Is Attack on Titan Fascist?

-Aditya Maiti

Introduction

Attack on Titan (AOT) is a globally acclaimed anime and manga series by Hajime Isayama. The series captivates audiences with its compelling fusion of high-stakes action, intricate storytelling, and morally ambiguous characters. Its dark, post-apocalyptic world and the mystery surrounding the Titans creates an atmosphere of constant tension and intrigue. However, AOT has also generated significant debate on whether it promotes fascist ideologies. This series, set in a world of humanity's last stand, unfolds into a much broader and complex political and moral narrative. It delves into themes of freedom, racism, nationalism, and survival, often in ways that challenge viewers’ perceptions of right and wrong. While some critics argue that the series presents fascist undertones, others view it as an exploration of the human condition amid a brutal, unforgiving world. This essay will explore key aspects of AOT's politics, the contrasting philosophies of its characters, and the ethical implications of its narrative, to determine whether it can be considered fascist.

Politics of AOT: Marleyan Politics and Racism

AOT's political landscape is heavily shaped by the oppressive rule of the Marleyan Empire, a militaristic regime that dominates and exploits the Eldian people. The treatment of the Eldians, who have the rare ability to change into Titans, is confined to ghettos and they are viewed as a lower race; this is strikingly similar to historical incidents of racism and persecution of particular ethnic groups. Marley's dehumanization of Eldians by using them as weapons of mass destruction is a reflection of the systemic racism that permeates their culture.

The death of Grisha Jaegar's sister Faye, who is killed by Marleyan soldiers for no other reason than leaving the Eldian ghetto, is one of the most horrific scenes in the story. This instance accentuates the cruelty of the Marleyan government and draws attention to the suffering of the Eldian people, who are subjected to structural subjugation. Although the Marleyan system mimics aspects of fascism that exist in the actual world, such as dehumanization and racial dominance, the story does not elevate these practices. Instead, it highlights their innate harshness and calls into question the morality of such systems.

                                

Dilemmas of the Attack Titans: The Concept of Freedom

AOT is permeated with the fundamental idea of freedom, especially in light of the Attack Titan's legacy. The Attack Titan is renowned for having an innate will to battle for liberty throughout all eras. But the idea of freedom is complicated, particularly when it comes to how various people define it. 

Two of the main protagonists in the series, Eren Jaegar and Armin Arlert, have different ideas of what freedom is. Eren defines freedom as having the unrestricted power to act, escape his confinement, and battle against those who pose a threat to his people. This interpretation is consistent with the idea of negative freedom, which emphasizes the lack of outside restrictions. When Eren finally sees the ocean for the first time he utters the heartbreaking line- “If we kill all our enemies... over there... will we finally... be free?"

In contrast, Armin’s vision of the ocean is tied to positive freedom—the ability to act according to one's aspirations and ideals. For Armin, the ocean represents discovery, curiosity, and the potential for a peaceful future. This difference in their interpretation of freedom creates a rift between Eren and Armin, highlighting the complexities of pursuing freedom in a world rife with violence and oppression.

Dilemma of Eren Jaegar

Eren's transformation from an idealistic, libertarian hero to a morally dubious character poses challenging queries regarding the price of freedom. A watcher or a reader is forced to consider the moral ramifications of Eren's choice to start the "Rumbling," a terrible event that threatens to wipe out all of mankind outside of Paradis Island. Eren is faced with the question of whether using extreme violence to achieve freedom is justified. Is his idea of freedom, which results in the taking of innumerable lives, a genuine manifestation of liberty, or is it just tyranny purported to be a struggle for survival? Eren's willingness to sacrifice others for the sake of his people reflects the darker side of the quest for freedom, blurring the lines between heroism and villainy.

Eren vs. Zeke Jaegar: A Clash of Philosophies

Eren's ideological disagreement with Zeke Jaegar, his half-brother, is a reflection of his inner turmoil. Because of his horrific upbringing and Marleyan indoctrination, Zeke feels that the Eldian species is essentially cursed and that the only way to alleviate their suffering is to put a stop to their procreation, which would break the cycle of violence. Zeke's worldview is based on hopelessness and the idea that there would be a better world without Eldians.

Eren, on the other hand, is adamantly against Zeke's proposal since he thinks the Eldians have a right to exist and that their independence must be protected at all costs. The clash between Eren and Zeke represents a broader philosophical debate: Should suffering be eradicated through self-annihilation, or should freedom be pursued, even if it comes at a great cost? This conflict reflects the series' overarching theme of moral ambiguity, where neither side can claim moral superiority.

Is Isayama Fascist? Can He Write Freely?

The accusation that Hajime Isayama is promoting fascism through AOT stems from the series' portrayal of militarism, nationalism, and ethnic conflict. However, it's crucial to keep the author and the story apart. Although AOT features theme such as the celebration of battle and the importance of communal identity that could be associated with fascist ideology, the show does not expressly support these viewpoints.

Isayama, like any creator, has the right to explore complex and controversial themes in his work. Fiction often serves as a mirror to society, reflecting its darker aspects and forcing audiences to confront uncomfortable truths. The fact that AOT tackles difficult issues like war, racism, and nationalism does not mean that Isayama is advocating for fascism. Rather, he is presenting a morally complex world where characters are shaped by their circumstances and must navigate difficult choices.

Arguing Within the 'In-Story Logic': Did Eren Have a Choice?

Within the internal logic of the story, Eren's actions can be seen as the inevitable result of the world he inhabits. The worldview of AOT is deterministic, with characters constrained by the traumas, politics, and history that have shaped them. One must keep in mind that the story unfolded in a manner that left Eren with no choice but either save Paradis Island or kill the rest of the world. Eren’s decision to initiate the Rumbling may have been driven by the belief that it was the only way to secure his people’s survival.

Still, it begs the question: Would Eren have made a different decision? Eren appears to be caught in a cycle of violence and retaliation, much like many other characters in the series, according to the narrative. Even though he had the ability to end this cycle, it would be challenging given the weight of history and the circumstances surrounding him.

Rumbling as the Stylistic Ultimate Conclusion

The Rumbling is the final result of the "kill or be killed" mentality that characterizes AOT It is the culmination of a world where survival is predicated on the destruction of others. Viewers are forced to consider the ramifications of such an extreme viewpoint due to the Rumbling's massive scope, apocalyptic imagery, and widespread destruction.

Ethics of War: No Character is Right or Wrong

One of AOT's strengths is its refusal to present any character as wholly good or evil. Every character, including Eren, Zeke, Reiner, and Armin, is driven by their own convictions and moulded by their individual experiences and tragedies. The difficult reality of battle, where choices are rarely clear-cut, are reflected in this moral ambiguity. In AOT, there are no clear heroes or villains; instead, the series presents a cruel world where people must make difficult choices in the face of overwhelming odds.

Implications on Fans

While AOT’s narrative operates within its own fictional world, fans should recognize that real life does not follow the same kill-or-be-killed principle. The story's exploration of extreme survival tactics and moral dilemmas should not be interpreted as a justification for similar actions in the real world. AOT's vision is a literary construct rather than a totally accurate representation of reality.

Sadly A portion of the AOT fandom has overtly fascist views. Ultimately, those individuals find attraction in fascist images, regardless of the context. The extent to which these same people dislike the last chapter is quite evident. They wanted Eren to complete his genocide. The final chapter of course, reveals Eren to be who he always was - an angry and traumatized child created by hatred and war, who sought to destroy the entire world so that he and his friends would be “free”. His sense of freedom being, of course, a fascistic one. Freedom from his enemies (everyone outside of Paradis), and a freedom that could only be attained by eliminating them via the rumbling.

AOT has always been a vehement opponent of racism, fascism, bigotry, and violence. The rumbling is the final result of a fascistic and militarized society representing a world trampled to dust, forever searching for enemies to destroy.

In conclusion, Attack on Titan is ultimately a morally complicated work that forces viewers to wrestle with challenging ethical issues, even while it covers themes that may resonate with fascist beliefs. The series does not offer easy answers, and it is this complexity that has made AOT such a compelling and thought-provoking story.