Anime and sexism/feminism

11-10-2010, 06:01 AM

Oh, absolutely. To some extent, though, the cycle is a bit self perpetuating, so finding the absolute root cause is difficult.

Pretty much agreed on all points, though, including the genders of the writers. While yes, ideally writers of both gender should be able to write realistically for both, realistically, the amount that can is much smaller than the amount that can't. It's easier to "write what you know" as they say.

**Naveen** · 11-10-2010, 06:42 AM

Clearly it's more than just what they wear, otherwise it would be easier to distinguish. A lot of it has to do with the direction, how they're portrayed from a writing and directorial standpoint.

Attracting an audience with an abundance of fanservice isn't "evil" so much as it is lazy and pandering, not to mention alienating the viewers they could've snagged by not being so fanservice-y.

I don't think a show/film HAS to have fanservice to be a smash hit, hell lookit Fullmetal Alchemist. Its culturally significant in Japan, yet doesn't resort to the kind of obnoxious writing decisions that plague many other properties out there.

Just because sex sells, doesn't mean it's neccessary to a show/film's success. I think the world audience that anime has achieved deserves it. It's not just for Nihon Otakus anymore.

**Raptor** · 11-10-2010, 06:55 AM

Right, 'cause FMA has no fanservice. [spoiler]
[/spoiler]
(-:

**bert2730emt** · 11-10-2010, 10:13 AM

Anyway, Beat, I totally agree with you regarding Revy, and the overall issue of fan-service and censorship. I do think this thread has somehow taken a turn towarRAB summarizing ALL anime showcasing physical sex appeal as being "sexist", and I'm uneasy with that. I don't think making women non-sexual is somehow "positive" either.

What it ultimately comes down to is if the character is being humiliated or demeaned in any way by how they are portrayed. How people react to bouncing boobs and skin-showing depenRAB largely on personal taste-- sexism isn't necessarily about "skin" it's about portrayal--and showing sex appeal isn't always demeaning--in fact, sex appeal is often about suggesting a certain level of power over her male cast merabers, and indirectly, us the viewers. For example, a super-conservatively dressed girl who's the main character acting shrill and demanding and hysterical is, I think, much more classifiably "sexist" than any woman in a bikini or underwear.

**Marcus** · 11-10-2010, 11:39 AM

The first Ikki Tousen was by J.C. Staff. [/useless factoid]

**pee** · 11-10-2010, 03:46 PM

Ah, but that doesn't count, since it's a guy. Right?

**nikjd** · 11-10-2010, 04:02 PM

I'm rather sick of the 'girls can punch guys but guys can't punch girls' crud, myself. Equal rights includes right crosses.

**S** · 11-10-2010, 04:08 PM

"Sir, we have the green light for an Ikki Tousen sequel. Should I tell J.C.?"
"No...they won't be back (woooo yeah!)"

**girlygirl1400** · 11-10-2010, 04:19 PM

As far as Naomi Misora goes, I figured the reason she didn't seem bothered by Raye's attitude was because they had clearly had this discussion many times before. Personally, I thought Raye's attitude was there for the sake of irony. He's telling her not to get involved in the Kira case, when we the readers know that, if she had been the one tailing Light, or even if she'd just been trusted with more information about the case, Naomi would have known right away that Light was Kira.

**~Duhh Random~** · 11-10-2010, 07:37 PM

Preach it!

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