Hannah Wagner

JPT1311

[ayamimouni]

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind / Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Watching Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 made me think a lot about how we treat nature and the world around us. Both of them take place in broken, dangerous worlds, but they also show that there’s still hope if people are willing to change.

In Nausicaa, the forest and giant insects at first seem scary, but they’re actually trying to clean up all the pollution people caused. I thought it was cool how Nausicaä didn’t want to destroy the forest, she tried to understand it. That made me think about how, in real life, we always try to control nature, but maybe we need to learn how to live with it instead. With everything going on today , like climate change and pollution, this story feels even more real.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 felt more emotional for me. Even though the world is fantasy, the characters deal with real stuff like loss, responsibility, and trying to stay hopeful. It reminded me of times when my friends and I were going through hard things but still tried to support each other. The main characters never give up, and that really stuck with me.

Both of these stories made me think about what kind of future we’re creating. Are we just repeating the same mistakes, or are we going to actually do better? I don’t know the answer, but these shows made me want to care more, about the world, and about the people in it.

[hmwagner]

Hi @ayamimouni!

I love how personally reflective you were in watching both of these. Sometimes watching content like this makes me think about all of the ways I can become a better person for future generations. I try not to be wasteful, but I always feel like I could try harder. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and Xenoblade Chronicles both tackle environmental issues relatable to that of the real world. This also occurs in Spirited Away, which we watched in the beginning of the semester. I felt emotional over Chihiro cleaning the river spirit, and it reminds me of the grace and kindness that Nausicaa shows the insects.

[hmwagner]

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind / Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Both Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 create a post-nuclear world where there's been massive environmental destruction. Post-World War II fears are prevalent in both of these media because of what happened in Hiroshima. Not only this, but also because of what happened after with the Minamata disease due to post-war industrialization.

In Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, we see Nausicaa as a strong female lead with a mission of coexistence between plants and humans. She doesn't fear the plants as others do, because she recognizes the plants aren't toxic; the soil is. Her pacifism is admirable because even though she knows humans have caused this pollution, she still sees the good in everything living. Because of this, she actively takes an anti-violence stance throughout the story. Nausicaa even gets run over by a herd of Ohmu in an attempt to stop the violence between them and the citizens of Pejite. This is also relevant to post-World War II sentiment, as after the war, Japan decided to take a pacifist stance and renounce war by instating Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution.

One of the most interesting things Xenoblade Chronicles 2 includes is the deterioration of the Titans as an allegory for environmental decay. This kind of reminds me of the Saturn moon, Titan. This moon is one of the locations NASA has specifically studied to see if it is fit for human life. This is, of course, due to the environmental destruction humans have caused to our current Earth.

Note: https://japan.kantei.go.jp/constitution_and_government_of_japan/constitution_e.html (This is where I learned more about Japan's renouncement of war by Article 9.)

[ayamimouni]

Neon Genesis Evangelion / The End of Evangelion

Watching Neon Genesis Evangelion and The End of Evangelion was way more emotional than I expected. I thought it would be just another action anime with robots, but it turned into something really deep and personal. Instead of focusing on the battles, it showed how broken and confused the characters were, especially Shinji.

A lot of the time, it felt like I was watching people who didn’t know how to deal with their feelings. Shinji runs away from problems, Asuka wants attention but pushes people away, and Rei doesn’t even know what she wants. It reminded me of how people in real life hide what they’re feeling or don’t know how to ask for help. I’ve felt that way too, especially during stressful times when I shut down instead of talking about what’s going on.

I think the show reflects real problems in Japan, like people feeling isolated or being expected to stay quiet about their emotions. But it also connects to people everywhere. These days, mental health is something a lot of people struggle with, and this anime shows that in a raw and honest way.

The End of Evangelion especially hit hard, it was confusing, dark, and honestly kind of overwhelming. But it made me think. The world ending and everyone blending together felt like a symbol for how much people want to be understood but are scared to open up.

Even though the show was hard to watch at times, I’m glad I did. It made me reflect on myself and how I deal with emotions. It didn’t have a happy ending, but it felt real.

[hmwagner]

Hi @ayamimouni!

I love how much you touched on the mental health of the characters and how they deal with it. I also can relate to these real-world issues, especially to Asuka and her desire for attention with tendency to push people away. One of the ways hegemonic masculinity also has an effect on mental health is the idea that emotion shows weakness. Shinji struggles with anxiety and depression, and we see him have constant battles with showing violence in the show. His showcase of his inner battles in another way Shinji defies hegemonic masculinity. The characters around him continuously get frustrated with him over this and expect him to take on his new role in a much more confident and masculine manner.

[hmwagner]

Neon Genesis Evangelion / The End of Evangelion

One of the most interesting things about Neon Genesis Evangelion are the biblical themes. For example, the angels are named after figures in the Old Testament. Additionally, Adam is the name of the first angel. There’s an argument to be made that with the Evas, humans are also finding a way to “play God.” There’s other various religious undertones and Easter eggs in the show, but these are the main ones that jumped out at me.

This was not my first time streaming Neon Genesis Evangelion, but I was able to have a deeper understanding of some of the character complexities watching as an adult versus previously as a teen. This particularly in reference to Shinji’s lack of hegemonic masculinity. Shinji is pressured to become someone he’s not, and exhibit violent acts as this huge role has been suddenly thrust upon him. He struggles to fight and has serious mental battles with anxiety and depression during this time. Because Shinji is not expressing the hegemonic masculinity his father and father’s associates wish he was, he feels he is a complete letdown to a legacy he never wanted to take on. As a reminder of how much of a “failure” he is, the fact women around him do in fact show hegemonic masculinity by their eagerness to fight and prove their strength. Misato, one of my personal favorite characters, doesn’t fight, but even she gets incredibly frustrated with Shinji and begins to belittle him for his hesitations in fighting. Shinji’s nature of not exhibiting hegemonic masculinity, also ties into his classification under queer masculinity. This is due to the fact that his nature rejects stereotypical male norms.

[ayamimouni]

Sailor Moon / Aggretsuko / Wandering Son

Watching Sailor Moon, Aggretsuko, and Wandering Son really made me think about how people deal with identity and pressure, both in Japan and around the world. Each show had something that stuck with me.

Sailor Moon reminded me how important it is to see strong female characters, especially when you're young. The girls in the show are emotional, funny, and brave all at once. It made me realize how rare that was in the shows I watched growing up. It was nice seeing a group of girls who support each other while also saving the world.

Aggretsuko was super relatable. Even though the characters are animals, the story felt real, especially the way Retsuko tries to be polite and hold it all in at work. I’ve seen people in my life do the same, pretending everything’s fine even when they’re stressed. Her death metal karaoke made me laugh, but it also showed how hard it can be to deal with that kind of pressure.

Wandering Son was really emotional. Watching the characters try to understand who they are and how they want to be seen hit me hard. I can’t imagine how hard it must be to go through something like that so young, especially when people don’t understand you. It made me think more about how gender identity is handled, not just in Japan but here too, and how people just want to be accepted for who they are.

All three shows had different vibes, but they each said something real about growing up, being yourself, and dealing with the world around you.

[hmwagner]

Hi @ayamimouni!

I love what you said about the importance of growing up with strong female characters, like Sailor Moon. I wish I watched the show growing up because I remember when I was around the age of 12, I was convinced pink was no longer cool. I loved pink so much growing up, but suddenly liking blue and teal was more interesting, so I started to reject my girly nature. I painted my pink room teal and tried to behave more tomboyish because I thought liking pink and being too girly was babyish. As I became a teenager I began to have a stronger sense of self and embrace my love for girlish things, but I could’ve used a feminine superhero like Usagi as a role model.

[hmwagner]

Sailor Moon / Aggretsuko / Wandering Son

First of all, Sailor Moon, or Usagi, is one of the most relatable animated main characters I’ve had the pleasure of viewing. Her early teens behavior, experiences, and interactions with her friends, are so reminiscent of my own experiences at her age. Sailor Moon tackles multiple common issues among women, such as the pressure to lose weight, yet Usagi never strays from her true self in the end. One of my favorite things about Usagi, is her “girlish” style as Newsom would say. She is not afraid to be girly when she is acting brave. She doesn’t shy away from being emotional. All of these things society tells women are a sign of weakness, Usagi does shamelessly as a literal super hero. Not only this, but they make her stronger, like when her crying gets rid of the boys being controlled by the fortune teller.

Aggretsuko was an especially fun watch for me because I love the Sanrio characters. Retsuko’s inner rage paired with her outer submissive front at work, is a reflection of how a lot of women in the workplace. In relation to Butler’s performative gender theory, she is merely performing how society says she should. Society says women aren’t confrontational or assertive, so she conforms. In Wandering Son, Nitori’s uniform doesn’t feel quite right. Gendered uniforms are a way to keep children in line, especially in Japan. Nitrous is a transgender girl grappling with self-identity and acceptance, and Wandering Son beautifully captures the complex experiences of being a transgender youth. Nitori faces harsh criticism from those around her, even her sister. This is unfortunately a common experience shared between LGBTQ+ youth as 70% of them experience parental rejection according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

[grandiosekaiju]

My Time at G-Fest

Regarding my time at a convention, while I have not been to an anime-focused convention, I have gone numerous times to G-Fest, which has been held nearly every year since 1994 in Chicago. My first experience was with a past friend of mine way back in 2016 and it was most certainly a blast. Since then, I have gone a grand total of 7 times, with the only years of which I did not attend being 2017, 2021 and 2022. I recently attended this year's G-Fest during the second week of July, and just like previous years, it was an absolutely blast! The main talking points were related to Tokusatsu such as Godzilla and Ultraman, with each of those characters getting their own adaptations of anime, with one of the most notable being Godzilla, who got his own anime trilogy that lasted from 2017 to 2018, and the tv show Godzilla Singular Point that aired in 2021. I was also able to get together a few friends of mine, which went from a group of 5 including myself in 2019 to now a group of 11 including myself in 2025. Within this friend group, unlike some individuals I knew from my home state of Florida, I was able to freely discuss my own thoughts on the movies and tv shows of each main tokusatsu character without anyone ignoring me for my interests.

At G-Fest, I was able to be a part of many different events, with my most notable ones being in 2024 where I had built my own model and made a series of quick videos that all centered around kaiju movies. However, the other ones were no slouch either, as every year they held a costume parade of which I was a watcher within a crowd of people cheering on the suit creators and wearers as they wandered down the aisle for showcasing. Eventually, I am hoping to make my own suit and become a part of the parade, but with a lot of personal matters to tend to first, it may take a while for me to become an official part of the parade. Another moment that I recall, this time from this year, was when I was in line for the dealer room and another random Godzilla fan and myself struck up some conversation while we were all anxiously waiting for the room to open hours before it officially opened its doors. While him and I did not definitively become friends, we were able to appreciate each other for the collectibles that we owned and showcased them to each other as a sign of connection. This was a memory that came rushing back when this module came up about the idea of fan conventions and how people were able to connect with others on similar topics, with the most notable highlight being my watching of Genshiken, where my group sort of felt like its own Genshiken of sorts, and with one of my friends being a comic book artist who is taking upon a style that feels similar to more modern manga styles, I can definitely relate to said concepts inserting themselves into a group conversation at home or at the convention.

Similar to other conventions, there were a variety of panels that could be held by fans, creators, and even suit actors who were a part of movies or tv shows from the 1950s and 1960s, to which it was a breath of fresh air from the more modern panels as they really have yet to sink into me as being a point of connection for me. At this years convention, I was able to attend the panel of one Bin Furuya, who not only played one of the main human characters from the 1967 TV show Ultraseven, but was the suit actor for the original Ultraman character from the first Ultraman series back in 1966. Although I was not within the main front rows, I still got to take in all of the enjoyment and action-packed fun of seeing a suit actor before my eyes still being able to remember his past without any major hiccups. It was even more shocking when he pulled off some amazing tap dancing moves, especially for a person of his age. I was also able to attend some other panels related to the movies over the years and got to interact with a custom-made suit based on the character Jirass from the original Ultraman, which was very appealing and absolutely amazing to see firsthand.

There were also many different board games, a whole arcade, and a G-Pardy game night that I was able to be a part of over the years, with the notable ones being back in 2024 and a couple years before that. While I was not able to win any of the competitions, it was most certainly a blast that I got to play all of these amazing games, with the extra bonus of playing against a well-known YouTuber at a Godzilla game when the event was still at the Crowne Plaza and not the Hyatt Regency.

The overall feeling and the sense of community within G-Fest really brought me into a world of realization that there were way more people than I had originally thought to enjoy the same things as I did, and it was most definitely a sigh of relief from all the others who I could not connect with back home. The club in the anime Genshiken and my own little club of friends can all relate to one thing in common: the sense of connection and being able to relate with each other in a way that enforces the group as a force that will not fall back from its interests. The readings as well from that module also enforced this feeling, especially around the concepts of fan activity and cosplay as a way of showcasing one's own interests in a way that may not have been interpreted before then.

[hmwagner]

Hi @grandiosekaiju!

I did not know there was an entire convention related to kaijus! I personally love the Godzilla movies, but my boyfriend loves them even more. Funny enough, my boyfriend and I were JUST at Collect-A-Con in Richmond, and he wore a Godzilla shirt I'd gotten him. We were in line to look at Pokémon cards, and another Godzilla fan complimented his shirt, and they ended up talking about Godzilla for about 15 to 20 minutes. This sense of community we both discuss in our experiences is what makes fan events, like conventions, so fun. Getting to meet new people and connect about your favorite interests is so refreshing, and I think it is a wonderful way to bring more socially timid people out of their comfort zone.

[hmwagner]

Convention

One of my favorite conventions I've attended was Wasabicon in Jacksonville, Florida. I drove from Orlando to Jacksonville with a group of friends for the weekend, and we stayed at an Airbnb together. This particular group of friends and I have attended a convention or two a year since we were in middle school together. Although I have many interests, I've always enjoyed the sense of community that my friends and I share at these events. Talking about anime, superheroes, and Pokémon with my friends provides me with a safe space to express myself.

At Wasabicon, I was able to partake in or witness varying fan activities. One activity I enjoyed was collecting. I bought a lot of merchandise, but I was also able to trade and collect Pokémon cards. One of the vendors and I got wrapped up in conversation about the new Scarlet and Violet game, and he ended up giving me really nice cards to take for free. Out of kindness and community, he took part in giving me such a memorable experience. Additionally, I had never actually battled or competed with my Pokémon cards before. I found some groups of people battling, and asked them if I could watch and learn how to play. They accepted me with no questions asked, and even gave me beginner tips to start my own battle deck. Once again, another moment I was made to feel overly accepted in the community, and a moment I still look back on fondly. Because of this, every now and then I battle at my local card shop, and have been encouraged to make new like-minded friends at fan events.

Another really great opportunity conventions like Wasabicon provide are panels. Fans, creators, and casts can discuss media they are working on and consuming in front of an audience, and there's typically time for audience feedback and questions. This is a really cool way I've gotten to know some of my favorite actors and creators better. At Wasabicon, I was able to attend a panel featuring Vincent D'Onofrio and Charlie Cox from Daredevil. I was definitely a little bit starstruck to see them sitting so close to me, but it was an awesome experience. I was also able to sit in on a Tara Strong panel, and I got to watch her do some of her most iconic voices, such as Timmy Turner from Fairly Odd Parents and Bubbles from The Powerpuff Girls. I was able to ask questions to each of these celebrities, and it was a way for fans to openly participate and "meet" people they might've looked up to since they were even kids.

One aspect I enjoyed at Wasabicon was the friendly competition. Fans can compete in various competitions such as trivia, video game tournaments, cosplay competitions, and more. One of my favorite competitions to sit in on is cosplay competitions. Seeing the incredible costumes fans can create, and the amount of time it takes to create the most intricate details, enamors me. It's so cool to see people care about a game, movie, or show so much that they take the time and effort to make a really elaborate costume. I've even taken pictures with cosplayers I thought were particularly cool and followed some of them on Instagram. As for other competitions, one I enjoyed taking part in was a Mario Double Dash tournament. My boyfriend and I were able to win one of the days we were there, and we got a $100 reward. It was very quickly invested into more merchandise, but it was still a fun experience nonetheless.

The sense of community and self-expression featured in my Wasabicon story relates back to our watching of Genshiken. The club can connect over their shared interests in fandom, and the club operates as a safe space for the members away from judgment. The fan behaviors I exhibited and watched are pointed out in the Fiske readings, for example, collecting, cosplay, and enunciation productivity.

[ayamimouni]

Genshiken

Watching Genshiken felt really different from most anime I’ve seen. It wasn’t about big action or fantasy, it was just a group of students who love anime, manga, and games. What I liked most was how real the characters felt. They were awkward, unsure of themselves, and sometimes afraid of being judged for the things they liked. I could relate to that a lot.

Even though I’m not super into anime clubs or fan circles, I’ve definitely held back from sharing things I enjoy because I was worried people wouldn’t get it. Seeing the characters in Genshiken slowly become more comfortable with who they are made me think about how important it is to find people who accept you for you.

The show also made me think about how society (especially in Japan, but also around the world) puts pressure on people to fit in. Some characters in the group feel left out or judged, especially the girls, and it reminded me that even in “nerdy” spaces, people can still feel excluded. That’s something I’ve seen happen in real life too, where people get told they’re not “real fans.”

What I took away from Genshiken is how important it is to have a space where you can be yourself. The group wasn’t perfect, but they still supported each other and shared what they loved. That kind of community really matters.

Genshiken wasn’t dramatic or intense, but it felt honest. It made me think about my own interests and the people I feel most myself around. I didn’t expect to enjoy it so much, but it left a real impression on me.

[hmwagner]

Hi @ayamimouni!

I love that you discuss how important it is to have a space where you can feel comfortable and be yourself in. This is not only true for cast out characters like the members of the club, but anyone. I love to discuss niche interests with my friends, just like the club in the show. I feel no judgment and a sense of belonging. However, I have also experienced people excluding newer fans for not being “real fans.” The obsession, as Fisk mentions in the readings, can turn into gatekeeping, and people become unnecessarily defensive of their fandom. This really just highlights the difference between a healthy and unhealthy obsession.

[hmwagner]

Genshiken

Genshiken represents what it’s like to be judged and marginalized because you don’t meet societal expectations. The main characters often show shame for their otaku statuses, like Sasahara. Their peers place stereotypes on them, and reject them. However, through fandom they have a sense of community in each other. Fandoms can bring people together, and as we learn from Fisk, there’s culture capital in one’s obsessive knowledge of their fandom. One place you can view this camaraderie is a convention. You can see through fan activities such as cosplay, as shown in Genshiken, “outcasts” are able to feel a sense of belonging. The pressure the club feels to fit in is also a reference to Japan’s expectations for citizens to follow the rules and contribute to society in a specific way. In Japan, and even in North America, otakus are judged for their obsessions and isolated. The club’s connection over fandom reminds me of my own experiences with fan culture. I also have felt like my “nerdy” media consumption is a guilty pleasure because that content often gets looked down on by others. I’ve also been able to find community in the content I stream, such as anime. My friends and I all text each other whenever a new Marvel or DC movie comes out, for example. For the club, and millions of others, fandoms are a source of self-expression.

[imkindacoolngl]

Isolation to Connections

Watching Naruto, Wolf Children, and A Silent Voice gave me a lot to think about, especially in how they deal with identity, isolation, and the possibility of change. Something I’m sure we have all experienced and found a solution to. While Naruto didn't catch my interest due to maybe being under my age group, I still remember how his struggles with discrimination affected him. He is hated and feared for something he can’t control, which represents a birth problem like the Nine Tails inside him, yet he pushes forward, not just to be acknowledged but to protect others. It reminds me that while suffering isn’t something people should have to go through, it can sometimes be a source of personal strength. Naruto becomes someone who lifts others because he knows what it’s like to be alone.  

Wolf children hit me differently, while it isn't as action-heavy, its emotional depth hits hard. Watching the two children grow into different identities, one choosing the human world and the other choosing the wilderness, made me reflect on how society leaves little room for people who don't fit in. Still, like in the film, people can carve out small spaces where they can figure themselves out. The ending was bittersweet, especially with how the mother has to let go. It's sad, but it illustrates how love means giving others the freedom to grow and develop. 

Out of the three, A Silent Voice had the most personal impact on me. The idea that society, not just the individual, needs to change resonates. The main character’s journey through guilt, depression, and anxiety felt real. I also liked the message of when life gets tough, there seems to only be one option, but we learn that it isn't the correct one I feel like it shines light on the fact that there is hope through redemption and even friendship. What also stood out was how his effort to change himself led to others reaching out to him and becoming friends, thereby creating a new social circle for him. It reminded me that while people can do terrible things, they can also grow and help others heal. That kind of message feels important, especially today. 

[hmwagner]

Hi @imkindacoolngl!

We both made the isolation connection exhibited by the main characters in all three animes. I enjoyed that you highlighted Shouyo's guilt and his ability to grow and change in his attempts to earn Shouko's forgiveness. However, the kindess given by Shouko to forgive Shouyo, is just as impressive as Shouyo's attempts of redemption. In a way, Shouko is solidifying an end to a cycle of hate just like Naruto in the episodes of Naruto Shippuden.

I really visually enjoyed Wolf Children! One fun fact I learned when looking at information about the art of the movie was that the mountains in the background were inspired by the director's own childhood memories of the countryside in Japan.

[hmwagner]

Naruto / Wolf Children / A Silent Voice

Naruto Shippuden faces our main character with breaking the cycle of hate. Naruto is a heroic, well-intentioned main character. I really enjoy him as the lead, and I feel he's comparable to Gon in Hunter x Hunter. Despite the harm Pain has caused to Naruto, Naruto is still able to feel empathy for Pain's tragic story. Pain is acting in violence as result of of the violence committed towards him. Naruto struggles to forgive Pain for the damage he's caused, and he can't help but be tempted to respond in the same violent manner. However, out of goodness and sympathy, Naruto takes the heroic path and decides against killing Pain. Naruto's understanding towards Pain could be from the resonation of ostracization for Naruto as seen in episode 1 of the original anime.

Speaking of ostracized characters, this theme can be seen again in A Silent Voice with Shouko Nishimiya. Shouko is rejected by her classmates because of her hearing disability. Rejection escalates into serious bullying problems. The major similarity in this case between Naruto and Shouko is that they're being cast out by society for things they were born with, things they can't control. These being Naruto's fox, and Shouko's disability. When faced with the opportunity to choose revenge, Naruto and Shouko both choose the high road against their enemies. Naruto spares Pain, and Shouko seems to forgive Shouya.

Ame and Yuki from Wolf Children are also forced to be recluse due to ostracization of features they can't control. Because of their half-wolf, half-human breeds, they are forced to hide their true identities. Naruto, Shouko, Yuki, and Ame all seek to belong in some way. They want to be accepted despite their differences, and all of them face mental hardships in consequence.

[ayamimouni]

Shin Sekai Yori

Watching Shin Sekai Yori really shook me. At first, the world looks calm and peaceful, with small villages and kids learning to use psychic powers. But underneath, it’s terrifying. The society kills its own children to keep things under control. That hit me hard because it reminds me of how some places, even in real life, pretend everything is fine while hiding awful truths.

It also feels very real when you think about the world today. The way the elders lie about history to control people reminded me of governments or groups that rewrite the past to justify violence or stay in power. The part where humans treat the Queerats as animals, only to reveal they’re actually humans, felt like a clear metaphor for racism and discrimination. It made me think about how easy it is to see people as “less than” if it helps us feel safe or in control.

Personally, I found it disturbing how the main characters, even Saki, end up accepting the system once they learn the reasons behind it. It made me wonder if I’d do the same. I think everyone compromises sometimes, maybe not in such extreme ways, but we all look the other way or make excuses for things we know are wrong.

It reminded me of dystopian stories I’ve read where society trades freedom for safety. The anime shows how hard it is to have both. While it has a very Japanese focus on the group over the individual, the message is universal. It left me thinking about what any society is willing to sacrifice to stay “peaceful,” and whether we’re honest about those sacrifices. Overall, it was haunting, but also made me reflect on my own choices and the world around me.

[hmwagner]

Hi @ayamimouni!

Saki actually let me down with how much she was still able to justify and turn a blind eye to after learning the truth. Though it seems she is moving forward, building a society that does not fear its children, she still has many faults. There is no denunciation of the oppressive system or radical change. Sure, she sympathizes with the Queerats, but her complacency and passiveness make me question her morality and the likelihood of history repeating itself. I suppose I was expecting more of a big revolution or deconstruction of the system that never came. I also agree with your analysis that this shows how flawed we are as a society as well when it comes to little moments where we turn the other way towards something we know is wrong.

[hmwagner]

Shin Sekai Yori

Hi everyone!

Shin Sekai Yori is a mystery/thriller that addresses many important themes, such as eugenics and xenophobia. In the show, we see eugenics play out in disturbing ways, originally hidden from the main characters. When children are not able to control their telekinetic powers, they are deemed a danger to society. Children who do not develop powers at all are also deemed a danger to society. These children are consequently killed to preserve the "utopia" that has been created. This is reflective of something very real that happened in Japan, which was the Eugenic Protection Law of 1948 through 1996. This law allowed the sterilization of citizens with disabilities, and was incredibly inhumane. You can also relate this to the elimination of Jews during the Nazi regime. Eugenics can also be seen in the bioengineering of the Queerats. They are mutated to become animalistic, and their prior human selves become completely unrecognizable.

The Queerats also serve as an example of xenophobia. In the bioengineering of the Queerats, they were made to appear horrific and foul to evoke fear and push the narrative that they are lesser than. They are controlled and have an erased sense of self. Though they were once human, those with powers still treat them as "monsters." The Queerats are dehumanized to justify the horrific, violent actions of society against them. This is, unfortunately, very relevant right now with the current political climate in America. There is a lot of fear-mongering and false narratives pushed about immigrants and citizens of differing races to justify cruel and unusual punishment. One example I can think of would be Alligator Alcatraz and its inhumane conditions. Real people in the real world are being treated like animals right now, making Shin Sekai Yori and the xenophobia it presents all too pertinent.

[imkindacoolngl]

Psycho-Pass

Watching the end of Psycho-Pass made me realize something strange: the world in the anime isn't far off from the real world. The concept of a system scanning people's movements and classifying them as safe or dangerous based on a mind scan seemed extreme and far-fetched, which is perfect for a sci-fi anime. However, that's when I realized there are many connections to our real world. We are constantly being monitored not just by cameras but also by algorithms, expectations, school, and peer pressure. It makes us feel safe and secure, and it feels normal. Seeing this system from a third-person viewpoint opens up the idea of self-discipline we put on ourselves without realizing it. 

I was fascinated by how the dominators work. I love to find the extreme and powerful guns in video games, and the fact that the dominator can scan someone's mental state and transform to decide whether they live or die seemed like a great idea. It was so cool to see it in action, but as I continued watching, I saw all the problems it posed. I want to point out that in the lecture, the gun was the one killing the criminals, not the officers. That's terrifying, efficient, yes, but it removes context, empathy, and human choice. It is so common for the officers that even Akane doesn't feel wrong using it, despite being a recruit. It makes you wonder how much power the sybil system has, and how much freedom was taken from the people. 

The last thing that stuck out to me was that it didn't feel like Akane's story; it felt more like Kogami is the one who drives the story. He pushes the crime cases forward. He figures them all out before everyone else. He also breaks away from Sibyl during the story, showing that he is playing both sides, for example, when he wanted to kill the criminal who was stealing the avatars. He also feels that he has a connection to Makishima. The event was so huge to him that he dreams of it in his apartment, showing he still recalls the event and regrets his action, despite being too wounded to do what he wanted to do. 

Overall, Psycho-Pass was a terrific sci-fi thriller set in a unique cyberpunk future, but its message highlights how our justice, freedom, and other fundamental rights are being controlled.

[hmwagner]

Hi @imkindacoolngl!

I thought it was interesting that you featured ways we are heavily monitored in real life. One way we are monitored, and also self-reporting, is through social media. Social media however is much more controlled as we and other people are choosing what to feature about ourselves. Narratives can be pushed and it becomes increasingly dangerous. I feel this also coincides with the ongoing threat of Artificial Intelligence. Though we are being “surveilled,” it has become easier to doctor images and videos in a believable manor. Soon photo and video proof may forced to become obsolete if gone unchecked.

[grandiosekaiju]

Economic Struggles and Virtual Impact on Society

Prior to this course, I had never heard of Eden of The East nor Sword Art Online. However, after giving each of them a watch, I can most certainly say that there are ideologies within these animes that can definitely be applied within the modern world. Both of these animes take a different approach in terms of the parts of society they critique, with Eden of The East dictating economic struggles of recent generations with the ruling older generations and Sword Art Online portraying the ways in which virtual reality impact our modern way of life.

As an individual who was once considered a NEET, I can certainly say that I felt the struggles of my generation, Gen Z, in regards to finding work that fits my way of life but not overly managed by those of the older generations, like the Baby Boomers. I can definitely see the characters in Eden of The East actively fighting back against these standards in ways of which could not have been thought of before. Even in the modern world, especially Japan, I have seen time and time again through different forms of news and reports that, while Japan is most certainly unique in the ways of their populations living older than average, those older individuals simply do not wish to remove their power and control to a generation after that they see as "unfit" or "lacking drive or motivation". Though this is the case for many people all around the world, I no longer feel as many struggles of being a NEET as is depicted within the anime.

For Sword Art Online, however, I can definitely see the ways in which my life have become infected with this form of "virtual parasite". My generation especially is known for their pronounced knowledge of newer technologies, like smartphones and computers, but is very lacking in terms of removing themselves from said technology in favor of a more "direct" approach to communications with different classes, ethnicities, etc. I feel stuck at times within the realms of virtual society, but have managed to make some breakthroughs of removing myself from the bounds of technology, though these moments have been not as frequent as I hoped. There is most definitely a larger risk of harm in regards towards how certain individuals react online, leading to some gruesome cases similar to those actively depicted in Sword Art Online.

In fact, there can be direct connections between the NEETs as depicted in Eden of the East and the virtual component of Sword Art Online, as many NEETs would rather find ways of staying virtually active and separated from society as much as possible, however, with a higher risk of unexpected ailments from a lack of active motion or interaction.

[hmwagner]

Hi @grandiosekaiju!

I appreciated your honesty in your experience being stuck in a sort of virtual "bubble," if you will. I definitely struggle with smartphone addiction, and this is typical of Gen Z students. I definitely agree with your analysis on how an older generation, such as Baby Boomers, perceives Gen Z and NEET status as laziness. In Japan, respecting your elders is a serious matter, and if your elders criticize you in this way, you feel the weight of their expectations.

You mention there's a difference in the way people act online versus in real life. I think the mirror effect moment in Sword Art Online is interesting because it reveals the persona lurking behind the keyboard, making the player much more vulnerable. Had they not had the mirror and kept their avatars, psychologically, this likely would have made the players behave differently.

[hmwagner]

Psycho-Pass

Psycho-Pass is a really interesting example of panopticism. In the show, the Sibyl System is constantly monitoring citizen's psychological states to determine how likely they are to commit a crime. Individuals with a high possibility of committing crime are dealt with, often times lethally. The 24/7 government surveillance is intended to serve as a threat to keep citizens in line. The intense government interference additionally takes away a sense of identity. In attempt to create a crime-free utopia, the Sibyl System is actually creating a codependent dystopia. The surveillance and psychological monitoring are very reminiscent of George Orwell's "1984," especially the "thought crime" scenes from the book.

Something I was able to identify about the Sibyl System was its neoliberal ideas. The citizens' value is determined by their mental status. They are treated as assets rather than real people. The character, Makishima, goes against these neoliberal ideals with his free thinking. He advocates against the Sibyl System and claims its casting a numbness over the citizens. Through violent crimes, Makishima is causing scenes in an attempt to wake them up. Though his methods were unjust, I found myself able to understand the need for freedom under a system like Sibyl.

Psycho-Pass is additionally a very good example of what can happen when technology goes unchecked. It digs up a lot of fears I personally have with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). I also was able to identify with the pressure to maintain stable mental health out of fear of societal consequence. In Psycho-Pass, mental health is heavily stigmatized, and this is representative of a real-world struggle to appear "well" in order to present stability to others. It also goes to say that society, in general, should work to destigmatize mental health, and focus on rehabilitation.

Where does the line between safety and freedom get drawn? Regardless, checks and balances become increasingly important as technology advances.