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Reviews~
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Favorite anime:
1. Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler)
2. Mushishi
3. Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo
4. Yuri!!! on Ice
5. Space Brothers
- Created By KyraChan
Why Hetalia is the Opposite of Racist
Before I make this argument, please watch Gaijin Goombah's look into Punch Out and the evolution of its supposed racism, as a lot of what he says will lay some of the groundwork of what I'm about to say.
...You back? Okay, let me establish this first. Is Hetalia stereotypical? Yes. It is simply impossible to condense the thoughts, feelings, beliefs, actions, and identities of thousands, even millions of people into one without stereotyping.
And now, hailing back to Gaijin Goomba's argument, he points out that all the characters, and their personalities, are all viewed in a positive light. But Kyra, you may say, they're not portrayed in a positive light. Italy is portrayed as stupid, weak, and incompetent! It's even in the title - "Hetare" (or idiot) Italia! To that I say, have you forgotten the other ways Italy is portrayed? Italy is portrayed as cute, kind-hearted, caring, lovable, a great chef, a great lover, the list goes on. You see, what Italy is really portrayed as is a full personality - including weaknesses, strengths, likes, dislikes, desires, the list goes on. This goes for all countries - America is strong, but can be obnoxious, Japan is calm, but he has difficulty expressing emotion, England is a terrible cook, but he never gives up - the list goes on. Each character is given a full personality, something we can relate to and care about, which results in us all loving each personality, and each country, for who they are.
So, what leads us to love each country? I invite you to watch this video, paying attention to the pictures, song used, and, indeed, languages it's in. What do you see when you watch that video? You see the characters and, indeed, the characters caring for one another. And that's the thing - the characters in Hetalia may poke fun at one another, but it's shown time and time again that when things get bad, they truly, deeply care for one another, despite their flaws. It also shows them being genuinely interested in one another's culture.
And in that, it shows all the greatest parts of humanity. On an individual level, it brings out the parts of us who are willing to love and accept one another, despite our flaws. It shows a world in which we can be ourselves without fear of being discriminated against.
On a global level, it shows countries who are willing to help one another in crisis. It shows how we can make global decisions without the need for war. And it especially shows how wonderfully diverse the cultures of the world are, and how we can all come to appreciate, love, and understand each culture, with both its strengths and its weaknesses.
Like I said, Hetalia expresses all the great things about humanity. There's a reason that it often mentions the idea of the world - it not only emphasizes the each individual country and it's culture, but how each country's culture creates an integral part of this world. In the end, what Hetalia is about how that, yes, there are negative things about this world and, indeed, about each country's different cultures, but, thanks to each country and culture's diversity and the appreciation for each other's country and culture, this world is truly a beautiful world.
OD: Is Hetalia Racist?
Warning: The results of last Otaku Debate will have spoilers for Naruto Shippuden.
After receiving Nichole's comment as well as asking a couple of my own friends, the general consensus seems to be that Danzo had good intentions, but did not execute it in the best way. He always worked towards the good of the village, but used such extreme methods that ended up causing a lot of people pain. As for his death, Nichole believes that he should have lived longer because of how good of a Hokage he would have been and because of his strength.
For the most part, I agree with you guys. I believe Danzo truly tried to create peace for the village, but his methods could have been better. However, I do think that, to a degree, his actions were justifiable. He did manage to create peace for the village where there would have more than likely been war otherwise. I understand how the pain he caused could make people dislike him, but I do think that he was noble and endured the hatred people had for him well. If this is making any sense. As for his death, while I do agree that it would have been cool to see him work as a Hokage, I think his death was perfectly timed in that it adds to the tragedy to the character. He worked so hard for something, getting so close, only to have it slip through the very tips of his fingers. So while it may not be the best outcome for him, it aids in the overall impact of the story.
Today's OD: Is Hetalia racist?
This debate has been going on for years. Of there's little doubt it's somewhat stereotypical, as it's nearly impossible to represent millions of people as one person without stereotyping to a degree, but is it racist? It's become such a huge topic that the South Korean government spoke out against Hetalia in order to prevent their country from being represented in the anime. So after reading many strong-opinioned articles, I'm bringing the question to you: Should Hetalia be considered an offensive, racist anime, or should it be left alone, and why?
You Decide!
Since this world recently hit 5000 views, I'm allowing you guys to vote on my next review! You vote for up to 2 of the following:
Edit: Remember, guys, you vote for up to two entries. You don't have to, it just makes the poll more accurate ^^'
Voting will close in a week, and review will be posted within the two weeks after that.
Boogiepop Phantom Review
In the wake of Neon Genesis Evangelion's success, many intense, philosophical anime came out within the next ten years. Some hit the nail with their twisting plotlines and their deep themes, and some were a bit harder to follow.
Plot Summary
Boogiepop Phantom weaves an intricate tale about a strange pillar of light that appeared five years ago, the Boogiepop Phantom, and the mysterious happenings that surround these two phenomena.
Story
The story of Boogiepop Phantom is very, very intricate. There are a lot of episodes that seemingly have nothing to do with each other, and it's left up to the watcher to try and connect the dots, and while it's frustrating when trying to put pieces together that don't fit, it can be very satisfying when things do start to fit together.
The story altogether barely makes sense, and it's not one to watch casually. Watchers need to be fully invested, which works both for and against it.
7.6
Characters
There are many characters in Boogiepop Phantom, and it can be difficult figuring what role each of them plays. While many of them do get some decent development, you are left wondering why some characters were even put in at all. Plus, while the character design of the Boogiepop Phantom stands out fairly well, the other designs become generic and it can be hard trying to remember which character you're looking at.
7.8
Animation
The animation is done fairly well. The colour scheme is dull, which works with the show and allows them to highlight some of the more important aspects. The use of bright light also works towards its advantage. However, beyond that there isn't much that works for the animation's benefit.
8.1
Music
While the opening is done fairly well, the rest of the music falls flat. Some impactful moments should have been made better by the soundtrack, but weren't. Some scenes in which should have music didn't have music at all.
6.8
Overall
Boogiepop Phantom is not for everybody. It requires a lot of focus and great attention to detail for it to make any sense. While the animation can be fairly beautiful, the soundtrack as a whole falls flat. If you're looking to exercise your brain with an intricate plot, this one is good for you. Otherwise, you might want to watch something else.
Half Moon
7.58
Recommendations
Paranoia Agent
If you're looking for another series that ties together a series of seemingly random events, this anime is for you.
Death Note
This anime is for those trying to find another involving, intricate plot including lots of detail.
Other
The opening is by Suga Shikao, so of course I'm going to love it.
Also, despite its many flaws, this anime holds a special place in my heart. I find it kind of... endearing.
Dat animation, do
OD: Danzo
Man, the last OD was so long ago. (Yeah, I'm going to change its format a little). For those who don't know, Otaku Debate (or OD for short) is just that - a post where I present the topic then let you voice your opinions.
It seemed like the anime that got the most love was Naruto because of its well-developed characters and over-arcing storyline, though Bleach came in a close second. One Piece got some love for its entertainment value and its humor, but ultimately came in third.
My own choice would have to be Naruto. I love the characters, the story, and the setting and style of it. I also thing Naruto's villains are some of the best to have come out of anime. I've never really watched One Piece, only read a couple of its chapters, and as for Bleach... I've read the first 9 volumes but never really got into the anime, though I do plan on watching both Bleach and One Piece in the future.
Warning: Spoilers for Naruto Shippuden will be in this OD and most likely in the discussion in the comments.
The topic for today's OD is Danzo (from Naruto). Did he deserve to die, or should he have lived longer as Hokage? Are the actions he took justified? And, the ultimate question, is he good or is he evil?
