escapism I admit I do watch anime to relive myself of the post test depression though it rarely goes beyond that. One of the major reasons I have been stockpiling fansubs is that if I ever get called up I will have something to kill the hours of break time when I am far from home and cooped up with razor wire and check points.

    In my job how you can spend your free time is extremely limited especially if the region is not rolling out the mat for foreign troops. As for meeting interesting people, my job already allows for that bunking with a bunch of guys in a communal tent means we get to know each other whether or not we want to.

    A regular correspondce and new opponent of mine points out that communication via electronic means allows for more freedom of expression as the nevrousness is not there nor is there the time constraint.

    Unfortunately some people get disillusioned with society and retreat from it. I still have mixed feelings about the WoW funeral.

    As for traveling (with almost no control over the destination) and doing new things I get to do just that, all I had to do was lock myself in a job for 6 years…Still Anime and Manga are much healthier for the mind than FOX news and CNN. Its my little escape from tedium of cleaning various things, filling out forms, and dealing with Machine Killer Cookie.

    I am proud to be an otaku and was very suprised when I discovered others in the service as well. My parents argue that my enlistment was a form of escapism since I got out of State for the the first time in a long time and alieviated some of my finanacial dependence on them, also I got out of the house and spent many months without a younger brother, and finally forced my borher to shut up about my pertetual unemployment. Now I get to call him a yellow bellied coward and a wannabe rent-a-cop. Sort of like a blissful paid vacation.

    Comment by Crusader — May 18, 2006 #

  8. >>Everything in moderation, folks.

    E-heh. I guess that watching one hour of anime out of every twelve hours of my life is not moderation?

    Comment by lolikitsune — May 18, 2006 #

  9. Um, completly unrelated to your post but where did you get that incredibly cute picture of the kittne with the frog ears and could I post it (a copy of the picture that I’d host) on another forum in an internet cuteness thread?

    Comment by Symmetry — May 18, 2006 #

  10. The only thing I’d add to this is that some might say that advancing your career is pretty worthless in itself. Well, in comparison to spending time with your loved ones and whatever else listed there. It’s also pretty much linked hand in hand to materialism, which was pointed out as being not that important. And if you’re not doing it for the dollars, then it’s for a sense of self-worth or other various ego-driven aspect (no matter who well intentioned it may be) which isn’t exactly that healthy either, IMO.

    This is all a pretty biased opinion though because I’m a pretty damn anti-social person (and plan to write a post bragging about it at some point no doubt heh), but I definately wouldn’t say that if something advances your career it makes it worthwhile somehow.

    Oh, unless you have 10 starving children to feed.. then yeah, go for that promotion by all means. ^_^

    Comment by Crayotic Rockwell — May 18, 2006 #

  11. >>winterkoninkje: Of course everyone has their own opinion about what is truly important in life, and I do believe watching new anime that can “open up your world” is a wonderful thing. As with any media that can be used as a tool for expansion. But sitting and watching hours upon hours of anime, whether they are all different genres or brilliant or not does not count (in my book) as actually LIVING and EXPERIENCING new things. Because how new is anime if all you do is watch anime and not go out?

    >>Crusader: Well, you sound pretty healthy, don’t you? I’m glad you’re able to live a well-rounded life, even if it is hard sometimes.

    >>Symmetry: I merely found it while Image Googling for “kitten.” Sure you could use it to post; it is not my property. The actual image is a little bigger than that which is displayed, so make sure to view the source directly from my photobucket and copy that one.

    >>Crayotic Rockwell: I’ve thought of this myself (as career-advancement being focusing on materialism versus people), but I also realize that, yes, a lot of people have “starving children to feed,” or at least a family to feed. You cannot fulfill the greater needs in life (love, happiness, etc.) before you fulfill the basic ones (food, shelter, clothing), and advancing your career is kind of important, right? But I also included it because I know some people DO focus on materialism and life career goals, so it would speak to them about how anime watching is pointless in that aspect. But yeah, you’re totally right about careers = materialism.

    Comment by Saria — May 18, 2006 #

  12. “And anime, while it may connect you on a superficial level with someone, will not fulfill you socially.”

    Have you seen Genshiken? Fanclubs, societies, screenings and conventions all exist as a means of social interaction. People meet and romances begin at these places. It’s hardly superficial if someone travels hundreds of miles to meet people with a similiar mindset.

    “When it comes to the very end, and you die, every minute you spent watching anime or playing a game could have been spent doing something else.”

    We do everything for a reason, everything contributes to our personalities. We love anime because it gives us something in return, people are inspired by it, can take so much from it, it gives fans strength. So of course, it’s never wasted time.

    Comment by bateszi — May 19, 2006 #

  13. It’s just like everything else: it’s bad if taken to an extreme degree. Moderation is definitely the key to living a healthy and happy life.

    Saria: I don’t think that careers are simply about materialism. It is very possible to find satisfaction in your work, and if you do, is there any fault in trying to find greater satisfaction by improving and advancing your career? It’s too simple to say that everyone who persues a career do so only for the money.

    Comment by Lupus — May 22, 2006 #

  14. Yes, I certainly agree with your take on escaping realism. I don’t think anime (along with other thigns like vieogames) is such a bad thing so long as people control and moderate themselves. Like everything else, an overdose anything is bad and unhealhty.

    Comment by Janice — May 28, 2006 #

  15. >>Janice: Yay! A positive comment tolls amid the waves of dissent!

    Comment by Saria — May 28, 2006 #

  16. I’m coming in late here with a comment, but I feel I have to - it’s such a very interesting post and topic, and I think it applies to me quite well.

    As a gamer and rather prolific anime-watcher, I spend a lot of time doing this things, in front of my computer alone. I spend more time doing so than your average person. Is it escapism? Possibley. Is it obsession? Probably.

    The fact is, I just consider it entertainment. I have a lot of FUN doing the things that I do, and I never get the feeling that I’ve wasted time. I suppose I still must have some kind of moderation, because I remain fit, healthy, and have many friends, but I’d call it the minimum amount of moderation!

    What I’m trying to say is that you say you need to travel, have friends, and a love-life to be happy. That’s a rather shallow and idealistic approach to the concept of happiness and contentment. Everyone I know who has been depressed has been someone who is not an ‘Otaku’ of any form, and leading a ‘normal’ life does, by no means, exempt one from unhappiness, niether does playing video games/watching anime obsessively ensure it.

    I take a Hedonistic approach to life: I do what I do because I enjoy it, and nothing else matters. If a game or an anime ceases to be enjoyable I won’t watch it, because THAT is a waste of time. You can be happy with or without moderation, because happiness is not something to aim for in the eyes of others, but is relative to the individual.

    Comment by Washi — June 7, 2006 #

  17. “When it comes to the very end, and you die, every minute you spent watching anime or playing a game could have been spent doing something else.”

    Every minute I spend right now could be spent doing something else, and do you know why it isn’t? Because I’d rather be watching anime. :p

    By the way, I’m not trying to decry your overall message though, I think it’s important to remain healthy. I just thought I’d point something out in the spirit of healthy discussion.

    Comment by Washi — June 7, 2006 #

  18. >>Washi: I think you misunderstand me. My main message is not that you need a love-life or friends to be happy. I know many otaku and non-otaku alike who are very unhappy. Ultimately, happiness is a state of mind you achieve on your own through your own actions and decision TO be happy. This is where I agree with you. There is no perfect formula. I realize this. I wasn’t suggesting that you need any of the things I described. I just believe, personally, that a life consisting of only one or too much of ONE thing, (be it anime, video games, or anything else) is unhealthy.

    The point of this post is actually to suggest that people should think carefully about how they spend their time, as it is the most limited resource in their lives. Moderation does not mean deprivation. I am not suggesting to anyone that they ration their anime-watching time. I just think people should spend their time wisely. That way, when you are about to die, you won’t wish you spent more or less time watching anime. Or doing anything else.

    Comment by Saria — June 7, 2006 #

  19. Well I can’t disagree with that! But your comments here put across your point better than your original post, hence my misunderstanding you. >.>

    Comment by Washi — June 9, 2006 #

  20. I am EXTREMELY LATE with this comment, but here goes…

    The only thing worth of arguing here (anymore, that is) is the fact that when you die I do not think that you would say “Darn… I watched too much of lovehina instead of actually finding a girl for myself!” No, propably you would just think of your beloved ones. Though if you have shouted at one of them just the night before and have not had any time to apologize to them yet, then I think you will be pissed off (Sorry for the language). This of cource having to do with the friendship and all thingymajick (Or ujumaflipp, or something resembeling that.).

    Ps. sorry for any writing mistakes or gramma mistakes, I do not happen to be English… I am Finnish, yes the land of Nokia… (ADVERTISMENT!!!)

    :)

    Comment by SarcasticSwine — August 2, 2006 #

  21. volowerocn…

    nice post…

    Trackback by volowerocn — July 31, 2007 #

  22. Where do i buy diet fuel containing ephedra….

    Ephedra diet pills. Where is ephedra legal. Ephedra. Firelean with ephedra….

    Trackback by Ephedra products. — August 21, 2007 #

  23. Forex history news and pips moved….

    Forex news realeases calender. News trading and 100 accurate and forex. Forex news trading. Forex news online. Forex news….

    Trackback by News trading and 100 and forex. — August 30, 2007 #

  24. Fruit food gift basket….

    Fruit food gift basket….

    Trackback by Fruit food gift basket. — September 27, 2007 #

  25. Withdrawal symptoms effexor….

    Withdrawal symptoms effexor….

    Trackback by Withdrawal symptoms effexor. — October 3, 2007 #

  26. Essential oils recipes for foot bath….

    Essential oils recipes for foot bath….

    Trackback by Essential oils recipes for foot bath. — October 31, 2007 #

  27. Hi, there!..70f7fbde44513b8547e8f5b142ff336b

    Comment by John — November 18, 2007 #

  28. Nursing research articles….

    Nursing research articles….

    Trackback by Nursing research articles. — November 18, 2007 #

  29. holiday
    holiday

    Comment by XAXqekok — November 25, 2007 #

  30. holiday
    holiday

    Comment by WesOjkok — November 25, 2007 #

  31. adult
    adult

    Comment by Wqpeykok — November 25, 2007 #

  32. jeans
    jeans

    Comment by BUvjqkok — November 27, 2007 #

  33. Fireplace logs….

    Fireplace logs….

    Trackback by Fireplace logs. — November 27, 2007 #

  34. art
    art

    Comment by Fymjqkok — November 28, 2007 #

  35. holiday
    holiday

    Comment by WyCijkok — November 28, 2007 #

  36. art
    art

    Comment by LjmyUkok — November 29, 2007 #

  37. g
    g

    Comment by RApUOuon — December 5, 2007 #

  38. smell
    smell

    Comment by CqzUOkok — December 8, 2007 #

  39. smell
    smell

    Comment by GAweqkok — December 8, 2007 #

  40. Authenic burberry handbags….

    Authenic burberry handbags….

    Trackback by Authenic burberry handbags. — December 9, 2007 #

  41. lllr
    lllr

    Comment by DibyOata — December 13, 2007 #

  42. Stretch limousine….

    Stretch limousine….

    Trackback by Stretch limousine. — December 13, 2007 #

  43. art
    art

    Comment by RAgeUkok — December 14, 2007 #

  44. n
    n

    Comment by RixOeuon — December 15, 2007 #

  45. n
    n

    Comment by XOKqyuon — December 15, 2007 #

  46. smell
    smell

    Comment by FAxUekok — December 17, 2007 #

  47. jeans
    jeans

    Comment by TqmUOkok — December 17, 2007 #

  48. holiday
    holiday

    Comment by HOCUqkok — December 21, 2007 #

  49. kkl
    kkl

    Comment by VOljAata — December 22, 2007 #

  50. Lexapro….

    Lexapro weight gain weight loss. Lexapro….

    Trackback by Lexapro. — December 23, 2007 #

  51. art
    art

    Comment by XUhiqkok — December 27, 2007 #

  52. Tylenol at cost….

    Tylenol at cost….

    Trackback by Tylenol at cost. — February 28, 2008 #

  53. Tramadol….

    Low price tramadol. Tramadol….

    Trackback by Tramadol. — April 4, 2008 #

Leave a comment

XHTML: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>

Powered by WordPress with Sama Zama design by Saria.
Entries and comments feeds. Valid XHTML and CSS. ^Top^