How a melancholy egg yolk conquered Japan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTAnJTB9roI

I thought this was an interesting video. Do you think we use Jedi in the same way Japanese use cute characters? Do we form a connection to characters based on how we feel inside? Is it empathy that connects us to them and makes them popular?

Also, I thought it was interesting that Vox made a historical reference as the source for this "KAWAII" popularity in Japanese culture and how it followed war. What do you think about that and what does it mean, in your opinion, that this melancholy and lazy egg yolk is so popular?

The video also says quite a few things about the artistic expression of good and evil characters. Is there anything you think we can learn about ourselves in that?

Great questions! I'll have to think about this more today. I did immediately make a connection to something Dave Chappelle said in one of his most recent comedy specials. He talks about how certain cultures have become demasculated, particularly Japan after WWII. His take on it is that after being bombed twice with atomic weapons, the entire culture took a close look at the warrior mentality and decided to step back from the kamikaze culture. They have become much softer now. He says "they've been drawing Hello Kitty and shit ever since." Another take on it is that anime and cartoons are a release for those living in a very strict and highly ritualized culture that stresses formality and honor. It is the artistic outlet for people who are discouraged from expressing themselves emotionally; a catharsis, if you will.

Perhaps just a more free embodiement of ideas more prevalent because of less rigid adherence to specific role models as a 'truer' self. As mentioned when the old role models were removed, the vacuum allowed freedom in expression, and so considering the language uses characters often derived from pictograms, it might be related in some way to how language is experienced differently.... so maybe just another visual language.

The closely related Mandarin for example;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8pH1e5NQaU

ZealotX wrote: What do you think about that and what does it mean, in your opinion, that this melancholy and lazy egg yolk is so popular?

It might be popular because Japanese people have a 'Haji-no-bunka' or 'Shame culture'. They seek for a way to have no shame but their culture does not allow that, being more 'baby' like, babies do not have shame? Or assumed to have not as visible shame at least.. ehm.. this egg character might reflect that.