Let me put in my own two cents on this weekās latest shipping controversy, if I may.Ā
First off, no matter which end of the debate you are on, just remember this is a cartoon, first and foremost. Discussion is always welcome, but there is no need to go attacking people and insulting them over their opinions.Ā
To dispell the argument that it isĀ āhomophobicā to have Jack/Ashi a canon hetero pair, let me ask:Ā āHow?ā Straight people exist. Nowhere does the episode implicitlyĀ scream in our facesĀ āsuck on that, gaysā. And being hetero does not imply that either.Ā
I think instead of getting mad at it being canon, perhaps in worry of gay representation or whatever, I think we should all consider the massive strides in LGBT representation in recent years for animation. Legend of Korra, Steven Universe, Adventure Time, Clarence, Star vs. the Forces of Evil, and probably more (Though keep in mind I have only seen Korra all the way through. But from my understanding, these other shows do a good job tackling the subject). Itās definitely becoming more acceptable for this sort of thing to air on television for cartoons. Samurai Jack is obviously a more adult program now where LGBT content is generally more widely accepted, but still. That in mind, be appreciative. The LGBT community worked hard for that sort of representation, and itās working. Jack and or Ashi may not be explicitly gay, but they donāt have to be.Ā
As for the age gap issue, we donāt know Ashiās age. We can assume she is at least the age of consent. I doubt the creators would push for a couple knowing that one of the two is underage. As for Jack, he physically hasnāt aged in fifty years. Heās probably in his early-mid twenties otherwise, likely putting him perhaps a few years older than Ashi. By my guess, that is. Either way, Ashi isnāt stupid. She seems just as into that final scene as Jack, showing she has the concept of consent.Ā
Iāve also heard the comment of pacing. Like it was rushed or something. Which look, for any other show, I would totally get. But keep in mind this season is running on a mere ten episodes. Thatās not very long. Any development that takes place is probably going to have to happen over a rather short period of time as a result. But I canāt help but shake the feeling that if this was an LGBT pair, Tumblr would be silent. Or cheering. Regardless of the fact that the pacing would have been exactly the same.Ā
And you know, if you donāt like Jashi, thatās totally cool. Nobody said you had to. You are free to ship whatever the hell you want and Iām not going to judge you for it. But at the end of the day, this is still a creation of Genndy and he has the freedom to do as he pleases with his own show. I think most of us would agree that this season has been absolutely amazing so far. For me, none of these episodes have been even remotely disappointing. And if for whatever reason this episode lowers your opinion of the show because you arenāt getting your way with a ship, I think you need to consider why you are even watching it in the first place. Try to appreciate/judge the show as a whole and not just on the basis of a single couple.Ā
Hope that was cohesive at all. Itās four in the morning, soā¦.
Just enjoy the rest of the show. We got two episodes left and Iām sure they are going to be fantastic.Ā
