[movermike] movermike: Seppuku!

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Posted by movermike:
Seppuku!
http://www.movermike.com/posts/1187035413.shtml


   The Japanese have [1]Seppuku

     To the samurai, seppuku--whether ordered as punishment or chosen in
     preference to a dishonorable death at the hands of an enemy--was
     unquestionable demonstration of their honor, courage, loyalty, and
     moral character.

     [...]

     Although suicide is deplored in Japan today, it does not have the
     sinful overtones that are common in the west. People still kill
     themselves for failed businesses, involvement in love triangles, or
     even failing school examinations, death is still consider by many
     as better than dishonor.

   The Chinese have [2]ritual suicide.

     It is frequently used as a means of escaping tragedy and shame, an
     especially strong pressure given the collective aspects of
     traditional Chinese culture.

   'Death before dishonour' has been practiced in many cultures. Just
   today in China

     The head of a Chinese manufacturing company accused of shipping
     hundreds of thousands of lead-tainted toys later recalled in the
     United States has committed suicide, a state-run newspaper said
     Monday.

   In America, it appears shame has vanished. Think of Enron, Tyco,
   Worldcom, the CIA, Bill Clinton, etc. All protest their arrests and
   proclaim their innocense. After their 15 minutes of fame, many go on
   about their lives having left disaster in their wakes, living lives of
   luxury. Some do serve time at tax payers expense. Most of us believe
   that it is God's responsibilty to punish sinners. I'm torn. Maybe, the
   Japanese and Chinese have been on to something for a long time.

   [3]Seppuku [4]RitualSuicide [5]Mover Mike

References

   1. http://victorian.fortunecity.com/duchamp/410/seppuku.html
   2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_views_of_suicide
   3. http://technorati.com/tag/Seppuku
   4. http://technorati.com/tag/Ritual+Suicide
   5. http://technorati.com/tag/Mover+Mike