#susato

Susato holds herself in such low regard. This is one thing, but it becomes even more gut wrenching once you begin to interpret why she does. Given the raging misogyny and prejudice for women that permeated society in the 19th century, it’s not hard to imagine that she harbors internalized misogyny. We see her put herself down, especially in the first game, she quite literally hates herself.

She wanted to leave London, and she was caught about to throw her British Law book into the sea, the little self confidence she had as a judicial assistant was all but lost.

She felt that she did not deserve to practice law, not only because she recognized that she tampered with a crime scene, but also, how can a girl ever be worthy of the title ‘judicial assistant’? Where is a girls place in the field of law?

Do girls HAVE a place in the field of law?

From the very first case it has been made clear that women are barred from entering a courtroom in Japan. Even in British courts she is belittled and belittles herself. Even though her creating the peephole actually SAVED Gina’s case, she cannot recognize her own feat, she saved Gina, yet her internalized misogyny clouds her mind.

Moving on to dgs2, the first case has her breaking societal norms and pretending to be a man to defend her dearest friend Haori. Women were forbidden from entering a courtroom in 19th century Japan, despite how the laws of the land apply to EVERYONE.

This case also shows us more insight into her mind. If you press one of Hosonaga’s statements, she says this. I have seen the fandom brush this line off as a joke in favour of how Hosonaga replies. To me, it’s a perfect example of her internalized misogyny.

While in the position of Ryutaro, she regresses back into misogynistic rhetoric. There’s something about the horrific treatment of women in her time perpetrated by men that Susato feels she must comply with in order for the court to see her as a man. How else would they believe that it’s Naruhodo Ryutaro standing there at the defenses’ bench? Even if saying so hurts, what would become of her if they found out that Naruhodo Ryutaro did not exist? How would they react if it was found out that there was a girl in court?

It’s not her fault for worrying, even if the judge knew.

Dgs2 also reveals that her father, Yujin Mikotoba, travelled to Britain for six years. The first six years of Susato’s life. Her mother died and she was given to her grandmother while her father abandoned her.

We do not see Susato get angry at her father for doing so.

She always sings his praises and calls him “my brilliant father.” But how can that be? I’ve talked about how I think Susato deserves to lash out at her father, but does she feel like she deserves that luxury?

She clearly loves her father, but she may have felt deep resentment for him at times. How dare he come back into her life so suddenly? Did she feel bitter? Did she feel angry? But how could she be angry? Girls don’t get angry at their fathers, they treat them with utmost respect, No matter how they are treated by them. Even thinking about her father like that feels sinful. The Father was revered with great expectancy and honor, disrespecting him by showing anger would be absolutely unthinkable, right? Susato would feel terribly guilty for feeling even the slightest negative feelings about Yujin. Who is she to get angry at him, after all? How could she be such a terrible daughter?

Susato Mikotoba isn’t a person who flaunts her achievements for all to see. After a trial she congratulates Ryuunosuke.

“You did it! we got an acquittal thanks to YOU!”

What about all she’s done during trials to point her friend in the right direction? What of her own efforts? She does so much, yet she never gives herself credit where it’s due. Internalized misogyny is a powerful thing, it makes her think she’s useless, even if she were to be the one who turns the trial on its head.

There’d be countless opportunities for her, opportunities for her to thrive and learn to love herself, if only society gave her a chance.