Anime has a fascism problem

Summary

This video script delves into the troubling intersection of anime fandom and far-right ideologies. It explores how Japan's historical and contemporary attitudes towards immigration and nationalism resonate with neo-Nazi and fascist ideologies, and how these views can infiltrate anime communities. The script scrutinizes the appeal of Japanese culture to these extremist groups and the role of online anonymity in fostering hate speech and toxic beliefs within anime forums. It also discusses the influence of specific anime series, like 'Attack on Titan,' which, despite not being overtly political, can be interpreted in ways that align with extremist views. The video concludes with a call for accountability and advocacy within anime communities to counteract the spread of bigotry and far-right extremism.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The speaker is an avid anime fan, familiar with both contemporary and classic anime, as well as manga like Chainsaw Man, Hell's Paradise, and Kaiju No. 8.
• 🗣️ Anime discussion spaces are generally free from politics, but there are underlying social issues such as racism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism within anime communities.
• 🤔 The speaker questions the correlation between anime fandom and the presence of problematic ideas, particularly those related to right-wing ideologies.
• 🇯🇵 Fascists and alt-right individuals are drawn to Japanese culture due to its historical and contemporary conservative and anti-immigrant stances.
• 🌐 Japan's low immigration rates and perceived low crime rates are seen as positive by some right-wing groups, who view Japan as a model for an ethno-state.
• 🔍 The late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was admired by some fascists and neo-Nazis for his nationalistic policies and historical revisionism.
• 🌐 The origins of 4chan, which is linked to 2chan, a Japanese message board, show how anime fandom can intersect with the spread of toxic beliefs.
• 🎭 Anime communities sometimes face backlash against inclusivity, such as casting decisions that do not adhere to racial stereotypes, which can be an entry point for right-wing ideologies.
• 📺 The anime series 'Attack on Titan' has been a subject of controversy, with some interpreting it as having right-wing or fascist undertones, which can be appealing to neo-Nazis.
• 🔊 The speaker calls for advocacy and awareness within anime communities to counteract the spread of far-right ideologies and to ensure inclusivity and representation.

Q & A

What is the main subject matter discussed in the video script?

The video script discusses the intersection of anime fandom and problematic ideologies, particularly the appeal of Japanese culture and anime to certain right-wing and fascist-leaning individuals.

Why does the script mention Japan's history in relation to anime?

The script mentions Japan's history, including its past with fascism and imperialism, to contextualize why certain elements of Japanese culture might appeal to individuals with right-wing ideologies.

What is the significance of 2chan and 4chan in the discussion?

2chan and 4chan are significant because they are anonymous online message boards that have become hotbeds for nationalist and hate speech, which can contribute to the spread of right-wing ideologies within anime communities.

How does the script suggest that anime communities can inadvertently support right-wing ideologies?

The script suggests that anime communities can support right-wing ideologies by providing spaces for anonymity that allow for the expression of toxic beliefs, and by not advocating for marginalized communities within these spaces.

What role does the script suggest that online platforms play in the spread of right-wing ideologies?

The script implies that online platforms, such as message boards and social media, can act as entry points for right-wing ideologies by recommending and amplifying extremist content through algorithms and user engagement.

Why does the script discuss the casting of characters in anime adaptations?

The script discusses the casting of characters to highlight how some anime fans express racist and exclusionary views, which can be an entry point for right-wing ideologies within the community.

What is the script's stance on the show 'Attack on Titan' in relation to right-wing ideologies?

The script acknowledges the complexity of 'Attack on Titan' and its potential to be interpreted in various ways, but it criticizes the show for not providing a clear moral interpretation, which can be exploited by neo-Nazis and other right-wing extremists.

How does the script connect the lack of diversity in Japan to the appeal of Japanese culture for right-wing individuals?

The script connects the lack of diversity in Japan to the appeal of Japanese culture for right-wing individuals by suggesting that the perceived homogeneity and strict immigration policies align with their ethno-nationalist ideals.

What is the 'alt-right pipeline' mentioned in the script, and how does it relate to anime?

The 'alt-right pipeline' refers to the path that leads individuals towards right-wing and conservative ideologies, often starting with milder conservative content and escalating to more extreme beliefs. In the context of anime, it relates to how certain anime communities can serve as entry points for this pipeline.

What responsibility does the script suggest anime community members have in addressing right-wing ideologies?

The script suggests that anime community members have a responsibility to engage with and advocate for marginalized communities, and to hold the community accountable to prevent the spread of right-wing and neo-Nazi activity.