Aizah

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[pixiebat13]

Hetalia

Despite being a popular anime, I have honestly never heard of it before. The show had times where it made fun of stereotypes however, I think the satire of these stereotypes can come off as insensitive for many viewers. Since the topic being stereotyped is a sensitive one some fans didn't react as well to the series in comparison to others. As seen commented by many people, the portrayal of the Axis Powers falls flat to me and honestly is quite offensive. Could they still have poked fun at Nazi Germany? Yes, tons of media have done it before, but it could've been done in a more sensitive manner. Personally, I think by over exaggerating certain stereotypes the message can be lost in translation and often be seen as glorification of a certain group of people or forgiveness of their past.

However, despite the controversial nature of this anime it can still be taken critically. Each axis power is depicted in a different manner. Italy being helpless and meek, and certain generalizations are made regarding their love for pasta. Germany is depicted very seriously within Hetalia due to the stereotypes of being rigid in nature. Japan is reserved and polite.

Overall, satirical media is not for me, and I think the conversation of critical points of our history can be discussed in a different way. However, despite my disapproval with this form of media many people can take away from this form of media since it's easier to digest than many serious war-related movies. This anime still has things to offer, but I think it should be taken lightly and comically instead of taking it face first. Personally, I didn't take this anime as offensive, but I can see how many people would see it as offensive if their country is depicted in a certain way.

[bootaro51]

Hey there! I agree with your stance on the controversial anime. I myself was not personally offended by the remarks, but I can see why some people would. The show kind of creates a soft power for the Axis Powers, and I think, like you mentioned, it is kind of downplaying what had actually historically occurred. It is clear they are depicted in this way due to Japan's involvement as one of the powers against the Allied Forces in WWII. Great post!

[bootaro51]

Hetalia Analysis

I knew that the whole fandom of "country humans" existed, but I never knew that there was an anime dedicated to the theme. I was surprised to notice how popular this anime is because I had never heard of it until we were assigned this watch for the class. I am not a big fan of slice of life anime, which was coincidentally the structure of Hetalia, but I do love history so I had some hope for the show. Alas, all hopes were lost within the first few minutes of watching... But, nonetheless, here are my takes on the series.

Right off the bat, the show struck me as kind of a cheap cash grab filled with stereotypical racist remarks and an overly obvious fan service pleaser. Granted, some of the more lighthearted jokes commenting on harmless country norms were funny, but I felt a lot of times the anime was just being outright crude. The humor wasn't the best, and I felt incredibly lost at times with the weird scene chronology. Personally, I watch all my anime with subtitles in the original Japanese language, but I felt obliged to hear what the English dubbed version sounds like, and oh my goodness. I already thought it was bad, but hearing the stereotypical accents of each country just made it worse tenfold.

Nonetheless, I think I'm just not the right audience for this type of show. Perhaps it just fell apart with a seemingly thin plot. Again, I'm not a slice of life fan anyway, but I saw potential in the idea.

The show definitely touches upon the term "tactical polyvalence of discourses" because it offers interesting new insights into countries through the lens of the Japanese. If this show were written by an American studio, we would probably get wildly different depictions. For example, Japan being part of the Axis Powers with Germany during WWII probably influenced the depiction of the country. Germany is portrayed as a stern yet dedicated force, but I can't help but wonder how it would be portrayed under an American (or, really, any Allied Force) view.

[rad-1shh]

Your Name

This movie was so beautiful ! I loved how relatable and emotional it seemed to be for audiences across all genders, ages, and backgrounds- as the entire plot of the movie revolved around finding commonality despite these things. I really adored the focus on the impermanence of time and the ways in which it could be warped- it created a sort of mind-bending time travel component to the storyline that made for such a fascinating twist. I often am not a fan of media involving soulmates, as it feels forced most of the time, but I found myself so invested in the connection Taki and Mitsuha held. I think this intersection of time played really well into the soulmate concept, as the universe genuinely drew them together in inexplicable ways rather than them just meeting at a coffee shop or something with no built chemistry. They understand each other so incredibly deeply after quite literally living each others life- how could one settle for anyone else after being known so thoroughly? I don’t know if their connection is entirely romantic or platonic, but their bond was so well written and believable regardless.

I think we can relate a lot of their experiences back to the ideas of gender performance we discussed a few modules ago. They must quickly learn to perform their presented gender correctly, creating some very humorous mis-performances. I found Taki’s obsession with Mitsuha’s breasts to be especially funny because it really would be such a strange sensation for someone not used to them, and his fascination seemed to be that of pure awe and confusion rather than sexual. Ultimately, their failure of performing gender properly actually helps them more than hurts them- Taki’s coworker becomes more attracted to him because of the “feminine” qualities he shows when Mitsuha is inhabiting him, and Mitsuha finally stands up to her bullies and her father when Taki inhabits her. Their lives both improve from the actions of the other, showcasing both the importance of new perspectives but also that of the rejection of traditional gender performance.

I found both of these characters to be very relatable in how desperate they were to make a change in their lives and selves. It is so easy to feel trapped in one’s own life, but they ultimately showed each other that all it took to make a difference was a little bit of bravery and a new perspective.

[bootaro51]

Hey there! I really enjoyed reading your analysis of Your Name! I agree with everything you had mentioned! I am also not much of a fan of the whole "soulmates" troupe, but I think this film did it wonderfully! Their connection felt organic, and the storyline definitely captivates the viewer through the vulnerable scenes and incredible visuals. There are most certainly gender topics present within the movie that reflect how society reacts to anything outside of the norm. Great post!

[bootaro51]

Your Name Analysis

I had known this was a widely popular movie going into it, but I wouldn't strike myself as an avid fan of these kinds of lighthearted, slice of life kind of films. That being said, I enjoyed this a lot more than I was expecting! I can't believe this had been the first time I had watched this movie. I can't say that no one recommended it to me, though. It's a little sad it took me an anime class to finally get to it, but I am not mad with how things played out! With that out of the way, here are my takes on the film.

The story of this movie revolves around our two main protagonists, Mitsuha and Taki. The viewer is quickly hit with the realization that these two's lives are connected in an extraordinary way- through the swapping of one another's bodies. Or, would it technically be their brains, since they live out each other's lives..? Nonetheless, I found this film to have a magnificently enticing storyline! I caught myself nearly entirely absorbed in the film instead of actually analyzing it for this post. (Oops). The gorgeous art style and high quality animation also made it worthwhile!

Now, I'd like to discuss some of the more broad themes found within this anime that connect back to the reading. Foucalt's article brings up the idea of force relation--or the concept that the exercise of power really comes from within one's social sphere (the people you are closest to). A scene that caught my eye in relation to the concept was when Taki, when he was in Mitsuha's body, bothers Tessie (Mitsuha's friend who seemingly has a crush on her) by sitting to close to him. In Tessie's eyes, Mitsuha is just an average girl taking things way too far. He reminds her that she should have some dignity, and establishes her (actually, his...) place in society. Gender norms are thus regulated by Mitsuha's friend who reminds her (again, him...) of her wrongdoings.

Overall, I really enjoyed this movie! I would totally watch it again outside of class.

[jpt1311blog]

Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 was a compelling video game that explored various themes, including environmentalism, within its richly detailed world. Given its rich storytelling and environmental focus, I’m eager to play Xenoblade Chronicles 2 in the future. Set in a universe where massive, living Titans serve as the foundations for human civilization, the game presents a unique take on the relationship between humanity and the environment. The Titans, enormous creatures that float in the sky and house entire ecosystems, are central to the game's narrative and environmental themes.

One of the most notable examples of the game’s environmentalism is its portrayal of the land of Alrest, which is divided among various Titans. Each Titan represents a different biome and culture, illustrating the diversity and interdependence of ecosystems. The game’s narrative delves into how the exploitation of these Titans impacts their environments and the lives of their inhabitants. This setup creates a strong parallel to real-world environmental issues, such as resource depletion and the effects of industrialization on natural habitats.

For instance, the game features the Titan named Uraya, which is depicted as a massive, industrialized landmass with a heavily polluted environment. This Titan’s deteriorating state serves as a metaphor for environmental degradation and the consequences of overexploitation. As players progress through the game, they encounter the ramifications of Uraya’s industrial activities, such as pollution and loss of natural beauty, which directly affect the lives of its residents. This portrayal encourages players to reflect on the impact of human activities on the environment and consider the importance of sustainable practices.

Additionally, the game explores themes of harmony and coexistence between humanity and nature. The quest to find the “Elysium,” a mythical land of paradise, reflects the desire for a balanced and sustainable world. Throughout the journey, players are challenged to think about how to restore and maintain the delicate balance between technological advancement and environmental preservation.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 offers an engaging story, complex gameplay, and a thought-provoking look at environmental issues through its world-building and narrative. The game’s depiction of the consequences of environmental exploitation and the quest for a harmonious existence makes it a meaningful experience for players interested in environmental themes.

[bootaro51]

Hey there! I really enjoyed reading your analysis of the video game cut scenes. I thought that your post offered a perspective I hadn't thought of when I was originally writing my own. The fact you related the different Titans belonging to different biomes and thus reflected real-world environmental scenes was brilliant! Your post is very well thought out. Great job!

[bootaro51]

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Analysis

To be quite frank, when I noticed we were assigned literal video game cut scenes, I thought I would be in for a long and boring watch. After watching it, however, I'm surprised to say that I enjoyed it far more than I thought I would! I'm not into story mode video games, or really any video games outside an occasional game of Roblox or Minecraft, but I would totally play this game if given the chance (or, you know, the money- it looks like an expensive game to even run). Nonetheless, I really enjoyed the storyline! I didn't know games could be so in-depth with their plots. Maybe I've just been too critical about these kinds of games. Here are my takes on the cut scenes within Nintendo's well-renowned game "Xenoblade Chronicles 2."

I will admit, I got a little lost in the intricacies of the plot within the game, but I'll try my best to give an accurate overall summary. The story revolves around the main character, Rex, who lives in an alternate world where humans live alongside intelligent creatures called Titans. Humans and Titans cooperate together to survive, but Titans are dying out due to certain circumstances (which I cannot really point out...), and thus humans will soon suffer the same fate. Rex believes there is a paradise, referred to as Elysium, in which the humans and Titans can live without the fear of dying out quickly.

The game definitely criticizes the global issue regarding the destruction of nature through its depiction of the blades (can't really explain it that well...) and the circle of life being in direct correlation to humans and their world. The idea of instrumentalism, or the attitude that nature is just an instrument for human use, is clearly demonstrated by the blades being used for destruction rather than the establishment of a newfound environment.

Overall, this was not a bad watch! I can see how it related to the module involving the destruction of environment.

[siriiim123]

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

This movie involved giant weapons that destroyed the world years ago with firepower. It also carried a strong anti-nuclear force and Miyazaki was inspired from the event Minmata Disease, where a chemical plant dumped wastewater into a bay and thinking it would disperse into the ocean created small amounts of mercury that got eaten by the fish, then resident would eat and suffer from mercury poisoning. The presence of a direct influence is present, and a new relationship was proposed between humans and nature. For example, the sea of decay (the jungle) is toxic, and humans must avoid or control it, but they later realized it was the soil of the plants. Humans relied heavily on ecosystem, and they were supposed to be sympathetic to Nausicaa and Kushana is the antagonist, who was not completely evil, but depicted as wrongheaded. The contrast between Valley and Tolmekia is clear. The movie begins with Nausica finding new resources. Even though she has a gun and a glider, she uses them to harvest the nature around her, however Tolmekia does not seem to have any natural or harvested resources. They partook in an attitude of instrumentalism, which states that nature is an instrument for human use, and humans can use nature whatever way they want that they think is beneficial. Tolmekia do not see ecosystems as doing something valuable on their own or having their own right to exist. Their community believes that ecosystems that do not benefit can be destroyed. Furthermore, in the movie, Pejite uses nature as an instrument when they bait Ohm into attacking their enemies, but Nausica seeks human existence in balance with nature. Another topic that this movie covers is the idea of ecofeminism where the roots of women oppression and environmental destruction are the same. It argues that naturalization of both kinds of domination should be fought together.

[bootaro51]

Hey there! I really enjoyed reading your analysis of the film. Your post offered an interpretation I hadn't really thought of. The fact you spoke about how the use of weapons had differed between Tolmekia and the Valley was incredibly well thought out! I agree that the fact that they both have access to the same weapons yet decide to use them in totally different ways adds to the multilayered meanings of this film. I also really liked that you mentioned that the enemy, Princess Kushana, is not depicted as entirely evil, but misguided. I think that analysis was a brilliant way to word it, as it can be applied to the mindsets of those who seek environmental destruction for new opportunities. Great post!

[bootaro51]

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Analysis

It comes as no surprise such a beautiful film was directed by the one and only Hayao Miyazaki, the head of Studio Ghibli. Ever since watching his other works "Spirited Away" and "Grave of the Fireflies"(which were both some of the most spectacular animated films I have ever seen), I had high expectations for this movie- and it most certainly did not disappoint. The themes of environmentalism and appreciation of nature are present throughout most, if not all of Miyazaki's works, but this film's depiction of it was the most vital to its storyline. Here are my takes on the superb movie!

The storyline revolves around Princess Nausicaä of a village known as the Valley of the Wind. She lives in a world where civilization is doomed to go extinct by the wrath of the poisonous forest that intoxicates anything that disturbs it. Nausicaä is unlike any other, though, as her interactions with the forest and its insect dwellers are filled with compassion and genuine sincerity. She is met with the rivaling nations who attempt to destroy the forest to regain order and help humanity thrive, though they seek peace through violence.

A scene that stuck out to me was when Princess Kushana of Torumekia, a rival nation that seeks to rule the world, speaks with Nausicaä's soldiers and they exclaim that they would rather survive using the ways of water than with fire because it is peaceful and genuine. Meaning, they trust Nausicaä's efforts in maintaining the state of the forest to try and rekindle their relationship with nature rather than take the easy route to destroy it.

Clearly, the film addresses the global issue of deforestation and ecological destruction, criticizing the view that the destruction of nature is beneficial to society. The release of carbon emissions that come with the burning of fossil fuels paired with the lack of greenery (mainly, oxygen producing trees) will only lead to humanity's demise.

Overall, I thought this film was really cute and definitely has some crucial underlying meanings that I think are important for people to hear!

[shadowydazecg]

The End of Evangelion

"The End of Evangelion" serves as a multifaceted conclusion to the anime "Neon Genesis Evangelion". It addresses deep psychological, existential, and societal issues both within the context of Japan and on a global scale. This movie includes a surreal and disturbing examination of the individual and collective psyche results from the movie's portrayal of the Human Instrumentality Project, which entails the psychological fusion of all human consciousnesses into a single collective entity. Shinji Ikari’s inner turmoil is laid bare as he confronts his fears, desires, and sense of self.

"The End of Evangelion" reflects the struggles associated with mental health and the societal pressures that contribute to psychological distress. Japan has a culture where mental health issues are often stigmatized. The honest depiction of mental suffering in this movie speaks to the internalized conflicts that many people experience. The film’s exploration of identity crises, existential despair, and the search for meaning resonates with those who grapple with similar issues in a society where emotional vulnerability is frequently hidden or suppressed. Globally, the film tackles universal aspects of mental health, such as loneliness, self-doubt, and the pursuit of personal understanding in the face of external pressures, making it relevant to audiences worldwide due to its intense focus on psychological themes.

Mental health is a serious topic that I'm glad we covered in school. I know some people still don't believe in the effects of mental health, but it's definitely real. It's not going away unless we do something about it. I'm sure everyone has experienced when their mental health is at its lowest. Sometimes we don't even realize that our mental health is so low until it's too late. I definitely have moments when my mental health is low. The causes are usually the amount of schoolwork I have to do and personal relationships. In order to get my mental health up to par, I have to truly relax. It could be watching a movie, sleeping, being by myself, etc... The important thing is to do something that makes you happy and lowers your stress/anxiety levels.

[bootaro51]

Hey there! I really enjoyed reading your analysis of the film. I most certainly agree with the points you made. Mental health is definitely heavily touched upon in the movie, and I can't believe I nearly missed the mark on the topic within my own post. The fact you related it to Japan's work culture was brilliant. Your reflection on identity crisis was also well thought out. Great post!

[bootaro51]

The End of Evangelion Analysis

Honestly...I thought this movie would clear things up for me, and I guess it did a little, but I'm mostly still left in the dark. The Evas are made of human DNA, right? What are the Evas then? Why did the universe end, and what was up with the cross thing on Unit 01's suit? Why did Rei turn into a giant white creature? What did Shinji's dad even get them all into? So many questions yet so little answers. I don't think it was Evangelion's fault, though. It's probably either the fact I didn't watch all of the episodes of the series, or maybe I'm just slow to catch on. Anyway, here are my thoughts on the film.

I can still definitely note a theme of masculinity within this series. In the beginning, when Shinji refuses to evacuate the NERV facility, he is portrayed as a hopeless weight that only relies on the help of others to get by. Shinji does not want to fight in his suit due to the trauma of inflicting pain on others. On the other hand, Misato pushes him to fight and exhibits more masculine traits of aggression and passion than the actual main male character. This has been an ongoing theme within Neon Genesis Evangelion as well.

Additionally, I could relate the feelings of Shinji to real-life issues of self-worth, in that he felt he was not worthy to fight because he didn't make a real positive difference in his mind. It is hard to convince someone to go above and beyond if they do not believe in themselves, and that was the exact issue Misato was facing when she was pushing him to get in the suit and help Asuka against the mass-produced Evas.

Overall, this series and film confused me quite a bit with its intricate storyline, but that's not to say it wasn't well made. The animation and the live-action components of the movie made it intriguing to watch. You also can't go wrong with cool fighting robots; I loved watching Asuka fight!

[ndsblog4uf]

NGE pt 2

The second half of the series gets more introspective than the 1st half, especially in the somewhat odd last episode. Going against everything he's seen and how the one and only person that he considered a true friend is gone, he still chooses life even after all that he's been through. Shinji's queer masculinity is further explored as this time he even tries to embrace the more hegemonic masculinity he fails (as seen in episode 16). So, Shinji is still alone, unable to change the forces around him that constantly attack and hurt him. He is still lonely and is forced to save the world again and again with little to no recognition from those who are around him. Despite that he fails to fit into the world he exists in, he still chooses life. In the introspective 2nd half of episode 16 he reconciles with that "People can't handpick a series of pleasant events to make up their lives," showing the side of him that believes that he should just deal with it verse the side of him that exists in the present that wants to continue what he does best and screams "What's wrong with that!" NGE doesn't condone this complacency or escapism, it’s the opposite. In the vast majority of the episodes not shown this escapism from the pain of living (whether it be the pain of not fitting into masculine norms or something else) is shown as harmful to every character (especially Asuka who’s whole character development was skipped). One must choose to take the step to accept themselves in the world that is lived in. Running away will only momentarily solve problems, so the only option is to change personally or to change the world. That is precisely what Shinji chooses to do in episode 26 (in his head which is why there is that wacky "congratulations" scene). I don't consider that the true end to the show though, honestly this is my least favorite episode as it is a pretty anticlimactic way to end the series. But the movie End of Evangelion has this internal conversation in a much better way that isn't completely random like this one. And the ending is super cool so sometimes I just tell people to skip 26 and watch the movie instead.

[bootaro51]

Hey there! I agree with your analysis of this part of Neon Genesis Evangelion. Personally, I was incredibly confused the entire time because it was my first time watching the series. Your analysis kind of helped me solidify the idea that I didn't miss anything, but rather, the manner in which the episodes were assigned are to blame, and not my horrible memory lol. I also thought it was good to note that the show continues to criticize the stigma around queer masculinity as Shinji is portrayed with such characteristics and belongs in a world where patriarchal society is practically flipped. Great post!

[bootaro51]

Neon Genesis Evangelion (Part 2) Analysis

I thought this part would clear up the questions I had about the first part of the series...but I was wrong. I'm left with more questions than answers after finishing Neon Genesis Evangelion. It really doesn't help that the assigned watch skipped a majority of the show, either. That last episode especially...what? As someone who has never seen the show before, I'm left in utter confusion that at this point I can only pray will be answered in the movie. I'll try my best to strew an analysis with the last two brain cells I have rattling in my brain. Here are my takes on the anime.

The storyline takes a turn within this part when it is revealed that the Eva, or the giant fighting robots, are made from...human DNA? I think? This mysterious character named Kaworu also appears to inform the main character, Shinji, that he is an angel (one of the evil monsters they are fighting). Apart from those pieces of information, I didn't really absorb anything new from this part. The ending was incredibly confusing because it was full of hypothetical "what if" scenarios rather than explanations as to why the storyline had progressed in the way it did.

I did want to add that I really liked Asuka's fighting robot, though! If there's one thing I picked up, it was definitely the awesome fighting scenes.

We also see a little bit of a relationship form between Kaworu and Shinji, but it disintegrates as soon as it begins. Again, I cannot seem to pinpoint many real-world contemporary issues other than the challenging of masculinity and patriarchal society. Perhaps the queer nature of the relationship between Shinji and Kaworu amounts to some homosexual representation to fight against the stigma present during the time period.

Overall, I hope the movie clears this up for me...I haven't been this lost on a series yet.

[robian]

Neon Genesis Evangelion Part 1

I'm writing this after watching the entirety of Evangelion because I didn't wanna ruin it by watching specific episodes. I'm also writing this early so I'm just going to make an educated guess about what part 1 covers.

Okay, so I'm going to mainly talk about Shinji because we don't really dive deep into the other characters until what I assume will be covered in part 2. Shinji is very different from your average anime protagonist. Most anime protagonists are seemingly always good looking and brave. They try to appeal to the watchers' desires. Shinji on the other hand is just a frail and scared young boy who just wants to be loved by his dad. Personally, I love characters like this. They tend to feel more realistic. If you almost died like Shinji did, and had to endure the pain simulated from the Eva, you'd probably be scared shitless too just like Shinji.

Also by starting off as weak, it allows more character development. But, to be honest, Shinji doesn't really have much character development (until literally the last 2 eps). Shinji realizes that he pilots the Eva to please his dad (hopefully this was part of part1 I don't remember). He even returns to his Eva after leaving, but he's still scared. Even though I enjoy character development, I think in certain situations, a lack of it can be just as telling. He's not suddenly just going to become brave and lose his fear of fighting in the Eva, and by this lack of development, it really highlights just how much he desires his dad's admiration.

Now, I also want to talk about how Shinji takes on more feminine than masculine gender roles. Shinji is depicted as kind and caring. He always apologizes and avoids any conflict. He cooks and cleans the apartment, while the women are depicted as slobs. He's scared to pilot his Eva, while the two women Rei and Asuka are fine with it. Honestly, I'm trying to think of a different anime that's male protagonist is like Shinji, and I can't (although I'm sure there's a few). It just tells you how unique of a character Shinji is. Going back to the last module, Shinji really challenges what we view as gender roles. A man doesn't need to always be tough and brave, he can be weak and scared too.

[abhiramanimeblog]

Robain, even though you did it early you did end up guessing the topic sort of. I agree with what you said about how Shinji takes on a more feminine role rather than a masculine one. He is still a male and is not trying to give any other gender performance, but his masculinity is not the normal one, it is more akin to a queer masculinity which is unsure of itself, or a sissy masculinity which is more timid. I also like how you pointed out the fact that it seems that the roles for men and women are swapped in the anime when you look at Shinji vs the EVA pilots. We can see they have far more masculine traits attributed to them than Shinji does.

[bootaro51]

Hey! I agree with all the points you mentioned. In part 1, Shinji does not have much character development, which made it a tad boring to watch if I'm being completely honest. I like that you mentioned that the fact he is scared of the life he is suddenly thrown into makes him a lot more realistic; I too enjoy seeing characters react genuinely. I also mentioned in my own post that Shinji behaves in a more feminine manner while the actual women in the series give off a masculine attitude. Great post!

[bootaro51]

Neon Genesis Evangelion (Part 1) Analysis

This was my first time watching the widely popular series "Neon Genesis Evangelion." My initial thoughts on this anime were filled with excitement due to its amazing reputation; even the intro song was superb! I did find this anime similar to Mobile Suit Gundam at first, naturally due to its use of giant fighting robots. However, as it progressed, I became a little confused about the storyline. It doesn't help that the assigned parts for this watch skipped an episode. Nonetheless, I still thought this anime had really nice visuals! Here are my takes on this part of the series.

The plot line for this series was a little strange because it kind of throws you right into the middle of the story. A 14-year-old boy named Shinji is more-or-less manipulated into becoming a pilot for a super awesome fighting robot to protect his city from the giant monsters known as "angels". We don't get much of a backstory than that, though. It is known that he does not have the best relationship with his father, who presumably left him at a young age to focus on his career in the government. Shinji also has no mother to turn back to.

With that out of the way, Shinji definitely exhibits characteristics of "queer masculinity" as defined and touched upon in the readings by Heasley and Connell. Queer masculinity is described as straight male masculinity that in some way does not align with the typical, patriarchal representation of masculinity that supports a dominant male and a subordinate female. Shinji is portrayed as nervous, unsure, frail, and submissive- all antonyms of hegemonic masculine traits. A majority of the team behind the construction and implementation of the giant fighting robots is made up of women who seem to hold more stereotypically masculine traits than our main character, Shinji. The show is most definitely in this way criticizing patriarchal society by swapping gender roles and expectations.

Overall, I'm interested in seeing where this show will lead in the next few episodes! Though I didn't pick up anything of notable value yet, who's to say I won't make a 180.

[robian]

Convention Post

I've only been to one convention in my life, which, to be fair, is one more than most. In the summer of 2022, I was lucky enough to be able to attend Anime Expo in Los Angeles, California with a friend of mine. Honestly, in some ways I regret going to Anime Expo as my first con experience because every other one in the US pales in comparison (except maybe the NY one). However, Anime Expo was an amazing experience that I will never forget.

When I arrived at my hotel, people were already in cosplay. When I woke up, I saw a line for the bus and a ton of people were in cosplay. I actually felt out of place since I wasn't and if I went again I'd definitely try it out. Then when I actually arrived, I felt even more out of place, because so many people were in cosplay. Of course, many weren't, but the people in cosplay were just so noticeable. Maybe it was just luck or maybe it was because we arrived more towards lunch time, but we skipped the notorious hours long line and headed straight in.

Honestly, it was overwhelming, there was just so much to do and see. There were events constantly happening, and sadly I didn't know that many needed pre-bought tickets. I still had a blast just exploring the exhibit halls and Artist Alley. I think I ended up spending like $150, which I found out through other peoples posts, is actually not a lot. Some of these people are dropping over a thousand dollars on merch. Maybe I should start using that as motivation to do well in college and get a well paying job so I too can drop a rack on anime merch.

Honestly, I was super nervous to ask any cosplayers for a photo but next time I'm going to need to just suck it up. I did get one photo though with this dude in an awesome set of armor. I really admire the skill and dedication it takes to make some of these cosplays. I'll do my best, but I have a feeling I'll be buying a premade one in the future.

Anyways, the con was amazing and I'd 100% recommend people to go to it. When I went, the last day was July 4th (this year, July 4th was the first day) and the post con depression hit so hard as I watched Los Angeles’ sky fill with fireworks from my hotel window. It was as if the fireworks were a farewell or an ending. Kinda like how some anime end the season with a firework festival y'know? Post-con depression hits hard though, so be wary.

[bootaro51]

Hey! I loved reading about your convention experience. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a tad bit jealous of your trip. It sounds like you had a great time, even if you weren't able to go to many of the events. I've never been to a convention myself, but I have cosplayed with my friends for a different occasion, and I have to say, it's a lot of fun making your own costume! If you do end up going to another convention, I totally recommend it. It was cool getting recognized (granted, only one guy did, and he called me the poor English dub name- Weather Forecast- instead of the original one...). Great post!

[bootaro51]

Convention Documentary

I want to start this off by saying I've never actually been to an anime convention before, but I'm very open to the idea of it! The documentary on otaku presence at conventions has only made me more eager to go to one (I heard UF holds an annual SwampCon, so I plan on attending that in the future). Despite this, I've actually cosplayed before for a different occasion with some friends! (I finally have a valid reason to show off my Weather Report costume from part 6 of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure). Here it is!

Anyway, now that that's out of the way, I'd like the discuss the documentary a little further. The idea of the otaku is described differently through the lens of different individuals. Some would say that otakus are hardcore anime and manga fans who are to be respected critics of their own fandom, while others refer to them in a derogatory way that amounts them to the stereotypical obese fedora-wearing parent's-basement-dweller disappointment that never grew out of their obsessions. It was interesting to see the varying perspectives on what people thought of otakus. It's obvious that there is no solid definition and is up to the interpretation of others to decide what they truly are.

A large part of the documentary focuses on self-expression and a sense of identity interlinked with cosplay and otaku culture. Many different people describe what cosplaying means to them, whether it be a hobby to tick away the time or a method of displaying creativity and inner personality. For myself, I found cosplay to be fun in the sense that you can take a character from popular culture and mold it into your own. Creating a costume yourself and adding little touches really personalizes the character. I can't say I related to some people's experience with conventions and becoming completely immersed in their fandom, but I do see how they create a community with like-minded fans who are able to share their thoughts freely outside of the constraints of society.

The negative connotations of otaku culture in its origins in Japan are seen as a symbol of pride in the United States today. Many people across the world embrace Japanese anime and manga, and conventions are a great way of gathering with others who share similar opinions and ideas. As the documentary had mentioned, the soft power that Japanese popular culture brings strengthens not only the fans within the fandom but also encourages diplomacy between countries. A kind of related example of this that popped into my head is the fact that the Mexican cartel routinely takes breaks every time a new Dragon Ball Z episode is aired! Crazy, right? I was shocked when I had first learned about it, too. They even had a temporary ceasefire in honor of the Dragon Ball Z creator's (Akira Toriyama) sudden passing. Even the CARTEL can stop to appreciate Japanese anime! Granted, that didn't really have to do much with diplomacy, but rather with popular culture's widespread outreach.

Our class discussion revolving around youth culture is most certainly present within anime conventions. Anime shapes popular culture across the globe and was enhanced even further with the introduction of the internet. Now, online spaces can be used as a tool to conglomerate future meet-ups and events dedicated to otaku culture.

Overall, I thought the documentary established perspectives that I hadn't thought about. It was fascinating to hear people discuss their passions for cosplay, anime, manga, and the like. I've always wanted to go to a convention, but this documentary made me look forward to an opportunity in the future.

[pixiebat13]

Wandering Son Blog

Wandering Son was a great anime which depicted the struggles experienced by transgender people within society perfectly. Personally, I haven’t seen many anime which deal with transgenderism so openly, so it was refreshing to see. Themes that can be found in the Wandering Son are transgenderism, LGBTQ+, and gender conformity. 

This story follows two school children by the names of Nitori and Tatsuki. Both have desires of representing themselves as the opposite gender, which this anime dives into. However, presenting themselves as the opposite gender doesn’t come by easily and they often received judgment from their peers and teachers. Their first escape from gender conformity is changing their uniforms to the opposite gender. Uniforms are often used to help keep people within their gender assignment, enforcing the expectations of gender conformity. Finally, when Nitori started cross-dressing and expressing herself more, we see disapproval from her sister who calls her disgusting and avoids her at school due to this. We also see her girlfriend Anna being appalled at the fact Nitori would crossdress and broke up with her in response. However, when Tatsuki cross-dressed he wasn’t met with such disdain from his peers or teachers. I find this due to male gender being enforced more than the female gender. Since women have been fighting off the patriarchy for 100’s of years it isn’t as uncommon to see women fighting off gender conformity. However, for the male gender people hold toxic expectations and any form of female expression is met with disapproval. 

This anime dives into the hardships transgender identifying people can experience within normal life from family, peers, and even authority (teachers). I like how this anime doesn’t create an unrealistic situation where everyone accepts you and there is no struggle. However, through exposure and time people you may have not expected to can come to terms with acceptance. 

[bootaro51]

Hey there! I thought your analysis was thorough and well thought out. I agree with every point you made. I also thought it was refreshing to see an anime that keeps the topic of transgender students realistic and doesn't automatically assume everyone is accepting of them (although, in a perfect world, we'd see more of that). Your connection between the treatment of female-to-male transgender individuals versus male-to-female ones and the expectations of patriarchal society made perfect sense. Your unique perspective on this anime really helped me understand its themes further. Great post!