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Huan Yi
Member Ascendant

since 2004-10-12

Posts 6688
Waukegan

0 posted 2005-08-21 02:20 PM

There was during World War II
an escape of several Japanese prisoners
from a camp in Australia, (they were all
subsequently recaptured).  In the barracks
the Australians found at least seven, ( I
don’t remember the exact number but it was not less),
Japanese hanging by their necks from
the rafters.  An investigation was performed,
and it was discovered that the men were
leaders in the escape plot who deliberately
hung themselves before their followers
as encouragement.

This willingness to die to make a point
was very much a part of Japanese heroic culture.
The last similar act, I think, was the suicide
of Yukio Mishima after a failed attempt
to reanimate the spirit of that culture
among soldiers at a Japanese Defense Force
base where he was instead met with jeers,
(there was however a sudden increase in the
sale of swords).

What greater, if any,  merit or legitimacy does
such willingness give one cause or purpose
over another?

Ron

Administrator

Member Rara Avis

since 1999-05-19

Posts 8669
Michigan, US

1 posted 2005-08-21 11:04 PM

quote:
... and it was discovered that the men were leaders in the escape plot who deliberately hung themselves before their followers as encouragement.

And how did that work out for them?

Your little story, John, is incomplete. Though a few gave up rather than face their failure, in the end, the only prisoners who actually failed were those few. Everyone else eventually found freedom. No one has ever failed until first they give up trying.

There's nothing heroic about suicide, nor does it enhance anyone's cause. It's just easier, sometimes, and takes less courage than living would take. Sadly, that's not even strictly an oriental weakness, either. Many of us still vividly recall others "making a point" in 1978.

Huan Yi
Member Ascendant

since 2004-10-12

Posts 6688
Waukegan

2 posted 2005-08-22 12:10 PM

Ron,

Suicide bomber,
cherry blossom, (Ohka), or fool, (Baka)?

John

Brad
Member Ascendant

since 1999-08-20

Posts 5705
Jejudo, South Korea

3 posted 2005-08-22 09:30 AM

baka

hush
Senior Member

since 2001-05-27

Posts 1653
Ohio, USA

4 posted 2005-08-23 12:04 PM

"What greater, if any, merit or legitimacy does
such willingness give one cause or purpose
over another?"

Uhh... none? I'm not sure I get the question, though... you're asking (and implying?) that someone willing and capable of suicide should be taken more seriously than someone else?

I mean, maybe they are more honored in their individual cultures, but... they are dead, and regardless of what you believe, I'm not buying the 80-virgins in heaven thing. Sorry.

Huan Yi
Member Ascendant

since 2004-10-12

Posts 6688
Waukegan

5 posted 2005-09-03 11:56 AM

"I'm not buying the 80-virgins in heaven thing. Sorry."

I believe it's 70. Don't start a stampede.

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