[READING RESPONSE] L6 Communal After-Living: Asian Ghosts and the City by Katarzyna Ancuta

The article emphasizes the need for Asian cities to accommodate ghosts as an integral part of their urban fabric. It highlights the cultural and socio-economic factors that shape the portrayal of ghosts in Asian urban contexts and explores the themes of community, isolation, and migration through the lens of Asian horror cinema. And I will discuss how Asian cities adapt to the presence of ghosts and the living, and the impact on public life and urban mindsets in the context of urbanization and socio-cultural dynamics. The accommodation of ghosts in Asian cities has several implications for communal living and the urban mindset. Firstly, it challenges the notion of normalcy and expands the concept of community. The urban mindset, shaped by city life, recognizes the presence of ghosts as a part of everyday life, blurring the boundaries between the living and the supernatural. This expanded understanding of community includes both human and ghostly residents, creating a more inclusive and diverse communal living experience. Secondly, the presence of ghosts influences social norms, interactions, and the design of urban spaces. Asian cities may incorporate ghost-related practices and beliefs into their social fabric, architecture, and urban planning. For example, certain buildings or areas may be designated as sacred or haunted spaces, and specific rituals or precautions may be observed to appease or respect the supernatural entities. Lastly, Despite the rapid modernization and the dominance of materialistic ideologies, Asian cities still maintain a connection to their spiritual heritage.

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