UlasanAnime.com – The act of voting, often seen as a civic duty, can sometimes feel distant from the passionate pursuits of fandom. However, for one individual, the engagement with anime culture ironically spurred an interest in the political arena.
The author recounts their experience of voting, which, in the United States, typically occurs on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November for state and federal elections. Since federal elections are held in even-numbered years, the author’s vote on this particular day was limited to state-level matters, including propositions and legislative seats, as well as local county and township issues.
The motivation behind voting stemmed from a rather unexpected comparison. The day before, the author reflected on the significant time invested—several hours daily for three months—in engaging with online communities, debating with proxies, and discussing characters like a “retarded Higurashi bitch.” This introspection led to a realization: perhaps the time and energy spent on such fandom discussions could be redirected towards more impactful real-world actions, like voting on significant tax proposals.
The author humorously questions whether “down syndrome” has become the new “moe,” a term often used in anime fandom to describe a cute or endearing character. This thought highlights the sometimes absurd or trivial nature of certain fandom debates when contrasted with the tangible consequences of political decisions.
Ultimately, the author expresses gratitude to the online forum 2ch (often associated with Japanese textboards) for indirectly fostering their interest in politics. The very act of engaging in passionate, albeit sometimes niche, online discussions about anime sparked a broader awareness of civic responsibility.
The piece then pivots to a discussion about anime itself, drawing parallels between fictional narratives and real-world themes. The author acknowledges that comparing a series like “Gundam 00” to a Tom Clancy novel might seem like comparing minor discrepancies, but emphasizes that “Gundam 00” at least makes an effort to tackle complex issues. While understanding that some fans prefer pure escapism from “real life” in their entertainment, the author advocates for variety, suggesting that even those who seek escape can appreciate narratives that touch upon deeper themes.
The author even muses about the possibility of high-ranking politicians engaging with anime, posing a rhetorical question about the allegorical meanings within series like “Rozen Maiden” and its “Alice Game.” This thought experiment suggests that themes of power, control, and identity present in anime might resonate with individuals in positions of political influence.
The article concludes with a call for unity and genuine connection, moving beyond superficial labels. The author proposes that instead of forming rigid, ideologically driven groups, a more authentic form of unity can be found in a loose coalition of individuals bound by shared beliefs. This approach, while perhaps not offering the same “tax exempt status” as formal organizations, is seen as more genuine and sustainable because it is “honest.”
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The author points to the formation of friends and families as a prime example of this genuine unity. Many individuals within the otaku community are at an age where they are forming relationships and starting families. Reaching out to others in one’s immediate circle is presented as a positive step towards building stronger communities. The article encourages readers to participate in the political process by voting, emphasizing that this can lead to saving money, which in turn can be used to support the anime fandom through purchasing and watching more anime. The overarching message is one of engagement and empowerment: to “win at life, not run from it.”
