Cody's Animated World Blog

[animatedworldblog]

Your Name / Hetalia: Axis Powers / Sensōron

Watching Your Name, Hetalia: Axis Powers, and Sensoron was a lot to process emotionally as they all portrayed some sort of emotional constraint. The different emotions that you feel throughout each of these anime take you for a ride because it is all different. In Your Name, I felt the emotions the strongest because you can feel the loss and pain that they feel throughout. The comet was the main form of the example they used for the disasters as you can see the damage that it was doing to society. This makes you think about other weather or unnatural events that could happen in reality that set you on a different emotional track of fear and pain. While I personally have never felt anything like that with a tragedy, I can tell that people who experienced these types of events really went through a lot and you feel their pain through the screen. In Hetalia, the emotional feeling was a lot different compared to the first one. The beginning leads you to believe they are acting funny to portray a comedy sort of feeling. However, as you move on you clearly understand that this is far worse and people feel a lot of distraught and emotion relating to the war. The sense of pain that these countries were feeling was real and no matter how many times they tried to make the subjects funny, you can tell there was a deeper emotional feeling relating to these events. In Sensoron, I liked you up front this whole film was and easy to understand. There was no trying to make it funny or covering up the emotions as they were real and straight to the point. This makes you think about the divide between countries and how real these situations can really get if it were to happen. Overall, all three of these pieces of anime reflect different emotions and really take you through a lot of emotional feelings.

[karaakii]

Blog Post: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind/Xenoblade Chronicles 2

After watching Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and the cutscenes of the video game Xendoblade Chronicles 2, I felt heavy-hearted thinking about the relationship between humans and nature. This is something that is deeply personal in my life and interests, so I found the material, particularly Nausicaä, very engaging and relatable. It was not just their ecological themes, but how both works grapple with the human desire to dominate, use, and "fix" the world, as well as the resistance against that instinct. Both stories present post-apocalyptic settings that are shaped by ecological collapse and human hubris, but both argue for the redemptive power of empathy and coexistence.

In Nausicaä, the Toxic Jungle is initially seen as a disturbance, but is ultimately revealed to be purifying the poisoned earth. This idea that nature is healing, not hostile, subverts the instrumentalist mindset very common in industrial modernity, that nature exists only to serve humans. Similarily, Xendoblade exposed the suffering caused by viewing others (especially Blades) as tools. Blades are born to serve humans, and are objectified by having their memory and any personal feeling erased, only seen for their purpose. Jin's transformation into a Flesh Eater is a tragic rebellion against that fate. These stories, despite their different tones and mediums, make the same argument that salvation is from listening, understanding, and resisting utter control, rather than power and domination.

Living in a world that emphasized productivity and utillity, especially at the cost of the environment, I was very impacted by these anime, because this is a topic I care a lot about. I see many around me treat other people, the environment, and even themselves as things to be optimized, rather than cared for. I also unfortunately have to watch as the climate collapses, with an uneasy feeling of inheriting a world doomed for the future. What Nausicaä and Xenoblade offer is something very hopeful and comforting, a possibility of healing through slowness, care, and humility.

Globally, both narratives resonate with Anthropocene anxieties. Begging the question of what happens when human activity reshapes the planet beyond repair, before realizing we're far beyond that point. More locally in Japan, there are echoes of the destruction of Hiroshima, Fukushima, and the trauma of rapid modernization that truly began under American influence post WWII. The fear of technology unmoored from ethics is very evident in both pieces. The Giant Warrior in Nausicaä and the Aegises in Xenoblade are "godlike" weapons born from human ambition, that turn against their makers, which I feel is even more relevant now. Both medias ask the viewers how they use the world, and more importantly, why they use the world the way they do.

[animatedworldblog]

I think you did a great job of explaining the different emotions throughout both of these pieces of anime. Both of these worlds are very unique but what makes the story is how the characters act. Their courage and confidence to keep moving forward is important because it shows that if one person has hope for the impossible that others can too. I agree that your expectations are completely changed after watching it because you are expecting something completely different. You did a great job of explaining how what you were expecting didn't happen and how you were surprised at what actually occurred. I also agree that in Xenoblade they are basically a nobody because they don't have memories and are just used for what they can do. Overall, I think you did a great job of explaining your perspective on the two pieces of anime as well as explaining how these characters were unique to their own worlds.

[animatedworldblog]

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind / Xenoblade Chronicles 2

After watching both Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and Xenoblade Chronicles 2, I experienced two completely unique worlds that were interesting to learn about. The worlds were both unique in their own ways but had a strong emotional story to support the overall plot going on throughout both of these anime. In Nausicaa, I thought it was nice how she showed her support everything including the things that people thought were monsters to society. She was very confident and did not fright when the moment came to her. She was willing to put everything behind her and give up everything to save Ohmu which shows how much she really cares. The plots surrounding her story seem close to reality because some of these things actually occur in our world today or are threatened to happen in the near future. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was another interesting plot because the struggle from the characters was very unique. The way they felt like they were being used was interesting because it showed that they were willing to hide their emotions and portray something even deeper. Pyra and Mythra were both struggling with who they really were because it felt like they were being controlled for so long. People tend to hide some of their emotions throughout time just to go through with their everyday activities. I think this is a good real world example of how these two characters felt because they weren't themselves instead they were being used. Both of these pieces of anime reflected worlds that show how much damage can be created and what the impact has on the people that belong to these two worlds is. The way that both sets of characters in each plot never give up and keeping pushing forward keeps you enticed to find out more and see how their story ends. Having the belief that change can happen no matter what the circumstances are really displays a sense of courage and hope throughout the world.

[karaakii]

Blog Post: Neon Genesis Evangelion/End of Evangelion

Watching Neon Genesis Evangelion and The End of Evangelion felt like entering a very dreamlike atmosphere, but with an outstandingly uncomfortable subtext of mental health, maculinity, and existentialism. More than any other anime I've seen, Neon Genesis Evangelion doesn't shy away from confronting the emotional nature of trauma, loneliness, and a need for validation. Shinji at times resonated with me not because he is a traditional hero, but because of how flawed he is. His struggle with self-worth, fear of abandonment, and dependence on others' praise was extremely relatable to me, but also stood as a great critique on social pressures, and felt very universal in its portrayal of alienation.

The anime made me think on my own ideas of masculinity. Shinji doesn't fit a stereotype of hegemonic masculinity, as he isn't stoic, confident, or aggresive. Instead, he is passive, emotionally volatile, and desperate, which puts him in a unique position of a marginalized form of masculinity. Kaworu's brief presence challenged this even further by offering Shinji unconditional acceptance, which is something extremely rare in his world. Their relationship edged onto tragic queer intimacy, and I found myself grieving with Shinji when he was forced to kill someone who may have been the only person who ever showed him kindness without expecting something in return.

I really enjoyed The End of Evangelion, because I felt it pushed all of these topics to their psychological extremes. The apocolypse was not only global, but extremely internal. The collapse of the world mirrored the collapse of individual psyches. I really liked how the film portrayed the desire to disappear into others by losing the burden of individuality through the Human Instrumentality Project. Yet, it ultimately affirmed the value of separate existence. The message that we are shaped by others but must learn to live with ourselves is something I'm still processing, I was hit by this so hard.

[animatedworldblog]

I think you did a great job explaining how relatable Shinji's emotions are. While he's not our typical everyday positive person, he goes through a lot of emotional struggle and anxiety throughout his early life. It is important to understand that part if you are able to fully comprehend what he has really gone through. The End of Evangelion did feel like there was a lot happening that controlled the entire fate of the world. It almost felt like the beginning of the end and I think you did a great job explaining that. The amount of pain that people feel and wanting to escape it is a popular theme throughout so many people. Overall, I think you did a great job of explaining how both of these topics are not only interesting but relatable to think about.

[animatedworldblog]

Neon Genesis Evangelion / The End of Evangelion

Watching both Neon Genesis Evangelion and Then End of Evangelion made me think about a lot of unease situations that could possibly happen today. The amount of emotional attachment throughout both of these pieces of anime was fascinating and really pulled you into the action. Shinji was a very interesting character because he represents someone who is insecure. It almost felt like he needed somebody to need him in order to feel useful and it was almost annoying to watch him feel that way. You shouldn't have to be needed at all times and that type of person can be very arrogant. I think that is the type of person that I try not to be because he was always unsure about what to do and could never go with his first decision without questioning it. The message that they were trying to convey is that someone may need that attention a little more and they might not always be as confident as you. Shinji had little to no confidence as you can see he could never make a clear decision without questioning what he was going to do next. Sometimes you just have to go with your gut and deal with the outcome. This character represents a person in society that is not capable of being a leader or someone people can trust rather a person that should be steered away from. In The End of Evangelion it was a little confusing to me because there was no clear ending or emotional feel as the plot kept shifting. It is almost like you are being forced to watch it and see what happens next because everything is so unexpected. Sometimes life gives you obstacles but it is important that you are able to adapt to those circumstances and move on. Overall, I think both of these pieces of anime were geared to show that some people are very insecure and cannot make their own decisions confidently without questioning their actions.

[reviewer28]

Convention

The documentary “True Otaku” serves to humanize and challenge stereotypes surrounding the otaku community. Otaku culture is often stigmatized, and there is a lack of acceptance of the community due to characterizations of its members as being antisocial and lacking in meaningful hobbies at the expense of pursuing an interest that is seen by many as “childish.” The documentary shows the power of having a like-minded community where people can embrace their identities and bond with others without fear of judgement. In the documentary, narratives of individuals who enjoy otaku culture are given, allowing people a chance to have their perspectives understood. Some of these individuals include collectors of anime, manga, and comics, as well as gamers. Their stories challenge the idea that otaku enjoyers live an exclusively solitary life, showing how events such as conventions establish a sense of community and connection. The documentary helps viewers understand the diversity amongst the otaku community to dismantle negative societal perceptions, such as through showing members’ creativity, social interactions, and passions. Also, by showing the fanfare at the conventions, the documentary highlights how large the otaku community is, as well as the power of otaku to bring together a diverse group of people. 

Reflecting on the documentary, it is very powerful because it shows the power of shared passions in bringing people together who have nothing in common otherwise. Similar to how activities such as sporting events can bring people from different backgrounds and cultures together, otaku conventions help people from all around the world find common ground. Thousands of people line up to participate in the conventions, as well as purchase merchandise, comics, and other related items. Having a supportive community is extremely important, especially for those who may feel misunderstood by society and like outsiders. It can also help people find a community that they otherwise may not have had. Although I have little experience with the anime fandom and never explored anime much before taking this class, I have experienced enjoying niche extracurriculars that can be misunderstood. Throughout high school and college, I have found great comfort in finding groups with likeminded people who I felt I could be myself around. For example, my high school debate team and my college chemistry fraternity have greatly helped me come out of my shell and bond with others.  

Another impactful part of the documentary is seeing how fulfilling otaku is for fans, as well as how they have found their identities through the otaku community. Many who are interviewed are forming social networks amongst other fans. Some also produce creative work such as drawings related to the otaku, showing how their love for otaku pushes them to pursue other hobbies such as art. Seeing how otaku sparks people’s creativity is extremely insightful, and it also challenges the misconception that otaku fans lack other hobbies. The interviews also show the diverse looks and personalities of the fans. There is typically a stereotypical image associated with people in the community, but the documentary helps to dismantle the prejudices. The emphasis on interviews and individual perspectives makes the documentary significantly more impactful. 

Despite the influence of the documentary, there is still some lack of acceptance from otaku culture in certain spheres. Societal prejudices still exist, and despite becoming more common, the otaku community is still not entirely mainstream. However, by humanizing and reducing the stigma around the community, the documentary will likely help inspire others to not hide their interests, however niche they may be. This may also help people feel less isolated knowing others share their passions. This does not only apply to otaku. Many are ashamed of the activities they enjoy because they are considered to be “nerdy” or “uncool.” However, there is never a need to hide one's true personality, and it is always possible for one to find a community where they belong. 

[animatedworldblog]

I think you did a great job explaining the fandom through Otaku and comparing it to sporting events. I agree that sporting events are a good example because I enjoy sports a lot more than anime and that is where my fandom resonates. Both of these are good examples of how people can feel like they are a part of the field that they are interested in rather than just view it from a far. The cosplay and art examples are also good points because people feel like they are more involved once they become the character they enjoy watching. I think you were right when it comes to how diverse the community really is because a lot of people are fans of different types of anime so it plays a keen role when it comes to the different cultures throughout anime. The main point here is that people have the freedom to express themselves and elaborate on the things they enjoy. Fandom is one of the most prominent things in the world and someone is a fan of something that makes them happy.

[animatedworldblog]

Convention

I have personally never attended an anime convention before or during this course so I cannot relate. However, after watching the True Otaku clips from the documentary, I can understand how big of a fandom these conventions actually are. I always used to think that anime was just another show that people watch and talk about but you can understand that it has a deeper meaning after watching the documentary. People embed themselves into the anime world and feel like they are genuinely apart of the show. Anime holds a deeper meaning to these people and audiences compared to a popular tv show that people watch. The documentary is intriguing because it follows a group of people as they explore the different cultures throughout the animated world. People feel like they are a part of the show through playing different characters. Whether it is through costumes or participating in different actions, these people feel like they have a greater purpose because they represent someone or something that is in the anime. Cosplaying is a very popular thing when it comes to anime and people actually feel like they are solving their own personal problems through acting out different anime scenes. This could be important in the mental health field as some people feel like they are cured after participating in these actions. The fandom throughout anime is participating form because people are involved in what is actually going on. A popular theme that most people find themselves feeling is loneliness. These people feel like they have been isolated from society so people feel like they are brought back into a completely different world through anime. The anime promotes a sense of communion and togetherness because they are a part of something greater. Groups of people through all over the world come together with different ideas or opinions based on the anime that they watched and share them together. On top of that, they also dress the parts and participate in group activities relating to the anime that they all have watched together. While some people may not feel like they are accepted into society, they feel a connected and happy when they are able to relate back to their own animated world. While I've never attended an anime convention nor been a fan before taking this class, I can see that people feel like they are more connected to one another and brought together because they share a similarity in the animated world. People go through different things all the time so it is important to have something that will always make you feel comfortable and take you to a happy place. For me personally, I don't use anime as a form of comfort but I can see how it helps other people find their own mental happy space. True Otaku helps people understand that fandom is something greater than just liking something it holds a deeper purpose to people. People all over the world participate in this form of fandom but it will always hold a deeper and more meaningful interest to them as they attach themselves to the specific anime that they watch. Whether it is online through a digital chatroom or social media platform or in person, people all over the world connect with one another to share their different ideas and experiences and grow together as a fandom community. I personally find my fandom group when it comes to sports. I feel like I can have a conversation with anyone when it comes to sports and it definitely brings me a lot more happiness. I think it is important for everyone to have some sort of fandom because it can go a long way when it comes to your mental health as well as your personal growth as an individual.

[karaakii]

Blog Post: Sailor Moon/Aggretsuko/Wandering Son

As a woman, Sailor Moon, Aggretsuko, and Wandering Son all felt like looking upon different phases of what it means to grow up and find power, especially as a girl in a society with rigid expectations around gender, success, and appearance. Even though these anime differ in tone and style, they each dive into the struggles of identity and agency, not only in Japan, but globally.

Sailor Moon as the most nostalgic of the three, but underneath the glittery aesthetics and moon tiaras was a very honest reflection on girlhood. Girlhood is something extremely important to me, and I loved the way these episodes of Sailor Moon portrayed it. Usagi's self-doubt, her fixation on appearance, grades, and crushes, all hit home for me as well as anyone who has ever felt like they were failing the expectations placed on most girls. It was so powerful to me how Usagi was often scolded for being late, eating too much, and not studying, however when she is Sailor Moon, her emotions are essentially her superpower. Her tears flip the idea that femininity is weak and embrace emotion. The reversal was extremely empowering, especially for someone who often felt they had to hide emotions to be taken seriously, even if the anime still works within some traditional gender roles.

In constrast, Aggretsuko confront adulthood. Retsuko's rage resonated with me, especially the scenes where she holds in her frustration all day at work, only to unleash it in an expressive way after (for her, death metal karaoke). Aggretsuko takes on workplace sexism, corporate culture, marriage pressure, and performative feminity with a darkly comic tone, but beneath it is a real exhaustion felt by so many women. Watching her try to balance pleasing others with staying true to herself reminded me of myself growing up, and furthermore that gender performance doesn't stop in childhood, just changes form.

By time I reached Wandering Son, I was very emotional. Shuichi and Yoshino's quiet, tender journeys toward understanding their gender identities felt so beautifully vulnerable. The episode where Shuichi walks to school in a sailor uniform, expressing both hope and terror, made me cry. Their "test of courage" is not just about clothing, but being seen for who you are in a world that refuses to understand.

Together, all three anime served to remind me that gender is not fixed, but rather navigated, resisted, and redefined. Whether it is through magical superhero girls, rage-filled office workers, or transgender teens, each story challenged me to rethink how identity is shaped, and how reclaiming it can be such a powerful act of resistance.

[animatedworldblog]

I think you did a great job with this analogy of the three pieces of anime because you really touched into the emotional side of them. The way you broke down each anime into a phase of life was fascinating because it shows the deeper connection and bond that all three of these share together. The way you described Usagi's struggle in Sailor Moon was spot on because it shows the different emotional stages he goes through as he faces the obstacles in his path. Your take on Aggretsuko is also spot on because the way Retsuko bottles up all of his emotions is unhealthy but reflects a lot of people in this world. People tend to keep their emotions inside for the sake of their career and then let it all out when they leave work. Doing something that you enjoy to release all your emotions is important so that stress doesn't build up. Wandering Son was the most powerful one here because although it seemed so calm, the message it was displaying was far more powerful. Overall, I think you did an excellent job of illustrating how all three of these anime examples are geared towards displaying the three phases of life that people go through.

[animatedworldblog]

Sailor Moon / Aggretsuko / Wandering Son

These three specific pieces of anime were interesting because it touches on a sensitive subject of how people go through the process of figuring out who they really are. When people play an influence on your future decisions, it can be hard to figure out who you specifically want to be and I think these three pieces of anime really touch on that subject. Sailor Moon was a good example of how people who work together as friends can cherish a lot of moments. Friendship is one of the most driving factors in a person's life and those friends can play a huge role in setting you up in your future. Usagi is a perfect example of what it means to be a friend because no matter how she feels, she makes sure she always shows up. In Aggretsuko, Retsuko really represents the average person in America. People who are forced to act a specific way for the sake of their career but later on go home and do something to take out their emotions. Her singing was the one thing that really represented how much stress can be added to a person and sometimes it is good to let it all out in something that you enjoy doing. While Wandering Son was one of the more mellow pieces of anime that we have seen, I believe there was a deeper meaning to it. The two main characters throughout the show helped show that their journey to finding out who they really are can really be a touching moment. The way that they were judged by others is a good representation that some people might not always agree with your actions but it is important to always stay true to yourself. These three pieces of anime all touched how it is important to stay true to yourself and enjoy the journey of finding out who you really are without others dictating your actions.

[karaakii]

Blog Post: Genshiken

Genshiken was both deeply entertaining and surprisingly relatable, espectailly in how it captures the nuances of fandom and fan productivity. The anime dives into the subculture of otaku in Japan, offering a lens not just into niche interests like dōjinshi, cosplay, and visual novels, but also into the social dynamics that form around them. In episodes like the first and second, the contrast between Kasukabe's fashionable, normal interests and the otaku world of Kohsaka and the others mirrors a broader tension in Japanese society between mainstream conformity and niche subcultures. This tension exists globally as well, whether the interest is in anime, gaming, or fanfiction, there is often a need to justify or hide one's interests depending on social context.

One thing that stood out to me was how Genshiken portrays fan productivity not as a passive experience, but rather an active form of self-expression. Ogiue, for example, creates dōjinshi based on imagines slash pairings of her friends, which blends her fantasies with real people. This is quite an intimate form of fan productivity, by transforming private fandom into public creativity. It reminded me of consuming Harry Potter fanfics, seeing diverse narratives that the source material ignored. Like Ogiue, many fan creators build on existing works not just out of admiration but to reframe or reimagine stories in ways that make space for their own desires.

Madarame's episode stuck with me for how it used humor and awkwardness to show how isolating otaku culture can be, even among fans. His inner monologue mimicking a visual novel format while stuck with Kasukabe captured the loneliness and hesitation that come with being seen as "too much" or "too nerdy" which is something I've often felt. Yet, Genshiken never mocks its characters, but instead allows them the space to grow and connect. The inclusion of seemingly foreign characters like Angela and Sue also speak to how anime and fandom are global phenomena. Sue's quirky, exaggerated behavior may seem excessive, but it reflects how international fans engage with Japanese media in a different way, and furthermore how fandom can bridge language and culture.

Ultimately, Genshiken humanizes otaku culture. It shows how fandom becomes a site of identity, creativity, and community-building, even when those things can be messy and uncomfortable. Watching it made me reflect on how transformative and validatng fan spaces can be, especially for people who don't always fit a mainstream mold.

[animatedworldblog]

I think you did a great job overall explaining how the fandom and connections throughout this piece of anime is very strong. I took away how they built connections throughout this piece of anime and how Saki specifically was able to grow and learn about the other people. I think building connections with other people helps ignite a society and bring everyone together. When someone has the ability to adapt and meet new people even though their passions might not aline, they can grow as a person overall. The otaku culture was also interesting throughout this anime and I think you did a great job explaining the overall impact it had throughout the film. The fandom was also a cool concept to mix into this anime because it brings in how transformative it is like you said. Overall, I think you did a great job reflecting on what Genshiken was trying to explain overall and how it impacted the people who watched it.

[animatedworldblog]

Genshiken

Genshiken is an interesting piece of anime compared to the ones that we have previously watched so far. This anime has a strong feeling to it because it expressed how people should follow their passions rather than just ignoring them. When people are passionate about something and they try to get it, it can shape them into the person they eventually turn out to be. I think the fandom factor is also a very interesting concept as well. Personally, I am a huge sports fan so I am fans of multiple teams and they drive me to be interested in watching their games. Fandom can play a huge role when it comes to finding the passion for something that you didn't realize you'd enjoy. The characters throughout each experience feeling left out because they have their own unique paths that they want to follow. I think it is important to follow the path that you have carved out for yourself rather than a path that everyone takes. Saki is a very interesting character throughout the duration of the anime. His growth makes people realize that you can connect with anyone as long as you have the willingness to do so. Although they originally didn't see eye to eye, there was a connection waiting to be made as long as Saki wanted it. Sometimes your passions might be different but down the road they can align to something even greater. Saki showing that he is able to grow and find someone else's amusement interesting helps illustrate to the audience that maybe they can too. For me personally, I find this one of the most powerful pieces of anime that we have watched so far because of that reason. In real life, most people frown upon actions of people that they don't agree with without thinking about them for a second. Just because one group of people does one thing doesn't mean another has to. Being able to make that self growth into allowing yourself to meet new people is crucial to the process of growing as a human being. Overall, I think this was a great work of anime and was definitely one of my favorite options that we have visited so far.

[reviewer28]

How Far Will People Go to be Accepted?

All three of the anime explore the stories of people who are unable to conform to traditional societal expectations, and are therefore ostracized and forced to endure numerous struggles to achieve their goals. In Naruto, the protagonist is an orphaned boy training to become a ninja, but he is burdened by having a Nine-Tailed Fox demon locked inside of him. Due to the demon living inside of him, Naruto is feared by most of the villagers. However, he is determined to earn their respect through becoming the Hokage. Eventually, despite all the challenges he faces due to discrimination, he saves the village and becomes recognized as the hero.  

In “Wolf Children,” Hana, a college student, falls in love with someone who is secretly a werewolf. Both of their children inherit the ability to transform into werewolves. When her husband dies, Hana is forced to adapt to raising her children alone, and is left struggling to decide how to deal with their unusual abilities. The children, Yuki and Ame, are also forced to decide how to express their wolf and human sides, grappling with choosing between embracing their identity and trying to fit in with society. 

In “A Silent Voice,” Shoya Ishida relentlessly bullies a deaf student, Shoko Nishimiya. However, once his bullying is exposed, he becomes the subject of bullying by his peers. This continues for years to the point where Shoya is still excluded and belittled by his classmates in high school. Therefore, he decides to make amends by learning sign language to communicate with and apologize to Shoko. Upon befriending Shoko, Shoya also begins to reconnect with some of his old peers, finally starting to be accepted by his classmates again. Through seeking forgiveness and accepting responsibility for his actions, Shoko is finally able to integrate with his peers once again. 

These anime all connect to global issues related to bullying, discrimination, mental health, and self-acceptance. All three anime deal with a protagonist who is completely excluded from society and must constantly struggle to conform. “A Silent Voice” is slightly different from the other two anime since rather than being discriminated against due to something he was born with, Shoya was targeted due to his own bullying of another student. This connects to global issues of discrimination, as both throughout history and in the present, people have been persecuted due to qualities they cannot control such as race, gender, and religion. This can be seen by looking at the Civil Rights Movement, as African Americans were previously enslaved, segregated, and mistreated due simply to the color of their skin. This can similarly be seen in the fight for women’s rights, as women were not given the same access to education, voting, and employment since they were seen as inferior to men. Religious discrimination in the Holocaust is another example, as millions of Jewish people were placed in concentration camps and/or murdered simply because Jews were not recognized as human. These anime also connect to the problem of bullying and its effects on mental health. Bullying can start from young ages, and it can significantly affect people’s self-confidence and potentially even lead some to take their own lives. The anime all show how bullying and ostracization significantly impacted quality of life for the protagonists. Finally, the struggle of accepting oneself when faced with pressure to conform to societal norms is explored. Often, especially during adolescence and with the rise of social media, many lose their originality by trying to fit into trends or integrate into certain friend groups to be considered “popular.” Many feel as if they have to abandon their true identity and adopt a fake personality in order to fit in, leading many to struggle to change themselves. 

[animatedworldblog]

I think you did a great job tying all three pieces of these anime together and elaborating on each one of them specifically. Naruto stands out because he is trying to prove himself as he feels like nobody is paying attention to him at all. In Wolf Children, she is trying to raise her children and integrate them in society because they are viewed as different. I think you did a great job on elaborating A Silent Voice and display how Shoya's actions led to the result. I think your real world examples were well written and were very relatable events to use as examples. The use of social media too helped show how people can change or lose their identity as a whole. Overall, I think you did a great job breaking down all of these pieces of anime together.

[animatedworldblog]

Naruto/Wolf Children/A Silent Voice

Watching all of these different pieces of anime really made me think a lot as there was a lot to take in. To start, Naruto was unique because he wanted people to notice him and had felt like he was being left out throughout his life. This is relatable for a lot of people who grow up without that love and support and wish they had people there to notice them. As the youngest in my family, there were definitely some moments where you feel like this but overall it changes and you don't hold that same feeling anymore as you continue to grow. His story is very inspiring as well because I enjoyed seeing him suffer at the beginning but have the courage to never give up and keep pushing forward until he reaches his goal. Wolf Children brings in the parenting perspective as Hana is trying to integrate her children who don't exactly fit into society. It is another relatable story for parents trying to integrate their kids into society while they feel like they deserve the best care. A Silent Voice was one of the most emotional anime we have seen so far. The story was built to be very powerful and they didn't cover anything up. Bullying is a strong subject to talk about because it happens all over the world. The person getting bullied feels hurt and then later on the person doing the bullying feels guilt. This cycle never ends and always repeats as it is simply impossible to stop. Shoya represented how meaningful it is to hold yourself accountable. While he was showing empathy towards others, it is important to self reflect and hold yourself accountable for your actions and figure out ways to become a better person. This anime is a prime example of how someone who was the bully now comprehends what they did was wrong and they should make amends for it. Overall, these three pieces of anime all had their own unique perspectives and reflected relatable things for the different roles of people in society.

[karaakii]

Blog Post: Shin Sekai Yori

Watching Shin Sekai Yori was deeply unsettling, but in a way that stuck with me and encouraged me to think about how we define what it means to be "human," particularly through the lens of childhood and social control. The episodes we watched show a world where children are raised under constant surveillance and psychological conditioning to prevent them from becoming "Fiends/Ogres," who are the monsters born from the failure of society to manage fear, power, and emotion.

What really struck me was how the show utilized the figure of the child to reflect deep cultural anxiety, something echoed in Arai's reading about Japan's 1990s obsession with "wild children." The children in Shin Sekai Yori are both feared and fetishized as the carriers of potential destruction. They are tightly controlled, but seen as essentially time bombs. It made me think about how in real life, people often view children not as innocent, but as mirrors for societal failure, where in education, parenting, or morality.

The society in Shin Sekai Yori is obsessed with harmony and stability, but achieves it through brutal and unnatural means: erasure of memory, state-sanctioned disappearance, and genetic manipulation. I found this frightening as it felt like a commentary not only on Japan, but on global systems that value order over empathy. The Monster Rats, who we learn are just genetically engineered humans, represent the ultimate "other," and their rebellion forces both the main characters and the viewers to question the moral foundations of civilization.

The most powerful moment for me was in episode 25, when Saki grants Squealer a merciful death. It was a moment of human emotional recognition, not just of his suffering, but the fact he was never truly a monster. It reminded me of how AI and risk assessment technologies today can reduce complex individuals into dangerous simplifications.

Similar to the Sibyl System in Psycho-Pass, the society in Shin Sekai Yori attempts to eliminate unpredictability through dehumanization. In the current world climate, the tension between individuality and social control represented in the anime felt quite personal. Shin Sekai Yori isn't complete science-fiction, but a warning about what we lose at the cost of engineering perfection, especially in children. In trying to eliminate danger, we risk eliminating the qualities that make us human.

[animatedworldblog]

I think this was a very insightful piece of work about this interesting anime. I agree that it does start off slow however it does leave you thinking at the end of it all. When you described the peacefulness it made me think about how a lot of governments around the world operate quietly and there are a lot of things going on behind the scenes that we don't hear about. To me, Saki did grow a lot as well and I think he defiantly contributed a lot to this work of anime. He continues to learn more and more throughout which is making him more powerful when it comes to deciding whether or not he should fight back. The show leaving you on multiple cliff hangers and never answering everything is a unique strategy because it always make you think about what is going to happen next. Overall, I think you did a great job explaining all of this and I definitely agree with your takes on this interesting piece of anime.

[animatedworldblog]

Shin Sekai Yori

This was a very interesting and unique piece of anime compared to the other ones that we have watched so far. The plot that they introduced was very interesting because it was similar to the last piece of anime in the way that people are being controlled but in a whole new way. People having to stay away from telling the truth is crazy because the whole setting seems so calm but underneath all of that is just a web of chaos. One thing that came to mind is how people are being controlled once again similar to reality where there are governments keeping their citizens in line but in their own ways. The hiding of the truth throughout the plot makes it very hard for me to comprehend that becoming a world that people could ever live in. People continue to grow and realize that different places aren't always as nice as they seem. The more reality comes into effect, the more perspectives and lenses you are capable of seeing through. Being taught things at such a young age can really transition into something else as you continue to grow into an adult. Such happy places and memories can now become corrupt once you understand the deeper meanings to specific things that you have witnessed before. The ended left me thinking a lot because it doesn't give you solutions that would be easy to understand rather than leave you thinking about what could've been. I think this was definitely one of the more interesting pieces of anime and definitely had me thinking a lot after watching it.

[sydneyyyyyyyyyy-blog2]

Psycho Pass Refelction: How far are we from this world?

I think the interesting thing about this anime is that it does not feel very far-fetched. Yes it is a concept that is pushed to the absolute extreme, but the concept itself (minus the brains and over-the-top sci-fi fights) seems very plausible. With more and more things being transported to a digital plane, companies and the government slowly encroaching on our personal privacies, and AI being able to analyze all that information at insane speeds, being able to categorize people into an almost numerical system seems doable.

What was interesting to me while watching Psycho-Pass was how normal the intense surveillance was to everyone. Most people just accepted the Sibyl System. They adjusted their behavior, avoided stress, took medication to keep their Psycho-Pass “clean,” and didn’t really question why. It feels similar to how we just accept that we too are under extreme surveillance. For example in The Washington Post article about colleges tracking students through their phones,  students didn’t protest or even seem surprised, it was almost expected that these privacies would be stolen. Same goes for on social media, we have a curated page based on what we say and how we look because we’re being watched, not by Sibyl, but by algorithms, which this information can then be bought by potential employers, or even our schools.

Foucault’s idea of the panopticon fits perfectly when we think about if these algorithms get more advanced, then people will change their behavior just because they might be watched. It might not be government mandated, but employers, schools, and private establishments could be able to buy your information and this would slowly make it so they have an “ideal person” in mind, and everyone will try to be that person. Then that can lead to a similar situation of how people who aren't wealthy can't get a loan, and people who don't appear to be the ideal person can't get a job, go to school, or live in a nice neighborhood.  It’s not fear of punishment, it’s the internal pressure to appear “perfect.”

[animatedworldblog]

I think your take on this specific piece of anime is spot on and well written. I also think the idea that something like this could run a system is scary. People being judged based off of the data collected is a crazy concept because AI is continuing to grow in the real world and could very well start doing that. I also agree that it was crazy how people just went along with it like it was normal. If anyone was to do that in reality it would lead to a series of issues. Having no privacy and people being assessed based off of their data is abnormal if anything. I agree that it is poor how people can't have any privacy and they feel like someone is always watching them. I could never go throughout my day knowing that I was somehow being judged or monitored by the system. Although this is just another piece of anime, it is crazy how AI could turn into this and create some sort of system when it comes to reading people's mind and stopping issues before they occur.

[animatedworldblog]

Psycho Pass

This piece of anime was really interesting and brought a lot of different ideas to mind while watching it. The idea that someone can scan your mind is a crazy concept and one that could scare a lot of people. Having someone read my mind is something I'd never imagine to even be possible. The concept of this is even scarier to think about now with AI coming to life. AI has the potential to do something of this magnitude and can be a scary sight. It's crazy to me how this was considered normal throughout the anime and nobody questioned it. If this was an actual thing in reality, I think the world would crumble. While in some instances it could be used for good, there would be more people using it as a form of corruption of privacy. Akane was an interesting and unique character because she was the one to finally question the system. Her connection between doing the right thing and what everyone else wants is something that I liked. I think a lot of people get caught up with what everyone else is doing and forget about what the right thing actually is. The ending was very interesting because it leaves you off on a cliff hanger. This is a good concept because it gives you the ability to create your own ending. I think shows that end this way are unique because we don't get an ending that we expect rather one that we get to create.