In the world of Kingdom, a manga set in ancient China during the Warring States period, we follow the journey of Shin, a young orphan who dreams of becoming a “Great General of the Heavens.” Alongside Shin’s story, Kingdom presents a fascinating array of characters, each with their own ambitions, flaws, and philosophies.
Among them, General Kanki stands out, not just for his military prowess, but for his unrelenting cruelty. His reputation precedes him as a general who tortures defeated soldiers and desecrates corpses without a second thought. Kanki, however, is more than just a one-dimensional villain. His brutality is driven by deep-seated resentment—specifically toward the middle class.
Kanki’s disdain for the middle class isn’t based on their wealth, but on their inaction. He sees them as a group that holds the power to enact real change but instead chooses to turn a blind eye to the suffering of the lower classes and the corruption of the elite. According to Kanki, the lower classes lack the resources to rebel against the system, while the upper class, despite being corrupt, at least has the influence to control society. But the middle class? They remain passive, content with their position, ignoring the inequalities and suffering around them. To Kanki, this makes them complicit in the injustices of the world.
His critique doesn’t stop there. Kanki implies that the middle class’s inaction is driven by fear of losing their comfort and stability. They don’t want to risk what little security they have, so they let the injustices continue, all while silently benefiting from the system. This idea—that the middle class could be the key to changing society but chooses not to—holds significant weight, especially when we think about today’s world.
Kanki’s Reflections in Modern Society
While Kanki’s methods and personality are extreme, his reflection on the middle class is uncomfortably relevant to modern times. How often do we find ourselves blaming governments, corporations, or institutions for the state of society, yet remain passive in our own lives? We see the problems—climate change, inequality, corruption—but instead of taking action, we convince ourselves that we don’t have the time, energy, or means to do anything.
But Kanki’s message is clear: those who have the power to create change but do nothing are just as responsible for the broken system. And in today’s world, where social media has given everyone a voice and a platform, the ability to spark change is more accessible than ever. Yet, we often find excuses for not acting—whether it’s blaming the system or telling ourselves that one person can’t make a difference.
The middle class, in particular, is often caught in this loop. Positioned between the struggle of the lower class and the privilege of the upper class, they can live comfortably without facing the harshest realities of the world. But this comfort comes at a cost: the longer we remain passive, the more we allow the powerful to maintain control and the suffering of those below us to continue.
Taking Responsibility
Kanki’s harsh view on the middle class forces us to confront a difficult question: Are we really powerless to change society, or are we simply avoiding responsibility? While Kanki uses his critique to justify his own atrocities, the essence of his message remains thought-provoking.
In today’s world, we often feel overwhelmed by the sheer scale of issues we face—climate change, economic inequality, political corruption—but that doesn’t mean we’re powerless. Small actions, collective efforts, and the willingness to step out of our comfort zones are crucial if we want to see real change. We might not be generals like Kanki, but we can still influence the world around us.
So the next time we find ourselves frustrated with the way things are, instead of blaming the system, maybe it’s worth asking ourselves: What can I do today to start changing it?
#tales-posts
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