Actually cousin marriage is legal in a bunch of States (not to mention all of Canada).Soma Taozi wrote:I am not saying I disliked Suguha, but I can see why a lot of people don't. The simplest answer is that japan is simply a different culture... and being in love with your cousin doesn't really fly over here in the west. Thus, Suguha is unfortunately very hard to relate to for most viewers.
At any rate, it doesn't have to be a cousin specifically, but I'm sure most people can relate to falling in love with some one you're not supposed to. Maybe your best friend's girl/boyfriend or something. You know you shouldn't feel that way and nothing will come of it. You want to support that person in their current relationship, but part of you still hates it. These conflicting emotions can be pretty painful.
Trying to move on only to find out that person you turned to is the same person you were trying to get over is probably not so relatable.
Still, I maintain that the stuff with Suguha made part 2 worth watching. Without her it'd just be Kirito faffing about, trying to save his girl. That alone barely has any substance.