The Tragic Fate of Mikasa Ackerman’s Parents: A Tale of Exoticism and Survival

In the complex world of the Attack on Titan, Mikasa Ackerman's parents were not just casualties of war but victims of a broader issue—exoticism. Their tragic story highlights the dark underbelly of the human trafficking industry and the cruel ideology that devalues those perceived as different.

Adventures in Exoticism

Mikasa's father and mother were not just any couple. Their Asian lineage and features stood out as exotic in a predominantly homogenous world. Mikasa's mother, in particular, was considered more purebred, making her more desirable and appeal to certain individuals for her unique traits. This exoticism thrust her family into a dangerous and unsettling web of exploitation.

The issue at hand was not just about Mikasa's family being different, but the commercial value placed on their exotic appearance. For many, Mikasa's parents and, by extension, Mikasa herself, were seen as more valuable as merchandise than as individuals with a rich, lived life. This mindset is a stark reflection of the dehumanizing practices that have plagued societies worldwide.

A Deadly Encounter

One fateful night, three human traffickers raided their home, intending merely to capture Mikasa's father and kidnap her and her mother. The traffickers aimed to exploit their Asian lineage, branding them as slaves to be sold or used for other sinister purposes. Their intentions were rooted in a twisted notion of value, where Mikasa and her mother were seen as objects to be traded rather than subjects with rights and dignity.

The plan was to capture Mikasa's father, who was obstructing the entry of the traffickers, at their doorway. However, the mother's reaction was anything but predictable. Her violent and understandable defense against the death of her beloved husband was too much for the traffickers to handle. In a tragic twist, one of the traffickers accidentally killed her during the ensuing chaos, while Mikasa was left to confront her new reality as an orphan.

Survival and Valor

Fortunately, Eren Yeager, a fellow Titans Scout, came to their rescue. His intervention saved them from the clutches of the traffickers, but not without leaving them heartbreakingly bereft of their mother. Mikasa's father died tragically at the doorway, while her mother's accidental demise underlined the horrific nature of the plight they faced.

Legacy and Justice

Mikasa Ackerman's journey from an orphaned girl to a powerful warrior is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. In a world where race and appearance can be weaponized against innocent individuals, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight against human trafficking and the dehumanizing effects of exoticism.

From the tragic narrative of Mikasa's parents to the valor of Mikasa and Eren, the tale of Attack on Titan encapsulates the human struggle against oppression and exploitation. It calls for both vigilance and action in the face of such injustices, ensuring that no one is reduced to an object of commerce or violence.