Disorder Reviews: Metamorphosis (2013-2016)

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Apr 3, 2020
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It may be difficult to understand the full ramifications of a materialist conception of the self. This does not merely entail the dependence on physical phenomenae to ensure the existential integrity of the mind, which could well imply the absence of a soul or metaphysical reality of any kind; for many of us, our individuality depends on this notion that our identity extends entirely from an indescribable interior "presence" that serves as a catalyst to our actions on the physical plane. This plane, for that matter, would only function as an outside influence that can be disregarded with variable degrees of ease, depending on the equally abstract "will" that the individual holds. Would it be possible for our self to be a result of the purely physical processes of the body, which we seem able to control in a completely natural fashion? If so, how do we explain this ability to consciously recognize different options in response to a situation, as well as act out of this aforementioned "will" by our own volition? The self shatters as it attempts to resolve the contradiction between its impetus and the perception it holds of itself.

This is already a troubling matter, yet there is another sinister consequence to this materialist hypothesis. Is it possible for a human being to have an identity in a vacuum? We hold attributes, many of which we take for granted, that "define" us on an external level. Our appearance, our name, our occupation, our material possessions, our social entourage help distinguish us from one another on the material plane -- they are the surface layer of a person. Even so, that is not what many of us use as the foundation of our persona. Even a stereotypically superficial individual, obsessed with the acquisition of objects such as clothes, stamps, or video games, may one day question their purchases through appeal to a sense of reason. "Why did I do this? This is unlike me." We sense, instinctively, that there is a course of action that is natural, that is reasonable for us specifically to take. In other words, humans use "will" in distinct ways, and these differences are what set us apart on a much deeper level. A critical problem arises: how does this "characteristic use of will" develop? How do we know that it is ours?

Imagine you are in an empty void. This is the proverbial "vacuum" that I have mentioned earlier. In short, only you exist. There are no features to the environment, no objects, and especially no other people. How do you know that you are yourself? Based on the notion that our mind does not depend on our body, the answer is clear as crystal: you are yourself, and you are made manifest through the exertion of your will, neither hindered by nor reliant on the physical domain. However, if your conscious state were indeed to depend on it, what exactly do you have to validate your sense of self? All that you have is your own body, and yet even this is but little respite. If the mind is a creation from the body, then this perception that you have is imperfect, intrinsically divorced from the flesh that you metaphorically occupy. There lies the great horror of the materialist viewpoint. To validate the link between the body and the mind, then an outside perspective is paramount. The other defines the self.

In the visual work known as Metamorphosis, a young Japanese woman is about to enter high school. In this new stage of her life, she finds herself at an impasse. Unconcerned by her physical appearance, more accustomed to solitary activity, she observes the people around her and notices a divide between their will and hers. They are socially outgoing; they go to gatherings, discuss regularly, engage in close interpersonal relationships. It is through this observation that the Self and the Other take shape. The protagonist is able to fully perceive the behavior of outside individuals and piece together the fabric of their will, which they would not be able to do on their own. While she is able to grasp her actions along with their physical consequences, it is only through this comparison with the Other that she can define the Self. A young lady asks her if she wishes to participate in a social gathering, yet she refuses. This Other is outgoing; the Self behaves in a way that opposes it, therefore the protagonist is introverted. The material world holds tyrannical power, for it is only through comparison, contrast, and conflict that people can acquire the missing pieces of the puzzle of the Self.

Metamorphosis, above all else, warns of the dangers that underline the materialist viewpoint. What sets the plot in motion is the protagonist's envy -- she believes that she must transform her Self to resemble the Other more closely, lest she miss out on the theoretical exaltation that stems from social interaction. Alas, there is the rub: she only thinks this because, in her foolish materialist mind, there must be a contrast between the Self and the Other. There must be a winner and a loser, and in this case, she has seen fit to deem herself the loser. To be extroverted is a positive trait, because the individuals that behave in this way look happy. To be introverted is a negative trait, because she does not feel joy or satisfaction in her current state of being. She is forced to make dubious conclusions regarding her life through the example of the Other, and is thus its slave. This becomes her downfall. In desperation, she continues to twist and mold her Self so as to reach this coveted exaltation, but it only serves to annihilate what little true individuality she has. She is exploited, abused, made subordinate to the will of the Other, which soon extinguishes the fire of the individual.

May it be seen as a mere work of entertainment or as a cautionary tale, Metamorphosis (also known as Emergence) may serve as one of the finest criticisms of materialism ever devised. It is sure to stand as the finest achievement of its creator, ShindoL, who utilizes the conventions of erotic imagery to document in grueling detail the superficiality of the satisfaction of sexual desires in the face of the disintegration of the human spirit. The greatest irony of all may be that, misguided as she was, its main character had brought herself to this point by force of will. What she desired so was well within her reach, and yet it was by her warped perception that it slipped through her fingers.

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PERSONAL RATING: ****
RECOMMENDATION RATING: ***
LETTERED RATING: ALPHA


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@Nick Calandra It seems that functionalities such as text color and non-standard font families are usable, but only if you directly write the BBCode down in the post. If you use the sidebar at the top of the main reply window (not the quick reply window) to insert those functionalities, then you can't make your post.