[ Shoko gives a low, mirthless chuckle, shaking her head. ]

In a way. Up until recently, the government had concealed things of our nature from the public. So things that were caused by curses were simply left unexplained - and people are always afraid of things they can't understand. So people who seem to be in touch with the spiritual, or who seem to bring misfortune, or seem to have a sense for what can't be seen by most... were often treated as outcasts.