Kaji Daikou no Arubaito wo Hajimetara Gakuen Ichi no Bishoujo no Kazoku ni Kiniirarechaimashita - Ch. 5.2

[Felkin]

Its true that there is an inherent power imbalance, but the parents are doing practically everything to close the gap.
Almost like they're self aware adults that like the young hardworking kid, want to monopolize and welcome him as a friend instead. Almost like they see a really good influence for their daughter.

I mean he's already a role model for the little bro
(a position of power) and enjoys playing with him, the parents are lifting him up to be closer, and even level with their daughter, and are bringing themselves down to be more familiar with him.

The parents always being a step above in the hierarchy, thats inevitable, but I really disagree on the patronizing part. They're as welcoming as they come to the point its a bit unrealistic how easily and quickly they're inviting him into the family

I agree in theory, it's just the execution that doesn't properly capture this right in my view.

I thought about it a bit since I wrote that comment and I think the thing that got me is how he was cooking while they sat at the table.

The way I imagine this sort of interaction better is if it was, for instance, a barbeque and the guy is at the grill and the dad walks up to him, they chat a bit then later he goes to grab some dishes and runs into the mom on the way and they chat some more. Interactions where they're on the same level.

Put another way, the very composition of the characters - their placement, reinforced this hierarchy and rubbed me the wrong way.

It's subtle psychological aspects of directing that the author wasn't considering (or couldn't imagine culturally).

 

[Yengozi]

I like to insert myself into the MCs and honestly I felt a little uncomfortable with how they were teasing and talking the MC into things... But I mean, I'm sure he didn't mind

 

[BanzaiYuri]

Mom and lil bro instantly approved, she fell for him with the shopping trip and dad approved after seeing him in action. There is no other path than him becoming her husband XD

 

[Vergift]

3 years later....
"Otsuki-kun, I would like to make a lifetime contract with you to be my son-in-law."

👀

 

[Crystalball]

I agree in theory, it's just the execution that doesn't properly capture this right in my view.

I thought about it a bit since I wrote that comment and I think the thing that got me is how he was cooking while they sat at the table.

The way I imagine this sort of interaction better is if it was, for instance, a barbeque and the guy is at the grill and the dad walks up to him, they chat a bit then later he goes to grab some dishes and runs into the mom on the way and they chat some more. Interactions where they're on the same level.

Put another way, the very composition of the characters - their placement, reinforced this hierarchy and rubbed me the wrong way.

It's subtle psychological aspects of directing that the author wasn't considering (or couldn't imagine culturally).

It's interesting to me that you'd get that perception, since for me as a decent cook, I want people to stay the hell out of my way in the kitchen. Sitting at the table to chat is great for that.

 

[Chuito]

I agree in theory, it's just the execution that doesn't properly capture this right in my view.

I thought about it a bit since I wrote that comment and I think the thing that got me is how he was cooking while they sat at the table.

The way I imagine this sort of interaction better is if it was, for instance, a barbeque and the guy is at the grill and the dad walks up to him, they chat a bit then later he goes to grab some dishes and runs into the mom on the way and they chat some more. Interactions where they're on the same level.

Put another way, the very composition of the characters - their placement, reinforced this hierarchy and rubbed me the wrong way.

It's subtle psychological aspects of directing that the author wasn't considering (or couldn't imagine culturally).

Thats a... very specific mental image lol.
Its a very western american grilling type of image. Generally speaking it can be more annoying than helpful having a crowded kitchen. I think its just what you culturally think of as a casual food setting thats affecting how you view this.

Nevermind the fact that it's literally his job and he will most certainly protest if they try to help in the kitchen. A diligent guy like him will be more comfortable and at ease if they let him do his work in that regard, and I think the parents realize this and dont want to push too much either. They already have him playing big brother

I would agree that him bringing in all the dishes and setting up for them while they sit would indeed showthe power imbalance, but the manga doesnt really show that part. Although, I'd also say, inviting him to eat at the same table with the family is what bring the power imbalance down a significant amount. Specially for an asian setting, having a "lower class" person sit with you at a table is pretty significant. Hell even in a western setting, having the servants eat with you is uncommon

 

[misopogon]

These scenes always rub me the wrong way, since there is such a clear power imbalance between them - he's an employee, they're an employer and the way it's drawn just has this subtle patronizing feel to it that makes it all come across manufactured.

I think most of it is just the mangaka not being skilled enough to make the interaction realistic, but it also just reeks a bit of hierarchies. Like a peasant being welcomed into the noble's house.

Yeah, honestly, if I was working as a housekeeper for a classmate, I'd really be bothered by that - it's a real haves and have-nots situation. There's a whole class struggle aspect to it that gets ignored because... well, it's a romantic comedy manga from Japan.

Shall Otsuki-kun rebel against the inequality, and tear down the hierarchy that forces him to act as a servant to someone that should, by all rights, be his equal? Or shall he be seduced by the wiles of the upper class and marry into them, desperate to get on the raft whilst all the others who are not lucky enough to bag their ojou-samas are left to drown? We'll wait and see!

 

[wallsg]

...

I would agree that him bringing in all the dishes and setting up for them while they sit would indeed showthe power imbalance, but the manga doesnt really show that part. Although, I'd also say, inviting him to eat at the same table with the family is what bring the power imbalance down a significant amount. Specially for an asian setting, having a "lower class" person sit with you at a table is pretty significant. Hell even in a western setting, having the servants eat with you is uncommon

For some reason the Keaton's Bruce Wayne eating with Alfred and Vicki Vale after abandoning the ridiculously-long banquet table comes to mind. Unfortunately this is the only image I can find to embed here and Alfred isn't in it (but you can see his plate).