Anime Subculture of Uni High
By Evie, Amelia and Emily
We asked students at Uni High to tell us more about anime. Our main question was “Does Unihigh have a culture? We believe that it’s broken down into subculture and question if anime is one of them. By interviewing a student (Courtney) who identifies as an anime fan, and what her take is on the anime community.
We first asked; What attracted you to watching anime? “I enjoy anime because I find that it’s a better way of storytelling, just like tv show series, but instead it’s beautifully animated. Treat it as if you are watching a normal cartoon but with an in-depth storyline”.
Anime is an animated show or movie that uses features of Japanese-style animation. It can be colourful, vibrant and charismatic. It is most recognised by characters with “doe like eyes” and colourful appearances. Learning that it isn’t something that someone should find “weird” or different. Anime is embedded in Japanese culture and is majority based on Japanese culture too. Just like art or music, anime is merely an interest that people like to share with one another. “There are no major requirements, mainly because Anime has a wide selection of genres. Personal interest is subjective, but it is preferred everyone stays respectful of others and their interests.” There aren’t any specific things a person has to do to be a part of the community. The community is about having fun and sharing mutual interest for the same thing.
Just like other subcultures, stereotypes and assumptions are invincible. Therefore we asked the question “Do you know any stereotypes surrounding anime’s watcher?” Just as we assumed, many of these assumptions and misconceptions are either childish, weird, inclined to a debased form of entertainment, and other defaming subjective. As a person who also enjoys the art of anime and sharing those with people with the same interests. I could agree with the response. All of us aren’t fitted into one form. Some choose to express their appreciation through their garments, aesthetic and some just choose to convey the appreciation through enjoying and recommending them to others. Therefore, all different and unique expressions should be respected and appreciated.
Courtney claims that watching anime is quite similar to watching any tv show or movie out there, however it has “a unique way of storytelling through moving art.” But it’s the deep and particular style of storytelling and plot is what really draws in people to keep watching, and even get connected with characters.
“The community has grown immensely due the fact that many in this day in age are more accepting and more appreciative of works.” Whether you like it or not, the most important thing to remember, is to stay respectful of anime. “It is alright to immerse yourself and experience that culture, so long as it is respectful,” therefore it shouldn’t be treated differently compared to other shows or movies, as “the only difference between Anime and Western Cartoons is the language”. Within the anime community there are many different fandoms, and in the past there have been many problematic and controversial instances. Many also use a lot of racial prejudice against anime.
By interviewing Courtney we’ve learnt that there isn’t a specific subculture for anime and Uni High. As instead it’s a common interest, and topic of conversation, that people discuss themself. Not everyone openly shows their interest, knowing that it isn’t a fixed group they accept that people do not like it and continue on with their lives as long as there is no discrimination to watching it. It isn’t a club or clique, it’s just watching your favourite shows and enjoying it with other people.