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Anime: My Anti-Drug An article by: Shad |
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Who needs to pick their poison, when
it comes in so many japanese animated cel flavors! |
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This weekend, in between being drunk and feeling awkward around the opposite sex, I had a discussion at great length with someone who insisted that smoking marijuana (or the ganja, if you will) and watching anime go hand-in-hand. A long debate ensued which included talks about the pressures of society and whether one must be experienced to make an adequate decision about their preferences. But all that aside, this fellow made one, strong, excellent point that was right on the money. I don't remember what he said exactly, but it was to this effect: If you watch copious amounts of anime, you don't need any other drug. Because, at that point, anime is your drug. Like the sudden enlightenment handed down from Bhudda himself, it struck me this afternoon as I ate spaghetti and watched Rikki Lake on my lunch break. Anime is, indeed, my anti-drug. Many people feel the need to unwind, help them to relax, feel the high, or otherwise inebriate themselves to escape the harsh reality of everyday bullshit life. I now see that anime is no different (except for the killng of brain cells, but even that is debateable). Several times per week I feel such an escape, temporarily enfeebling my mind with fantasies of other worlds, fantastic adventures, and super powers. Everyone has these fantasies, wishing that they could be so much more powerful, popular, and cooler than they are in real life. Anime affects one's imagination similar to other media, such as movies, comic books, TV shows, and modern novels. But, this euphoric escape is inflated by bright colors, accelerated movement, and snappy soundtracks that create the musical backdrop that will keep one wide awake as they daydream, imagining so much more than usual, and sometimes even inspiring them to create tangible works of fantasy and adventure similar to the ones from overseas that they cherish so much. My point is, I finally realized why I love anime so much. Because, in my normal, mediocre life, anime helps me to delude myself even more into believing that I truly am that cool, powerful, and popular, even if just for a passing moment in time. And as long as I can continue to distinguish the difference between my fantasies and reality, I will be fine, and I will be happy in my dreams, no matter what happens in my life. Yes, anime certainly is my anti-drug. Oh, that, and alchohol. Lots and lots of alchohol. - Shad |
