Jrpg culture

[Samcanuck]

In my psycology textbook it states that one of the most important differences between cultures is how they emphasize individualism vs collectivism. Individualism has an emphasis on personal goals and self-identity characterised by ones own individual attributes and achievments. Collectivism, in contrast, places individual goals as subordinated to those of the group, and personal growth being largely defined by family and social ties.

It goes furthur in stating that the United states and Japan greatly differ in culture in these manners, with the U.S following a more individualism based society, and Japan following a collectivism based society...and in that lies my question.

You have all played Final fanstasy games right...lets say F.F.2, F.F.3, and F.F.7 (Northamerican versions). The hero's of these stories seem to share an individualistic nature. Cecil goes against his commander, questioning his gathering of crystals. Terra and the resistance pull together against the controlling empire that governs there lives. Cloud becomes a merc, casting aside his military and the Shinra corporation that governs society for personal profit. All these goal's are of an individualism nature. One of personal growth and personal goals that are more important than following the collectivism of each games societies. These are the Jrpg concepts of heroism that these Japanese Rpg's have shown North America. But why would a collectivism society view a person following a more individualism approach as being "Heroic?"


Discuss. (Yeah, I know it's another huge ass question...sorry).

 

[Samcanuck]

...Man, barely anybody gives me there views on these big quesions. Doesn't matter how much quality you put into it people...I'm just looking for some answers I can learn from.

 

[Samcanuck]

Cool, thanks man.

 

[Mr. Grey]

I think because they eventually work as a group to save the world as a whole. Basically saying everyone can and eventually will contribute to society.

Then again I'm currently dead brained for some reason and it took me three tries to try and understand where you were going with this. My apologies if I don't make much sense.

 

[Samcanuck]

No it does. Just strange that a culture that views collectivism in such a high regard would take a "End's justify the means" platform of herosim, in regards to individualsm vs collectivism. I definitely understand what you are getting at though, thanks.

You know, with the whole honour, loyalty and duty sorta idea.

 

[Hurr Durr Derp]

I don't think jRPGs are a typical example of individualism. At least, not moreso than wRPGs.

In fact, one might say that they are less focused on the individualistic gamer than their Western counterparts. After all, it's a rare jRPG that allows the player to really make his own character, while this is very common in wRPGs. In a wRPG the player guides his avatar to a certain goal, while in a jRPG he guides a group of characters through a story.

The concept of a single hero or small group of heroes vs a larger more powerful group is at the heart of many myths, legends, and adventure stories, both ancient and modern. It's no more than logical that it's found in many video games, especially since videogames lend themselves to well to that concept. The individual in this case isn't necessarily an icon of individualism, but a symbol of virtues like perseverance in the face of adversity.

 

[The_Decoy]

Hmmn well maybe it's another form of collectivism? All FF games are party based, and generally the party goes through things together and rely on each other. So it's possible it's not individualism but collectivism of a different form. Wouldn't Individualism assert itself as a lone hero?

This fits your examples - Terra's resistance, Cloud's merc company - the heroes still belong to groups and work for the betterment of these groups and their goals.



P.s. Dunno if this makes sense, it's nearing 2am and I'm pished

 

[Dooly95]

Not heroic, per se, but more fun to write about and to make a story of.

A game like the Swedish Army flash team game, while fun for a short while, can't last a 40~60 hour gameplay like the Final Fantasy games boast.

Because most RPGs are meant to play by yourself, a collectivism approach to many would seem boring and dull.

 

[Buffoon]

Although Japan may, in broad terms, be a 'collectivist' society, there's also a thriving counter-culture, and video games are a part of that. So that's why you see so many rebellious paradigms. It's true, individualism has not always been an easy path to follow in Japanese society. But the thing about individualism is, the harder you try to hammer it down the stronger it comes back.

To use a cliché, Japan is a land of contrasts. That's part of what makes it so interesting.

 

[Samcanuck]

Although Japan may, in broad terms, be a 'collectivist' society, there's also a thriving counter-culture, and video games are a part of that. So that's why you see so many rebellious paradigms. It's true, individualism has not always been an easy path to follow in Japanese society. But the thing about individualism is, the harder you try to hammer it down the stronger it comes back.

To use a cliché, Japan is a land of contrasts. That's part of what makes it so interesting.

Hmm, fair enough. I guess in northamerican society individualism and competition are rammed down our throats...but somebody acting for the greater good by joining a collective to better society is what we consider heriosm. Military, firefighter, police officer, etc.

 

[Samcanuck]

I'll reply to this tomorrow. My eyes are too frazzled from a full day on the internet. I promise you'll get a responce on this tomorrow.

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