I watched Battle Royale on the recommendation of friends during my university years when I was studying Japanese. The movie sparked controversy but was also widely praised, notably by Quentin Tarantino, who listed it as one of his favorite films of the past two decades. Set in a dystopian future after a recession, a totalitarian government forces a junior high school class to participate in an annual event called Battle Royale, where students are sent to an island to fight to the death until only one survives. Equipped with explosive collars, they are killed if they fail to follow the rules or leave the designated safe zones on the island.
The Raw Violence and Societal Satire
The film has often been criticized for its brutal violence, especially given that it shows teenagers committing such extreme acts. While this criticism is understandable, it misses the movie’s main point: it is a satire of Japanese society, focusing on the generational gap and, by extension, a critique of our modern world, which increasingly revolves around the dopamine rush generated by extreme behaviors, entertainment, and social media. The younger generation is portrayed as the victim, forced to “pay” for the mistakes of their elders. This dynamic will only intensify as future generations face the consequences of our environmental missteps. The climate crisis may become the new norm for them, but this future can still be avoided if we work together toward a common goal.
Rethinking Adulthood: Moving Beyond Age
We must reconsider what it truly means to be an adult. Adulthood should not be defined simply by age or physical maturity. Our brain’s neuroplasticity continues until we are around 25, but we can maintain and nurture our brain’s plasticity by adopting healthy habits throughout life. Many adults still behave like children or teens, while some teenagers or children exhibit more maturity than their elders. Adulthood should be the point at which we gain enough self-awareness to make conscious decisions—not just because of external pressures or societal expectations. If we define adulthood in this way, the number of true adults might shrink, so perhaps we should instead label these individuals as role models.
The Impact of Society on Children and Teens
The brain of children and teens is still developing at a rapid pace, which makes it critical for us to provide them with the best possible education—not just in school, but through the examples set by society. How can we expect our children to grow into well-rounded, responsible adults if adults don’t lead by example? Many adults neglect their own brain health—they don’t exercise, don’t socialize enough, lack lifelong learning, and, most importantly, don’t build self-awareness. Children and teens are naturally inclined to mimic those around them, a process that accelerates their learning. Yet, we fail to provide them with our best selves.
Breaking the Negative Feedback Loop
Too often, we are so focused on ourselves that we don’t even recognize the harm we are causing. We fail to see the other possible paths we could take. By continuing to act in this way, we inadvertently trap our children in the same mindset, as they mimic our limitations. However, we have the power to break this negative feedback loop and turn it into a positive one, creating a healthier environment for future generations.
How can we, as adults, better serve as role models for the younger generation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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