joshleclair10

[joshleclair10]

You make a strong point about how anime like Your Name visually captivates while still falling short when it comes to pushing real conversations forward, especially around gender. The body-swapping setup opens the door for deeper exploration of non-binary identity, but instead of following through, it retreats into a safe, heteronormative storyline. It feels like a missed opportunity, especially considering the kind of storytelling happening elsewhere globally.

Your critique of Sensōron and Japan’s historical denial really resonates. The idea that acknowledging atrocities equals disloyalty to one’s country is a trap used in many places, not just Japan. The U.S. has its own version of this, where challenging dominant historical narratives is seen as unpatriotic. That kind of erasure keeps real accountability from happening.

On the theory side, the critique of Foucault is fair. His ideas help explain how power operates beneath the surface, but it’s frustrating how Eurocentric that framework remains. There are other lenses, decolonial, Indigenous, Afro-diasporic, that open up ways to think about power outside of the Western tradition. Those voices should be brought in, especially when we’re looking at global media.

You’re right to ask what it takes to move beyond critique in art into actual change. Watching anime isn’t activism, and it’s easy to get comfortable just analyzing things instead of acting on them. The challenge is figuring out how to take the questions these works raise and start building something different in the real world.

Your Name / Hetalia: Axis Powers / Sensōron

I enjoyed watching in Your Name mostly because its so pretty. The other two were disappointing to view and repeated a lot of world domination propaganda I'm sick of hearing. The serious problem is the attachment that modernity has with systems such as colonialism, imperialism and patriarchy. And because these systems have yielded commodities and conveniences we seem to think that they are the only systems that can create valuable things and experiences. In Your Name, is a beautiful anime with powerful emotional pulls. But I find this gender issues are still in their infancy compared to the bold work out there in the world. I find that by now a trans or non binary character would lead the critiques in modern day Japan through. It seems like every generations gets their version of a Sailor Moon and the likes rather than move the pendulum somewhere; we are somehow still neatly dabbling in the subject. The problems is that its okay to watch these subjects being critiqued while watching anime but something totally different is organizing to brings these challenges into the real world. It's very frustrating to see that anime still has room for "right-wing" manga that challenges the ugliness of Japan's worst atrocities. To think that Japan and its people cannot commit harm is crazy. To know that Japan committed atrocities in their history doesn't make them inevitably evil; it means, now that we know what are we going to do about it. It's similar to the historical amnesia suffered in the United States and its this denial of the passed that traps us into inactivity and history repeats itself. The reading for this topic on power by Foucault, ugh, again eurocentric, is interesting but ignores power outside the colonial view. To think no other ways to viewing and living with power have ever being imagined is a narrow believe. Why not read something from Discourse on Colonialism, or something that de-centers power under the colonial world. If we are to look for critique and radical solutions so we could move beyond just viewers into real actors for change out there in the real world.

[joshleclair10]

Memory, Identity, and Myth in Anime

Watching Your Name, Hetalia: Axis Powers, and Sensōron together brought up a range of reactions for me emotionally, intellectually, and politically. What connects them is how they each deal with memory, whether it is personal, cultural, or national, and how that memory can be preserved, erased, or manipulated.

Your Name stood out the most. As someone who has moved away from where I grew up, I connected with how the film explores the connection between place and identity. It made me reflect on moments I have let fade away, not just people or events, but the feeling of being grounded somewhere. Even though the characters forget each other's names, their emotional connection remains. That idea hit me. Some connections exist beyond memory.

Hetalia was a sharp contrast. It is lighthearted and absurd, but its reliance on national stereotypes felt mixed. Some jokes landed, but others oversimplified complex histories. I have seen firsthand how stereotypes, even when presented as humor, can affect how people view entire cultures. It made me think about how easily we accept simplified versions of reality when they are packaged as comedy.

Sensōron frustrated me the most. It is visually polished and persuasive, but its message is deeply concerning. It denies or downplays real wartime atrocities and reframes Japan as purely a victim. I have studied propaganda before, but seeing it delivered through manga was eye-opening. It reminded me that visual storytelling can be powerful enough to rewrite history, and that is not something unique to Japan. Other countries, including the U.S., have their own ways of dressing up history to avoid accountability.

Together, these three works made me reflect on how anime can do much more than entertain. They shape how we remember our past, define ourselves in the present, and imagine our future. Whether it is a sci-fi romance, a satirical comedy, or a nationalistic narrative, each one challenges us to think critically about the stories we consume and what those stories are trying to tell us.

[joshleclair10]

I really liked your perspective, especially your point about how the film reinforces the gender trap while still giving us a strong female protagonist. That tension you mentioned, between celebrating representation and questioning why it always defaults to a nurturing, feminine archetype, is so important. I also thought about Princess Mononoke when you brought that up. It makes me wonder if Ghibli uses these roles because they align with ecofeminist ideas, or because of industry conventions you mentioned.

The idea that “humans are nature” flips so much of what we see in Nausicaä and other environmental narratives, where coexistence feels almost impossible. I agree that the separation of humans and nature at the end pushes the idea that the only solution is human absence rather than balance. That’s such a contrast to how many traditional ecological perspectives frame it.

I’m also with you on the religious symbolism. While it made for a powerful image, I think it risks turning systemic issues into something that can only be solved by one “chosen” figure rather than collective effort. Like you said, real solutions will require diverse approaches and collaboration, not a savior figure.

Great post, I think your point about consumerism being the real separator between humans and nature is a perfect critique. It shifts the responsibility away from blaming humanity as a whole and focuses on the systems driving exploitation.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind / Xenoblade Chronicles 2

I really enjoyed watching this movie and the themes it represents. I love the style of the film which is present in so many Ghibli films. I enjoyed watching a female protagonist tackle big issues in a strong and Independent way. I do agree that it still follows the gender trap of femininity which assumes that a female character is what needed to address the environmental problems in the film. It could be argued as well that since in the past human history so many matriarchal societies lived in balanced with nature, is it fitting for a female protagonist to lead in the film. While there could be merit in this idea, if the film choose a gender non forming person to play the protagonist, I would have gotten he message just the same. The same could be said of films like Princess Mononoke. A female character is chosen as defender of nature. Again a catch 22 here , do we hold more room for female leads or do we place a more gender fluid character to the lead. Sadly, here I think we all loose do to the male dominated industry of anime which hold the power of these choices. I think the separation of nature and humans at the end leads the audience to think that humans can only harm nature and not co exist with it. Some indigenous people when they talk about conservation; have a hard time understanding our concept of nature. For many indigenous languages, there is no such word. For many indigenous people; humans are nature so they don't see human life as being in opposition to nature. Many argue that humans are just another expression of life created and sustained by nature. Modern ideas of conservation and environmental echo this idea of objectification. Under this thinking, in order to preserve nature, human absence is a must. I think consumerism and economies based on extraction are the real separators between humans and nature. The film's turned to religious symbolism at the end thru me off and I felt it was completely unnecessary. I think it leads the audience into thinking only certain kinds of people transform our world. It leads to some sort of saint and protectionist tendency that is misleading. These environmental issues will need diverse solutions and we will need all kinds of humans to get on the right track.

[joshleclair10]

Human-Nature Relationships in Nausicaä and Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Exploring the plot of Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and watching Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind felt like viewing two radically different futures shaped by the same central query: Where does humanity fit into nature?

Nausicaä first struck me with its understated beauty before revealing its unsettling reality, despite the fact that humans caused the disaster that almost wiped out life, we are still conceited enough to believe that we can "fix" things by dominating others, even after a millennium has passed. I was captivated by the Sea of Decay because it seemed both strange and incredibly familiar. The professor brought up Minamata disease, and I couldn't help but think about how the film reflects Japan's actual industrial pollution history. That and the current global events, PFAS in drinking water and microplastics in the oceans, cannot be separated, in my opinion. We constantly believe that technology will save us, but at what price?

Nausicaä's response seems almost spiritual, humility is necessary for humankind. Nausicaä's compassion, even for animals that frightened her people, struck a chord the most. It got me to thinking about how we actually discuss "invasive species" and "pests." They are merely surviving in the mess we made, even though we portray them as adversaries. That change in viewpoint, perceiving nature as having the right to exist, really stuck with me.

This is nearly reversed in Xenoblade Chronicles 2. Here, technology serves as a vehicle for ecological rebirth rather than nature regenerating itself. I found Klaus's use of nanomachines to restore ecosystems to be both uplifting and unnerving. On the one hand, it recognizes the fact that we are approaching a reality: since there is no more unspoiled wilderness, perhaps the only way forward is artificial. However, it got me thinking: are we merely establishing yet another barrier of separation, or does artificial restoration qualify as "nature"?

This conflict resonates with me personally because I grew up adoring technology and video games, but I also have a strong desire for wild areas. A world where forests only exist because we programmed them to exist is unthinkable to me. However, we may not have an option.

Both pieces made me consider issues beyond climate policy; they ask whether we can alter the way of thinking that led to this predicament. Is it possible for us to see ourselves as a part of nature rather than as a tool? That is, in my opinion, the most difficult question since it touches on every little decision we make on a daily basis, not just systems.

[joshleclair10]

I really enjoyed reading your post because I felt a lot of the same things while watching Evangelion. I agree completely that Shinji breaks the typical mecha protagonist mold. When you mentioned how everyone pressures him with lines like “You’re a man, aren’t you?” it stood out to me because I noticed that too, and it honestly frustrated me. It feels like a form of emotional manipulation that forces him to fit into a role he never asked for.

What you said about Shinji being “the opposite of power-hungry” really resonated with me. I hadn’t thought about it that way before, but you’re right, if someone has to wield that much power, maybe it should be someone who doesn’t crave it. That makes the story so much more interesting and realistic than the typical hero narrative.

Your post also reminded me of real life, where there’s so much pressure on guys to fit this tough, emotionless standard. I’ve felt that before, and seeing Shinji struggle with it felt oddly relatable. Great insight!

Neon Genesis Evangelion and The End of Evangelion

I just finished watching Neon Genesis Evangelion and The End of Evangelion, and boy was that a full ride! At first, I thought that this was just going to be your typical mecha anime, you know, where the main character gets his big awesome robot and saves the world. But I was very pleased to see that while this theme was pretty much followed, our main character differed a lot from the norm for this narrative, that being, the main character being this super macho and confident type of guy that’s super passionate about his goals. Instead, Shinji is the oppositive of this, he doesn’t want the role that he was pushed into it, and this is reflective in a lot of his actions, and I liked how this story took this twist of the typical mecha narrative.

The fact that Shinji was kind of pushed into his role is undisputed fact, and not only did he not really want it, but he also wasn’t really suited for it. And we can see that through how he is just pretty bad at fighting, and he is slow to adapt to his role in the combative position. Shinji doesn’t really fit into the narrative of who you would consider fitting his position. To have such great power and responsibility wielding such a weapon, it would be expected that its wielder would be some brave and macho person who was willing and able to use said weapon whenever is required of them. But this is not who Shinji is, he isn’t really willing to enact violence whenever, and he doesn’t really fit the model macho persona. And, thus, we get the situation Shinji is put into. He needs to and is coerced by those around him, constantly at that, to conform to this standard that is expected of him by virtue of his position. He is made to act in a way very different to his nature, and this causes much strife for him. It’s exhausting to have to always act in a certain way to meet the expectations of those around you. And I think that a lot of Shinji’s actions, particularly where he blames those around him for his problems, are because of how often they pressure him into fitting the narrative they want to see in him. A very good example is how people around his always tell him things like “you’re a man aren’t you?”, this is manipulative and is meant to get him to act the way society expects of him.

Overall, I actually think that Shinji’s nature makes him really well suited for this position; he’s not wanting to do it. And who would be better suited to wield such power than someone who is the opposite of power hungry. I also liked the representation of different masculinity with Shinji and how he shows the pressure that many are under to conform to some normative masculinity by society. And how this causes great strain to the individual. What’s more, Shinji highlights how we as a society tend to look down on those who do not fit the standard, those who are different than what is expected they are like.

[joshleclair10]

Evangelion and the Weight of Expectations

To be honest, Neon Genesis Evangelion and The End of Evangelion were more powerful than I had anticipated. I initially believed it to be just another mecha anime with awesome robots and cool battles, but it ended up being a candid examination of loneliness, anxiety, and what it's like to live under continual stress. Fighting yourself is more important than fighting angels.

Shinji's battle with expectations caught my attention the most. Despite its iconic status, the phrase "get in the robot" seems to be a metaphor for real life, where people expect you to do things you're not ready for. This is something that most of us experience, but it also reflects concepts like gaman (endurance) in Japan. It feels similar to the pressure placed on men to "man up," to remain strong and self-sufficient even in the face of adversity. I've definitely felt the weight of the unwritten rule that displaying weakness diminishes one's manhood.

Evangelion's brutal honesty about loneliness is what gives it its power. I was blown away by the Human Instrumentality Project because it raises an important question: would we sacrifice our uniqueness in order to avoid suffering and loneliness? This really resonated with me in this era of social media, where we yearn for connection but are afraid of showing our vulnerability. Evangelion depicts the extreme form of this: merging into one entity to avoid the agony of separation. We present edited versions of ourselves because being authentic feels dangerous.

The last scene on the beach comes next. I was uneasy when Shinji started crying and Asuka said "kimochi warui," which means "disgusting," but I believe that was the intended effect. There is only the messy reality of attempting to connect with someone else without losing yourself; there is no happy ending. It's human, uncomfortable, and awkward.

In my opinion, Evangelion is about what it's like to live when the roles you're assigned don't match who you are, not just about robots or rescuing the world. It got me to thinking about the expectations I've encountered and how difficult it can be to follow your own path when society expects you to be someone else.

[joshleclair10]

Wow, this was such an interesting read! I love how you described your journey from keeping one small tank to managing multiple aquariums and eventually diving into reptile keeping. It really highlights how fandoms often start with a small spark and then grow into something that shapes our identity and community connections.

Your point about the academic jargon and use of scientific names as a barrier to entry really stood out to me. It reminded me of what we’ve discussed about cultural capital in fandoms, how insider knowledge becomes a marker of legitimacy. In a way, this mirrors what we see in anime or gaming communities, where using niche terms or referencing obscure series signals you’re a “real fan.” It can feel intimidating to newcomers, but like you said, once you learn the language, it feels empowering and connects you to others who share that expertise.

I also found the comparison to shadow cultural capital fascinating, the idea that having rare morphs or elaborate enclosures signals status within the fandom is so similar to people collecting rare manga editions, exclusive figures, or limited-edition merch in anime culture. It really shows how consumerism and creativity intertwine in fan spaces, something we’ve talked about in relation to postmodern fandom and identity performance.

Finally, your story about spending an hour talking to a goldfish breeder at Aquashella really resonated with me. It’s such a great example of how conventions create safe spaces for people to fully express their passions without judgment. That social energy is something I’ve felt at anime conventions too, it’s amazing to be in a space where everyone “gets it.”

Thanks for sharing such a detailed and personal post! Out of curiosity, do you see any overlap between the creativity involved in designing natural enclosures and the creativity fans bring to cosplay or fan art? It sounds like both involve a lot of skill and artistry.

Convention

The Fandom that I have the most intimate of experiences with is that surrounding the world of Reptile and Aquarium Keeping. Theres was a lot that went into me first discovering my love of this community and how I grew into being a part of it. To start, I got my first fish tank when I was about ten years old, and from there my passion only grew. From one small twenty-gallon tank to seven of them, my enjoyment of the hobby grew tremendously in my first few years in it. All I wanted to do was research different fish, which ones I could keep with which other ones, where they were from, what habitat they liked the most, how I could get them to exhibit natural behaviors, the list was never ending. My thirst for more grew by the day. It was about this time that I started to consolidate my passion both physically and metaphorically. I went from seven smaller freshwater tanks to a single one hundred- and twenty-five-gallon freshwater and another one-hundred-gallon saltwater tank.

It was at about this point where I decided to keep fish in as close to their natural habitat that I could, as such, I spent thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours researching and buying everything I could to make exactly that possible. I wanted everything from the aquatic plants to the fish living in the tank to be like what you could find in a natural system, with my reference being streams from the southern end of the Amazon basin. My passion for the saltwater world and reptile keeping grew from this obsession I had over my first large aquarium. To keep with it chronologically, let’s first look at my saltwater journey. As I say other people in the aquarium world keeping both water types (salt and fresh) I too naturally wanted both. I was particularly fond of the elaborate reefs and coral systems that many were able to create. The art of creating what appeared and acted naturally from the unnatural fascinated me.

I loved to see how people could make these reef tanks look so beautiful, and I wanted to do what they could do. And so, after many hours of moving rocks around and spending far too much on coral, I was able to set up my own reef tank. What I loved most about the saltwater keeping community is the vast droves of knowledge that its members like to post online. This I found to be particularly helpful when it came to understanding water quality, and how to control it best. And as I spent more and more time on these forms I started to understand the lingo that those in the community like to use, that being very pretentious often academic jargon to describe even the most ordinary of ideas or topics. This, as I now know is how people in the community like to deter others from joining it, its made to seem intimidating intentionally. From what I have gathered from my time in places like fish stores or conventions, a lot of the reason that people often use academic jargon (for example, only referring to different species by their scientific names) in this hobby is because of how legitimizing it feels, you spend all this money on a single fish or coral, of course you want someone who knows its value to commend you. This barrier was easy enough to overcome, but it is ever present within the community, and can be hard to overcome at first.

As I grew in the hobby and attended more and more of these spaces where people of my hobby gathered, I was slowly introduced to the world of reptile keeping, which fascinated me to no end. I eventually decided to attend a reptile only convention for the first time shortly after this, and it was here that I got my very first reptile, a ball python I named Pricilla. She’s adorable, and I love her to no end, you can see the day I first got her below. Anyways, what makes me getting Pricilia so significant is because it’s the whole bit of these conventions. People spend months or even years breeding their reptiles for these shows, they spend hours trying for different morphs and color patterns. To the extent that some breeders spend thousands of dollars getting their animals genetically tested to see if they carry certain morph genes. It gets insane, and because so many people spend so many hours trying to produce and procure the coolest and most beautiful animals that they can, it’s no wonder they would want to show off a little to people who understand the effort that they put into it. At these expos, dozens of breeders and enthusiasts gather and at these expos you can often find some of the most novel animals and learn about the best and newest care techniques.

(ignore how bad this picture makes me look, I was young)

Because of the large amount of knowledge and time that is required to be a part of these hobbies there is a natural disconnect between those in the hobby and those outside of it. As such, a lot of the enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge that you accumulate while being in this fandom are not really understood by those outside of it. This leads many, myself included, to get very excited to talk with other fans about the goings within the fandom. It’s a very enjoyable experience to talk with another who shares your passion. The positive environment that this passion creates makes reptile and anime conventions to be very fun and creative spaces. For example, a recent aquarium show, Aquashella in Orlando, was a massive gathering of all types of Aquarium fans. People from all over the US gathered to show off their skills and share their knowledge. I really like going to these shows because of all the people I get to talk to while being there. Like, for example, I talked to this guy who has been selling goldfish for the last fifteen years for over an hour, and it was great being able to just nerd out with him. You can meet people who share your passions and understand why you have them.

My finial note on my convention experience in the Aquarium and Reptile keeping fandoms is the insane amount of money that people are willing to spend at them. I have seen people spend hundreds of dollars on a single frog all because it is rare, and by having one, they could say to other fans that they keep some rare animal that they don’t. The keeping of rare or cool animals is one of the biggest forms of shadow cultural capital in this fandom by large. This is of course seconded only by having large or particularly interesting or natural enclosures for said animals. Creativity is very important in this fandom because you have to be a very creative individual to create a natural and functional enclosure for your animals. You need to balance maintenance, plant or animal species, light and humidity, just to name a few of the many aspects that go into this art. And it is for all the reasons above that I so love being a part of this Fandom. And while I only have my snake at the moment, I very much plan to get fish once I graduate and can get more permanently settled. While I am not a very active member in the community now, I still am at heart.

[joshleclair10]

Convention: NeoCon

The first word that sprang to mind when I entered NeoCon 2024 in Orlando was surreal. Imagine a sea of colors and props, thousands of people dressed in colorful costumes, and the background music from your favorite anime playing on enormous screens. In the best way possible, it was overwhelming. I've always enjoyed anime from a distance, watching it on my laptop and occasionally reading manga, but it was a whole other experience to be surrounded by other anime fans in person.

The convention's sense of entering a hyperrealized anime culture was among its most striking features. As I observed innumerable cosplayers assuming gender and character identities through meticulously stylized costumes and gestures, Judith Butler's theory of performativity sprang to mind. The characters in some cosplays seemed to have stepped off the screen because they were so realistic. Some were imaginative mash-ups, such as a hybrid of Sailor Moon and Attack on Titan, which got me thinking about postmodern remix culture and how intertextuality is essential to fandom.

The way the convention muddled the distinction between fact and fiction most intrigued me. In class, we’ve talked about Baudrillard’s idea of simulation and the hyperreal, and this space was exactly that. Individuals were using their character names to address one another, posing for pictures as though they were in a different reality, and having conversations that only made sense in anime settings. I briefly lost sight of the fact that I was in Florida and not an anime story.

Another highlight was the panels. I went to one on "The Evolution of Shojo and Gender Representation," which was closely related to the performativity of Sailor Moon and Butler that we have been talking about. The speaker made the case that cosplay carries on the tradition of shojo anime by enabling fans to experiment with gender fluidity and identity play, which provided an early forum for defying strict gender norms. This was demonstrated by the fact that people of all genders were cosplaying as male characters or Sailor Scouts. Seeing how fandom fosters an environment where creativity can subvert social norms was freeing.

Fandom as community was the topic of another panel, which emphasized how conventions give people who might otherwise feel alone in their daily lives a sense of community. This resonated with me because, as someone who frequently watches anime by myself, I understand how effective it is to spread that passion. I didn't know anyone when I first arrived at the My Hero Academia meetup, but by the end, I had exchanged Instagram handles with three individuals who seemed like old friends. That sense of instant connection is part of what makes fan culture so unique.

Naturally, the vendor hall is an essential component of any convention experience. Entering a consumerist dream, or nightmare, depending on your financial situation, was like that. Rare figurines, fan-made artwork, and even personalized kimonos were on sale at rows of booths. I started thinking about our conversation about capitalism and consumerism in fandom culture at this point. Fandom is closely linked to commodification even though it fosters creative expression and identity play. When I witnessed people shelling out hundreds of dollars for limited-edition goods, I couldn't help but wonder if this was a genuine passion or if consumer culture was taking advantage of it. Most likely both.

The cosplay masquerade was among the most memorable events. It was a performance art piece rather than merely a costume competition. In a single evening, the audience was immersed in dozens of distinct anime worlds as each participant fully embodied their character. As I watched this, Butler came to mind once more: these were performances of gender, identity, and cultural belonging rather than merely fictional characters. Social conventions were violated and the "rules" of identity were altered, at least for the duration of the evening, on the masquerade stage.

I felt inspired and thoughtful as I left NeoCon. Meeting people, purchasing merchandise, and taking pictures at the convention were all enjoyable, on the one hand. On the other hand, it forced me to consider fandom as a postmodern cultural phenomenon. Finding a community and navigating identity within media texts is just as important as remixing, subverting, and reimagining them. The most important lesson, in my opinion, is that fandom is a cultural practice that influences our perceptions of the world and ourselves, not just a pastime.

[joshleclair10]

I really enjoyed reading your post! I think it’s awesome how you connected these anime to your own life, especially with your perspective as a parent. Your point about Sailor Moon showing that strength and kindness can coexist really stood out to me, what a great takeaway to share with your daughter. I also like how you tied in the Barbie movie because it feels like part of the same conversation about challenging gender norms and expectations.

I had a similar reaction to Aggretsuko. The frustration of workplace dynamics was so relatable, but as you said, the added gendered layer makes it even more intense for women. Your comment about hoping your daughter finds a respectful workplace really resonated with me, it’s sad that this is still a concern, but seeing stories like these being told gives me hope too.

And yes, Wandering Son was such an eye-opener. I agree that creating supportive environments for kids is crucial, especially as they figure out who they are. I think these shows, just like you said, give us reasons to hope for a future where everyone feels free to be themselves.

Be You and Girls Rule!

To quote Beyonce, "Who run the world? Girls." I enjoyed the dose of girl power this week from Sailor Moon and Aggretsuko, along with the perspective Wandering Son brought. All three had different aspects of what it means to be yourself even if society has different ideas for you. This also hit home, as I have a daughter who is growing up in this world so definitely had that running through my head while I am watching these anime.

Sailor Moon was refreshing to watch as group of girls save the world without sacrificing their femininity. Definitely felt like I should blasting some Spice Girls and screaming "Girl Power". Loved these characters embrace strength and friendship. Great example to show my daughter to ensure she knows you don't have to choose between being kind and being strong.

Aggretsuko is something anyone in the work force can relate to, as having a horrible boss sucks. The daily grind and pressure to conform hit home is a sharp, funny, and painfully real way. However, I completely understand it was showcasing the pressures of modern work life in relation to women. I know I was ready to scream some death metal while watching this episode due to how Retsuko was being treated. I hope my daughter never has to deal with that and can find a work place that shows her proper respect.

Wandering Son definitely added some perspective to my life. I continually thought about how important having a supportive home for all kids is always needed.

Lastly, I couldn't help but think about the Barbie movie. It aimed to challenge gender norms with honesty and heart, just like these anime did. Hopefully society stops trying to submit the same rigid script and things continue to change. These shows did leave me with a more hopeful future for everyone, especially my daughter.

[joshleclair10]

Gender, Expectations, and Identity In Three Worlds

Watching Sailor Moon, Aggretsuko, and Wandering Son together challenged the way I think about gender expectations, not just in Japan but everywhere. Each anime approaches the topic differently, but all made me reflect on how much of what we consider “natural” about gender is actually a performance.

Sailor Moon was interesting because it’s so iconic. Growing up, I didn’t watch it much, but I knew about it. Seeing it now, I noticed how much emphasis is placed on appearance and grace even though the characters are powerful. It made me think about how media creates specific scripts for what “being a woman” should look like, beautiful, emotional, caring, while men rarely face the same standards in those shows. Even as a guy, I feel like the opposite pressure exists, be tough, don’t show weakness. Those early messages stick with people.

Aggretsuko hit me differently because it reminded me of workplace norms. I’m not in a corporate job yet, but I’ve seen environments where men and women are treated differently. Women are expected to be polite and accommodating, while men can be blunt and still be respected. Watching Retsuko scream death metal to cope was funny, but it also made me think about how exhausting it must be to hide frustration just to keep a job. Honestly, it made me ask, do men get more freedom to express anger without judgment? Probably.

Wandering Son was the most eye-opening. Seeing Nitori struggle with gender identity made me realize how rigid society is about aligning sex, gender, and sexuality. The backlash Nitori faces shows how deeply people want those categories to match. I haven’t experienced that personally, but I’ve seen friends deal with pressure to “act more masculine” or “be a real man.” Butler’s point about gender being a “stylized repetition of acts” makes sense here, when someone breaks the script, people react like the whole system is threatened.

What connected all three anime for me was this question, how much of our identity is truly ours, and how much is just performing what society expects? Even as a guy, I’ve felt boxed in by ideas of toughness and emotional control. These shows reminded me that gender norms don’t just shape women, they shape all of us.

[joshleclair10]

Your reflection struck a chord with me personally and connected well with Genshiken's themes, so I truly enjoyed reading it. You raised an excellent point regarding the conflict between public opinion and passion. Many fans, particularly in the pre-MCU era when "nerd culture" wasn't as popular, have struggled to strike a balance between their sincere enthusiasm and social expectations.

You made an excellent analogy between Sasahara's reluctance and your own experience of concealing your comic book passion. It emphasizes how fandom encompasses identity, belonging, and negotiating social acceptance in addition to media consumption. I also like how you linked the normalization arc in Genshiken to the change in cultural perception, Marvel's domination and the celebration of superheroes. It's amazing how something that was once stigmatized has now gained popularity and even become a commodity, but true fans still feel the same passion.

Incorporating Comic Book Men was a perfect fit because it exemplifies textual and enunciative productivity in a Western setting, where fans create a cultural space around their passions, similar to the Genshiken club, in addition to discussing it. And I absolutely concur with your last point: it's priceless to find a community that shares your interests. The world feels a little less alienating when people feel like they belong, whether that is through online fandoms, comic book stores, or anime clubs.

Embrace your Inner Nerd

Genshiken definitely struck some personal chords, even though I have never been a part of the Japanese otaku culture. The characters in the show love and have a passion for anime and games, which I can relate to that passion. I have always been a huge Spider-Man, comic book, and all around pop culture fan. This love of comic books and nerd culture was not always a popular item, especially growing up when movies and tv were not dominated by Marvel and DC. So, the tension and conflict between passion and public perception is something I am very familiar around, which this show explores. 

Comics weren’t always cool and something you want to bring up, as it was outside the mainstream. There was a bit of shame that lingered around being a fan of nerdy things. Watching Sasahara in Genshiken wrestle with admitting he’s an otaku was very reminiscent of those times growing up. Choosing to hide my love of comics and act like I didn’t know more than I did about these superheroes in conversations. However, things have changed. Marvel has been a juggernaut at the box office lately. We just had Superman debut again at the box office and it was met with praise and good returns. Comic books are celebrated now and have become mainstream to the masses. 

It reminded of a show I loved called Comic Book Men. This was a great show filmed in a comic book store. It showcased collectibles, comics, and other nerd related items. People would come into the shop looking for an item or selling an item. This show really focused on the fandom and the passion people have for this genre. Just like Genshiken taps into the community that forms around these beautiful works of art that some might relate to hold in high standard. I appreciate there was a slow normalization to these character’s passion within the show too. It went from hiding it to finding pride in it. Something I can definitely relate too, as I have made that shift myself. The older I get, the more I accept and celebrate the things I love. This show also reassures the audience that finding people that can share your passion is important. As we grow, get jobs, families, and more responsibilities, having people in your life that celebrate the same passions you have can help you move more gently around this world. At the end of the day, embrace your inner nerd and enjoy life. It’s a much better ride. 

[joshleclair10]

Discovering Genshiken: A Reflection on Otaku Culture

Genshiken was funny and surprisingly thought-provoking to watch. It initially seems to be a humorous slice-of-life anime about an otaku-focused college club. However, as the episodes went on, I came to understand that it was providing a nuanced commentary on issues that are relevant well beyond Japan, such as identity, belonging, and the conflict between mainstream society and subcultures.

The way the series depicts the quest for community really got my attention. Sasahara's hesitancy and awkwardness made me think of other occasions when I joined new groups and was anxious about blending in. Finding a place where his interests are valued makes him feel a universal sense of relief. It got me to thinking about how everyone looks for settings where their passions are not only accepted but also honored. Even if it is based on something as specialized as manga or anime, that sense of community is incredibly human.

Genshiken discusses the stigma associated with fandom on a more general level. Being called "otaku" has negative connotations in Japan, where it is associated with being immature, antisocial, and obsessed. Similar dynamics can be observed worldwide in K-pop fans, comic book fans, and gamers. The conflict between "serious" and "pop" cultural capital persists, despite the fact that nerd culture has gained popularity in some regions. As I watched the club members argue over the specifics of the series and show off their collections, I was reminded of Fiske's article's idea of the shadow cultural economy. In their communities, fans establish their own hierarchies, values, and currencies of status, even though they might not acquire prestige in the "real world."

For my part, I could identify with the fervor of those conversations. Although I'm not an otaku, I have experienced a similar level of passion for sports, music, and even some academic subjects. I was reminded of conversations I've had where strangers become friends because of common interests when I saw how fan talk creates bonds.

The way the show handled gender was another thing that caught my attention. What constitutes "normal" interests for men and women is hinted at by Kasukabe's uneasiness with the group. This conflict reflects more general discussions about gender roles and subcultures in the modern era.

In the end, Genshiken is about identity, marginality, and the human need for community, it's not just about anime fans. It made me think about how modern digital fandoms work much like the Genshiken club did, establishing international forums for creation, sharing, and criticism.

[joshleclair10]

I appreciate you sharing your thoughts. I thought it was great how you connected the three anime under the themes of acceptance by society, identity, and connection. Your observation regarding Naruto's decision to fight for acceptance from the same society that rejected him truly caught my attention. I've also been haunted by that paradox. Although heartbreaking, it is relatable. In real life, many people are placed in similar situations where they must prove their value to groups or systems that initially disregarded or marginalized them. Your explanation made it clearer to me how much Naruto's journey reflects those exclusionary and resilient real-world dynamics.

Your analysis of Wolf Children struck a chord with me as well, particularly the notion that finding or establishing a more intimate, accepting community where you can be who you truly are is more important than always fitting in with society at large. It was immensely healing to watch Hana allow her kids to explore both sides of who they are. I liked how you underlined that a strong counterpoint to the prevalent narrative we typically witness is the freedom to explore identity without being forced to make a decision.

Your reading of A Silent Voice struck me as particularly potent as well. It struck a chord with me as well that redemption and societal healing require not only personal repentance or forgiveness but also group transformation. You served as a reminder that healing requires the support of those around us and cannot occur in a vacuum. I was also deeply affected by the last scene, in which Ishida starts to reestablish relationships and let go of his inner shame.

Overall, I felt your post did a great job of showing how these anime explore difficult, painful, and very real experiences while maintaining a hopeful tone. Once again, I appreciate you sharing. It caused me to think more carefully about my own viewing experience.

Naruto, Wolf Children, and A Silent Voice

I deeply enjoyed watching Naruto, Wolf Children, and A Silent Voice and seeing how each of these anime commented on the universality of the human experience through the lens of identity, isolation, and connection. While they went about it in different ways, each of these shows explored our desire for societal connection and the struggle that many are faced with in their search for these relationships.

Naruto, being a shonen anime, very strongly depicts the struggle faced by the individual and the perseverance required of them in this search for community. Naruto is made to face constant challenges and dangers in order to one day be accepted into his village, which he was ostracized from at a very young age. Instead of rejecting the society that pushed him away, he did everything in this power to become part of it. He sought the warmth and embrace of societal recognition that he was willing to, on many occasions, risk his very life to get it. This goes to show the value that many people see in being a recognized member of society. It also goes to show the lengths that many must go through to get this recognition. This narrative shows the sacrifices that one must make, the things they must change about themselves to be accepted into society, that may never fully accept them into it. We can see this in the fact that it is not until many years after Naruto began his journey that he is finally accepted into a full member of society.

Wolf Children takes a very different approach to this same discussion, in that, in this anime it explores the idea of finding one’s community within a larger society, rather than changing oneself to fit into larger society. This anime is all about finding your own identity and it heavily explores having a dual identity and the struggle that many face when trying to come to terms with this. Here, the children are made to choose between their wolf self and their human self. They are not given a middle ground choice but instead made to choose one or the other. They are made to fit into one fixed narrative and are not really given a ground in which they can have both identities simultaneously. It is in this rural village that the children are given the opportunity to explore their personal identities and who they want to be. This goes to show the importance of finding your own community and exploring yourself within it, one doesn’t need to fit into one fixed societal narrative but instead they should be free to explore themselves and who they are.

The finial Anime, A Silent Voice, explores the idea of redemption and the impact that discrimination can have on the individual and the way that society can move forward. This anime was a hard one because of the intense emotional nature of its progression, in particular, the ending of the anime hit me hard. This anime made you think about the desire to make right ones past wrongs and the way to atone, and the solution proposed is that change cannot just be at the individual level, it must happen on the communal level. We must treat all others with dignity and respect; it is our duty to make all feel welcome into society and acknowledge their place within it.

Overall, these Animes were a wonderful watching experience and offered a good look into the lives of those faced with societal discrimination and how society as a whole can move forward and make amends to a past of discrimination.

[joshleclair10]

Isolation, Effort, and Quiet Change

Watching Naruto, Wolf Children, and A Silent Voice back to back hit me in a way I didn’t expect. I went in thinking I’d be analyzing themes for class, but I walked away feeling personally called out. Each anime made me think deeply about what it means to belong, and what we’re often expected to sacrifice just to be accepted.

Naruto immediately reminded me of my younger self. His drive to become Hokage wasn’t just about power; it was about wanting people to finally see him, to acknowledge him. That hit home. I’ve spent a lot of my life trying to prove I belong, whether academically, socially, or professionally, by working harder than I probably needed to. But watching Naruto push himself through years of suffering just to gain the respect of people who once ignored or hated him… it made me uncomfortable. Why does society reward the "acceptable" version of someone only after they've been broken down and rebuilt? That question stuck with me.

In Wolf Children, I found myself relating to the feeling of having to “choose” a side. Watching Hana take her children to the countryside so they could freely explore who they were felt like a quiet kind of wish fulfillment. But even in that rural space, the children still eventually had to pick one identity or the other.

A Silent Voice struck the deepest chord. I saw pieces of myself in both Nishimiya and Ishida, feeling left out, staying silent, and later feeling ashamed of not doing more. But unlike Naruto, this story shows society starting to change around the victim, not just demanding change from them. Ishida doesn’t ask for forgiveness, he works to become someone better. That subtle shift from individual transformation to communal healing made the film incredibly powerful.

Together, these anime reminded me how layered and emotional animation can be. They don’t just tell stories; they reflect the hard truths about growing up, identity, and what we all really want, to be seen and accepted for who we are.

[joshleclair10]

Although I hadn't connected the dots myself, I thought your comparison of Shin Sekai Yori to The Village and A Clockwork Orange was excellent. Both Shin Sekai Yori and The Village employ fear as a social control mechanism, and you're correct that the "Tainted Cats" work similarly to the legendary animals in The Village, not to keep kids safe, but to maintain their obedience.

I could relate to your point about psychological conditioning as well. Shin Sekai Yori's "Death Feedback" is a vivid example of how society tries to regulate behavior by rewiring instincts as well as by enforcing rules. Like you, I was deeply troubled by the notion of peace without freedom. It got me thinking: if safety means we can't choose compassion how we want it, is it worth it?

I particularly enjoyed your closing personal note, which said that kindness and peace are only meaningful when they are freely chosen. I was deeply affected by that. In the anime, people are molded to fit the system, everything is hidden, and nothing is truly transparent. Part of the beauty of living an ethical life in our own world is choosing to do so rather than having it predetermined for you, as your reflection reminded me.

I appreciate your thoughtful post; it made me think a lot.

It takes a Village to Raise a Messiah

This show definitely captures you and takes you on a remarkable journey. This dystopian society that Saki and her friends grow up in is all built on manipulation, fear, and violence. This show blends and reminds me of the movies The Village and Clockwork Orange. The children in this show are told of terrifying monsters called "Tainted Cats" that strike fear into them. Similar to the Village telling their young of monsters to ensure they stick to the community standards and don't venture to far. Both stories demonstrate the use of fear to control peace. Additionally, the psychological conditioning is a reminder to a Clockwork Orange. Both stories want to suppress violent impulses in hopes to create a safer society. In Shin Sekai Yori they use the concept of Death Feedback to accomplish this. Through all these stories the concept is all about maintaining control to ensure and preserve the society and the illusions of peace. However, this peace comes with a high cost as the price comes feels like the loss of true freedom. The ability to make decisions goes out the window and people are left to become a vessel of compliance for the betterment of society. Although all the above are great stories to watch, I don't think I would want to. I personally don't want to cause harm to others and want to live in a peaceful society. However, I like knowing that is one hundred percent my choice. It is not because I was trained to do so. Everything cause has an effect, but in our society these are cleary stated and laid out. Not hidden truths to uncover as things are laid out for us. Even for Japan, they pride themselves on being a society filled with harmony and social order, but not at the cost this show lays out. Overall, this show caused mixed feelings as the idea of guaranteed peace and safety are fantastic. However, it ensure we live without freedom of choice, which may not be a life worth living.

[joshleclair10]

Fear, Power, and Childhood in Shin Sekai Yori

I was more shocked than I anticipated by Shin Sekai Yori (From the New World). On the surface, it depicts a peaceful, post-scarcity society that values tradition, harmony, and nature. But from the start, there's a spooky undercurrent that intensifies as we learn that children are being watched, coerced, and even killed in order to maintain this paradise.

The way society handled the fear of deviance was what most surprised me. Adults expose children to rigorous monitoring and psychological testing because they believe that any child could "snap" and turn into a destructive force at any time. They are eliminated quietly and without prior notice if they even hint at the possibility of becoming a threat. It is frightful. Because regulation is no longer effective, the show depicts a world in which discipline is absolute. When I consider how we actually handle youth violence, that seems so pertinent today.

Following incidents such as the Shonen Whether it's a school shooting in the United States or a case in Japan, society usually reacts with panic and overreach. Children are scanned, tracked, and diagnosed like data points. We frequently discuss "at-risk youth" or "warning signs," but we hardly ever consider what it would take to truly give these children a sense of security. This logic of control is pushed to its limit by Shin Sekai Yori, and I found it unsettling to see how familiar it already feels.

I consider myself fortunate to have grown up. I was free to struggle, make mistakes, and work things out without feeling threatened. However, this anime got me to reflect on how brittle that space is. What about the children who are misinterpreted? Is it neurodivergent? Have good cause to be angry? What happens to them in a society that is becoming more and more preoccupied with security and control?

Despite its ambiguity, the anime's ending gave me hope. Saki's statement that she wants children to once more be objects of hope rather than fear struck a deep chord. Perhaps monitoring children is not necessary to ensure their safety. Perhaps we should pay attention to them, create support networks, and redefine safety.

Shin Sekai Yori is more than just a dystopian novel. It's a mirror, and it caused me to think carefully about the future we're creating and whether fear or empathy is influencing it more.

[joshleclair10]

I really liked your comparison between Psycho-Pass and Minority Report. I hadn’t thought about it before, but you're right, they both show a future where people give up freedom in exchange for safety. And just like you said, it’s crazy how quickly people in those stories accept being watched all the time. It reminds me of how so many of us today share tons of personal information through apps or social media without really thinking about what we’re giving up. We’re trading privacy for things like convenience and entertainment.

Your point about impatience really stood out to me too. The cereal box example was a fun memory, but also made a great point. Today, people want everything instantly, whether it’s food, news, or even justice. That can be dangerous because we sometimes trust fast answers from technology or systems without thinking about whether they’re fair or even accurate. Like in Psycho-Pass, people stop thinking for themselves because they trust the Sibyl System to do it for them.

What I liked most was your last thought, how we need to think about what’s right for us in the long run, not just what feels good right now. That really connects to the bigger message of the show. It’s a reminder to keep asking questions and not blindly follow systems or technology just because they seem to make life easier. Your post gave me a lot to think about, great job!

I Got a Feeling, Somebody's Watching Me

This show definitely has some grit to it, but it was fun to watch. I can't help but compare these anime to previous media I have seen. As this one reminded myself of Minority Report. The worlds are a bit different, as one measures for crimes that haven't been committed yet and Psycho Pass measures for potential for crime through their Sibyl System. Both stories form a society around the idea of pre-crime and the sacrifice of freedom it takes to accomplish this.

The idea that society so easily accepts and embraces this invasive technology on both stories is quite fascinating to me. However, it does give similar vibes to the willingness of people to give up their privacy today through apps like Facebook and other social media. They are trading their information for entertainment and online connectivity. It seems people do not always think about what they are giving up just like the people in Psycho-Pass. This show feels like a warning of what could become a reality if we continue to let technology dictate our lives without questioning it.

The other thing that goes hand in hand with this show is the lack of patience. I think we live in a society that is very impatient. Not to sound like the old man, but I remember collecting cereal points and sending them off to get an action figure in the mail. It took like 6 weeks for that action figure to get here. Not like this these days, we want everything immediately. Justice, consumption, and everything in between.

I personal believe the long term aspects of the choices we are making do not feel weighed the same as before. As the consumption of technology grows and the use of social media, society demands answers immediately, even if they are not the right ones. I would hope we continue to challenge and ask what is right for us not just what is right for us right now.