Talk:Ken Kaneki/@comment-46.165.229.235-20160809235729/@comment-27247962-20160812090919

/Hard truth, Luna/

I'll have to deal with it, because i'd be lying if I said that I don't agree. I even agree to it on the letter (pretty much ^^). I had hoped though you'd have an answer on the Shuu/Eto comparison, in regards to their affection towards Kaneki. ^^

I hold Eto responsible for all that she has done. There's this clear distinction that makes me forgive Eto. Although all she has done is on a far greater scale then Yamori or Rize, what she does is with a certain goal in mind, there is meant to come some good out of all this slaughter. In contrast to Yamori & Rize who just follow their id/ primary process thinking, there are no brakes on those characters, when they want to eat or torture, they eat or torture, they completely give in to their pleasure; nothing but self-satisfaction. Eto is different.

For me personally the mindset of a certain characters is the determining factor, not what that mindset causes. As a person you make a choice and this can go awfully wrong or suprisingly better then expected. If the goal is somewhat righteous and that character is unwavering in his determination, I can respect and forgive that said character. (with some exceptions ofcourse)

But back to Kaneki giving Eto the cold shoulder. It gave me an uncomplete feel, so I think there is still something that needs to follow after that cold gaze. As if he was contemplating everything he knows about Eto up to this point & that's what is going to decide how he'll respond to her.

You are correct that the Rize comparison isn't that legit, but let me make an unpopular comparison that should have quite a bit in common and that is Arima & Eto. But let me first start by saying that 'personal preference' shouldn't be ignored as something that is pure bias. (I just have to blabber this out there for once) Preference is for the most part based on cultural background and morals/ideals and what is considered righteous/justified. These are the biggest unconcious reasonings behind preference, but they're mostly brushed over as something that we are affectionate and drawn towards, which I would humbly say, speaks for itself and is the feeling that accompanies our preference, it's not the cause... That's a common misinterpretation. So cultural ideals, habits, morals, values,... those are a big factor in how a person will perceive a character and also like that character.

That said Arima doesn't give me that preferenced feeling, because I initially don't agree with his mindset. Just as Eto, Arima IS responsible for everything he has done. And the slaughters he caused are severly underestimated as well. (Just go take a look back to V14) But he is still loved and prefered by many as well, maybe even more then Eto. (not sure) But what sits wrong with me is that he dares say 'I never wanted to do this', that stuff gets me very angry. With that amount of lives on your concious, you don't have the luxury to be pitiful like that and almost directly ASK for forgiveness. Arima might be the only character in the series that has the power to control his own faith, but his mind doesn't have that fortitude. Eto has that fortitude of mind. I think that distinction between Eto and Arima is an example of what makes Ishida's writing shine. I don't prefer Arima, but I as hell like the way he is written.

(For people wanting to argue that Eto was pretty pitiful as well. Eto looked pitiful, Arima looked badass in his suicidal act. Eto asked for forgiveness through a kind action, while Arima just desired death AND forgiveness on top. Eto didn't try to justify all the people she killed, Arima tries to sound as if he had no choice or will in it... There's a clear difference in who the pitiful one is here. My apologies for people who I rub the wrong way by saying this, but that's honestly how I feel about it. Arima had unrivaled physical prowess, Eto has unrivaled mental prowess & Kaneki needs to represent the mix of both.)

Now Kaneki is very compassionate and respectful towards Arima laying dead there. He got his forgiveness, he got his death, he got people caring about it. Goddamn. So why... why can't anyone understand where Eto comes from and how strong she actually is compared to 'chained' Arima. That clear distinction between Arima and Eto and my own cultural background, makes me like and respect Eto even more. I have more respect for her mental fortitude (no matter how much bad she has caused others, she at least bares the weight of her decision 'til the end), then Arima's physical prowess. And if Kaneki will only mourn for Arima, then I certainly will mourn for Eto!

Been awhile since I wrote this much. :)