Why 'Attack on Titan' Shines as an Anti-Racist Narrative

When considering the profound and often controversial themes of anime series Attack on Titan, one of the most striking and admirable aspects is its portrayal of anti-racism. Despite the genre's focus on survival and conflict, the show manages to highlight a critical issue that is still prevalent in many societies today: racism. The central role racism plays in the world of Attack on Titan, including the treatment of the honorary Marlians and other racially distinct groups, offers a powerful and thought-provoking commentary on this global problem.

Honorific Marlians: A Disturbing Echo of Reality

The depiction of the honorary Marlians in Attack on Titan showcases a chilling parallel to real-world racial discrimination. These characters, whose status is based solely on the color of their skin, represent a form of aesthetic racism, where individuals are judged and mistreated based on superficial physical characteristics. Marley's treatment of the honorary Marlians mirrors the historical and contemporary experiences of many minority groups who have faced prejudice and discrimination.

The portrayal of Miawhat's character is particularly disturbing as she undergoes internalization of racist ideologies, leading her to commit horrific acts. This reflects real-world scenarios where individuals, especially youth, internalize harmful beliefs and enact them, often without fully understanding the consequences of their actions. The series’ exploration of these dynamics serves as a stark reminder of the damaging effects of racism and the importance of addressing and combating it.

Naive Citizens and the Lack of Experience

A key aspect of the show that adds to its anti-racist message is the situation of the citizens within the walls. These characters have never seen skin of a different hue, as they have never encountered individuals beyond the walls of the human settlements. As a result, they lack the past experiences that have contributed to modern forms of racism, such as slavery and systemic discrimination. This innocence, however, is very different from the naive indifference that the show critiques.

The citizens within the walls unknowingly treat people with different skin tones without preconceived notions of superiority or inferiority, much like how many people today, having not experienced racism themselves, interact with others without prejudice. The series thus highlights that individuals are not inherently racist, and that deep-seated racial prejudices often develop over time and through societal conditioning. This provides a nuanced perspective on racism, suggesting that education and exposure can mitigate these biases.

The Broader Implications of Aesthetic Racism

The concept of aesthetic racism in Attack on Titan extends to the broader narrative, emphasizing the importance of appearance over substance. Races, ethnicities, and skin tones are not inherently superior or inferior, yet they are often used as markers of difference, leading to discriminatory practices. This aspect of the show challenges viewers to consider the importance of moving beyond surface-level judgments and to recognize the value of every individual, regardless of their appearance.

Ultimately, Attack on Titan serves as a powerful anti-racist narrative that addresses issues of racism, prejudice, and discrimination. Through its complex characters and compelling storyline, the series emphasizes the detrimental impacts of racism while also offering hope for a future where such prejudices can be eradicated through education, understanding, and empathy.