#retributive justice

[thelockedtome]

One of the small blink-and-you-miss it parts in NTN is that, once Gideon kills Crux, a thing she's wanted to do for so long, who was horrible to her her entire life, who not only offered to die, but goaded her into killing him, that once he is dead she says

"why didn't it feel good...fuck...it didn't feel good. Why didn't it feel good"

In a series where the galvanizing emotion is Jods need for vengeance, of inability to forgive, of wrecking revenge on 10000 years of generations. The entire known universe and society is shaped by this!

And that his daughter was given the chance for revenge, to act out her punishment on a man who undoubtedly abused her, and she took it! But it didn't feel good. It was shocking, she clearly put so much into their moment, must have day dreamed about it, but it didn't live up to expectations

I don't want to put words in Muir's mouth, or read deeper than that this a character arch moment, and not necessarily a societal commentary. But I also feel that this is saying something about retributive justice, about punishment not actually helping people, and foreshadows how Jods vendetta, even if successfull will help no one, least of all himself.

How tragic it is that Jod remade the world in his obsession, and that it will be ultimately futile. That he could have made society in any other way, and it probably would have been better, if he had just listen to his loves, his scientists and lawyer and nun and artist and engineer (well, not the cop and hedge fund manager), what it could have been , instead of being doomed

[deorexploreseve]

Internet dogpile Senses are tingling

I've reblogged a number of things about Hbomberguy, Somerton and related things, and I have seen some encouraging signs on this front as well, but I just want to to take a moment to say...

I'm beginning to sense the beginnings of a Classic Internet Dogpile, and that never ends well. Even if the target of said behavior is someone who did something objectively wrong (which Somerton did), and even if that objectively wrong thing is of a very substantial scope (which Somerton's deeds were)... it (nearly?) never goes well. Dogpiles have no inherent sense of "enough." They have no sense of justice, or symmetry, or restraint.

Be careful out there. Feed that beast at your peril. It might feel good to do so, but it can quickly get out of hand.

Okay, back to your regularly scheduled stuff.

[retributive-justice]

THE BOYS BIRTHDAY‼️‼️🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[And also a gift for @l3ader-0f-d1ce :3]

No text under the cut

[thelesbianthespianposts]

saw a poll that asked if people supported the death penalty and did NOT like some of the comments so here

No nuance, if you don’t like any of the options, don’t vote

[uncanny-tranny]

I think many people cognitively understand that retributive justice is often ineffective and simply violent, but they don't want to rid themselves of the almost collective anger mindset that permits this kind of justice to remain in place, even socially. In short, the mindset still treats people as though they must be punished as severely as possible, and when one is wronged, the mindset goes to how violence can be used, which is not inherently the same as righting wrongs.

Justice is complex, and it's messy. That's why it's so important not to treat it simplisticly with only one solution.

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of Reward and Punishment

The philosophy of reward and punishment explores the moral, ethical, and psychological principles that underlie systems of incentives and deterrents in human behavior. It seeks to understand why societies reward certain behaviors and punish others, and what the implications of these actions are for individuals, communities, and justice.

Key Aspects of the Philosophy of Reward and Punishment:

1. Moral Foundations

Utilitarian Justification: Utilitarianism argues that reward and punishment should be used to maximize overall happiness or well-being. Rewarding good behavior promotes future benefits, while punishing bad behavior deters actions that harm others.

Deontological Ethics: From a deontological perspective (duty-based ethics), punishment and reward may be seen as deserved outcomes based on an individual’s actions. People deserve rewards for fulfilling duties and punishments for violating moral rules, regardless of the consequences.

2. Theories of Justice

Retributive Justice: Retribution focuses on the idea that wrongdoers should be punished because they deserve it. It is backward-looking, emphasizing moral culpability and the concept of "just deserts" — the belief that people should get what they deserve based on their actions.

Restorative Justice: This approach focuses on repairing the harm caused by wrong actions rather than simply punishing the offender. The goal is to restore relationships and create a more equitable situation for both the wrongdoer and the victim.

Deterrence: One major reason for punishment is deterrence — to prevent future wrongdoing by making the consequences of bad behavior undesirable. Similarly, rewards are offered to encourage behaviors that benefit individuals and society.

3. Psychological Foundations

Behaviorism: In psychology, especially in behaviorism, rewards (positive reinforcement) and punishments (negative reinforcement) are key tools for shaping behavior. Reward reinforces behavior, making it more likely to recur, while punishment seeks to reduce undesirable actions.

Operant Conditioning: The principles of operant conditioning, developed by B.F. Skinner, explain how behavior can be learned or modified through systems of rewards and punishments. The effectiveness of these methods depends on factors like timing, consistency, and the nature of the reward or punishment.

4. Ethical Criticism of Punishment

Moral Limits: Some ethical perspectives argue that certain forms of punishment are unjust, inhumane, or excessive. Philosophers like Michel Foucault critique the use of punishment in society, highlighting its role in exerting control and power over individuals rather than simply serving justice.

Punishment as Harm: From an ethical standpoint, inflicting harm through punishment can be problematic. It raises the question of whether causing harm (through imprisonment, physical punishment, etc.) can be justified in the name of justice.

5. Social Contract Theory

Role of Society: Social contract theorists like Hobbes and Locke argue that people agree to give up certain freedoms in exchange for the protection and order provided by society. Punishment for wrongdoing and rewards for positive contributions are part of maintaining this social contract, ensuring that society functions effectively.

6. Incentive Systems and Economics

Economic Perspectives: In economics and political philosophy, rewards and punishments can be seen as part of incentive systems that influence behavior. Rewards such as bonuses, wages, and promotions incentivize hard work, while punishments like fines and job loss deter poor performance or unethical actions.

Game Theory: Game theory explores how people’s decisions are influenced by expected rewards or punishments. It shows how individuals strategize their actions based on potential outcomes, often influenced by the rewards or consequences they expect to receive.

7. Consequentialism vs. Retributivism

Consequentialist Approach: From a consequentialist standpoint (e.g., utilitarianism), rewards and punishments are justified by their outcomes. If they lead to more happiness or less suffering, they are morally acceptable.

Retributivist Approach: In contrast, retributivism argues that rewards and punishments should not merely be based on outcomes but on desert. People should be rewarded or punished based on their actions, irrespective of the consequences.

Ethical Dilemmas and Debates:

Fairness in Distribution: What constitutes a fair reward or punishment? Should rewards and punishments be proportional to effort, intention, or outcome?

Efficacy: Does punishment effectively deter crime or poor behavior? Some argue that rehabilitation and education are more effective than harsh punishment.

Moral Desert: Do people truly deserve the rewards or punishments they receive, or are they the result of luck, circumstance, or societal structure?

The philosophy of reward and punishment deals with the ethical and practical reasons for encouraging certain behaviors while discouraging others. It involves balancing justice, fairness, and social utility to promote a functioning society. The debate between retributive justice and consequentialist ethics remains central to discussions on how and why we reward or punish actions.

[archivyrep]

Prosecutorial misconduct, case files, trials on trains, and "the truth" in Ace Attorney

Miles Edgeworth surrounded in the confidential files storage of the U.S. prosecutor’s office as he reads about the Avery Richman case While I noted in last week’s post that the 12th episode of Ace Attorney, a legal drama anime based on a video game series of the same name, included an evidence room, two episodes in the second season brings this to the fore even more directly. [1] In this post…

[hecatesdelights]

The Furies, in Ancient Roman mythology, were three sister goddesses that inhabited the underworld, and inflicted retribution against those who have committed crimes against morality or the gods

[makiruz]

Oh god, I think Intelexual Media believes in the Death Penalty

I respect her work as a historian a lot, but the Death Penalty is bad, we can't just kill people, even those we know for a fact are evil

[historyhermann]

Supa Team 4 Season 2 Spoiler-Filled Review

Supa Team 4 is a computer-generated superhero action-comedy series. Malenga Mulendema is the series creator and co-executive producer. Trigger Fish Animation Studios, known for the recent animated series Kiya and the Kimoja Heroes, and Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, and various television specials and films. The first season was released in July 2023.

Reprinted from Pop Culture Maniacs and Wayback Machine. This was the sixty-second article I wrote for Pop Culture Maniacs. This post was originally published on January 14, 2024.

The second season picks up where the first one left off. The four protagonists (Temwe Chiti, Komana Mwinga, Zikomo "Zee" Phiri, and Monde Wamunyima) are trapped in an abandoned mine. They are confronted by Bad Magz (voiced by John McMillian) and fellow villain Prof. Greenthumbs (voiced by Abena Ayivor), with the former angry they keep ruining his plans. Mama K (voiced by Pamela Nomvete) can't get in touch with Team 4 and thinks the Principal Nkwashi (voiced by voiced by Abubakar Salim) is up to something, until he admits he only wants to help Temwe (voiced by Kimani Arthur). The heroes use makeshift weapons and detain Prof. Greenthumbs. Mama K helps them escape, but not before Bad Magz photographs the van. Later, his assistant Ms. Prudent confirms that Zambinite was there. He is intrigued by the ring on Mama K's hand. And that's only the first episode!

The kidnapping of the four protagonists impacts all of them. It may have heightened Temwe's jealously toward Zee (voiced by Nancy Sekhokoane). The latter results in them "switching places," so they can recognize each other's struggles. There is no doubt that the kidnapping deeply impacted Komana (voiced by Zowa Ngwira). Later, she is comforted by Monde (voiced by Namisa Mdlalose). More directly, photographic analysis causes Bad Magz to track down Chi (voiced by Chi Mhende), a blind man who is Mama K's comrade, and snatch a computer, blueprints, and disc, even as he lets Chi flee. Also, this episode shows Temwe and Zee sympathizing with each other's struggles. That's something you don't always see in TV series.

Bad Magz is one of the most devious villains. His public form, Lee Magadzee, is outwardly an African nationalist who wants to return power to "the people." Later, he flirts with Monde's sister, Likando (voiced by Chipo Chung), who holds him to his promise to end load shedding. Putting aside his somewhat developed hacking skills, he can be harsh toward his subordinates. For instance, Alley Gator (voiced by Yinka Awoni), finds the Zambinite for him. However, Alley Gator wants to be with Prof. Greenthumbs instead.

The actions of Team 4, in Supa Team 4, are reactive. They resembling the Pretty Cure in the franchise of the same name. Team 4 fight villains, save people from sinkholes (called by Ally Gator), and promise to support one another. They don't face the one behind everything. Bad Magz is not a villain equivalent of Bell in Power of Hope: PreCure Full Bloom, a mysterious guardian angel who traveled back in time to prevent a town from being destroyed by humanity. The consequences of his actions matter little to him. He agrees to freeze Zambinite because it is combustible. This mineral gives off a bad smell before energy is extracted. He ignores Pro. Greenthumbs before she points out the hazardous and toxic waste byproduct.

Bad Magz's harsh managerial techniques bleed over into his feelings for others. In the fifth episode, he plans to go on a date with Komana's sister, Likando, which the girls of Team 4 are happy for. But he stands her up! This makes her suspicious of him (she only knows him in his public persona of Lee), and his secrets, and mysteries. She even points out that secrets, like those of powerful people, always get out. This causes Komana to investigate and discover that Storm Drain (voiced by Ashley Zhangazha) is freezing the Zambinite.

Komana is the first one, of Team 4, to be openly suspicious of Bad Magz's public persona. Monde refuses to believe her. Likando's love of Lee causes her to assist him, throwing her logic out the window. This directly parallels Click. He is unhealthily obsessed with Temwe after the third episode. Clearly, the lesson is that obsession with other people can cause you to lose sight of what is important. Later in Supa Team 4, this all comes to a head, for Bad Magz, Komana, and Team 4.

Bad Magz sees everyone as toys to be manipulated. He says gaining control of the Mayor will be "automatic" with Likando's trust. In his public persona of Lee, he promotes "Magz Power" as the "solution" to the power cuts in Lusaka. He claims it will end load shedding and blackouts. He challenges his scholarship recipients to sign up, as many people as possible, for his Magz Power system, saying those who bring back the most signatures get an internship at his corporation. This too-good-to-be-true presentation makes Komana a willing pawn in his scheme. She is unaware that this power source has toxic waste as a byproduct (conveniently not mentioned by Lee). She sees the internship as a way to advance her own career.

The sixth episode is one of the best in Supa Team 4. There's a parallel between Komana's dad suffering from asthma and Lee turning on his "alternate energy source" which fills Lusaka with light. In one case, he is suffering from a chronic health condition. In the latter, Lee is hiding the truth behind an action which casts him as a "savior." Whether he is directly aware of it or not, he is responsible for Alley Gator dumping toxic waste, from Zambinite processing. Written by Gloria Huweiler, and directed by Valentina Ventimiglia, this episode is outwardly cynical of demagogues. While people in the crowd chant "power to the people," Bad Magz thinks of ways to gain more power for himself. Undoubtedly, he is worse than Huey Long.

The final two episodes raise the stakes. In the first of these episodes, Komana abandons Team 4 so she can work for Lee, distressing her teammates. The remaining heroes put together the pieces. Without a doubt, they are worried about the people of Lusaka. People are coughing, scratching themselves, have rashes, and inflammation in eyes. As a result, everyone is leaving because they are sick, in what looks to be a commentary on COVID-19. This is more direct than the "missing" episode of Cleopatra in Space, entitled "Quarantine".

In episode seven, Komana wants to warn Lee about toxic waste from the Zambinite. She is shocked out of her role as a willing pawn. She learns that he lied about his past. As a result, she comes to the conclusion he is behind everything. This happens at the same time as Mama K. She sees Bad Magz in front of her before he kidnaps her. In a parallel development, the girls decide to bust into his corporation. Likando agrees to give the contract (which gives Lee full rights to the city's electric grid) to Lee personally.

In the final episode, the girls fight against Prof. Greenthumbs (and her monster). Mama K and Chi are in Lee's office. Mama K calls him a "monster" and "worse than a villain." The truth is finally revealed. His mother was in the Intelligence Agency of Zambia. His real name is Limbani. He claims that Mama K "made him" who is is today. Elsehwere, Monde reveals her hero identity for the first time to someone other than her fellow teammates: to her sister Likando. Both agree to talk about her hero identity later.

He is confronted by Team 4. They demand he turn off his power source, saying it is hurting city residents. Instead of listening to Team 4, he ignores them and continues his own agenda. He blames Mama K for causing the memory of his mother, Towela, to be erased. Following this, he places the device on Mama K's head, allowing him to access her memories. While they are horrified, Team 4 can do nothing. It is only when the memory showing Towela was mind-wiped by Chusi that he realizes his mistake. He uses the same device to restore his mom's memories. She recognizes Chi and Mama K and tearfully embraces Lee. Following this touching scene, Likando rightly punches Lee (for being a lying jerk). She has the police arrest him.

Of course, this is not the end. In a strange juxtaposition, Prof. Greenthumbs' ZambiMonster causes a cave-in, and captures Komana. I found it awkward to have this after an emotional moment which could bring you to tears. In any case, Lee shows that he is not fully a villain. To the chagrin of Prof. Greenthumbs, he saves Komana (he recognizes her voice) after Greenthumbs' monster explodes. He frames his next steps as an attempt to amend his past wrongs. He says he will do whatever he can to fix things. In a coded manner, he hopes that Komana's spirits aren't dampened. However, no one believes his declaration at face value.

In many ways, Lee's declaration is one of restorative justice. Traditional / retributive justice systems are clearly stated throughout this series. They are symbolized by police arresting villains and keeping them behind bars. Surely, there are laws that have been broken, villains who broke the laws, and methods for punishment of said lawbreakers. Lee is attempting to repair the harm caused. He knows who has been harmed and how he can repair or address those harms. In response to one of the key questions of restorative justice ("who should address or repair the harms?"), that person is clearly Lee.

Lee will likely face criminal punishment for what he did and may face his victims. He is on the road to understanding the impact of his actions on other people, taking responsibility for his actions, comprehending how he harmed people, and behaving with basic respect for others. It would allow him to become a better person. This would make Supa Team 4 one of the few series which depicts restorative justice principles, apart from Steven Universe.

The episode ends with her teammates showing their camaraderie for each other. They comfort Komana. Everyone supposedly has a "happily ever after." The villains are locked up. The corrupt mayor is arrested. Likando runs to become the next mayor of Lusaka on an anti-corruption agenda. Komana's device makes the city's energy clean, and green. It runs on Zambinite but does not produce toxic waste. The episode closes with all of them meet at headquarters where they welcome Komana back. Mama K boldly says everyone is worthy of redemption (not sure this is entirely true). Chi says that Lee is trying to right his wrongs.

I also liked that in this series, characters such as Marjory (voiced by Celine Tshika) appear to be on the road to villains. She blames everyone for ruining her party (including Team 4), and causing well-known performers, like Click, to depart. The fourth episode emphasizes this. She said she disliked Team 4, even though they saved her, and harshly commanded the majorette team. Everyone else on the team picked Monde as captain instead. This left Marjory, under a lot of pressure from Principal Nkwashi, behind.

Although Monde comes up with a new routine, she tells her fellow teammates that even though Marjory bullies them, it isn't right to bully her back. The episode ends with Monde and Marjory, having a heart-to-heart about working together as a team, and they use this to take down the hypnotizing rapper, Snap Back (voiced by Sne Dladla) and saving them all. Marjory later apologizes to Team 4.

There is the possibility of a third season. In a final scene of the episode, Chusi says he is back, after 20 years. He declares he wants Lusaka to burn. He fades away, into the smoke. It is a bit of a cliffhanger, akin to the scene with the Triumverate in High Guardian Spice, a series which should receive a second season. A second season may focus on fighting with Chusi and Lee's attempts to rebuild the city from the damage he caused. Perhaps it could resemble the aftermath-of-victory concept that is present in Steven Universe Future, where the protagonists have no villains to fight, but are trying to make the world (and universe) better.

Although I liked this series, my enthusiasm was severely dampened, as compared to season one. It came at a bad time. Other anime series such as I'm in Love with the Villainess (ended on December 19), Kizuna no Allele (ended on December 21), Spy x Family (ended December 23), Stardust Telepath (ended on December 25), and The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess (ended on December 30), were ending. This series seemed too compressed. It should have been longer.

I wish 1-2 episodes were released weekly rather than a huge episode dump on December 21. This method makes clear that Netflix cares little about the creators, fans, or anyone else who worked on Supa Team 4. Furthermore, the binge model itself is a detriment to creativity itself. It encourages crunch conditions to complete series. If two episodes had been released a week, Supa Team 4 could have finished by January 11. If one episode had released a week, it could have finished by February 8. That would have been preferable.

Supa Team 4 can be streamed on Netflix.

© 2023-2024 Burkely Hermann. All rights reserved.

[12minutestomidnight]

If you reject retributive justice, you probably shouldn't be celebrating someone's death, no matter how horrible they were. I'm not saying you have to miss the asshole; I'm not saying you have to grieve him. I'm only saying that celebrating someone getting their "just desserts" is celebrating retributive justice.

If you do have happy feelings because he died - that's alright! Respect those feelings. But know them for what they are, and think about the political implications of posting about it in certain ways.

[insaniquariumfish]

I've never understood thinking of capital punishment as the "ultimate punishment." Like doesn't spending decades being utterly miserable in a top security prison, never getting to have privacy or autonomy or luxury of any kind ever again, dealing with other prisoners and prison culture, knowing that everyone in society hates you and that you're going to die inside those walls, sound a lot more torturous than being granted the sweet release of death?

[retributive-justice]

I AM GOING DOWN A FUCKING RABBIT HOLE RN TRYING TO SHOW MY FRIEND THAT SHUICHI DOES INDEED HAVE A BIGGER CHEST THAN THE ENTIRE MALE CAST OF DRV3 AND THAT ITS NOT JUST BC OF HIS MODEL HE IS TRANSGENDER AND THE CREATORS DONT WANNA ADMIT IT

[historyhermann]

Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear Season 2 Review

Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear is an anime which combines the fantasy comedy, isekai, and iyashikei genres. It is based on an ongoing 19-volume Japanese light novel series written by Kumanano and illustrated by 029. This series is produced by Japanese animation studio EMT Squared. Hisashi Ishii and Yuu Nobuta are series directors. This review will have spoilers.

Reprinted from Pop Culture Maniacs and Wayback Machine. This was the thirty-sixth article I wrote for Pop Culture Maniacs. This post was originally published on June 23, 2023.

The show's first season introduces Yuna (voiced by Maki Kawase), a bored teenager reincarnated in a fantasy world. The higher power (voiced by Shizuka Itou) gifts her an all-powerful, but comical, bear suit. She tries to adapt to her new life and finds it more fulfilling than anything she had on Earth. In the process, she becomes close to Fina (voiced by Azumi Waki), a 10-year-old girl and Crimonia town resident. Fina soon becomes her work partner and her sister. She is drawn to another ten-year-old named Noire "Noa" Foschurose (voiced by Rina Hidaka), who founds a fan club for the bears that Yuna uses to defeat monsters (Kumakyū and Kumayuru). The younger sister of Fina, Shuri (voiced by Miyu Tomita), and granddaughter of Gran Farrengram, Misana "Misa" Farrengram (voiced by Satomi Amano) also become her friends. Along the way, Yuna meets nobles, maids, fellow adventurers, and princesses.

Although the series is an isekai, it is more like I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level, than any other series out there. Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear is arguably an iyashikei, a Japanese slice-of-life work which portrays characters in calm environments. Such works have less focus on the plot or characters, but more on an immersive setting and worldbuilding. It is unlike other anime in the same genre, as few are fantasy comedies, and none, that I'm aware of, are isekai.

This makes Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear unique. There's no focus on romance, music, camping, or mystery, as other iyashikei have done. Instead, Yuna is only trying to enjoy her life, with the help of her friends, and her bears Kumakyū and Kumayuru. Thanks to her bear powers she can even create structures, like houses to live in. The series has strong yuri subtext primarily manifested in the close relationship between Yuna and Fina. Also, female characters far outnumber male ones.

The laid-back tone of the series offsets other more drama-filled anime, such as The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady, Ippon Again!, Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible, and The Dangers in My Heart. The same can be said of Western animation such as Villainous, RWBY, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, Star Wars: The Bad Batch, and Velma.

The second season of Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear, also known as Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear Punch, is much more than that. It continues the plotlines from the first season. In the first episode of this season, there are flashbacks to remind the audience what happened. Yuna has become a bit of a celebrity and is called "Bear sis". While she isn't used to this, she doesn't shirk away from helping others. She even drives away orcs from a honey tree, so that she can have honey on her pancakes at a local cafe.

Yuna is often pulled into the world of nobles. Her fan club includes princesses Flora (voiced by Hina Kino), Noa, and Misa. Even the local feudal lord of Crimonia, Cliff Foschurose (voiced by Kōji Yusa), owes her favors. As such, she agrees to make picture books for those in the castle, but not anyone outside of it. This contrasts with the goal of Myne, in Ascendance of a Bookworm, who wants to provide books to the masses. At one point, Yuna caves to pressure and reluctantly agrees to a task given to her by noble Eleanora Foschurose (voiced by Yuiko Tatsumi): guarding students of the royal academy for firsthand training.

The latter duty, predictably, annoys Yuna, as she is comfortable with her simple life in Crimonia. The arc with the students, compromising the second and third episodes, lampoons incorrect judgment of others. Two students, Cattleya and Marix, voiced by Misuzu Yamada and Misato Matsuoka respectfully, think that Yuna is a spoiled and rich lady, and not even an adventurer. In contrast, Yuna finds it exhausting to be around people her age.

As often happens, Yuna easily defeats the beast, known as a black tiger, and takes the pelt for herself, thanks to her bear equipment. The lesson is that no one should judge someone else based on their looks. Such an empowering statement rings true when watched today or any time in the future.

While some children in Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear work, these children are enthusiastic about their work. In the fourth episode, Sherry (voiced by Kozue Yūki) makes a cushion for Yuna and aprons for those at the Bear-themed diner. She later becomes an apprentice at a tailor's shop. Since Sherry is enjoying her work as an apprentice, for which she is probably paid, I'm entirely convinced it is child labor. 

Child labor is often defined as any work which deprives children of their childhood, interferes with school attendance. It can also be any work which is harmful mentally, physically, morally, or socially. I'm not sure if Sherry's work is affecting her personal development or health. Her duties are akin to assisting a family business. Arguably, her work is contributing to her development as a child and providing experience and skills. It may even be preparing her to become a productive person later in her life, as an adult. Furthermore, she is not enslaved nor engaged in illicit activities.

Sometimes, the isekai nature of Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear is stronger than at other times. In the fifth episode of this season, Yuna learns that Fina can't cut through the skin of a black tiger with her current knife, and is determined to get a mithril knife. However, to do that, she has to fight golems in a cave, which are blocking access to the resource. While she collaborates with other adventurers, she ends up clearing the cave and getting what she is after by herself. She even receives a finds a substance named Bearmonite. She later believes that the God of the world set up the whole situation so she could get a reward. At another point, she even admits that the mithril knives remind of her previous life as a shut-in gamer.

As for Fina, her fear of nobles may be symbolic of her desire to be at Yuna's side no matter what. For example, she is terrified of people trying to make her wear expensive clothes. She is afraid if the clothes are ripped, she will be chastised. Adding to this, she worries about accidentally offending the King. As it turns out, the nobles don't mind her. They ease her nervousness. Even the King thinks that Yuna is annoyed with him! He believes that Fina is more well-mannered than Yuna. When she ends up spilling orange juice on her clothes, her worry fades away. It turns out that those at the castle are just as messy as her.

Otherwise, food and eating are another key part of the Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear story. This is exemplified by Yuna winning over the mother of Fina. The latter is annoyed that Yuna wants to give Fina an expensive mithril knife. Yuna makes her strawberry shortcake, which she calls "devil's dessert". In another episode, Yuna works with Nerin (voiced by Saki Ichimura) and others to bake the same dessert. She gives the same dessert to those within the castle. In the same episode, a maid named Lala helps her and Fina brew tea together, and the royal chef, Zeref (voiced by Taichi Takeda), thanks Yuna for previous recipes.

This plotline reminded me of the slice-of-life comedy drama, Antique Bakery, the only cooking anime I've watched, and the centrality of food in the Laid-Back Camp, an adventure iyashikei, and in series such as Is the Order a Rabbit?, Tokyo Mew Mew (and the sequel), and Sweetness & Lightning. I also immediately thought of the third ending sequence of Cardcaptor Sakura, set to the song Fruits Candy by Megumi Kojima. The sequence depicts protagonists Sakura Kinomoto, Tomoyo Daidouji, and Kero as baking (and decorating) a cake together. In fact, it is my favorite ending sequence of that magical girl anime.

Another important theme is the message that overwork is not a positive. In the ninth episode of Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear, characters discourage Sherry from tiring herself out. This is like I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level, mentioned earlier in this article, which is strongly against overwork. In this series, Yuna likes her easy life, and doesn't do more work than she has to. She likely encourages others to do the same.

The last few episodes, comprising the final series arc, are more dramatic. Fina, Yuna, Cliff, and Noa all go to the castle where Misa and the rest of the Farrengram family are living. There is conflict with nobles, including the Salbard family, who control half of Sheelin. The Farrengram family control the other half. The Salbard family want to take over the entire city for themselves. Thanks to her friendship with the nobles in Crimonia, Yuna easily navigates through this class conflict. She even brings in the royal chef of Zelef to ensure that the birthday celebration of Misa goes as planned.

In this arc, one of the worst characters, Gajurud (voiced by Yasuhiro Mamiya), is introduced. He is arrogant, brash, and likes to get his way. He falls right into a trap, since Zelef promises to report the insults that Gajurud hurled at him, and the food, back to the King. Gajurud's lackeys even abandon him and claim their taste was off because of colds. His awful son, Juliane (voiced by Yōko Fujita), declares he will strike back. It appears, at first, that this attack will occur when Yuna is wearing a dress, for the first time. She is only wearing some of her bear gear, making her a bit more vulnerable.

The final episode of Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear dashes the latter possibility. Yuna, wearing her bear suit, races to save Misa. The latter was kidnapped by the arrogant son of Gajurud, Juliane, with the help of the bodyguard, Brad. This all makes for an enjoyable action sequence. Yuna busts into the Salbard family mansion, beats up two nobles (Juliane and Gajurud), and clocks the bodyguard, after he underestimates her. As often happens in this series, characters underestimate how powerful Yuna is. They believe they can commit heinous acts because they see her as a kid in a bear suit.

This perception is incorrect. Yuna fights to protect her friends and those she cares about. She has a license to do this, to an extent, thanks to support from friendly nobles. In fact, Eleanora helps in this case, by arresting Gajurud and Juliane, with the help of royal guards. The mansion is then searched to retroactively uncover evidence to justify their arrest. This is an intense use of royal power, but is justified by the fact that they kidnapped Misa, and three other children from around the city.

Yuna cares about other people. In the final episode, she hugs and comforts Misa. Understandably, Misa is terrified after she was brazenly kidnapped. Yuna also reunites Misa with Fina and Noa, following her rescue. These actions make Cliff, and the Farrengram family, eternally grateful. Misa, Noa, and Fina even start to believe that Yuna is a goddess. She accepts this, to an extent, even when she is called the goddess of bears.

The final episode of Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear ends nicely and ties up loose ends. However, retributive justice is shown uncritically. Gajurud and his son, Juliane, are imprisoned. They are given the death penalty after a "mountain of evidence" results in their convictions. Brad is imprisoned, exiled, and stripped of his title. Furthermore, the Salbard family property is confiscated, and the economy recovers. Adding to this, Misa's father becomes sole leader of Sheelin. All of this makes sense, considering the crimes of Gajurud, Juliane, and Brad.

In a large part, this reinforces retributive justice paradigms. The punishment of the nobles is imposed, without possibility of remorse. The state unilaterally declares what is, and isn't, a crime. In some ways, Yuna is in league with the criminal system of this medieval world. There is the presumed widespread belief that those accused of crimes cannot be rehabilitated.

The series doesn't turn these paradigms on their head like Villainous. The ending could have depicted restorative justice as being applied to the villains. Unfortunately, the writers didn't want to go that route. This isn't a shock, considering there are few examples of this in fiction, other than depictions in documentaries, podcasts, or films such as Red Dust. Furthermore, there is still continued debate over this approach to crime.

On the other hand, Yuna's violence is primarily defensive and meant to protect her friends. She doesn't go on rampages against any villains, but chooses when and where she acts violently. She lashes out at Gajurud, Juliane, Brad, and their guards. Understandably, she is furious they kidnapped one of her friends and hurt her friends in the process. No one can fault her for that.

Apart from what I've mentioned previously about this series, Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear shines through is in its voiced acting. Maki Kawase, Azumi Waki, and Rina Hidaka, who voice three of the protagonists, are known for their voice work in Tamayomi, Kandagawa Jet Girls, A Centaur's Life, Michiko & Hatchin, YuruYuri, and Ms. Vampire Who Lives in My Neighborhood.

More prominently, Kawase voiced Shima Iwashita in Bocchi the Rock!. Waki previously voiced Flatorte in I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level, Tsukimi Teruya in The Aquatope on White Sand, and Takumi in Do It Yourself!! Hidaka lent her voice as Kobachi Osaragi in Kaguya-sama: Love Is War?, Ren Yamai in Komi Can't Communicate, and Himi Akane in Princess Connect! Re:Dive, to name a few.

Voice actors, such as Miyu Tomita, Satomi Amano, Hina Kino, Kōji Yusa, Yuiko Tatsumi, Misuzu Yamada, Misato Matsuoka, Kozue Yūki, Saki Ichimura, Taichi Takeda, Shizuka Itou, Yasuhiro Mamiya, and Yōko Fujita, make the series stronger. Some appeared in series like Otherside Picnic, Miss Kuroitsu from the Monster Development Department, or Too Cute Crisis, or lent their voices to characters in Tropical-Rouge! Pretty Cure, Princess Principal, Management of a Novice Alchemist, and Bodacious Space Pirates.

The studio EMT Squared, which produced the series, is known for four series directed by Hisashi Ishii, and another he did with Yuu Nobota: I'm Quitting Heroing. The show's composer, Shigeo Komori, is known as a writer, lyricist, video game director, and producer. Series writer Takashi Aoshima has worked on series such as Love Lab, Love Tyrant, Karin, and Petite Princess Yucie.

The present series ends with a scene in which Fina and Yuna declare "we're home" and smile. The pages of a book close, showing that this book/series has ended, that this chapter is over. If a third season of Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear were produced, it would continue the story of Fina, Yuna, and their friends, reopening the book for all.

The first and second season of Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear are currently streaming on Crunchyroll and Hulu.

© 2023 Burkely Hermann. All rights reserved.

[the-demoness-next-door]

artfight 2022 of nxcte's character jasin :)

(he/him)

[aikoiya]

Oh my gosh. This sounds like a great idea.

Like, if this sort of program is legitimately working & they are actually getting better & becoming better people, then yes! I'd love for this to become a new & accepted program for prisons!

In fact, I've seen a situation or 2 where one of the reasons why criminals become criminals is due to being illiterate. Like, they either had to stay home or get a job or some such for their families or they had bad influences that convinced them not to learn this stuff or something. However, it might be a good idea to consider a prison education program where inmates are given the option to learn things that they didn't growing up.

Not just that, but possibly even transferable skills. But also training for jobs like engineering, construction, & woodworking. The sorts of jobs that are always in demand.

Like, yes, I am a supporter of putting criminals in prison. However, I think there needs to be a balance between retributive justice & rehabilitative justice.

In most cases, if a criminal can be rehabilitated & helped & they want to & they're legitimately trying to, then that's what I want. That is the goal.

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