blog

[imkindacoolngl]

Goodbye Animeted World

Your name was incredible. I love everything about it. The animation was stunning, the music hit every note just right, and the story had so much emotional weight that it stayed with me. The moment when Taki and Mitsuhameet on the train after Taki learns he can save the town. I was nervous until the very end, when they finally saw each other and exchanged names. The anime made me think about how people can feel connected even when they don't fully understand why. I love that, thanks to his plan, the town's culture was saved, and he still got what he wanted. 

Hetalia wasn't as interesting as I thought. I liked the character designs, even though they are stereotypes like America always holding a hamburger or a shake, I found it amusing. The exaggerated voices and sexual undertones were often distracting and annoying, but I can see why this anime had such a huge fan base. It turns the serious events of World War II into something funny and laughable. At times, it worked well; other times, it was a little too serious, which was unsettling. I respect it for tackling a new topic.  

Sensoron was unsettling. The author was very persuasive in his way of convincing you of his side, and how the war stories can and were manipulated, yet I think his writing does something similar, especially how he can selectively pick his arguments after hearing that in the lecture, it showed how when he makes points, you can trust him, either because of his own tactics and visual rhetoric.

All of these works reflect different aspects of Japan, like memory, identity, and war. While I connected with Your Name the most, I still think the rest of the anime had a unique idea, and I wish I could have connected with them more.  

So for a final send off, it was fun reading y'all's post and making them, good luck at UF and Sayōnara

[syius1311]

The use of tactics and visual rhetoric in Sensoron is truly scary. I grew up learning about the Nanking Massacre from all sorts of media, and yet, the author makes me question myself a tiny bit. At the end of the manga, all I feel is upset and mad. All the horrifying, concerning pasts are removed from history and pretend that they have never happened before. This is truly unsettling and disconcerting. I had similar feelings when watching Hetalia. I don't believe that a serious event like WWII can be turned into something funny and laughable. They should be treated seriously and with respect. At the end of reading Sensoron, I realized the importance of critical thinking.

[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. 

[anime-culture]

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind / Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 have a common thread of depicting human arrogance towards nature. The core message of both stories reveals nature as an active force that possesses its own logic and will. Humanity's breakdown extends beyond environmental damage and armed conflicts because it represents their refusal to coexist with nature. Her flight above the poisoned jungle, where she endangered herself to understand the broken world, made me feel the need for humility. She does not attempt to control nature by dominating it instead, she listens to its wisdom.

The lesson from nature surpasses control attempts in today's urgent global crisis of climate change and species extinction, and collapsing ecosystems. The fantasy world of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 presents similar themes despite its different setting. Through the Blade system, people use living titans as tools in the world. The resulting imbalance between natural systems causes the collapse of entire systems. The world was reacting to its death rather than simply dying, which impressed me the most. The system retaliates when Malos and his allies surpass their limits. Disasters like the COVID-19 pandemic and wildfires serve as examples of natural events that humans make worse through their systems, combined with their pursuit of greed.

The stories show that the answer does not lie in absolute withdrawal or technological miracles but requires a fundamental change in perspective. Nausicaä demonstrates her strength through her ability to empathize rather than through her weapons. Rex discovers his power through building connections with Pyra, along with the Titans and the people who surround him. These narratives oppose the extractive approach, which treats human beings together with natural resources and emotional connections as resources to be exhausted.

The stories have led me to evaluate my own methods of interacting with the world. Am I attempting to conquer, or am I attempting to listen? Do I claim to possess all the answers, or am I prepared to accept incorrect perspectives? The questions asked in these stories exist beyond fantasy because they represent actual problems that need immediate attention.

[syius1311]

I love how you mention that change in perspective in what we need, rather than absolute withdrawal or technological miracles. Humans set themselves as the dominant, treating nature submissively. We take the natural resources and feed on our greed, and we then complain about why wildfire happens, or why the ocean isn't as clear as before. Unlike Nausicaä, who listens to nature's wisdom, we ignore the message and warning of nature. If we don't change our perspective and focus on what nature wants, then human civilization will eventually become history. After that, those who truly respect nature will be the ones living on this planet. 

[syius1311]

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind/

Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Among all of the anime I have watched, Nausicca is one of my favorite characters. She’s intelligent, brave, and sympathetic; she played the role of a savior to prevent humans from further damaging nature. This makes me reflect that do we need a figure like her to restore Earth, or will Earth eventually wipe us out? Most people believe that Earth and nature are just instruments for humans to use, and we can do whatever we want to them. In that way, humans are just a shellfish being that takes advantage of the goods provided to us. In August 2023, Japan began to dump nuclear waste water into the Pacific Ocean. While they claim this action is safe, the nuclear wastewater will more than likely damage the environment and disrupt the ecosystem. If humans continue to destroy the planet, eventually, Earth will begin to wipe out the human population so it can restore itself.  

The scene where the Elysium wasn’t anything like they expected in Xenoblade Chronicles 2 leads me to question why people are so obsessed with finding paradise. In the game, Elysium is expected to be a place full of trees, and yet everything is artificial. Humans are so eager to find paradise when Earth is already given to us. Rather than treating it with respect, we took advantage of it. Then, when Earth is damaged, we question where heaven exists. Personally, I’m not the biggest fan of the idea that humans and Earth need each other to survive. Humans have existed on Earth for about 300,000 years, and Earth has been around for roughly 4.5 billion years. Humans need Earth to survive, but Earth does not need humans to survive. Even in a situation where there are absolutely no organisms on Earth, I believe that humans and Earth will both die off. 

Both Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Xenoblade Chronicles 2 prompted a great deal of reflection on how humans and Earth can coexist. If humans continue to feed their greed and ignore the Earth's warnings. Eventually, some type of armageddon will wipe the human population out. 

[imkindacoolngl]

Pen-Pen is the goat (Neon Genesis Evangelion and EOE)

Watching Neon Genesis and EOE was a frustrating but unforgettable experience. I went in expecting giant mechs, epic battles, and character growth, but what was waiting felt like a psychological maze. I don't mind complex ideas in media, but I found the ending of the TV series extremely dissatisfying. The flashing visuals and repetition of Shinji's self-doubt made it hard for me to enjoy or even feel bad for Shinji. Shinji's inner journey is a tough one, and is not able to be overcome by fighting in giant mecha suits, but I felt like he didn't grow, which made it hard for me to believe everyone just claps for Shinji and the viewers is supposed to walk away stasified, Im not even sure what the messsage was about without the help of the lecture.

The movie The End of Evangelion did improve. Visually, it's stunning, the animation is a clear improvement espically with new techonology, the soundtrack is top tier this is all let me to belive that maybe the movie will be a rebirth story and the ending may feel stasfting, while its a passionate, bold piece of art, Shinji doesn't fight and the conclusion echoded the same despair I felt watching the show. The emotional highlight came when Asuka showed Shinji a brief moment of compassion. It was the only time the ending gave me something to hold onto. I'm not criticizing the ending for being sad, but it just felt hollow, almost as if the director is suggesting there is either hope or a world of destruction, with nothing but two teenagers.

I can see how the series reflects global anxiety and generational disconnection, and those themes translate in terms of mental health, but it doesn't make the experience any easier. Maybe that's the point of the movie: closure isn't guaranteed. Still, it left me more irritated than moved.

I respect what Evangelion brought to life; it's ambitious and personal. I wish the characters, especially Shiji, had been developed in a way that made it easier to care about them.

[syius1311]

I totally agree with you that watching Neon Genesis Evangelion is a frustrating but unforgettable experience. However, I do have a different opinion from you about the ending of the TV series. To be honest, I feel like we would have a much better understanding of the ending if we were given enough time to finish the whole series without skipping any episode. Presented as a queer masculine character, Shinji has been looking for his value, whether it is given by other people or himself. In the last episode, Shinji has the power to determine humans' faith. He eventually worked through his insecurity and chose to allow individuals to exist. While it does seem too ideal, this ending reminded me of Naruto. Shinji shouldn't change his queer masculinity to become a part of society; society should be the one changing, allowing everyone to have a spot just for themselves.

[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. 

[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.

[syius1311]

While I'm not the biggest fan of Sailor Moon, I do agree with you that it's nice to see a group of girls supporting each other. Just like other magical girl anime, they encourage girls that they can also be the world savers, regardless of their personalities. Aggretsuko then reminded me of how society criticizes those who show their real selves. Those who reveal their emotions will be criticized for being unprofessional. This rule applies harshly to women, since society has forced them to be in the kitchen for too long. It takes many, many years of work to prove to society that women can do just as much as men. Among all three anime, I found Wandering Son most interesting. I like the idea of exploring what's most comfortable to individuals and sticking to it even if it's not commonly accepted by society. Society sets too many rules on how men should behave and how women should behave. Because of it, those who decide to take on the preferred identity are truly the ones to admire.

[syius1311]

Sailor Moon/Aggretsuko/Wandering son

I can’t deny that Sailor Moon is one of those legendary classic anime like Naruto, but I have to admit that I do not like the episodes we watched for class. While I do like the concept that tears and what is viewed to be girly girl can be weapons used to save the world, there are still some stereotypes of girls in the show. For example, in the episode where Usagi wants to lose weight, the idea I received from that episode is “you’re only pretty if you stay fit.” The antagonist encourages the girls by stating something like “don’t you want to be pretty, try harder,” or “you’ll be so charming and gorgeous when you get slim.” Luna illustrates a picture of a round Usagi stating that’s Usagi in six months. Usagi is only 14 in the show; she’s still going through puberty, therefore, she’s going to eat more. But because of her desire to be slim, the social standard of beauty, she refuses to eat. Usagi begins to eat only when a man tells her she should eat more because he thinks people with curves are attractive. At the end of the episode, Usagi decided she wanted to be slim. People have the right to choose what kind of body they want, and this is Usagi’s choice. However, in a society where “being slim” is commonly agreed to be the beauty standard, I wish that Usagi could accept the idea that it’s ok to gain weight, other body shapes are also gorgeous. The idea that slim is beautiful can still be seen in modern society. However, more and more girls begin to encourage other girls that no matter their body shape, as long as they’re healthy, they are pretty. 

Aggretsuko and Wandering Son remind me of the stereotype of males and females that’s printed in our hearts since an early age. We assumed the gender of the animals based on what we believed to be feminine and masculine. As seen in Wandering Son, if the traits of masculinity don’t match up with the identity of a male, they will be mocked. The society rejects those who are unique. A male singer who naturally has a high-pitched voice is being called a weirdo, and a male who identifies himself to be female dressed up to be female is being called a freak. I believe this is discrimination against both males and females. In a way, it devalued feminine traits, giving the idea that it’s not as good as the masculine trait. On the other hand, it limited the freedom of males to explore who they want to become. While the idea of acts being gendered does allow others to define themselves as who they’re most comfortable being, it also further proves the stereotype of how different genders will act. Actions are just actions; they can be done by anyone, not limited to certain gender.

[ayamimouni]

Convention

This year, I went to MegaCon in Orlando, and it was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve had as an anime fan. I’ve always seen videos and pictures of people going to big conventions, but actually being there in person was a whole different feeling. The second I walked into the Orange County Convention Center, I could tell I was in a space where everyone felt free to be themselves.

There were so many people dressed up as characters from anime, games, and comics. Some outfits were simple, and some were super detailed, but everyone was excited to show off what they made or bought. I even saw a whole group of people dressed as characters from Attack on Titan, and people kept running up to take pictures with them. No one was judging anyone, everyone was just having fun and connecting over the things they love.

In class, we’ve talked about how fandom isn’t just liking a show or movie. It’s also a way people express who they are. That really hit me at MegaCon. I saw fans of all ages and backgrounds, some were shy, some were super outgoing, but everyone had something in common. Whether it was a Naruto headband or a full on My Hero Academia costume, people were showing parts of themselves that they usually might hide in everyday life. For some, it looked like this was the one place they felt truly comfortable.

I went to a panel where anime voice actors shared how they got into the industry and how much their characters mean to them. It reminded me that anime isn’t just stories, it’s something people connect to on a deeper level. I’ve definitely felt that too. Watching certain shows helped me feel seen, especially during times when I felt a little lost or different. Being around people who also felt that way made me feel like I wasn’t alone.

Another cool thing was walking through the artist section. There were tables full of fan-made posters, pins, stickers, and keychains. I bought a hand drawn Sailor Moon print that I love. It showed me how creative fans can be, not just watching anime, but also making things inspired by it. It’s like we’re part of the story too. That made me realize how much fans add to the community, not just the creators.

One moment that really stood out to me was seeing a little girl dressed as Nezuko from Demon Slayer. She looked so happy every time someone asked to take her photo. Her mom was smiling too, and you could just feel the joy in that moment. It reminded me that fandom can be something families and friends share, no matter their age.

MegaCon made me feel more connected to the anime community than ever before. It wasn’t just a place to buy stuff or see cool costumes. It was a space where people could be their true selves, meet others who understand them, and just enjoy the things they love without fear of judgment. It showed me that fandom is more than a hobby, it’s a way people find confidence, friendship, and even a sense of who they are.

[syius1311]

Seeing you're convention experience makes me want to attend one even more. I like that you mentioned people never show their real selves to the public. However, the convention provided them a place to be truly free. Fans don't have to worry about society's opinion and know that they're not alone. They're surrounded by people with common interests and will support them when they feel lost and down. As you mentioned, fans are truly creative. They’re inspired by anime and games, then turn those ideas into physical items. I also believe that anime can encourage and inspire fans to become better. I really like your last line, “... fandom is more than a hobby, it’s a way people find confidence, friendship, and even a sense of who they are.”

[syius1311]

Convention

My first interaction with anime was probably Doraemon and Crayon Shin Chan, two of the most iconic anime cartoon series in Japan. I was about seven years old during that time, having no idea what anime was, but I’ve always enjoyed it. In second grade, I’ve become super fascinated with magical girl anime. Cardcaptor Sakura, Mermaid Melody, Twin Princess of Wonder Planet, and Full Moon Wo Sagashite, I watched almost everything I had a hand in. Around seventh grade, I started to understand what anime is and began to watch some of the viral shows at the time. One of them is Demon Slayer. I was never really a manga person, but after watching the first season of Demon Slayer, I read the entire manga within two days. I then became a giant anime fan. I stop limiting myself from watching shounen or magical girl, and watch almost every show my friends recommend or I find interesting. Even now, I still watch anime during my free time. 

While I do enjoy seeing people with common interests gathered up and talking about their interests, I’ve never been to an anime convention. The closest might be this small fan gathering located at the mall that I accidentally stepped into. Because it was the first time I’ve seen a cosplayer in real life, I was super excited for it. Especially when I recognize the characters. Other fans who like the character would ask for a picture politely. As seen in the video, fans with completely different personalities will connect together because they both like a character from an anime or a video game. Individuals' interests will help form their identity, and their identity helps them to become a part of the community. 

One thing I found interesting is how people view anime and conventions. In the documentary, a girl mentioned that family members and peers refer to anime as cartoons and question why they’re still watching kids’ stuff. Because of the art style, those who have never watched anime will interpret it as shows designed for children. Crayon Shin Chan has always been my comfort show, but my mom never understood it. She questions why I like to watch children’s stuff (Crayon Shin Chan was designed for an adult audience, but it’s kid-friendly in Japanese Society), and kind of takes it as a sign of immaturity. I think that’s one of the stereotypes people think of when coming to anime: that watching anime is immature. Sometimes, people think that only those who don’t have jobs and social lives watch anime. As seen in part one of the documentary, there was one person who defined Otaku as a NEET; those who watch anime rely on their parent to survive. Stereotypes are very difficult to change; therefore, having a place for people with common interests who understand each other is super important. They understand the amount of effort that goes into each piece of costume and understand they do so much for what is viewed to be “immature.” 

While I would love to attend a convention at least once in my life, I never think about cosplaying any characters. Instead, I want to focus on art. I want to see different fan art and learn from the artist. Convention is cool because not only does it provide a space for people to share their ideas and thoughts, but it also provides a chance for fans like me (who are more interested in seeing fan art and other people’s costumes) to explore our interests.  It’s a pleasure to see a bunch of talented people gathering, showing others their work. 

[syius1311]

Genshiken

Watching Genshiken reminded me a lot of the period when anime and K-pop were still niche interests. As seen in the anime, otaku are viewed as weirdo and freaks who have some special interests. It’s the same situation in the real world. Way before Attack on Titan and other anime set anime in the mainstream entertainment, people would automatically assume individuals are freaks for watching anime. This causes anime fans to not be able to express their hobby because they want to fit in with the majority. The idea of acting “normal” to fit in with society can be seen in another anime called Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku. In this anime, the protagonist, Narumi, wants to hide her identity as an Otaku and a BL fan because all of her previous boyfriends have left her after knowing her interests. It wasn’t until she found a group of friends with similar interests that she was able to be who she is. This also shows the difficulty of people with interests and hobbies that are not commonly accepted by society. 

Not just in Japan, society in general wants people to fit in. Individuals with unique identity, appearance, and hobbies will be viewed as freaks because they don’t fit in with the social standard. It is important to be able to fit in with society. However, I don’t think that should be the reason why people have to lose the unique part about them. Humans shouldn’t change or hide a part of themselves to fit in with society. The society should change to fit in with humans. As seen with anime culture in American society, fans are more willing to express their interests and find their community after anime became popular in America. However, this change happened because of fans who are willing to be themselves and share their interests publicly, allowing other people to see it and understand that anime fans are not always freaks and weirdo. A lot of them simply enjoy the artwork, music, and plot, including me. 

[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.

[syius1311]

I grew up with anime and K-pop being two of my most important interests. While I also have some interests important to me, like drawing and listening to true crime/horror podcasts, I find myself always mentioning anime and K-pop first when I meet new people(if I think they also like anime and K-pop), especially now when anime and K-pop are widely accepted in society. I think one reason is that there are so many different shows and groups that I’m familiar with; it’s easy for me to talk about them for a session with people who have similar interests. In addition, I found out that most people who watch anime know or are interested in drawing. With one interest leading to other interests, it’s easy to find the community I belong to. However, even though I’m much more confident in sharing my interests, there are still times were I would hold it back because I don’t want to be viewed as a freak. Just like what you said, finding a community that accepts us for us is important. No one should hide their true self.

[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. 

[syius1311]

The idea of breaking the cycle of hate really stuck with me when I watched Naruto and A Silent Voice. Hatred will be passed on if both parties are consumed by hatred. Peace is only an option when one chooses forgiveness. As seen in the show, that’s what Naruto and Shouko decided to do. To be honest, if I were to be in Naruto or Shouko’s position, I don’t think I’d choose forgiveness. While I may overlook what they have done in the past, I’m unable to fully accept the pain that others have caused in the past.  Just like what you said, an individual’s uniqueness shouldn’t be the reason why they should suffer through pain. 

[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. 

[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.

[syius1311]

I appreciate that you mentioned humans will try to turn a “threat” or dislike into something less than themselves to feel safe and in control. Due to fear, Saki and others continued to accept the system despite discovering its disturbing nature. This system has kept their society running, and considering that history is covered up, this is most likely the only system Saki knows to keep their society running. To reconstruct a new society takes time, but before that, someone should be willing to make the change. As seen in the anime, Squealer is the one to start the revolution. Unfortunately, he failed. Unless Saki and the other are willing to reconstruct the society so that everyone is granted equal rights, the history will repeat itself.

[syius1311]

Shin Sekai Yori

Shin Sekai Yori reminded me of the Age of Enlightenment a lot. During the Enlightenment period, people reconsidered the relationship between the monarch, the church, and the citizens. The citizens begin to realize that they don’t need the monarch and the church to think for them; they can think for themselves. New philosophical idea, like if the government failed to protect the natural rights of the people, then people had the right to abolish the government and create a new one, starts to reshape the society. Not only did it happen in the Age of Enlightenment, but it also happened in the Queerat society. However, even after the Queerat share equal rights, the queen will still mistreat them, causing the Queerat to rebel and take control over the queen. Then, the Queerat starts to rebel against the humans. 

As seen in the anime, Queerrat are humans without telekinetic powers genetically modified with the genes of a mole rat. They are just as smart as humans with telekinetic powers, yet they are dehumanized. This makes me wonder what the meaning of life is to them. If humans without telekinetic power are denied to be human, and the children who failed to pass the exam can be so easily removed, what makes those with telekinetic powers so high up and better than everyone else? Xenophobia does not grant them the right to determine the lives of others. Pathetically, those who live under the name of “human” have no idea of the history of Queerat and mocked Squealer when he claimed to be human. This reminds me of our modern society. History was never told in full. They were either changed up or told in part, causing our understanding of the world to be incomplete. In some way, our society has caused individuals to be both the “human” and the Queerat in the show. Especially seen in social media, one could discriminate against a group of people and praise another group of people in the next second. Shin Sekai Yori allows me to reflect on the societal setup of the modern world and what makes our lives meaningful. 

[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.

[syius1311]

I find it interesting that you connected the Sibyl System with neoliberal ideas. Neoliberalism stated that it would be the individual's fault if they were not successful. But when the success of individuals is defined by the system, it becomes difficult for one to doubt the accuracy of the system since “the system can never go wrong.” Therefore, the first one with free thoughts will be viewed as a monster that challenges the system and disrupts the peace. This reminds me of the cave analogy mentioned in the book The Republic by Plato. Plato’s allegory of the cave illustrates that people who live in the cave mistake shadows for reality due to their ignorance until they are enlightened by knowledge and see the true forms beyond appearances. However, the process of being enlightened by knowledge and seeing the true forms is challenging; individuals have to accept the fact that they’re wrong to seek the truth. Because rejecting ideas that have been planted in our heads ever since birth is laborious, most people will continue to view the shadows as the reality. This is how I view the people under the Sibyl System. They’re the ones in the cave viewing shadows for reality, yet there’s always someone willing to challenge the ideas and the system.