The Epitomes of Different Cultures
In life performances, movies and novels, why does the West often have their epitome on the hero who saves the world?
In life performances, movies and novels, why do the Chinese often have their epitome of endless sorrows?
In life performances, movies and novels, why do the Japanese often have their epitome on suicide?
Even years of research, I’m still struggling for a clear and cohesive explanation to the above questions. My inquiring mind keeps lingering since I wrote my novel but I have never been satisfied with any of my own observations. So I would appreciate if readers could kindly drop in their views.
Joel Huan
The Mystery of Ephraim 
I wasn’t sure too despite doing lots of research on the Japanese and writing a novel on them, especially with the central theme on suicide, lol.
Hmmm, that was interesting. Looks like somethings will always remain mystery.
I myself have been trying to solve the mystery of this legend for a while now. Could not understand much though.
Let me know in case you get to understand the mystery of the Old Hound and the Legend
By the way, good writing style. I’d love to read more on similar topics
You are right, the level in the US is dropping when I search the sites:
http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_tren.htm
http://signsofthelastdays.com/archives/the-decline-of-christianity-in-america
Studies show that Christianity has been losing ground here since George W Bush’s second term, so that core is shrinking. That said, I think a lot of us right now are interested in a savior if not a Savior. 😉
Sorry, not all Americans of course, but at least a core. China and Japan don’t even have a core in Christianity. Buddhism perhaps.
Perhaps, but to characterize America as Christian is a mistake.
I think the western concept comes from the Judea-Christian of a coming saviour. Oriental subconsciousness don’t have this, hence I have been thinking what all those differences mean. Good points, Esmaa, and thanks for your input.
I wonder if these things do not represent the culture’s idea of selflessness. Heroes saving the world are seen (in American culture) as serving the masses; a person suffering endless sorrows might be an icon of strength; a person ending his (or her) own life might be seen as a person giving up claims to self in service of the better good.