Mr_Tricky

Let's say I do have a personal distaste for anime, does it invalidate my observation? I said nothing against anime except for the one point I made about the way the characters are drawn, and you are refusing to address that one point, preferring instead to make baseless accusations against my motives. It's also ridiculous to say I'm forcing people to agree with me. That's literally impossible for me to do. I said I would accept an opposing view that defeated my proposed logic. Very few attempts have been made to do that in all the replies directed at me. Insisting that I would harass you for not responding to me is another baseless assumption. I welcome you to not participate at all in this specific discussion. If you don't wish to debate, then the best thing to do is to not respond to me. You have chosen to continue the discussion by responding to me, and then you threaten to report me if I reply back. The best way to end a conversation is to disengage from it. I don't care if you report me. If I'm asked not to participate in this thread, I certainly will, but it isn't right to make false accusations against me and then threaten me if I try to defend myself. If I'm silent then it is an admission of guilt. I can't admit to the assertion that I'm "forcing" anyone to do anything. It's clearly not true. Obviously you don't have to "hate" yourself. I never said that, or implied that at all. But, yes, I believe you should always ask yourself if what you enjoy could be harmful in ways that aren't immediately apparent. Buying 50 Shades of Grey on Blu-Ray may seem harmless until you consider the cultural repercussions that one purchase may have. Most people don't give it one thought, and that's why 50 Shades of Grey persists as a modern cultural juggernaut that rivals literature like Pride and Prejudice and The Divine Comedy. To answer your question: yes, if I knew that a clothing brand I was interested profited from child labor, I would refrain from purchasing their products. Same for anything else I might enjoy. We've already become way too complacent.

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Tigerkinney" data-cite="Tigerkinney" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="33970" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Actually I think your 'points' have little in the way of validation or more to the point you're blowing your concerns out of proportion. I just can't be bothered arguing with someone, who has clearly already made up their mind and are trying to force their views onto other people. I don't have issue with you personally having these concerns, I take issue with you coming on here and basically trying to force everyone to think like you. You are like some evangelical preacher, trying to make people feel guilty for engaging in sinful acts. <p> </p><p> Anyway lets be honest your concern stems entirely from a personal dislike of what you call cutesy anime and it's art style. So you come on here and attack it, and in turn also attack people who enjoy this kind of anime. Again it doesn't bother me, if you don't like this kind of anime, what annoys me (and I'm pretty sure near enough everyone else who reads this thread), is the way you are going about trying to 'guilt trip' everyone else into your way of thinking. </p><p> </p><p> Everyone else here, myself included say that we weren't concerned by these issues that you have with anime, and that it wasn't going to halt our enjoyment of it. But instead of politely walking away, and realising that you weren't going to change our minds, you had to keep pressing on with your attempt to dictate to us, how we should live our lives. </p><p> </p><p> At the end of the day, you're not going to change my mind and I sure as hell know I'm not going to change yours. Get it into that space between your ears, that no one else agrees with you or more to the point even cares.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> If you didn't think my points had any validity you could just simply use facts and information to refute them. You haven't even really attempted to. You just said you didn't care one way or another. If you are contributing to racial prejudice, you don't care. You made that clear. You don't have to respond to me, and no one is forcing you to. If anyone else can dispute my presented argument then I welcome them to. If I'm wrong, I am very open to being proven so. You didn't try to prove me wrong, you just began insulting me, really.</p><p> </p><p> You have spent the entire discussion focused on my character rather than my logic. You accuse me of having a personal dislike of cute anime that is only a matter of taste and preference, but I explained exactly why I don't like it. If I'm wrong, then allow someone else to disprove it, because you have no interest in having a rational discussion.</p><p> </p><p> "I don't care, I like it!"</p><p> "I don't care, I like it!"</p><p> "I don't care, I like it!"</p><p> </p><p> Is the manga style a product of racial shame? Yes or no?</p><p> Is encouraging this style facilitating racial shame? Yes or no?</p><p> Could exposing the misguided inspiration for the manga style improve the self-image of Asians? Yes or no?</p><p> </p><p> These are just questions. I am in no authority to require you to answer them or to accept my opinions as facts. It's ridiculous that I need to even add that disclaimer.</p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Tigerkinney" data-cite="Tigerkinney" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="33970" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Three of us respond to say, that we flat out don't care about your 'self imposed racism' issues with anime, and let you come back with more provocative ranting and raving. <p> </p><p> Fine if you feel that way, and it affects you so be it, but you aren't going change my mind or the majority of the people who read/contribute to this thread, no matter how much you rant and rave about the issue. </p><p> </p><p> Just let it go and leave us to enjoy anime as entertainment, and yes at times quite often that is silly escapist fun entertainment. <strong>Some of us don't take life so damn seriously all the time. Appears to me you're the type who struggles with people just enjoying stuff for fun</strong>, so you get all up tight and self righteous about it.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I think a very common mistake is to absolve something that you like from any wrong just because you enjoy it. It's easier to turn a blind eye to the negative impact that the thing which gives you pleasure has rather than abstain from it. That's what we call 'complacency'.</p><p> </p><p> If I just had a problem with anime because you enjoy it then you could easily refute the legitimacy of the argument that I made against it, but instead you chose to attack my character. That communicates to me that you acknowledge that my points have validity, but you don't want to accept responsibility for any harm caused by your continued interest in anime. Your only response is, "I just don't care." Very immature reaction.</p><p> </p><p> I'm not saying people can't or shouldn't enjoy anime, but there should be standards. We should be critical of things that bring us joy because those things are the most dangerous if they go without scrutiny.</p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Tigerkinney" data-cite="Tigerkinney" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="33970" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>It doesn't bother me in the slightest, whether or not the Japanese generally draw an art-style that doesn't look them in real life. Many people (myself included) enjoy the manga/anime art-style as entertainment and aren't really pondering about deeper cultural/political implications.<p> </p><p> Only thing I agree with you on being of some concern, are Asian's deciding to have surgical procedures to look more 'westernized' but to me that falls into the same category, as people who commit violent crimes and then placing the blame on something like video games. </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I'm suggesting that you should probably be more aware of the cultural implications of enjoying a racist style of art. Even though you have no nefarious intentions by watching anime, everyone has some responsibility not to encourage self-imposed racism.</p><p> </p><p> It's like putting on black-face make-up without realizing that it exists to disparage black people, even if that isn't why you enjoy putting it on and singing "Mammy".</p><p> </p><p> The video game example doesn't really apply because we're not talking about anime causing racism. If a specific video game encouraged violence against women - blatantly - then yes, that video game should probably be protested. The manga style pretty blatantly is a product of self-imposed racism.</p><p> </p><p> I also should have prefaced by saying that I enjoy anime, but I believe most people watch it for the wrong reasons. You can do amazing things with a well-funded animation that is able to be provocative, poignant, or satirical, but a lot of it is just dumb and cute.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Dragonmack" data-cite="Dragonmack" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="33970" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>That's kind of like saying is it ok to enjoy looking at Victoria's secret supermodels even though they deliver a non realistic stereotypical depiction of what the ideal female form is supposed to look like and cause hundred of thousands of girls to suffer depression, undergo cosmetic surgery and deal with eating disorders in order to live up to that 'unrealistic' ideal.<p> </p><p> In the final analysis, rarely is anyone truly happy with who they are , or how they look or some other feature or characteristic of their life or their body.</p><p> </p><p> So why do I need to add to the many problems I already face in the world by taking on added guilt of someone else's expression of dissatisfaction with themselves? No thanks. I'll just enjoy the anime that lots of people created for the entertainment its supposed to be, and I'll lust after the supermodel and bang her if the opportunity ever comes without worrying about Jane Doe feeling inadequate.</p><p> </p><p> Next you'll be telling me I should feel guilty about listening to soul music and rock and roll which was heavily influenced by it in the early days because it grew out of the oppression of black people.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> We're not talking about ugly people drawing themselves beautiful, we're talking about a race re-imagining themselves as another race.</p><p> </p><p> What if a black artist drew black people white, and said that he felt that black people are ugly and white people look superior; would you find that acceptable? The only difference here is that manga artists aren't saying it, but the evidence is saying it very clearly.</p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Tigerkinney" data-cite="Tigerkinney" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="33970" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Well this does seem to have also become the de-facto anime discussion thread, despite technically being a place where I post my anime reviews. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Well, if you don't mind then, there is something that always bothered me about cutesy anime that I was wondering if anime fans were even aware of; and, if I may, I would like to hear your thoughts on this concern that I have.</p><p> </p><p> It has come to my attention that there is a persisting epidemic in the Asian world that involves people rejecting physical features which are common of the Asian ethnicity. Features such as the Epicanthic fold, straight dark hair, flat or broad noses, and tan skin. People go as far as to submit their children to surgical procedures to remove these distinct physical characteristics.</p><p> </p><p> Most would agree that this race shame is disturbing and appalling. This is essentially self-subjected racial purging.</p><p> </p><p> Now, I can't help but notice that anime in general - though there are many exceptions - epitomizes racial shame. Eyes aren't just drawn round and not brown, they take up most of the face and are often unnatural colors. Hair isn't just colorful and voluminous, it defies gravity and is usually unnaturally colored. Noses aren't just straight and narrow, they are almost invisible from front-view and come to an extreme point. Lastly, skin is usually of a pure white, with only a slight pink hue. I've heard that Asians also prefer thinner lips as they are considered very western looking, even though westerners seem to prefer fuller lips. Lips are almost non-existent in anime, which, if my observations are true, would be another example.</p><p> </p><p> The manga style is very unique, distinct, and very widespread throughout Asian culture. As distinct as it is, it's perfunctorily imitated by many Asian artists. No other style, as distinct as the anime style is, is as persistently widespread across a single culture. Why are Asian artists so compelled to recreate this one style? I believe it is because of the shame over their physical features that is ingrained in their culture.</p><p> </p><p> All of the undesirable Asian features among Asians are not just avoided in the manga style, but they are reversed to the extreme. This, to me, is strong evidence that the drawn style of anime embodies racial shame.</p><p> </p><p> Do you agree with this? Is it something you are already aware of? Also, is it okay to enjoy anime in this style knowing that it is the product of racial shame?</p>

The UFC is a promotional entity owned by Zuffa, LLC. MMA is the sport of fighting. Not to be mean, but nobody should have to explain fighting to you. Participants use the most effective fighting techniques to outpoint, knock out, or make their opponent quit. It's just sanctioned fighting.

Absolutely. They are free to use as you please.

I've updated my picture pack a little bit, if anyone is interested in using it. I've broken it down into just the DC and Marvel portion to alleviate the download time. I've also separated the updated files from the file that has been left posted for over a year now. So, if you already downloaded that file, you will only need to download the update. However, the original file has been optimized for ease of use. Most of the pictures will overwrite what is being used in this mod, but many of them will have to be manually assigned because of the different file names that are required for multiple versions of the same character: The Green Lantern (for example) refers to many different characters who have taken up the mantle. Also, while cutting for this pack, I used resources that I thought were the highest artistic quality. This means that every picture will not be the most appropriate version of the character in the mod. You may have a very obscure rendering of a character than the one that is most commonly known. I tried to include multiple versions for your selection, but you may not find a version that is satisfactory. DOWNLOAD Full: http://www.4shared.com/rar/yrRUEfQkba/Marvel-DC_Full.html Mini: http://www.4shared.com/rar/l_RmuJbOce/Marvel-DC_Mini.html Full Update: http://www.4shared.com/rar/z9TDtZ1Nce/Marvel-DC_Full_Update.html Mini Update: http://www.4shared.com/rar/CZhRjjzfba/Marvel-DC_Mini_Update.html

I'm not a big wrestling fan, mostly because there isn't a single well-executed product that appeals to me, but I've been watching TNA recently, and I have to say, I greatly prefer it to WWE. While it has an enormous amount of flaws, it has much more for adults to enjoy. I feel like almost every match in the WWE is the same, with the exception of the real talented in-ring guys like Danial Bryan, CM Punk, and Dolph Ziggler. That's why it kind of confuses me when people excuse John Cena and Randy Orton for being stifled by WWE concerning their in-ring ability. There are guys who can put on really good matches while being stifled too. An adult wants to see those guys win. Then, I really just can't care about the storylines. I don't see how any adult can root against a heel in the WWE. There is nothing to really hate about them. In the 90's, I watched Chris Jericho slap Chyna around the ring. No matter how much you wanted to root for the bad guy, you had to hate Chris Jericho for that. Now what does a heel do, say something arrogant and cheat a little? That's fun. I like that TNA allows their talent to work a little stiffer and be more inventive. I also think they have much more to offer an adult than WWE. For all the terrible decisions made by TNA, I think they're the only hope for a watchable wrestling product in the US.

Here's the link, but it's also available in my thread where I posted many examples. http://www.4shared.com/rar/dGiKv2Em/CBH_Resource.html

To keep it relevant to the thread, I am potentially interested in watching anime that is highly recommended. I do enjoy watching some of the shows that you gave good reviews. I suppose I have a discrepancy with scoring animes so highly that stylistically cannot appeal to adults - or adult men, which are the largest demographic for Greydog games - and are not just fantasy, but make no relative sense whatsoever. Comparing the plot description of Puella Magi Madoka Magica to another show that is also fantasy like Cowboy Bebop, there is a huge difference between fantasy and something that lacks any coherency at all. Nothing that deviates from reality in the description given seems to have any meaning at all. I understand that it's just what has come to be expected from a typical anime, but objectively, I think you should consider what someone thinks who isn't a weeaboo. The style is also something that should be scored objectively. I think it's hard to say that the visual style of Puella Magi Madoka Magica is just a matter of taste. The way the characters look, act, and sound just cannot appeal to an adult man. It's very girly and cute beyond reason - like, obnoxiously cute. I can see a little girl being interested, but I don't presume that's who these reviews are meant for. My issue isn't whether you are reviewing anime or something else. As I mentioned, I like anime and was looking for reviews. The problem I had was that you scored Puella Magi Madoka Magica a 9.5, and based on your score, I don't see how you expect an adult man who is interested in good shows/movies regardless of what country they came from to be able to watch it. I think good animes should be able to stand on their own as movies, and not just appeal to people who are fixated with Japanese animation culture. Unless this is the weeaboo review, then I apologize.

There are a few animes that I liked a lot: Akira, Cowboy Bebop, Street Fighter Alpha, Grappler Baki, Trigun, Princess Mononoke, Afro Samurai, and some of the Dragon Ball Z stuff, but mostly I can't stand how over-the-top it is, and especially the way it looks. First of all, I don't understand why Japanese people are drawing Japanese characters with round eyes, white skin, and colorful eyes and hair. There is a growing trend in Japan where the people are having surgeries to look more western. I think it's really sad that they are ashamed of the way they look. Secondly, I can't stand how cutesy most animes are. It's really too much. It isn't just that it's cute, but it is obnoxiously so. The eyes take up too much of the face, the only features that are defined are the eyes and hair, and the way they speak and act is enough to cause diabetes. You can't tell one character from another except for the hair and clothes. Most animes are completely devoid of any tasteful subtlety. The weapons are too big to realistically use, the magical powers make very little sense, and the fictional worlds are so abstract that it's hard to relate to them in any way. I love the quality that's put in to the animation, the fact that they are based on comics first, making it easier to direct scenes, and the mature, adult-friendly nature of the content, but can't they make the characters look like human beings, make the visual style appeal to adults, and not make it so abstract that you can't feel emotionally attached to anything? Sure, Disney isn't much better, but I would love anime if it was combined with the direction taken by films like Watership Down, Wizards, When the Wind Blows, and Heavy Metal, or shows like The Maxx, Spawn, Gargoyles, or TMNT.

It's available for download here: https://rapidshare.com/files/2118334...H_Resource.rar

I made quite a few cuts for the community graphics pack. That's the best I can help with.

<p>In boxing, there's a lot of talent in those divisions. Rising star, and one of the pound for pound hardest hitters in the sport, Juan Manuel Lopez, is a 125lbs fighter. Him and Rafael Marquez put on a contender for fight of the year a few weeks ago.</p><p> </p><p> Even lower than that, the flyweight divisions have superb talent as well with guys like Nonito Donaire, Vic Darchinyan, Khaosai Galaxy, and Johnny Tapia.</p><p> </p><p> The sooner we get to see guys like them in MMA, the better.</p>

I just want to see GSP vs Shields. It's not like there's anyone else for GSP to fight at WW, might as well make that fight while Jake is ranked highly.

I disagree with that, Rogan may have a chance to shine occasionally when a high level wrestler or BJJ practitioner can pull something off on someone they are light years ahead of, but most of the time that high level technique is stifled by the other aspects of MMA. So, most of the time we see good strikers throwing one-two's and then getting way the hell out of the way, or good wrestlers trying to double leg guys off the fence. There may be more to consider, but it's all watered down to the basics. In boxing, the commentators have to go way more in-depth to explain the intricacies of high level striking. Not only that, but guys like Max Kellerman can really bring the drama by saying something profound and intelligent at an appropriate time and make great moments in boxing more memorable. Goldberg has only ever managed to make his screw ups memorable.

I think if the UFC wanted a guy who could handle the broadcast duties, yell obnoxiously at inappropriate times, kiss the fighters' asses to desperately try to sell them to casual fans, and say dumb things (unintentionally in Goldberg's case), then Michael Schiavello would be a bit better because he can also provide some analysis. It's sad that Zuffa invested so much into Mike Goldberg for so long because he really hasn't improved in his commentary that much. When he's off, he's REALLY off, and when he's on, he's mediocre at best. I know the set ups, the advertisement plugging, and making everything flow smoothly is a big part of the job, and Goldberg is very competent at that stuff. I also realize there are, maybe, three decent play-by-play guys out there, but he can really do some damage when he's on commentary. The commentary is an evolutionary process like everything else in a young sport like MMA, so it's going to take time for the play-by-play to catch up to the color commentary, which is pretty up to standard with guys like Pat Miletich. But, if you look at boxing, they have a plethora of guys you can switch around and get an enhanced experience from listening to them commentate. We're a long ways away from that right now.

I thought after Couture mauled Toney, they could get a big money fight out of Toney vs Kimbo. I don't know if they would pull their own purses in PPV sales, but I think the UFC could get a lot of exposure from it. I wouldn't want to see it, but I thought it would happen.

Otunga doesn't look very good in the ring and his mic skills are also lacking. He's got a good look and he's well known, but I'm not digging him right now. Besides Danielson, Barrett is my favorite to win the show. He's got a good mix of in-ring ability, looks, charisma, and mic skills. Gabriel looks like Adam Lambert on steroids. He didn't impress me in his first match, but he and Barrett put on the best match yet between the rookies I think. I would like to see Young get a complete transformation going straight edge.

I didn't know Nogueira had vision problems, that would explain a lot. I thought he was just trying to be exciting staying in the pocket and exchanging. Clearly not a good idea when your opponent has the speed and power advantage. Do you know where I can read these blogs, BH?

I just heard Cro Cop got stitches. He says he's still going to fight, but he may not be cleared.

I think Rampage/Rashad would be pretty even. I think Rampage relies on his heavy hands to hurt his opponent, but if they cover up well and move then he can get out-landed and lose a decision. Rashad moves his head well and throws good combinations. I don't know if Rashad can do as well as Forrest did with that gameplan, that's why I'm giving Rampage the edge.

I think Brett Rogers is basically Cain Velasquez with better wins, better performances, and better experience. He's young in his career, but you can see in his fights that he is a natural. He has great instincts and killer instinct. The fighters who display this always turn out well: Velasquez, Mousasi, and Jon Jones are some examples. Arlovski was on a tear at the time, the best streak at HW. He's on a losing streak now, but looking at it in hindsight is not the proper perspective. Arlovski was one of the best, and he has the tools to be there again. Tim Sylvia was only 2-3 fights removed from being the UFC champion, he was coming off a title fight. Two title fights in your last three fights is impressive. He was championship caliber before losing to Mercer. Obviously, Ray Mercer is not a better fighter than Tim Sylvia, so it is no reflection of Tim Sylvia's abilities. He is still elite. These fighters, and the current top HWs outside the UFC are comparable to the HWs in the UFC right now. Possibly better. They just don't have crafty promoters behind them, like Frank Mir does. So, needless to say, I disagree that Fedor has not fought good opponents.

Seems like Overeem is avoiding Strikeforce like the plague, which is pretty weird since he's willing to fight every monster in K-1. Shady as hell.