Why I truly love aot and its themes/ bits of Rivamika
I'll be elaborating on some very deep topics like xenophobia, racism and politics. Please be cautious if this triggers you.
I decided to write out my thoughts after facing harassment yet again today for my ethnicity while I was walking on the street. I'm East Asian, and I've always had to deal with unfortunate events like this, but since the 2020 pandemic and all the politics surrounding China, things have become even worse. It was since then that I found an even deeper comfort through reading the aot manga. It depicts the ugliness from mankind beautifully, as contrasting as that may sound.
I personally really despise discussing too long about politics with my friends and family. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong staying updated with what is happening in the world. However, it can truly divide people from one another. When this is taken to the extreme, innocent people from said countries and nations are put under the same box as the government. It's a game of the powerful deciding on big plans, and who suffers the most? The average citizen. Eren's mom getting eaten is a good example of that.
I've heard and seen plenty of times, people saying Asians deserve the racism and assault solely because of what our governments did. What has the average citizen to do with any of this? Just because we are born Asian? Just because they are Eldians, they have to attone for their sins which they did not commit?
It's dangerous to take things to the extreme. They are wrong, we are right. It places real human beings in boxes. Maybe that's why I find Gabi so interesting, because her character is the perfect embodiment of this said mindset which unfortunately, a lot of people carry.
It's the powerful who put us against each other. Most of us regular folks have done nothing wrong. Just like how most of the Eldians and Marleyans are free of any sins.
Rivamika, being a minority and why they're so freaking inspirational
Partly why I feel so attached to these two characters, is because I feel like many of us, including myself, relate to their struggles. Being a minority in a foreign land, having to work ten times as hard to prove yourself, is something many minority groups face in the real world. Levi being small, and looked down on over and over again, yet every single time, he proves himself to be strong both mentally and physically. Mikasa and her mom nearly being sold to work in the underground sex industry because their race was appealing. Asian women in real life have been subjected to sexualization for the longest time. Yes, the Eldians in the walls have hard lives too, but Mikasa and Levi face additional danger and prejudices in a place they call home. Being judged in real life for my ethnicity, my height, my culture. Seeing these two thrive together (adding on, they're the last ones who are still alive up until now) in those chapters and on the big screen gives me hope and inspiration that it's possible to endure and to work hard in life despite all these setbacks I face.
Having a community or even one person who understands this, can truly be the difference of feeling alienated or feeling like you belong. As these two understand each other's struggle more than anyone else, I hope they find their place together.
