Do You Think There Should Be More Black (Or Minority) Anime Characters With Lead Roles?

[Anonymous]

Updates

+1 y

Well, then I guess I'll ask another question: Should Japan and Asian countries be the only ones allowed to make Anime? I thought Netflix was making some of their own now. Are their creators Japanese too?

[RolandCuthbert]

Why? It was never a genre that had "Black" people in it to begin with. I mean, look, I would appreciate more "Black" characters in anime and more stories that show knowledge about cultures descended from Africa.

But it is not going to happen, at least no time soon.

We get a few movies or series every now and again. But I don't think it is a big deal. Me and the other millions of "Black" folks who love the genre kind of know we are not all that popular in Japan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vfd_4LHzNHY

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[Asker]

Well, I don't mean it as an accusing thing, I feel like people are taking my question as aggressive or like I'm whining about it. Probably because of all the black people questions today. I agree those get annoying sometimes. But I'm asking because I feel like despite us not being so popular in Japan, we and many others make up their fan base quite a bit. So I think more characters regarding other races would not only bring more love and money in. But bring more people together and make them feel happy they have anime showing them some love. I don't think Japan or whoever else needs to change their culture I just think adding more people in it would be a good idea. Considering Anime is not just part of Japan anymore. It's universal.

[RolandCuthbert]

Oh, I am not your standard GaG poster. I am "Black" and I have no problems with "Black" culture. I like it, I was born in it and appreciate the "Black" American experience immensely. And I understand what you mean about inclusion.

To be honest, Japanese people are not on the whole, racist. . . or at least not racist intentionally. They are simply ignorant of the experience. And while I really wish for this "kumbayah" moment too, being an old "Black" dude, I know it won't happen for a while.

Sure if Japanese people provided more diverse stories more people from different backgrounds would become interested in the genre. But that is up to them. All we can do is hope. And if we are dissatisfied with the outcome, we have plenty of creative African-descended people who can create something unique and special.

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[Asker]

Have I offended you or something by using the word "Black?" You put quotations next to it like you don't agree with the term and that's alright if you don't. I'm only using it as a generalization of a certain group of people. I suppose I can use African but I chose a simpler word. And it's not just black people that I wish were involved. And as for myself, I adore black culture as well. I'm not old nor do I define myself as a typical GAG poster. Or well... whatever that is.

I love things like Boondocks and Black Samurai. Or Michiko and Hatchin. I also like the small characters in animes that we get I just wish there were more even if it's not likely. I like the idea of them being more. Whether it is made by Japan or someone else I don't mind. I just like it being out there because to me it adds diversity. I'd love to see various cultures involved. I think it would be an amazing idea. And if I could I'd do it myself, hell I might you never know.

[RolandCuthbert]

Oh no. Please. I put the word black in quotes when I refer to groups of people. I do the same with the word white. Because obviously, I do not mean literally the people are the colors black or white. It is a cultural designation whether people admit to it or not. Generally speaking, I use it when referring to the people in America.

But wherever people claim cultural common ground, one had to recognize it.

Oh did you see the Gospel Choir singing "A Cruel Angel's Thesis"?

I just thought that was brilliant!

[Asker]

I was just watching it as you speak haha. I love it honestly, it's beautiful. I agree it's a brilliant video. I really liked the elderly woman's simile. She reminds me of my neighbor when I was a little. Brings back good memories.

[windknowsmyname]

I totally agree, i write novels and my 2nd one has a black girl as the lead. I mean i like korean chicks a lot but not enough love is is given to black girls.

I hate that Asians can't portray black people correctly. Yeah you boondocks, killer bee (naruto), one black dude from blech, afro samurai but they have way to many white cast that makes roll your eyes.

[Asker]

I agree, I write as well and I'm going to school for animation. Most of my main characters are going to be black people and minorities because I also feel like they don't get enough representation of them in things like anime, movies, and novels. Not the correct representation as you said.

[Salmon4056]

Yes. I want to make an animation someday and will have black charaters in the snime. I wonder why their appeared to be more minorities in the early 2000 animes and 1990s

[Asker]

Me as well, I always thought that was interesting that it bloomed more in the early 2000's and 1990s.

[Salmon4056]

same

[Salmon4056]

Thanks for mho

[tirkizno]

Why would that happen. Why are you guys always forcing your race everywhere?

[Asker]

Lol, interesting question. I think minorities having lead roles in things like anime would add new plotlines and stories. Considering the fact that our cultures influence a lot of Asian countries. Especially in the music industry and clothing area. I don't think it's forcing anything really, I was memory asking if anyone else thought it should happen.

[JDavid25]

I don't think there's anything wrong wantin some "Black" lead anime characters.. Just a few.. We ain't forcin nothin.. 😂😂😂..

[JDavid25]

Yeeah... There's actually a "Black" manga Instagram artist named nikolasdraprivey makin a Manga where the main character is "Black" it's called Xogenasys... Hopefully it's gon be mainstream one day.. But, yes!.. As the "Black" anime watchers grow I would like to see more... Those drawins are wassup..

[Asker]

That's interesting, I'll check it out.

[JDavid25]

Yeah he real good..

[Mexicoman101]

The issue here is that Japanese people don't like black people. Like, sure I think many may be tolerant, but their culture isn't accepting of outsiders and their attitudes would have to change before we see a lot of darker skinned anime characters.

[Asker]

I know it's unfortunate. I know China was more supportive, their general public is largely affected by black people and other minorities groups. Mainly due to media and music. So they have actually adapted rap, tattoos, trap kind of styled things. Sadly, I think I heard their government was not tolerant of it anymore either. So now it's not allowed for them to listen to or make rap music. Or have tattoos on media.

[Azzazle]

Not to be offensive but why is this such an issue for people. I dont care about skin color of anime characters. I just want the anime to be good and something i can you know enjoy.

[Asker]

Well to me it's about representations and backgrounds really. I wish there were more minority groups involved in anime to have fresher plotlines and well I think it would make the fan base of anime grow a whole lot more. And make the already existing fanbase (Which carries a bunch of minorities) feel happy they are showing them some love.

[demonics]

Cultural appropriation? Oh wait... *something something* supremacy.

[Asker]

I agree with that, I personally don't believe in cultural appropriation so it annoys me when minorities claim it.

[JDavid25]

@Asker Cultural Appropriation does exist.. And it's not exclusive to "Black" people or anything.. I think most people don't understand or want to understand cultural appropriation so as not to feel "guilty" or like they are bein blamed for another thing.. But it exist Mos def..

[demonics]

@JDavid25 Don't be mad that Russian girls can twerk and country hicks, from Tennessee can rap. lol That's what it boils down to. Your WORTHLESS culture got co-opted and made better. Now you mad that you didn't think to sell it. Like me stealing your dad's BBQ sauce recipe and making millions with it. Don't be mad when others have more ambition than you.

[JDavid25]

Well, I mean most Western people don't even have a clue about twerkin.. The West sexualized it into just some booty movement.. Not even a lot of "Black" people know that.. & If they can rap that's coo.. Why would I be mad about that? LMAO.. As long as they get the essence of what Hip hop is they good.. More than just rhymin words to the rhythm of a beat. Culture is somethin you do though.. Just a way of life, not somethin you automatically think to "sell", or exploit it...

[demonics]

@JDavid25 People who bitch about cultural appropriation typically do so because someone made 'their' thing marketable, popular, etc. Or, its on behalf of someone else. I. e. I didn't invent shit, by that guy over there did so I'm gonna make a fuss about this other guy doing it before him. Which is silly because no one invents anything. That THING you think belongs to your culture probably came from somewhere else. Fried chicken as an example, developed simultaneously at opposite ends of the globe in Ireland, Africa, and Native American. Cultures that haven't even met one another yet, dipped chicken in flour, and fried it in hot fat. Yet here comes some pissy old black woman bitching at white people for 'stealing' her culture.

You'd THINK America being the melting pot, people would appreciate the white man's pressure cooker, the Africans spices, the Natives peanut oil, Raul's hot sauce and Wong Fu's dry aging technique, but nooooo fuck that. "Stahp stealing MY recipes white man!"

[JDavid25]

No, cultural appropriation is exploitin a culture.. Mainly by the dominant group in society.. In good example is Rock N Roll, which is started by "African Americans" but somehow "Elvis" is credited wit bein the King of it.. People get mad at the lack of respect for their culture and people, not because somebody made it popular... LMAO.. Many "White" people don't associate themselves wit "Black" people, but then when they come around and try and ignorantly mimic what they maybe have been criticize and shunned for doin, it gets people upset... Cultural appropriation at it's root is a lack of relationship, appreciation, and respect between groups..

[Anonymous]

Only if it was in a country that was mostly black then it would make sense but since anime is really Japanese I don’t think they would ever put them in a lead role

[Asker]

I know it's quite sad, I only know of very few that have.

[jimyee]

Well considering that most people argue that the vast majority of anime is in fact Asian and not white, it's basically all minorities as it is.

[jimyee]

Update:
Anime was a style associated only with Japan. Obviously because other Asian countries were in close proximity they adopted it quicker. Anime is merely short for animation. Any country, any race can make anime. Western anime is usually given the "western" moniker because while it borrows heavily from traditional anime it clearly differs but that in no way means western countries can't make traditional anime.

But to just answer your question straight out, if only certain countries can make anime then only Japan can make anime and no one else.

[WeirdoWerdo]

Well Japan may not be as racist as Korea but it won't happen.

[BlackSunAeon8]

Hoe about black people make their own damn anime and quit complaining.

[Asker]

*How about

[BlackSunAeon8]

Yeah how

[BBTDrinker]

If it takes place in a diverse area yes but if it takes place in japan/other place in asia or some where in ancient Europe it would not make sense.

[Razerhawg]

Could I use the art work for one of my song covers I’d give credit.

[T00MuchR00tBeer]

Yeah, why not? It's good to have diversity.

[Demised]

Yesss!

[Demised]

Nope. Anyone can make em.

[DoctorWize]

Black is back.

[Asker]

It never left.

[Anonymous]

Boondocks isn’t enough for you cry babies?

[Asker]

Cry babies? Interesting.

[RolandCuthbert]

Blue anon alert. "Asker" you gotta watch these guys. They are everywhere!!!

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[Asker]

@RolandCuthbert I've noticed that... it's unfortunate. Thank you for the heads up.

[Asker]

@RolandCuthbert I also appreciate your other comment. It's the most engaging so far. I enjoy reading it believe it or not. I feel like I can have an actual discussion and it be worthwhile.

[Opinion Owner]

What does the blueman group have to do with this?

[RolandCuthbert]

Well, I am glad. I guess being an old "Black" man who fell in love with anime back in the early 80s, I kind of keep an eye out "Black" characters.