Anime commentary

While watching this week's anime series, Neon Genesis Evangelion, and the respective film, The End of Evangelion, I often found myself questioning a few things when it came to the initial plot and message. Though at times it can be tricky to analyze messages within the anime, audiences can still see critiques of gender roles and masculinity woven within the storyline.

Throughout the series, we see the main character, Shinji, grappling with self-deprecation and constantly apologizing or running away from situations. The first time we see this is when he finds out from both his father and Misato that he was taken to NERV to become a pilot of an Eva to save mankind. He lashes out, saying that his father hasn't contacted him in 3 years and that he only views Shinji as useful when it benefits his experiments (which his father somewhat agrees with). It is only when he sees Rei in a hospital bed that he decides to agree to do what NERV says (otherwise Rei would be forced to fight while injured). In these moments, we see Shinji demonstrate a more emotional and empathetic side, something that society does not often reserve for men. In addition to this, whenever we see Shinji say that he's a weakling, that he hates himself, or wants to run away, people like Misato and Asuka tell him he needs to act more "man-like" and to essentially get over his problems. This is a reflection on what their society and environment has taught them: that to be masculine is to be strong, show little emotion, get over traumas, and to fight for others. Shinji's character in itself is a criticism to pre-conceived notions of how gender and masculinity should be portrayed, and that though he does not have these specific qualities, he is still a man (giving new perspectives to traditional gender norms).

Something else I found interesting was the Evas themselves. At first they appear as regular gundams (robots operated by human pilots), but as the series progresses, we learn that not only are they created from samples of the angels they captured, but also contains the souls of the pilot's mothers. Within the first episode, we see Eva 01 protect Shinji from harm (even when it is not plugged into a power source or should be moving), hinting at the idea that the Eva is connected to him somehow. This action can be another portrayal of gender norms, as mothers in various cultures are thought to be caretakers and protectors of the youth.

Throughout my life, I have always heard about various conventions and events near me, but I've never had the opportunity to physically go to one yet. While watching the "True Otaku" documentary, it opened my mind to the hard work, dedication, and love that comes from conventions.

I personally love how conventions can bring so many people of different backgrounds together to celebrate one of their interests or hobbies. Often times on my TikTok, I see convention interviews that will ask someone in cosplay what they do in their everyday life and their answers always vary (from preschool teachers, lawyers, doctors, engineers, marketing, gym instructors, or college students. The list is endless!) When these individuals are in character or cosplay, they are able to become someone completely different, embodying their characteristics or personalities. While at these events, people are able to start up a new conversation about what media a character is from or how they made the costume in general, building friendships and connections as a result.

When it comes to cosplay, there are many different ways to make their costumes, often depending on their skill set or financial situation. For example, some people do "closet cosplay" (which is when someone creates a character costume based upon what is already available in their closet), some purchase clothes from common retailers to build their costumes, while others even build their costumes from scratch. What I find interesting is that so many amazing cosplays come out of this as a result, regardless if they spent under $50 or if they spent hundreds. In addition to this, there are different ways to build their wigs as well, depending on the style (like helmet, wired, or magnetic wigs).

Conventions are not just about cosplay though. In addition to impersonating characters, bigger conventions will have activities like artists allies, panels, competitions, and signings as a way to further connect others. Artist allies help smaller business owners and creators to promote their businesses and art, ranging between buttons and pins, art prints, crochet items, keychains, or even pillows. Panels can be about a multitude of things, whether that be trivia games, workshops of specific skills, or learning important rules/guidelines about various topics, allowing guests to fill their day with some wind down time. Competitions allow guests to show off their cosplay and skillsets to the audience (or other guests), and sometimes giving people opportunities to win prizes, trophies, or even cash prizes. Finally, another aspect of bigger conventions are fan signings. Conventions will invite people like famous cosplayers, directors, and even voice actors so individuals can discuss the importance of their work, while also gaining memorabilia (like signed figurines or photo prints).

Something I find the most interesting of all is the work otaku and how some people feel about the word. Originally, otaku was meant as an insult, meaning that someone was obsessed with something and that it promoted bad social skills. However, some people now take this word as a form of endearment to mean they have a fascination or interest in Japanese culture, more specifically anime. In a way, it can be seen to some as a word that connects the community together. Though some people claim this to be a positive word, some people still do not consider themselves an otaku, and how the word can be limiting or in some societies it is still seen as weird or negative.

Overall, I believe conventions are so important for people to be able to connect with others that have the same interests. Humans are social creatures, meaning they like the ability to connect with one another and limit isolation. To some, conventions allow them to break out of their shell and feel more comfortable and confident with themselves. Even when I previously lived in Japan, the idea of cosplay and conventions was more normalized and allowed new people to connect with others. Hopefully I get the chance one day to see the magic for myself!

I've previously heard about all of these anime and how their impact on dissecting gender roles and stereotypes within society. Even after knowing this however, it was still lots of fun being able to analyze these things for myself while also learning new lessons in life.

Sailor Moon Being one of my favorite childhood anime growing up, Sailor Moon has a lot to offer when it comes to discussing stereotypes and roles of women. Firstly, Sailor Moon became a huge figure to girls worldwide (myself included), that women can be the center/leader in action and can fight for themselves. Additionally, we see throughout a couple of the episodes that women are targeted through things that society often attributes to them (like jewelry to stand out more/ appear attractive, or working out to get more into shape). When portraying herself as Sailor Moon, Usagi often condemns the villains for using things these women loves as ways to target them, while also fighting in sometimes unconventional ways (like her crying being amplified to cause sound waves or using her tiara as a weapon). Though there are times where the anime does play into other stereotypes at the times, Sailor Moon shows audiences that there could be duality to a superhero who also happens to just be a teen girl ("Fighting evil by moonlight, winning love by daylight").

*Not to mention one of my favorite characters of all time, Sailor Jupiter, having abilities of super-strength (a power that's not often attributed to female characters in media)

Aggretsuko Aggretsuko shows off common misogynistic stereotypes, like Mr. Ton saying that women's work involve making tea, that incompetent women are better than those that are, or how he is more accepting to those that act clueless and suck up to him. Though these actions makes Retsuko upset, she commonly tries to swallow her pride because she is taught that this is how work should be and how she needs to "deal with it". In addition to this, we see other gender specific ideals come out, like how the women higher up are constantly shown to be confident and strong, when they also have moments where they falter, or how Retsuko's main goals is to work out (yoga) and get married so she can quick her job. There are times, however, where Retsuko does speak her mind (typically through karaoke) on these stereotypes about herself and that these people are simple-minded if they believe in things like this.

Wandering Son Wandering Son follows the story of two transgender children as they navigate a new stage in their lives: middle school and puberty. Throughout the anime, audiences can see how different gender stereotypes and well as prejudice of homosexuality play out in the modern world. In private, Nitori's friends tell her that she looks cute for a guy, with some even trying to convince her to dress up as a girl in public (though Chi does try to warn Nitori that some will still view dressing up as the opposite gender as weird & pedophilic). In addition to this, Doi constantly fetishizes her in order to fit his idea that guys could be attractive girls too. However, when Nitori actually comes to school dressed as a girl, everyone makes fun of her, calls her slurs, and even has her family viewing her behavior as weird or acting out. Takatsuki has a completely opposite experience, as when he came to school dressed as a boy, everyone was more accepting and even called him cool for it (but he still has people who view him as a girl and invalidates his identity).

While watching the first two episodes of Genshiken, I was initially a little confused as to what the message this anime wanted to portray. As I continued watching however, I realized that though it may not seem like it at first, this is commentary on the portrayal on otakus and finding your community.

In the first two episodes, main character Sasahara is a new freshman in college trying to figure out what club he wants to join. He continuously looks at the manga club, but is too nervous to actually go to the table to learn more because he feels like people will judge him. When he eventually builds up the courage to ask about The Society for the Study of Modern Visual Culture club, he sees Kousaka already up there asking questions. In addition to this, we see Sasahara go to their meeting room, still unsure about whether this is a good fit for him, and we are shown the rest of the characters comfortable talking about their passions in anime and manga, eventually showing Sasahara this is the club for him. As the series progress, we get to see the characters grow into themselves more as they take on new situations (like conventions, strangers judging them, or new people joining), while also becoming more comfortable with each other and creating a friend group as a result.

I can relate to these characters because sometimes it is hard putting yourself into a new environment that you know little about, hoping you will find someone else that you can relate to. One of the most important parts about humanity are community and the feeling of wanting to fit in. Though these strangers at the beginning appear as though they have nothing in common, they eventually bond over their shared passions and are able to understand each other. Over time I have purposely put myself out there and have met people that share similar passions as me, and discovered new communities and interests as a result.

Though the characters are aware of the speculation that being an otaku is strange or weird in their society, they are still able to overcome these stereotypes by forming bonds and communities over things they truly love.

As we cross the halfway point of this course, I can definitely say that these watches were some of my personal favs and hit close to home for me.

Naruto

Naruto's story is both interesting and motivational, as he was constantly isolated and judged by those around him since he had the Nine-tails fox spirit (the one that almost destroyed his village) sealed inside of him at birth by his father, the Fourth Hokage. Naruto misbehaves and often acts out (like painting on the Hokage mountain) because he wants people to pay attention and acknowledge him. When asked by Iruka what his goals are, Naruto responds by saying he wants to be a Hokage since that would make the village finally accept and celebrate him. Over the course of the series, he is constantly training and learning new techniques/methods in order to become a better ninja. This hard work was finally shown off when he was able to take down 6 Pains by himself in addition to changing the mind of Nagato to believe in the idea of peace once more, saving his village in the process. In the final episode assigned, Naruto returns to his village where everyone celebrates him. Some individuals acknowledge that they previously treated Naruto unfairly, but he has become a person that they not only root for and celebrate, but a hero to all as well.

Wolf Children

Wolf Children really touched me emotionally, as it follows the story of main character, Hana, as she navigates raising children on her own- except they are also part wolf. Hana feels isolated from society as there is not really anyone like her raising wolf children, while also still having questions on motherhood overall. She eventually decides to buy a house near the mountains to allow her children to decide their own paths for themselves (wolf or human) in addition to limiting potential stressors of societal expectations. Yuki originally embraces her wolf side, often sticking up for herself and picking fights with other animals to show dominance. However, she decides to experiment and really try out school, giving herself a new environment to adapt to. At first, it's hard for her, as she likes things that the other girls are terrified of and feeling like she isn't being a girl correctly. Over time, Yuki is able to adapt and enjoy school a lot until her incident of hurting Sohei. In the end, she is able to tell Sohei her true identity (feeling like a weight has been lifted off of her) and live her life as a human more authentically. Ame is the opposite of his sister, as he initially feels like being a human is better, since wolves are often depicted as scary, villainous creatures who die in the end. When he meets his animal mentor in the mountains one day however, he feels like his life would be better as a wolf, as his new goal is to be the new protector of the mountains. 

A Silent Voice

A couple years ago, I had first watched "A Silent Voice", so I was very excited to have the opportunity to watch the movie again in a new lens. "A Silent Voice" is a story that follows Shoya as he navigates his life living with social anxiety. He was previously this outspoken, confident kid who even participating in the bullying of Shoko, a new student to their school who was deaf. Over time, the guilt of bullying gets to him and he eventually becomes anti-social and often keeps to himself. The movie starts off on the day Shoya plans to commit suicide, but stops himself as he wanted to apologize to Shoko for his actions as his final wish, keeping him alive. As the movie progresses, Shoya and Shoko are able to build a better friendship together with no hard feelings afterwards, essentially helping each other heal. However, during the festival with the fireworks, Shoko attempts suicide because she feels like a burden to her family and friends all the time. Shoya is able to stop her in time (getting hurt in the process), helping her the way she helped him. The end of the movie is something that will always stick with me, because Shoya is able to accept that he has done bad things previously, but Shoko has forgiven him long ago and wants him to move on. Once he is able to accept this act of kindness, the Xs that covered everyone’s faces begin to peel off, showing that he truly feels more accepted in his community and is ready to make a better life for himself.

Personal Connection

When beginning this anime, I was a little confused on its plot and underlying meaning; however, as I progressed through the series, things started to connect and make more sense. Shin Sekai Yori is an anime set in a seemingly utopia-like society in which humans have psychokineses powers and live in tranquility. This paradise quickly unravels, however, when the kids discuss how Saki is the last child to graduate from their elementary school (when there are still many others) and rumors of graves in the administrative wing. Audiences throughout the series discover that the adults of the society have been observing behaviors of children through examinations and killing them if they show signs of resistance or isolation. The community's education board does this as a way to prevent fiends and karma demons from appearing. We also learn in the last episode, society hides the facts that all non-psychokineses users from the past had their DNA modified to become queerats, emphasizing PK user superiority. Though these actions in the anime are cruel, Shin Sekai Yori does a great job commenting on societal pressures on children while also making audiences wonder how surveillance and control can alter one's perspectives completely.

In the real world, children are held to the standard of the "normal child": go to school, get good grades, graduate, and be a productive member of society. Though this initial way of thinking is not necessarily harmful, it puts them into a small box with little room to deter from this path. These children also feel the need that they must grow up sooner and have their lives planned out in order to reap the benefits of society, (as most life benchmarks are based around adulthood and occupation), thus disregarding the ideas of youth and uncertainty. In addition to this, lots of primary and secondary schools teach in linear formats that may not be a beneficial learning type for all. For example, a child is only learning what their Board of Education controls the curriculum to be for their school system (under assumptions they're not doing additional personal research). Though it is impossible for us to learn everything that has happened in history in just a few short years, by allowing only a group of select individuals to dictate what is "most important", we close ourselves off to a multitude of events, cultures, customs, and ideals. Additionally, certain topics can be censored or hard to access in order to create a more controlled and uniform perspective. In cases of dictatorship for example, older media is censored as the leader alters and surveys the education system in order to instill specific ideologies into young generations, while being met with little resistance.

Many adults tend to view children as concerns since they are a direct product of society's current ideals. With many uncertain factors, people tend to get nervous about what is to come; however, these worries should be shifted into allowing the youth to imagine a better tomorrow for themselves, even if this means change and guidance today.

In the anime, Psycho Pass, individuals in a futuristic society are scanned through the Sibyl System to determine their state of mind and their danger levels. If a person who is scanned is seen as a potential threat, they are assigned with a color code and both Inspectors (the police/FBI) and Enforcers (latent criminals determined to help stop crime) are called to eliminate these threats. Though each episode tackles a different topic, one that stood out to me is the concept of hiding one's identity behind a screen. In the two-part episode, Nobody Knows Your Mask, Akane and her crew are investigating the murder of a popular online virtual personality. Some of the characters ask questions like "how do the fans not notice the differences?" or "how do people feel safe talking to and meeting people they do not know?"

This concept can be applied to our current reality. In the current digital age, people are able to create social media profiles on almost any platform while setting up things they want to see on their feed, like their interests and following. In addition to this, one could create their own identity, or "persona" and appear however they please. Through these personas, people can post whatever they want the world to see (locations, appearance, etc) and in turn alter the views a stranger may have on them. I am no stranger to social media interactions, as it is one of my areas of study, and there are even times where I have chosen what to and what not to post based on societal standards, often wondering "what will people think when they see this post, comment, or story"

Though the Internet has brought many people together, it has also created new issues society attempts to tackle. Since social media does not currently have many regulations, there have also been some individuals who leave hate comments on other profiles that they might not have said in real life, since they have the option to hide behind a screen. To add onto this, there is the idea of parasocial relationships, where fans and celebrities/influencers misinterpret their closeness and what they truly know about each other.

Overall, Psycho Pass offers individuals a new perspective when looking at social interactions (both in real life and the virtual space) and to keep in mind that everything we see may not be the true story or individual.

Though explored differently, both Eden of the East and Sword Art Online created social experiments on how far individuals will go to change socioeconomic hierarchies.

Eden of the East:

In Eden of the East, Mr. Outside creates the seleção, a group of 12 individuals (chosen by him) to decide how to "fix" Japan for the better. Each member starts with 10 billion yen in their designated cell phones and can do anything they want with the money with no questions asked of them. Throughout the first season, we see a couple members attempt their idea of a successful society, but in the end they still die because money ran out and their ideas were deemed "unsuccessful". This plot plays on the commentary that some people believe money can solve all these problems in life, when in reality it is only a temporary aid no matter how much you have.

Sword Art Online:

In Sword Art Online, Akihiko creates the Sword Art Online game and NerveGear headset in order to simulation a wide-spread world in which he is able to control at his will. He wanted to see how individuals would change their reactions/ truly react towards others when they are put into survival challenges, unlike how they might have reacted in the real world. In addition to this, players are ranked on their worth based on their skillset or "levels", rather than typical societal worth (like what financial class you are), demonstrating that one's socioeconomic status/hierarchy can be gone in an instant and be deemed "worthless".

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