Understanding the Perception of Anime Characters' Race

People who watch anime often aim to maintain a distinction between the fictional realm and reality, even when the animation closely mirrors the real world. This is particularly true for anime that are not explicitly based on real objects or scenery. However, it has become a common observation that many, when cosplaying, perceive Asian anime characters to be more closely resembling white versions. This essay aims to delve into the reasons behind this perception.

Newbies and Artistic Perception

One of the primary reasons for this perception lies in the art style used in anime. Anime often employs an artistic style that involves a lack of detailed information, allowing the viewer's brain to fill in the gaps and create a complete image. This phenomenon is especially evident when anime characters from Japanese origin are cosplayed, where many cosplayers, regardless of their racial background, perceive the characters to be more white than they are depicted in the original anime.

For instance, take the works of Yuru Camp or Kimi no Nawa. These anime distinctly showcase an artistic style that does not provide an abundance of details. The lack of detail allows an individual watching, in this case a cosplayer, to interpret the characters based on their own preferences or ideals. If one craves whiteness, their brain often fills in the missing details to create a more 'white' version of the character in their mind.

Moreover, this concept aligns with the reasons why males find anime girls attractive. The brain’s cognitive ability to fill in missing details, especially in the context of idealized female forms, can make anime girls appear more appealing than their original portrayals. This aspect also comes into play with certain American anime adaptations of the 1970s and 1980s where racial and cultural references were often altered to suit a more relatable demographic.

The Role of Racism in Anime Cosplay

Another layer of complexity in the perception of anime characters’ race emerges when we consider the role of racism. There are two main groups that contribute to this perception issue. The first group consists of individuals who make innocent mistakes. They are often new to anime and may not fully understand the art style or cultural nuances involved. These individuals might perceive characters as more white due to a lack of attention to the actual character design.

On the other hand, the second group includes individuals driven by prejudice, particularly those who hold racist views or social justice warriors.

Racist Trolls: These are individuals who might be white supremacists, black racists, or social justice warriors with an agenda. The latter category includes people who are obsessed with political correctness and are vocal about their viewpoints. They often feel that others are attempting to avoid the political correctness they advocate, especially in non-political settings like enjoying a hobby such as anime.

Login Uzaki Chan Wants to Hang Out, The Rising of the Shield Hero, and Attack on Titan, various criticisms have been leveled by these groups, often expanding beyond the character and plot designs to make broader political statements. These attacks reflect an intolerance for deviation from the specific politically correct interpretations.

White Guilt SJW Racist Trolls: These individuals often see anime as an escape from the politics they encounter daily. They might view anime as a space to separate themselves from the political environment, yet still feel compelled to discuss political correctness.

Conclusion: A Multifaceted Issue

Perception of anime characters' race is a multifaceted issue, involving both innocent art interpretation and conscious decisions rooted in bias. For new aficionados, it's essential to understand that the artistic style of anime might cause a lack of detail, leading to variations in perception. On the other hand, for more informed viewers, these perceptions can be a disturbing reflection of the broader societal issues around race, racism, and political correctness.

Related Keywords

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