Quote:
Originally Posted by Lisnaholic
^ That is pretty repulsive, but it makes a sadly accurate point!
__________________________________________________ ____
Regarding the OP question, let's not forget that (despite the Japanese statistic) a very powerful instinct for self-preservation is hardwired into all of us. Luckily, not many people reach a point at which they are prepared to override that - and even fewer commit themselves in advance to doing it as publicly as happens in those Colombine-style outrages.
If a Japanese guy goes into the woods with a plan to kill himself, he can always change his mind at the last minute, sneak back home and nobody need know. That change of heart is more humiliating if you are prowling the corridors of a school, armed to the teeth, with scores of witnesses.
|
I don't know if it's still the case, but committing suicide (seppuku) used to be a real sign of honour in Japan. Like, if you dishonoured yourself (and therefore your family and your ancestors) you were expected to commit seppuku, and conversely, giving your life for the emperor was considered the very highest honour, which is where all those volunteers came to fly the
Kamikaze missions in the Pacific in WWII.
So all that taken into account, if it's still seen that way, the ratio of Japanese suicides compared to other countries does not surprise me.
Quote:
|
- and where has the expression "going postal" come from? Never heard that before.
|
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Going_postal