Mori Ougai BSD : analysis
Mori :
Mori is the chief of the Port Mafia. He possesses the ability called Vita Sexualis. He likes theory, sweet red bean chazuke and protecting young girls. He dislikes dirty things, raw food and mackerel in miso. He may seem like an ordinary, slightly clumsy, and anxious middle-aged man when you first meet him. But as you get to know him better, you realize there's much more to him. Despite his calm demeanor, Mori is a strategic genius who knows how to handle tough situations.He can be tough and unforgiving, but his actions are driven by a desire to protect and strengthen the Port Mafia. Mori is incredibly intelligent and can be quite manipulative, using his skills to achieve his goals. While he may seem distant and cold at times, especially when making tough decisions, he does care about his subordinates and recognizes their value. Deep down, Mori is driven by a desire to maintain control and order in Yokohama, even if it means making difficult choices.
The mistranslations :
There is a common misconception surrounding Mori's character, particularly regarding his way of seeing young girls. Firstly, Mori's behavior towards young girls is often misinterpreted due to mistranslations, cultural differences, and misinterpretations by fans. His actions, which may seem unsettling or inappropriate to some, are often taken out of context or exaggerated. Furthermore, Mori's grooming of Yosano and Dazai is often misunderstood. While Mori did manipulate and mentor them, his intentions were not inherently predatory. Instead, Mori saw potential in Yosano and Dazai. While he may employ questionable tactics to achieve his objectives, there is no evidence to suggest that he harbors inappropriate intentions towards young girls or any other characters. Most of the things that were considered weird he said are pure mistranslations as there are some words and expressions in japanese that are hard to translate .
What is the difference between a Lolita complex and a L*licon :
The difference between Lolita complex and l*licon lies primarily in their focus and implications. Lolita complex, also known as Lolita syndrome, refers to a non-s*xual fascination or obsession with young girls, often rooted in a desire to protect or preserve their innocence. It can manifest as a paternalistic or protective attitude towards young girls, without necessarily involving s*xual attraction or exploitation. This first definition seems to fit Mori (Without taking in count the mistranslations) rather well. On the other hand, l*licon, short for Lolita complex, specifically refers to a s*xual attraction to young or underage girls, often depicted in anime, manga, or other forms of media. L*licon is characterized by a s*xualized portrayal of young girls and can involve explicit or erotic content that fetishizes youth and innocence. This is the mistake most people make, they associate Mori with this term. He is not a l*licon, he has a lolita complex yes but is not a l*licon. While both Lolita complex and l*licon involve an interest in young girls, the former is non-s*xual and may stem from a desire to protect innocence, whereas the latter is explicitly s*xualized and involves a fetishization of youth. His fixation on Elise, who is portrayed as a young girl, reflects a fascination with innocence and purity, which are key elements of the Lolita complex. However, Mori is not considered a l*licon because his relationship with Elise is not overtly s*xualized or depicted in a s*xually exploitative manner. As I said multiple times, I am not taking in count the mistranslations. While his attachment to Elise may hint at a Lolita complex, it is portrayed in a way that is more symbolic and metaphorical, rather than explicitly s*xual. As a result, Mori is not classified as a l*licon, as his character is not primarily defined by a sexual attraction to young girls. (Key word : S*xual.)
His ability :
Mori's ability, Vita Sexualis, is a reflection of his complex and controlling nature. Through this ability, he can summon and manipulate Elise, his ability, in various ways to achieve his goals. This ability allows him to control the situation and make decisions, mirroring his desire for control in his life. The fact that Elise used to be more subservient but was later configured to mimic the defiant personality of a young Yosano shows Mori's deep-seated obsession and desire for what could have been. This aspect of his ability reflects his regrets and longing for à different path, perhaps one where he could have formed a different, more positive bond with Yosano. It also hints at his own inner struggles and desires, showcasing a part of himself that he rarely reveāls. Elise is simply Mori's ability personified, known as Vita Sexualis. She lacks consciousness and any distinct personality, essentially a puppet or doll shaped by Mori's wishes. She can be seen as an extension of Mori himself. While the current Elise seems to resemble a young Yosano, it's not strange or disturbing. She exists to Fulfill Mori's needs and desires, as seen in the Beast universe where she appears as an adult, serving as a caregiver to Mori. Contrary to common belief, Elise doesn't represent Mori's sexual desires but his regrets and needs, despite the suggestive name of the ability. She's purely a puppet, reflecting the user's soul in its purest form. Personally, I believe Elise embodies what Mori might have been if he remained a child or the part of him he rarely reveals, including his regrets regarding his bond with Yosano. He cherishes her because she represents what Yosano could have been if he hadn't "broken" her spirit, admiring her strong will.Puppets and dolls, like Elise, lack feelings or personality and simply reflect what their controller desires. They often symbolize childhood and innocence, mirroring Mori's pure and innocent desires.Elise, as Mori's manifestation, embodies a profound purity in her existence as a doll-like entity. She serves as a canvas onto which Mori projects his regrets and unfulfilled desires, representing what could have been or what he wishes to be. In this sense, Elise becomes a symbol not only of innocence but also of the haunting presence of past choices and their lingering effects.As a doll or puppet, Elise is a vessel for Mori's manipulation, devoid of her own will or emotions. This concept mirrors the human experience of grappling with our own desires and regrets, often feeling controlled by them, much like a puppeteer controls their puppet.
Mori and Yosano :
Mori's relationship with young Yosano is often misunderstood. While Mori's interactions with Yosano may seem reminiscent of a Lolita complex due to her being a child and his protective attitude towards her, it's crucial to recognize that their relationship is not based on sexualattraction.Mori's relationship with Yosano is characterized by a profound sense of regret and what could have been. He recognizes her strong will and potential, yet acknowledges the ways in which her past traumas have shaped her. His past interactions with Yosano reflect a genuine desire to mentor and use her for the war, rather than to exploit or sexualize her innocence.It is rooted in admiration and respect for her character. He once saw in her à potential for greatness and regrets the loss of what could have been if her spirit had not been "broken." This aspect of Mori's character humanizes him and shows that his motivations are not solely driven by sexual desires but also by a desire for meaningful connections and a longing for what might have been.
His philosophy :
Pragmatism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes practical consequences and real-world outcomes as the criteria for assessing the truth or meaning of beliefs and theories. It values practicality over abstract principles, focusing on what works in practice rather than what is theoretically correct. Utilitarianism, on the other hand, is a moral theory that suggests the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility. It evaluates the morality of actions based on their outcomes, aiming to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Mori's beliefs align Closely with both pragmatism and utilitarianism. He is driven by a desire to achieve practical results for the Port Mafia and Yokohama, often making decisions based on what will benefit the organization in the long run.His actions are guided by a pragmatic approach, focusing on the most effective means to achieve his goals rather than adhering strictly to moral or ethical principles. At the same time, Mori's utilitarian beliefs are evident in his decision-making process. He is willing to make sacrifices and tough choices if he believes they will ultimately lead to the greatest good for the Port Mafia and the city. This can be seen in his willingness to take drastic measures to maintain control and order, even if it means resorting to violence or manipulation.
Moral alignment :
Mori's moral alignment can be described as complex and nuanced, often guided by his own sense of duty and pragmatism rather than traditional notions of right and wrong. While he is not devoid of morality, his actions are often driven by his belief in the greater good for the Port Mafia and Yokohama, even if they may seem ruthless or unethical to others. One key aspect of Mori's concept of morality is his belief in maintaining control and order. He sees himself as a protector of Yokohama, willing to take on the role of the "bad guy" if it means preventing greater chaos and harm. This sense of duty and responsibility drives many of his decisions, leading him to make difficult choices for what he perceives to be the greater good. Additionally, Mori's morality is influenced by his loyalty to the Port Mafia and its members.He values loyalty and respect within the organization, often treating his subordinates with a level of care and consideration that may seem contradictory to his ruthless reputation. This loyalty extends to his belief in protecting the organization and its interests, sometimes at the expense of others outside the Mafia.
MBTI preferences and enneagram type:
Mori can be classified as an ENTJ (Extroverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging) in the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) and likely falls under Enneagram Type 8, often known as "The Challenger" or "The Leader." He is strategic in his interactions and prefers to engage with the world around him rather than introspectively. He is more interested in the big picture and long-term goals than in the details of the present moment. He values efficiency and effectiveness, often making decisions based on what he believes will achieve the best results for the Port Mafia and Yokohama. He is goal-oriented and likes to make plans, rather than leaving things open-ended. He is driven by a desire to maintain control and order, which aligns with the characteristics of both ENTJs and Enneagram Type 8s.
"Are we the masters of our desires, or do they control us like puppets on strings?"
