Parasyte

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Parasyte: the maxim- The face of humans as depicted in the anime

The nature of humans and their role on the planet is something which is always debatable and raises inquisitive questions and several viewpoints. The anime raises the same questions when ‘shinichi’ who is the protagonist enters into a symbiotic relationship with ‘migi’ an alien parasitic organism. The parasite failed to take over his body and hence their unique relationship begins as other humans around shinichi are being taken over by parasites, making the parasites at the top of the food chain. This process of substitution of the title of apex predators that human beings are is what makes the anime so thought provoking.

It is a belief among humans that we are ‘intelligent’ and thus have the right to control everything around us. This can be Everything from resources that we consume to other animals around us. This arrogant assumption is catastrophic or is it?

The key question to address revolves around whether we are approaching our doom or are we the saviours, both of the planet and our species.

Another key contention to consider is when our actions have consequences affecting nearly everything that surrounds us can we really be the ‘judge in our own cause’ ?

It is an established principle that nobody can be a judge in his own cause, that is to say that in a situation involving a person, that person cannot be the one passing judgement it is to be a third person.But there is no one apart from humans, who could judge themselves for their actions, this creates a legal anomaly and this entire post it to answer this question.

Migi, The alien, on the other hand is someone devoid of all human emotions, he acquires the human traits and eventually forms a bond with shinichi. This is a concrete proof that human traits are unique and coachable. So, if an alien whose basic traits were that of an animal can develop them, what is stopping us humans, who refuse to adopt these desirable traits and create a sustainable future.

  • This topic is a little hard to understand given the anime's plot. Is there any way to address the parasite alien's role in the argument? – BMartin43 6 years ago
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