How Would Japanese Manga and Anime Have Fared in Victorian England's Sensibilities?

In the Victorian era, societal norms were stringent, and any form of content that deviated from the strict moral and social codes of the time would have faced significant resistance. This is particularly poignant when considering the reception of Japanese manga and anime, which are known for their vivid themes, complex characters, and intricate storytelling. Would the Victorian era have been able to embrace these cultural treasures, or would they have found them too shocking and unacceptable?

Cultural Norms and Social Structure of Victorian England

Dating back to the 19th century, Victorian England had a deeply conservative and deeply puritanical society. The Victorian period is characterized by its rigid social structure, strict moral codes, and emphasis on social propriety. Clothing played a vital role in personal conduct, and the exposure of any skin, even in an art form, was considered outrageous and offensive. Women, in particular, were expected to be modest, covered, and adhere to strict standards of behavior. The concept of public decency was strictly enforced, and any violation of these norms would have led to severe social ostracism.

The Challenge of Exposure in Manga and Anime

Japanese manga and anime often feature characters in clothing that is considerably less modest than what Victorian England would have tolerated. For example, in the typical shonen genre, hero characters often display more skin than would have been deemed acceptable in Victorian society. In many scenes from anime and manga, the characters might be partially or fully undressed, which would have been scandalous in the Victorian era. The presentation of such content would have been a step too far for the rigid moral and social standards of the time.

Superpowered Beings and Coarse Violence

Another aspect that would have been challenging for Victorian sensibilities is the depiction of superpowered beings, a common theme in many anime and manga. In stories where characters gain extraordinary abilities, this could be interpreted as magic or supernatural elements, which were often feared or considered heretical during the Victorian period. Furthermore, coarse violence, which is often a staple in anime and manga, would have been abhorrent. In the Victorian era, violence was typically reserved for wars or specified activities, and any gratuitous depiction would have been seen as deeply wrong and inappropriate.

Inappropriate Humor and Fainting Episodes

The strictly regulated morality of Victorian England also included strictures on humor. Inappropriate humor, especially if dark or crude, would not have been tolerated. For example, oversharing and even hinting at inappropriate topics would have been considered utterly scandalous. Fainting, a plot device frequently used in Victorian literature to convey shock or distress, would also be a recurring theme in manga and anime. However, the way this is used might not align with Victorian expectations of proper behavior. Confronting anyone with such scenes would have been seen as leading them into inappropriate behavior, which would have been a significant social faux pas.

Conclusion: The Impossibility of Acceptance

In conclusion, the Victorian era would have found it extremely difficult if not impossible to accept or appreciate Japanese manga and anime. The societal norms and expectations of the time would have deemed the content too shocking, offensive, and fundamentally inappropriate. The exposure of any skin, the portrayal of superpowered beings and violence, and the use of humor and fainting as storytelling devices would all be way too much to bear for the Victorian audience. This stark contrast between the modern world's appreciation of these forms of media and the societal norms of the Victorian era highlights how much society has evolved in terms of cultural acceptance and moral tolerance.