There are many things that influence us growing up, but especially tv, movies, music and books. We all have our favorites that made life a little easier and gave us an escape from reality. They made us happy, what’s so wrong with that? Earlier this month, middle school Principal Melanie Arias sent out an email that looked more like a warning about students being influenced by anime. Is that a bad thing? I don’t see the problem.
In the email, Arias states that it had been brought to their attention that students are being influenced by anime and that parents should be aware of the content their children are consuming as they want to “promote health and safety.”
This email confused me because I don’t see anything wrong with being influenced by something you love. Please, what teenage girl from our generation didn’t want to be just like Alex Russo?
It’s absolutely true that parents should be aware of what their child is watching, as there are some anime that are rated mature, but we have that in every genre of film. In American animation we have shows like Family Guy and King of the Hill.
I’m not sure what it is that she sees as dangerous about anime as they are filled with great stories, characters and beautiful animations. It could be that it originates from a different culture, which unfortunately makes it “weird” for some people resulting in them shutting it out before even giving it a try. A lot of anime tends to be fantastical which is a genre that some parents tend to be wary about. However, what is the difference between a fantastical anime and the Avengers, Harry Potter or most Disney movies? Where is the email about the elements in Marvel movies?
This email is dangerous because now there has been unnecessary fear instilled in parents about anime by someone who seems to not fully understand it or know much about it. Reasons for why it is inappropriate should have been listed in the email, if there even were any, because it is incredibly unfair to paint all anime in a negative light.
I just find it interesting that a work of art from another culture is being questioned and judged without further knowledge.
So, to all of my fellow weebs out there keep watching, keep appreciating the creation of another culture and keep being you.
A lot of life lessons are taught in anime and are a lot of fun to watch. They make life a little easier. If you haven’t seen any yet, maybe you should consider joining the so-called “dangerous” life and watch some. You won’t regret it.