mskelton4

[syius1311]

Your Name/Hetalia/ Sensōron

Watching Your Name makes me realize the importance of connection. Individuals form connections because of common beliefs, and then they form a community. However, as time progresses, people begin to value themselves over connection. Rural area that suffers from natural disasters are being abandoned because they can no longer bring value(money and profit) to the country. Not just in Your Name, Makoto Shinkai often uses the element of natural disaster in his movies to warn his audience about the connection and bonds between people, and that these bonds should not be devalued because they don’t bring profit to the country. 

To be honest, I don’t quite understand the message Hetalia is trying to give at first. The use of stereotypes is funny, but it’s probably more than that. Humans are biased because we grew up in an environment where propaganda about other countries is everywhere. I used to have a friend who grew up in China who believed every American carries a gun with them, no matter where they go. I have also met a couple of Americans who believed that China remains in the 80s, and all the advanced city photos are just Chinese propaganda. While it’s weird to see all the historical trauma turned into funny shows, I figure maybe the use of stereotypes is to help individuals see the essence of the nation, where propagandas are not applied. 

Reading Sensōron is really disconcerting for me. Historical trauma should not be removed under any circumstances. However, this manga does show the difficulty in carrying the painful history. The purpose of history is so people don’t repeat the past and make the same mistake. But the question is how to react to these events, especially if one's nation is involved in them. After learning about the Nanking Massacre, some of the younger generation of Japanese feel shame about their country, and some of the younger generation of Chinese are taught to be upset and mad at the Japanese. These emotions are formed because of the connection between them and their country, and it’s difficult to say whether or not they are wrong. 

[mskelton4]

Hi!

I really like how you tied Your Name’s theme of connection to the broader issue of rural abandonment and profit-driven values. Your point about Hetalia using stereotypes as a way to strip away propaganda is interesting, especially with your personal examples of cultural misconceptions. I agree that Sensōron raises tough questions about how nations handle painful history, and your framing of generational emotions was thoughtful. It’s a reminder that connection to one’s country can inspire both pride and deep conflict.

[mskelton4]

Your Name / Hetalia: Axis Powers / Sensōron

Watching Your Name, Hetalia: Axis Powers, and reading Sensōron in close succession to each other made for a truly jarring collection of tone and perspective: romantic fantasy, satirical comedy, and hardline political rhetoric. They all deal with identity in such different manners, and that's what struck me the most. Your Name was so human and relatable despite the supernatural premise. The body-swapping and time-bending romance is framed in themes of memory, fate, and the fragility of human connection. What impressed me most was the way it balances rural and urban Japan, a subtle tension between tradition and modernity without allowing either to "be the enemy." I could relate to desiring a connective that bridges both physical and temporal distance, and the disaster subplot of the film reminded me of how communities react to crisis, something universally applicable in our era of climate change. Hetalia: Axis Powers takes a completely different approach, anthropomorphizing nations into caricatured extremes. It's absurd and humorous, yet beneath the humor lies a reminder of how history gets reduced and rewritten depending on who's doing the telling. As someone who grew up on internet meme culture, I was in a position to appreciate the absurdity, yet I was also aware of how its stereotypes risked facilitating superficial or even problematic understandings of nations and historical events. Then came Sensōron, which was probably the most striking of all. Reading it after the other two made me wonder at how media use is used not only to entertain, but to rewrite or push back entire histories. I had fascination from the media-literacy standpoint over its rhetorical techniques, and simultaneously, yet were made uneasy by the fact that such persuasive visual rhetoric, even when deeply flawed in their claims, could easily steal anyone's show. These works together made me recall that Japanese media, as with that of any nation, is a mirror, a funhouse reflection, or a conscious distortion of cultural identity and history. And I believe  it is for the viewer to determine which is the case.

[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.

[mskelton4]

Hi!! I really connected with what you said about both stories offering hope if people are willing to change for the better. The way you described Nausicaä trying to understand the forest instead of destroying it really stood out to me as well I think it’s such a powerful message, especially with everything happening in the world now. I also liked how you related Xenoblade Chronicles 2 to real emotions and friendships. Even in a fantasy world, it shows how much people rely on each other to get through hard times.

[mskelton4]

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind / Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Watching Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 back-to-back literally had my head spinning. Both take place in broken worlds caused by human endeavor but offer rather different pictures of what follows. What struck me most wasn't so much the devastation of the environment as such, but the way both worlds think about recovery.

Xenoblade literally took me by surprise. Instead of conforming to the popular belief that humans need to disappear and the earth recover, it suggests we're really part of the solution if we do it with thought. Klaus's whole framework of Titans and Blades is an expression of a kind of hopeful belief in human capability. That spoke to me. I've always felt swamped by climate stories and helpless about what I can do. This story made me feel like being there, with intention and care, maybe more than anything else, might be more important than perfection.

Nausicaä, on the other hand, is gentler but more unsettling. The idea that we just need to honor nature, instead of attempting to control and fix it, really speaks to me. Nausicaä's humanity toward all living things, even the creepy ones, made me realize how detached from the world I can become. She never tries to control the environment. She listens.

Both pieces made me stop dreaming about nature "over there" or outside us. They prompt how it would feel to live as if we are all together as a part of the larger whole. Recycling, slowing down, or just going outside and paying attention, I exited both feeling like perhaps the smallest actions do mean something. And that's a weirdly hopeful sensation.

More than anything, these stories made me want to stay aware of the ground beneath my feet, the air I breathe, and the choices I make every day. They reminded me that the future isn’t only about fixing the world later, but about how we live with it now. Maybe if enough of us start paying attention, we can carry a bit of that weird hope into something real.

[syius1311]

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Something I found interesting about Neon Genesis Evangelion is that while Shinji, Asuka, and Rei have similar backgrounds, their characteristics and personalities turned out to be completely different, especially between Asuka and Shinji. Asuka’s mother participated in and survived a contact experiment with Unit-02. However, she has gone insane ever since, recognizing Asuka’s doll as her daughter. Then, Asuka found her mother’s dead body the day she was elected as an Eva pilot.  During Asuka's mother’s funeral, Asuka told her grandma that she now has to take care of herself; therefore, she couldn’t cry. She hides all her emotions that would be considered weak or vulnerable and adopts hegemonic masculinity. This is Asuka’s way to survive in society.

Shinji, on the other hand, chose a different path. Shinji’s mother passed away in an experiment with Unit-01, and shortly after his mother’s death, his father abandoned him. This causes Shinji to be fear of being left behind. Rather than questioning his father, Shinji blames everything on himself; he believes that his father left him because he’s not good enough. This then leads Shinji to become a people pleaser. The constant thought of he’s not being good enough led him to adopt queer masculinity. However, because of the traits of queer masculinity, they’re often looked down on by the hegemonic masculinity. This further shattered Shinji’s confidence. Although he’s desperate for people's attention and love, he refuses to let other people get near him or try to love others. 

Unlike Asuka or Shinji, Rei is a clone of Shinji’s mother. At the start of the series, Rei shows no emotion except for Shinji’s father. She’s rational and independent, which are typical traits for hegemonic masculinity. As the story continues, Rei begins to show emotions to other characters, even the emotions that are typically viewed to be fragile. Even though Rei starts as a hegemonic masculinity character, she eventually adopts some traits of queer masculinity. 

[mskelton4]

Hi, I really like how you broke down the differences between Asuka, Shinji, and Rei, especially how their coping mechanisms shaped their forms of masculinity. Your point about Asuka’s choice to hide her emotions as a survival tactic really stood out because it shows how deeply her trauma shaped her outward persona. I also found it interesting how you described Shinji’s people-pleasing as part of queer masculinity and how that made him more vulnerable to rejection. The part about Rei’s gradual shift toward showing emotions was a great observation too. It really highlights how each character evolves differently despite similar backgrounds.

[mskelton4]

Neon Genesis Evangelion and The End of Evangelion

Watching Neon Genesis Evangelion and The End of Evangelion was one of the most unique experiences I’ve had with any anime. At first, I expected a traditional mecha story full of action and heroic characters. Instead, the series and film delved into themes of trauma, vulnerability, and identity in ways that were incredibly raw. What stood out most to me was how honest the series felt about emotional struggle, something that I think resonates far beyond Japan.

The pressure Shinji faces to “be a man” mirrors real-world expectations for men to suppress emotions and endure hardships silently. This is especially relevant in Japan, where cultural ideals like gaman (endurance) are deeply ingrained, but it’s a global issue too. I could relate to the way Shinji internalized criticism and questioned his own worth, because I think most people, at some point, have felt the weight of societal expectations.

What I also found compelling was how Evangelion didn’t offer easy resolutions. The ending of the TV series felt hopeful, while the film’s conclusion was more ambiguous and even bleak. That duality reflects real life, sometimes we find acceptance, and sometimes we’re still searching for it. Shinji’s journey felt less like a power fantasy and more like an exploration of being human in a world full of pressures, loss, and uncertainty.

I also noticed how Evangelion tied into concepts from the readings, particularly around hegemonic masculinity. Shinji’s rejection of the “heroic male” archetype highlights how rigid gender norms can harm individuals. That aspect of the story made me reflect on how we define strength and why vulnerability is often dismissed as weakness.

Overall, Evangelion is about much more than giant robots. It’s a deeply emotional work that challenges viewers to think about themselves, society, and the roles we’re expected to play.

[imkindacoolngl]

True Otaku: Not Just About Anime, But About Belonging

Watching True Otaku: The Documentary was not just an educational experience; it was surprisingly emotional. I went in expecting to learn about anime fandom and cosplay, but what I found was something meaningful: a story about identity, community, and the power of shared passion. Across all three parts, the documentary paints a vivid picture of what it means to be an otaku, not just in Japan but also in the United States, and how identity is expressed through creativity and connection. 

In Part 1, the documentary introduces the term "otaku" and attempts to define the word through multiple interviews. We see how its meaning shifts depending on where you are. In Japan, it often carries a negative connotation, suggesting someone obsessive and socially withdrawn. In the U.S., the meaning is entirely different; the term has been repurposed into something empowering. From what I understand, an otaku is a super fan, just like someone might be a fan of sports or any other media event. This definition of the term sets the tone for the documentary. We aren’t just watching a documentary on people who watch anime, but rather on individuals who build identities and form relationships through it. 

Part 2, we focus on one of the many people during the convention: a cosplayer named Dustbunny. Who is preparing for a big costume contest at Anime USA, and we follow her as she describes the designing process of creating and bringing the cosplay to life. This part opened my eyes to the amount of work that goes into cosplay. It's not just about throwing on a wig and an outfit; it's about utilizing various skills, including crafting, sewing, engineering, and performing. This increased attention to cosplay is helping new people learn essential skills that are seen as losing popularity. We hear Dustbunny talk about her nerves, her hopes, and the satisfaction of creating an outfit that you connect with and that you created yourself. There is something powerful in cosplay that allows people to express aspects of themselves that they don’t always get to express in everyday life. 

In part 3, we finally arrive at the contest, where we get to see Dustbunny evaluated by the judges. She explains that the process is never-ending but kind of fun, and how everyone there, including the judges, is pleasant, friendly, understanding, and appreciative of your hobbies. We also receive a few more interviews from other people who share their experiences of how they view the conventions. This is the final piece of the interview that shows just how connected everyone is and how this hobby and lifestyle people have isn't weird but essential. The quote by Takamasa Sakurai stuck with me. “If you can find joy in something you can build bridges.” This quote stuck with me because it's powerful and uplifting. That's what we try to do as a human population: build bridges and connections. Seeing people come together through this shared passion was powerful and uplifting. 

By now, I’ve only watched about 15 anime series, so I came to the idea that I wasn't a real fan. However, at the end of the documentary, I realized that the idea was silly. The documentary showed me that fandom isn't about how many shows and facts you know. It's about finding joy, sharing it with others, and building a space where you can be yourself without fear of judgment. The whole documentary was uplifting and made me want to attend a convention. You don't have to be the most hardcore fan to belong; you just need to show up, be curious, and open to the experience. Because in the end, it's not just about anime, it's about connection, and that's something everyone can relate to.

I picked this image due to recently becoming a Borderlands fan, so seeing a cosplay of characters from the series made me interested in watching the documentary

[mskelton4]

I enjoyed reading your post and the way that you brought True Otaku back around to issues of identity and belonging. I also watched the documentary, and I was similarly struck by how powerful it was to watch fandom stand for something so much deeper than being "into anime." As you put it, the Dustbunny scene really resonated because it brought home how much time, energy, and emotion are invested in cosplay. It's not so much making a costume; it's making an interpretation of yourself that you can present to the world, which is deeply inspiring. I also liked your reference to the different meanings of "otaku" in Japan and America. That reminded me that in America, fandom tends to redefine labels as something positive and empowering. Your conclusion that you don't need to know everything and watch a lot of anime in order to fit in really resonated with me. That sense of connection and shared joy is exactly what I've experienced at cons as well. I truly hope you do get to make it to one someday because the community and atmosphere are so much like what the documentary showed!

[mskelton4]

Pensacon / Swampcon 2024

I went to Pensacon 2024 in downtown Pensacola and immediately got swept up in the whirlwind of fandom, cosplay, and all-around geek energy. Pensacon is a huge pop‑culture convention that covers everything, comics, anime, sci‑fi, gaming, fantasy, and it draws tens of thousands of people every year. The best part for me was cosplaying as Todo from Jujutsu Kaisen with my friends, who dressed up as Gojo, Geto, Mechamaru, and Ino. Being in costume with them felt like we were part of something bigger, and it was such a cool way to express ourselves in a space full of creativity and excitement.

Walking into the Pensacola Civic Center, the first thing I noticed was how insanely crowded it was, but in a good way. The main vendor hall was huge, packed with booths selling everything from model kits and artwork to clothes and collectibles. Fans were everywhere, chatting and vibing with each other. One of the highlights was meeting voice actors like the ones behind Cyborg and Vegeta, plus a few other familiar voices from anime and animation. Getting to take pictures with so many of them was honestly surreal and really exciting.

What stuck with me most was the sense of community. Everywhere I looked, Jujutsu Kaisen fans were hyping each other up, complimenting each other’s cosplays, and just being really supportive. My friends and I ended up doing mini photoshoots with other cosplayers dressed as the same characters, and it was fun meeting people who loved the same thing we did. As a fan and student, I felt like I was building part of my identity there, the costume, the character, the friendships, it all tied together and reminded me why fandom is so powerful.

We’ve talked in class about how anime fandom is more than just watching shows, and Pensacon really proved that. Cosplaying as Todo let me take on the character’s personality and values, like loyalty and strength, which are things I connect with. It also opened the door for conversations with other fans all weekend. Sharing the cosplay experience with my friends made us feel closer and really cemented our little Jujutsu Kaisen crew.

Meeting the voice actors during panels and photo‑ops added another layer to the experience. Hearing the voices you’ve known for so long in person is so wild, it makes the shows feel even more special. It reminded me that there are real people behind the characters we love, and that fandom isn’t just about consuming media. It’s about interacting with the people and the art that make it possible.

I also got a quick glimpse of SwampCon 2024 when I was visiting the University of Florida. I didn’t get to fully check it out, but I saw UF students cosplaying around the J. Wayne Reitz Union during the main event. SwampCon is smaller than Pensacon and more low‑key, but it had the same creative energy. Students were in great costumes, artists were showing off their work, and the whole place felt alive.

Compared to Pensacon, SwampCon felt way more community‑centered and DIY. Some of my friends were actually on the SwampCon committee and helped put together panels and cosplay contests, which is pretty cool. It was less about celebrity guests and more about fans building the event together. That made me realize fandom isn’t just about big conventions with famous people, local events like SwampCon are just as important for bringing people together.

Pensacon leaned into the commercial side of fandom with vendors and celebrity culture, but it still built real connections between people. SwampCon was more about fans creating their own space without the commercial side of things. Both conventions showed me how fandom can help people build identity and community through participation and creativity.

Overall, Pensacon 2024 was exciting, a little overwhelming, but so much fun. Meeting voice actors, cosplaying with friends, and checking out the booths made me feel like I really belonged there. SwampCon added a different perspective by showing me what smaller, fan‑driven spaces are like, lower cost, less formal, but just as full of creativity. Both experiences helped me see fandom not just as enjoying shows or games but as a bigger culture built by fans themselves.

[vannahxd1]

“Never judge a book by its cover.”

Sailor Moon / Aggretsuko / Wandering Son

Hola reader,

My favorite anime, surprisingly, was the one I thought would be my least favorite, Aggretsuko, due to its art style and animal-like, furry characters. What they say is true: “Never judge a book by its cover,” and I think this quote applies well to this week’s theme of gender and feminism.

The first anime up on the chopping block is Sailor Moon. My favorite part of this anime was the side characters and their interactions around Usagi, such as Luna and her school friends. They bring a sense of reliability, comfort, and comedy to a good versus evil narrative. The main thing I didn’t like about this anime was Usagi’s crying, childishness, and occasional helplessness; however, I do understand that she is fourteen years old. I also understand the perspective of girl power and how Sailor Moon teaches girls that they have power, even if they do not excel academically, are gaining weight, or just do not fit into society’s perfect standards. 

Moving on to my favorite of the week, Aggretsuko. This anime had me completely enveloped, on the edge of my seat at times, and overall, it was a rollercoaster of emotions. This is an anime I might actually watch in my free time. They appreciated all the characters, including Ton and Anai at times, and the plot as a whole. This anime showed what being a woman in the past would really look like, just in a cuter form. I thought this anime was for children when looking at the art style, but I soon came to find out from Retsuko’s awesome heavy metal that it was not, and the real concepts that it portrays to the viewers are impeccable.

Lastly, Wandering Son. I honestly felt very impartial about this one. I did not like it, nor did I hate it; it was just there. I did not relate to the main characters in this anime, but I do understand the deeper meanings portrayed in this media text, and they run quite deep, reflecting back to the real world.

Thanks for reading, さようなら, Sayōnara.

[mskelton4]

Hi, I loved reading your opinions so much! I also found that Aggretsuko was way more interesting than I had expected. The juxtaposition between the cute art style and the ugly problems like workplace sexism and burnout caught me completely off guard in the best way. I'm with you on Sailor Moon too i think the the supporting cast really flesh out the world, and the girl power theme is still relevant, although Usagi's personality can be annoying sometimes. I felt the same way about Wandering Son, it didn't grab me initially but still liked its message.

[mskelton4]

Sailor Moon / Aggretsuko / Wandering Son

Watching these three anime back to back gave me a lot to think about. To be honest, it was really interesting to watch Sailor Moon as a man. I knew about the show as a kid but never got to watch it, and seeing how unapologetically female it is made me think about how I was socialized to avoid watching shows like that when I was a kid. I personally adored the combination of "girly" and heroism—it's not yet usual to be witnessing femininity being accepted as good rather than something that has to be suppressed. It reminded me of how in life there are just so many unspoken rules about what men and women are "supposed" to enjoy or do.

Aggretsuko immediately hooked me because of its aesthetic. I love how cute and fun it looks, but it's actually tackling real issues like corporate sexism, burnout, and gendered norms. My favorite parts where Retsuko suppresses her anger are relatable to me too. I may not be able to say that I've ever been exactly in her shoes, but I do recognize the frustration that comes with bottling up anger to prevent a fight. The way the show used death metal as her release seemed strangely familiar, despite the fact that I don't sing metal at karaoke.

Wandering Son was pitched differently but plain intense. I found myself rooting for Nitori as they fought to find themselves. I've never had to worry about my own gender performance, so it was interesting to read how something as ordinary as a school uniform could feel suffocating. It made me realize how limiting gender roles can be, not only in Japan but everywhere.

In all three, I was also impressed by how tirelessly people are urged to "perform" gender correctly. These anime demonstrate how that pressure shapes people's lives in ways sometimes empowering, sometimes hurtful, and often complicated.

[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.

[mskelton4]

I really enjoyed reading your reflection, I like the part where you point out the honesty in Genshiken. I felt the same way watching it. It's not flashy, but it hits home with how real the characters fell. The part about finding people who accept you really stood out to me as well. I think a lot of us hold back our interests out of fear of being judged, so seeing that kind of growth and acceptance in the group is powerful. I feel like you see that a lot in college, at least from my personal experience. It's cool how something so simple can leave such a strong impact.

[mskelton4]

Genshiken

Watching Genshiken felt oddly personal. At first, I thought it would be just a goofy club anime about otaku, but it turned into something more layered. The characters are socially awkward, deeply passionate, and sometimes painfully real. What stood out to me was how it didn't mock them but it portrayed their love for manga, games, and cosplay as something that gave them identity and community. It reminds me of some of my friends at UF. Episodes from Season 2, 10 and 11, where Madarame wrestles with his feelings for Saki, definitely hit. It wasn't about the romance but about vulnerability, how hard it is to express emotion when you've grown used to hiding behind fiction. I think a lot of people, not just in Japan, turn to fandom as a safe space. But Genshiken shows that even in those spaces, it's hard to be honest. The club's dynamic is also a subtle commentary on Japan's social norms. There's this pressure to conform, to be productive, to grow out of "childish" things. But Genshiken challenges that. It says it's okay to be a fan, to care deeply about something, and to find your people. That message felt universal. Tamaki Saito's concept of the "otaku" as someone who escapes from a painful reality into fiction really came to life here. But Genshiken also shows that fiction isn't just escape, it can be connection. And sometimes, that's enough. Episode 9 and OVA 1 also highlight the tension between reality and performance, especially through cosplay and the character's awkward social interactions. Those moments reminded me that identity isn't fixed but its something you negotiate, sometimes through trial and error. Genshiken might be niche, but it captures a kind of quiet emotional truth that lingers longer than you expect.

[syius1311]

Naruto/Wolf Children/A Slient Voice

As the one who doesn’t quite fit in with the social expectation, Naruto, Wolf Children, and A Silent Voice allow me to reflect on how I have dealt with discrimination throughout my life. As an Asian who grew up in American society, I’m grateful to say that almost everyone near me has treated me with kindness. While the American society will influence me in one way or another, I don’t have to purposely change myself or prove myself in order to fit into the society. It’s like the countryside Hana moved to in Wolf Children. I’m allowed to experience my culture and identity, then decide who I want to become. Just like Hana, my parents didn’t limit my will to explore by stating I have to become so and so. This situation is rare in the older generation, especially in Asian households. Often, they’ll have a set path for their children because “they have experienced everything and know what’s best for them.” However, society changes over time. An individual should be the one who decides how they want to live in society, not their parents. At the end of the Wolf Children, Hana fully respected Yuki and Ame’s decision as if they wanted to live like a human or wolves. While society limits the freedom of those who don’t fit into the standard, there are still spaces for them to explore what kind of life they want to live. 

In addition to society where I’m able to explore my identity, I have also experienced a society where I have to change myself to become a part of it. I was born with my left eye not fully developed, causing my appearance to be different from others. Because of it, I received countless pity looks or looks that view me as abnormal. It wasn’t until I started to wear a prosthetic eye that everything changed. Just like Narotu, I ended up having to change myself to be accepted by the others. Because of a similar experience, when Narotu won the respect of everyone, it was more melancholy that I felt than happiness. He should have similar rights and the same treatment as others because he’s a living being, not because he saved everyone. Insiviusal shouldn’t be the one that changes when society is corrupt. 

While I was able to connect with Wolf Children and Naruto, I have mixed feelings about A Silent Voice. Although my community allows me to be who I am, I was bullied when I first moved to America (second grade) due to my identity and physical appearance. It wasn’t severe like the movie, but that doesn’t give a free pass for bullying. Nor can a “child’s immature actions” be an excuse for bullying. Once the harm is done, the harm is done. However, all the actions Shoya made to fix the relationship between him and Shoko amaze me, since most of the bullies will apologize and live their lives like nothing had happened before. Being different isn’t a crime, and yet, a part of society will devalue their right to live like others. 

[mskelton4]

I really relate to what you said about identity. My parents have always supported me, but when I was in grade school, I definitely felt a lot of pressure from my peers to change just to fit in. Wolf Children nailed that feeling of figuring out where you belong. Your thoughts on Naruto also made me see it differently, respect should be basic, not something you have to prove by doing something crazy. A Silent Voice showed how real bullying's impact is, and how rare it is to see someone actually try to make things right. Thanks for sharing your take and personal experience, it got me thinking about my own experiences too.

[mskelton4]

Naruto / Wolf Children / A Silent Voice

After watching Naruto, Wolf Children, and A Silent Voice over the past week had me thinking about things I don't usually slow down to process, like where I fit in, how I handle pain, and what it means to belong. As someone who's mixed (half Filipino half American), I've definitely felt that weird tension of not being "enough" of either culture. In Wolf Children, that theme of dual identity was close to home, i felt it emotionally. The way Yuki and Ame have to decide which part of themselves to embrace, human or wolf, felt close to home as me and my sister feel the same. I spent awhile thinking I had to choose, especially growing up around people who didn't understand Filipino culture. But over time, especially after starting college and connecting more with both sides of my family, I realized I don't need to choose. I can be both, fully. With Naruto, what stuck out wasn't the action or the plot, it was that constant need to push through pain and keep going. That idea of gaman and ganbaru, enduring without complaint, is something I grew up around too. It's inspiring, but also exhausting. I've been learning that strength doesn't always mean staying quiet or carrying everything alone. A Silent voice was the one that hit me the hardest. It brought back memories of times when I didn't speak up, or when I misjudged people out of fear or insecurity. Shoya's journey to try and make things right isn't perfect, but that's what makes it feel so honest. Redemption doesn't come all at once, it comes in small moments of choosing to care.

While these stories are uniquely Japanese, the emotions behind them are global. And in a way, deeply personal too.

[anime-culture]

Shin Sekai Yori Reflection

The experience of watching Shin Sekai Yori left me with an unsettling yet positive feeling. This anime stands out as one of the few shows that I have ever seen that presents the concept of power through its unflinching and truthful depiction. The constructed society appears terrifying because its members genuinely believe their survival depends on their actions. This concept struck me deeply. Observing power from outside becomes simpler, but when one child's outburst threatens to destroy an entire town, the fear becomes logical because it exists within the system. The fear-based nature of society left the deepest impression on me. The adults function as ordinary citizens because their environment teaches them to prioritize truth suppression over confronting reality. The way this mindset functions in Japanese society and worldwide shows how communities choose to ignore problematic historical facts and suppress dissent to preserve stability.

The parallels between these situations exist in real life through censorship and national memory erasure, and educational control. Saki’s character arc especially resonated. She stands apart from other survivors because she maintains her humanity toward others while the political situation demands their dehumanization. Her ability to show compassion toward queerats despite their dehumanization by society gives me optimism about her future leadership potential. The story of Shin Sekai Yori investigates both power management and empathy development within systems that exist to fear differences between people.

The anime forced me to rethink my views about leadership, together with control methods. The experience prompted me to examine my tendency to classify people through easy labels instead of making an effort to understand them. The story achieves its power through its dual nature as both dystopian fiction and a reflective mirror of reality. The experience compels you to ponder  your actions if you held the authority to create new rules.

[mskelton4]

Your reflection really resonated with me, especially your insight about how fear operates from within the system. I felt the same way watching how normalized it was for people to suppress the truth and justify cruelty in the name of safety. The moment you said "truth suppression over confronting reality" reminded me of the quiet ways societies often choose comfort over confrontation, either through education systems, history textbooks, or media narratives. I like how you mentioned Saki's compassion towards the queerats. Her empathy stood out to me as well. It felt like a defiance of the rules she was raised under. It made me think about how difficult it is to hold onto your humanity when everything around tells you to let it go for the sake of the greater good. The show made me question whether I've internalized the idea that people should be "managed" instead of understood. That line about labeling people too quickly is something I'm very guilty of. Thanks for sharing, it gave me a new lens through which to think about the show and how its theme echo beyond its fictional setting.

[mskelton4]

Shin Sekai Yori

My personal experience with watching Shin Sekai Yori left me emotionally unsettled in a way that I did not expect. It's not just the violence or twists but the way tthe story slowly erodes the idea that peace and trust can exist without brutal tradeoffs. What really struck me was how much this world wants to be good and how far said world is willing to appear good. The constant surveillance of children, the euphemisms for murder ("eliminated"), and the reprogrammed memories reminded me of not a far off dystopia, but of real life expectations growing up in structured environments where conformity is rewarded and deviation is quietly punished. I thought about my own childhood, especially in school settings where pressure to "stay on track" was intense. No one was watching for telekinetic outbursts, but there was a fear of saying or doing the wrong thing and being labeled "difficult." That subtle social discipline, whether from teachers, parents, or peers felt echoed in the world of Shin Sekai Yori. I wondered what kind of person that I could have become if I hadn't internalized those pressures. Globally, the anime seems to ask: how much control is too much if it's in the name of safety? The way society turns fear into a justification for cruelty reminded me of contemporary debates around surveilance, both in Japan and here. Watching Saki grow up in that system, but still daring to hope for something better, felt deeply human. We don't get a neat resolution, but we do get a question: can we build a future based on trust, rather than fear?

[vannahxd1]

Psycho-Pass

Hello everyone!! Do you think it’s time for a change of mood? I do! Today, I am going to be talking about a darker anime named Psycho-Pass. Initially, I was shocked by the shift from sweet, light-hearted anime to dark anime with sexual assault, murder, and mind-bending ideas. I skipped a couple of episodes of this anime, but I ended up watching until the last episode, though I was going to stop at episode 17. It was honestly such a good anime!! The way this anime makes you think and how the plot comes around full circle, and the end, where SPOILER a text states that the Sibyl System continues on after everything that we learned. Psycho-pass has made me see how a government or control system can change the way average civilians live. Comparing this anime world to the real world, I can see similarities in aspects such as security and surveillance. Learning about the Sibyl system was the most important aspect for me when watching, and when I saw what it was actually made of, I didn't fully understand. However, as the show provided more details, I gained a better grasp of it. From the beginning, I thought having a system that decides a person's fate based on a person's mental state was weird, but this is what most sci-fi movies are about: the future where robots control humans. Seeing how people lost their free will and sense of choice also stood out. Additionally, the way the idea of a panopticon is presented and explained through this series also helps me understand its concept and its application in the real world. There are definitely still parts of the world, even in Japan or America, where people still live like this, like livestock, being told what to do and what is best for them. The way the Sibyl system controls people and calculates everyone’s purpose and value, as seen in the inspector's case, also demonstrates the system's considerable power over the whole country and its people. Thanks for reading, さようなら, Sayōnara.

[mskelton4]

I liked reading your take on Psycho-Pass. It felt really honest and relatable. I had a similar experience where I wasn’t expecting how dark and intense it would get, but I ended up really pulled in too. The whole idea behind the Sibyl System and how it decides people’s worth based on mental state was disturbing, but also fascinating in a weird way.

The way you described people living like livestock really hit. It’s unsettling how easily people in that world give up control because they’re told it’s for their safety or stability. And like you mentioned, there are definitely parts of our world today where people are pushed into roles or expected to just follow along without questioning anything. That made a lot of the show feel closer to real life than I expected.