Anime in Our Dorms

Let’s talk about anime. Why? How many people do you know that have anime posters in their dorm? How many people do you know on campus that have a favorite anime? What’s your favorite anime? If you don’t watch it, why don’t you watch it? 

Megan Thee Stallion started wearing her cosplays and all your favorite rappers started calling it cool and now every Black person you know is supposed to watch an anime and get into it. Here’s the thing though…this wasn’t always cool for Black people, but Black people have always been into anime. We are always looking into what the rest of the world is doing because the US tends to make us feel boxed in. And being boxed in by a country that changes its mind by the day whether it likes you or not is awful. Anime comes in many forms but the ones that are the most popular tend to have a protagonist who is the “chosen one” or has emerged from a terrible backstory, and they are sent on a quest to save the day or avenge their oppressor. Can you see why Black folks might be interested in such a story? 

The idea that someone has to go through literal hell to get the righteousness they deserve is extremely cathartic. Long story short, Tanjiro sets out on a mission to heal his now demon sister and become a demon slayer to protect everyone from the pain he’s endured. 

An independent child off to save the day with a noble purpose, that’s already amazing, but the real seller are the incredible fight scenes. A lot of people get into anime for the fight scenes, because they are like no other. Sword choreography, incredible weapons you’ve never seen before, martial arts, magic powers, or anything else you could imagine. One of the most popular anime in the world is just about a pirate, his gang and his goal of becoming king of the pirates. Why do people love this anime? The main character has stretching powers, which creates some of the most unique and incredible fight scenes you’ve ever seen. 

Why do young Black people cling to these kinds of stories and fight scenes? It’s an expression. If you’ve had a hard day, which could mean, not passing a test, getting passed over for a job or an opportunity, experiencing a micro or macro aggression, being misunderstood by your parents, or facing an unrelenting political climate. Once a day, you can put on your favorite anime and watch a protagonist work on their craft, become great and defeat their enemy in a flourish of moves that could leave you breathless. And for those 30 minutes or 2 hours, if you’ve decided to binge for a while, you feel just as triumphant as that protagonist. You also work hard, you are also honing your craft and one day you will be great, proving to yourself and the ones who doubted you that they were wrong. Even though that’s not the point. When you become great, it’s you becoming great in your own eyes. 

“Demon Slayer”by Koyoharu Gotouge

This is where anime shines. There is always another enemy but the anime about the pirates reminds you that your friends believing in your dreams is the best kind of treasure. You may want revenge but Demon Slayer reminds you that there is no greater love than family. Jujutsu Kaisen reminds you that the light you have inside is stronger than the darkness, and it requires discipline to maintain it. One Punch Man is a reminder, not to take life so seriously because you will have to move forward, past those who wish you harm. My Hero Academia reminds you that talent is never enough, you must work hard and constantly improve. That is to “Live Ultra!” And my favorite, HunterxHunter reminds you that even though your parents may not have treated you kindly along your journey you will find those who will. 

Epic fight scenes, cool characters, and incredible lessons make for a genre young Black people have become enamored with. And trust me, there are plenty more than the ones I’ve just named. If you’re feeling low, I suggest you check one out. And for all you old heads, most of them have versions that are in English. Sit with your young person, you might find something you like.