Each season, I jot down a little list of series I intend to check out. They’re usually in two categories: “Definitely” and “Maybe,” indicating how likely I am to watch these series from beginning to end. And although at one point I declared myself finished with the first season of OreImo (not to mention the rapidly degrading quality of the series through season one and my apathy toward the extra episodes), it was the only series to make my “Definitely” list this season.
Episode one confirmed that…I probably should drop this show. An entire episode dedicated to transition, nothing much was emphasized except for Kyosuke’s continued obsession over his sister and the crush he’s developed for Kuroneko.
Kirino is in fine form, as well. I had a lot more patience with her than many other viewers, but her treatment of Kyosuke in this episode even had me disliking her character. Even more so, I didn’t find her spending spree to be especially funny – instead, it just made me dislike Kirino even more for being so spoiled (on a side note, I think the series does a surprisingly good job of establishing why Kirino is the way she is, largely because of the parents – present in this series when it most others they may not be – and particularly because of the way the father is both a bully and one who spoils his daughter). Contrast Genshiken, where the members spend their money on goods almost like a disease and sometimes in a self-loathing manner.
By the end of the episode, Kirino’s friends mention that her shopping would help her return to herself. You see, it was necessary to spend thousands of dollars of anime-related goods so that she could feel at home.
I suppose this fits into who Kirino is – she worships at the foot of eroge and otaku culture. Not doubt her spending habits would reflect her greatest love.
Our checkbook (or credit card account) is really an excellent evaluator of where our hearts are. We may talk a big game: we love our family the most…or God…or some specific person. But where does our money go? Obviously, our expenses won’t exactly line up with what we love, but along with the time we dedicate to activities and people, finances give a good hint about what we truly care for.
In my case, my checkbook list might look like this (my priorities, by what I say, are in parentheses):
- Family (2)
- God and Church (1)
- Gluttony (4*)
- Hobbies and Relaxation (4*)
- Charity (3)
- Vanity (4*)
At first glance, my list isn’t too far off from where I want it to be. But note* that #’s 3, 5, and 6 really equate “me”, and may move into the #2 spot, when I’d rather put them at four.
So as decry Kirino’s ridiculous use of money, I need to remember my own struggles with finances, selfishness, and hypocrisy.
What about you? Is there a place you put too much of your heart and money into? Not enough?