What is mura-hachibu (social [village] ostracism)?
Murahachibu is a sanction imposed on those who break the rules and customs of a village (village community), and refers to the act of residents living in a certain area banding together to cut off relations (communal ostracism). In turn, it is sometimes used to refer to the exclusion of certain residents from a community or the exclusion (bullying) of certain members of a group.
Etymology.
There are several theories as to the etymology of the term ‘murahakubu’. One theory is that it refers to “the ten communal acts of community life, which are to cut off all interaction, except in cases where neglect would cause inconvenience to others (nibu), such as funeral care and extinguishing fires.”
History
MuraHachibu was mainly practised in rural areas from the Edo period to the Meiji period. At that time, village communities were strong and it was very important for villagers to observe village rules and customs. If someone violated these rules, they were subject to the sanction of murahachibu, which made it difficult for them to continue living in the village community.
The content of the village divisions varied slightly from region to region, but generally included the following
Prohibition from participating in village events
Prohibition from participating in communal village work
Prohibition from shopping in village shops
Prohibition from talking to village residents
Forced to move out of the village
Village divisions (murahachibu) were very severe sanctions and in some cases could lead to life and death issues. Therefore, in many cases, those who were subjected to village divisions were asked to reflect on their actions and follow the village rules and customs.
Problems with murahachibu
The following problems have been identified with the practice of murahachibu
Violation of human rights: the practice of murahachibu is an infringement of personal freedom and dignity.
Infringement of freedom of expression: murahachibu is an act of restricting the freedom to express criticism and opinions.
Harms of collectivism: murahachibu is an act that standardises individual thinking and behaviour and excludes diversity.
murahachibu is not an impartial order-maintaining activity and is recognised as an infringement of modern human rights and contrary to the law. etc. were considered threats or defamation.
Contemporary forms of ostracism
Even today, the act of murahachibu can be problematic. For example, in 1952, a high school girl in Ueno Village, Fuji County, Shizuoka Prefecture, accused the whole village of irregularities in a supplementary election for the House of Councillors, and her whole family was cut off from the village (the Ueno village murahachibu Incident, Shizuoka Prefecture). There have also been reports of village riots against people infected with the new coronavirus, people in close contact with them, and people who have moved to areas with high incidence of infection. Furthermore, village divisions, such as slander on the internet and discrimination against certain individuals and groups, are a phenomenon that can be an important social problem in contemporary society.
Conclusion.
Murahachibu is a sanctioned act that has existed historically and should be seen as a problem in contemporary society. It is important that we create a society that does not tolerate discrimination and exclusion such as murahachibu.
NB.
This text is based on asking the AI; the AI’s answers may not always be correct. Important information should be checked.
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