Usagi Tsukino, the seemingly ordinary schoolgirl by day and magical warrior Sailor Moon by night, faces a new challenge in the Crystal Tokyo arc. While fighting to protect her futuristic city, she encounters a growing undercurrent of racial tension between the long-established human population and newly integrated alien refugees. These refugees, hailing from various planets, bring with them diverse cultures and technologies, but also anxieties among some of the human residents. The city council, initially committed to integration, is now struggling to manage mounting social unrest fueled by misinformation and prejudice. Many human residents are protesting the perceived unequal distribution of resources and opportunities, while some alien refugees feel ostracized and discriminated against. Usagi, grappling with her dual role as a beloved symbol of hope and an effective leader, finds herself at the center of this conflict. She witnesses firsthand the subtle and not-so-subtle forms of racism: from casual microaggressions to organized protests fueled by xenophobic rhetoric. Her usual unwavering optimism is challenged by the complexity of the situation; she recognizes that simply defeating villains with magical powers isn't enough to solve this deep-seated social problem. She actively seeks ways to bridge the divide, organizing community events to foster understanding, and working with the city council to promote fair policies. However, she faces resistance from both sides, with some humans viewing her as too sympathetic to the aliens, and some aliens questioning her commitment to true equality. Usagi's journey forces her to confront her own preconceptions, learn about the historical context of prejudice, and develop a more nuanced understanding of the systemic nature of racism. She ultimately learns that true peace requires not only magical power but also genuine empathy, active listening, and a sustained commitment to social justice. This path proves much harder than any battle she has ever fought.
1. Which of the following BEST describes the central conflict in the passage?
2. How does Usagi attempt to address the racial tension in Crystal Tokyo?
3. What does Usagi learn from her experience in confronting the racial conflict?
4. The passage suggests that the racial tension in Crystal Tokyo is fueled by: