THE IMPORTANCE OF REPRESENTATION IN ANIME AND MANGA
An excerpt by Geoffrey D Pinkney
A main character defeating his first villain? Awesome. Is an underrated side character finally getting a spotlight? Phenomenal. A sad backstory explains why the villain only does what he knows because he genuinely doesn’t know better? Sensational.
Why do all these things so opposite of each other spark such emotions within us? It’s because of the word: representation. Representation is a spotlight on not only us but our struggles that we feel day to day.
The struggle of getting out of bed, going to a job you don’t like, and only working just so you can be like everyone else. The battle of having anxiety is because you’re questioning yourself and your existence daily. When we see larger-than-life men, women, gods, goddesses, kings, and queens have these problems, it makes us feel special.
It starts the brain chemical that goes on to be called emotion, and we feel that emotion in our hearts. We feel it in our souls, and it gets forever engrained in our minds. It makes us want to go out and talk about how awesome it was with people who have no interest in what we’re talking about.
It’s so awesome that when you find somebody who appreciates that moment the same as you, it puts the biggest smile on your face as you prepare to talk about it more and more.
Representation matters because, just like sugar, it makes something already promising even sweeter. It’s paradise. It’s the Mecca. It’s the promise of a reward at the end of a hard time. Representation matters because, at the end of the day, it is us.
We are the cause of all that beautiful chaos and the reason we can get out of bed and work that job for just a couple more months. We can get just a good couple of hours of sleep because we put a blanket over our bright thoughts. It’s our sanity. It’s vital to us in the same way oxygen and water are.
Representation is US.
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Blerd Representation in Anime By Otis East
Anime and manga are two of the most popular kinds of entertainment in the world, with millions of admirers from all over the world and of all ages. Nonetheless, despite their growing popularity, black people have been underrepresented in anime and manga. Due to a lack of blerd representation, there is an underlying assumption that black people do not make up the anime and manga audience, which is not accurate. However, there has been a drive in recent years for more diversity representation in anime and manga, which is a huge step toward inclusivity.
The phrase “blerd” refers to black nerds or geeks who are enthusiastic in various parts of nerd culture, such as anime and manga. These people frequently have special issues in terms of portrayal because they are not only black but also nerdy, which can be perceived as an oxymoron. Black people have historically been underrepresented in various types of media, including comic books, movies, and TV shows, resulting in a dearth of representation of black voices and perspectives.
Blerd representation is critical in anime and manga for encouraging diversity and inclusivity. Diversity in anime and manga characters can help black viewers see themselves represented and validated. Furthermore, it can aid in the dismantling of negative preconceptions and allow for more realistic storytelling. For example, anime and manga frequently feature stereotypically presented characters who are too violent, noisy, or sexualized, which can promote damaging stereotypes and misconceptions. Anime and manga, on the other hand, can assist to negate these preconceptions and give a more accurate picture of black culture and identity by having more diverse and nuanced characters.
The significance of blerd representation in anime and manga extends beyond promoting diversity and inclusivity. It also helps black viewers who may feel alone or marginalized to experience a sense of belonging and community. Blerds can feel more motivated and inspired to follow their passions and interests when they find themselves represented in the characters and tales they enjoy. Furthermore, it can assist to challenge traditional views about what it means to be a nerd or a geek, so opening up new opportunities for black people in a variety of disciplines.
Finally, the value of blerd representation in anime and manga cannot be emphasized. Anime and manga may encourage diversity and break down negative stereotypes by featuring diverse characters and storylines that truly depict black culture and identity. Furthermore, it can give black viewers a sense of belonging and community, allowing them to follow their passions and interests without fear of being shunned or alienated. Finally, by accepting and supporting diversity, anime and manga may become even more effective and important forms of entertainment for viewers all around the world.
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