Post Script to "Post Modern Identity Crisis"

Following the previous post, I feel I should clarify my stance regarding my perception and comments particularly on sex and the disillusion that seem to contribute to one's identity. As an individual, I am not in favor of leading a celibate life, rather, I feel that sex can never solve the identity crisis one experiences during the defining years of life. Instead one should strive to get out of a rut. Adding to that, research has shown that sex itself serves to enhance one's health, however the perversion of one's desire is a violation of another's virtue. With that said, I hope my stance on the topic is clear.

Post Modern Identity Crisis

In reference to my last entry, I have decided to begin blogging again though I am unable to get around my camera situation. My original plan to establishing this blog was so I could couple my passion for writing with photography. However to my dismay, I realized that the former will have to wait since I can't upload any of my pictures, however I am still taking shots of individuals and moments that I feel should be captured. Other than photography, I have also delve into 20th century and contemporary Japanese literature in an effort to relief myself. In my study of Japanese literature, I realize that most of the protagonists featured in the novels are city dewellers who are primarily disillusioned with their lives and identity.

I have always been intrigued by the Japanese culture, particularly in the culture found in large urban japanese cities such as Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. In my study of American and English literature, my professors have often pointed out that the culture and problems in our society are often reflected in the literature of the period. I believe this statement is true. Terry Eagleton seconds this thought in After Theory. Eagleton states that in our era, the birth of theories have cease with the death of great thinkers such as Derrida, and Husserl. He also states that as a society, we are chiefly concerned with sex, and entertainment. Eagleton's statement regarding sex and entertainment as a pervading effect in our society is reflected in the lifestyles we lead and in the literature.

For instance in Shusaku Endo's Scandal and Juichiro Tanizaki's The Key, the protagonist are often portrayed as individuals who are disillusioned with their lives or their marital relationships. These protagonist are also intellectual individuals who surrender themselves to their carnal desires in an effort to revitalize their lives. The figure of the professor featured in Tanizaki's The Key, is one of these figures who abandons himself to his lust hoping to revive his marriage and his life. During the process, his doctor warned his of his dire health, and the inevitability of death if he persists in his pursuits. The professor ignores the warnings and eventually loses his life; while his wife, Ikuko, ends up living with her lover, Kimura, after their daughter marries him. Tanizaki's character of the professor is only an example where intellectual of the society fall as they yield themselves to the desires of the flesh. Endo's Scandal, also features the character of a novelist, Suguro, who feels that his marriage has reach a standstill. In addition, he is accused of masochism by a lady whom he allegedly met when he was visiting the shady night spots of Shinjuk, Tokyo. Though Suguro does not suffer death, he is confronted by accusations and the reality that he might be indeed be a masochist as he seeks to uncover the possibility of his dual personality and the truth of human nature through sexual violence. Though the characters are often left destitute in their personal confrontation, I feel that perhaps life in a city is the major cause to the mental and psychological deprivation which one experiences.
As a city dweller, I can understand the monotony of urban life, hence my urge to take up photography after graduation. Though the plan did not work out, I am nonetheless glad that I have found refuge in contemporary Japanese literature. I hope my understanding and study of oriental literature dealing with personal identity and disillusionment will lay the groundwork for my pursuit of a graduate degree in rhetoric concerning Japanese literature.