I just watched a pretty decent video about attack on titan from Just Write explaining it’s connections to the far right. Almost all of what it talked about was the later seasons that expand on the world or the life of the author. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwCCs6yTpPY

But like, I stopped watching a couple of episodes in because the vibes were fucking stinky man. I sniffed that shit right out. I don’t remember specific examples because this was a long time ago but the way characters interacted, the way the military was glorified, the way society was structured, the uncritical and simple perspective on the titans coupled with the personal hatred towards them. I don’t really remember though.

Why don’t people talk about vibes more? Like, everyone gets all surprised when I said that I stopped watching SAO after the first episode and concluded that it was one of the worst things I’d ever seen. Why does nobody talk about the vibes? I feel like they should be more obvious to people.

Also so many of the shows, esp shonen, that weebs obsess have the overarching subtext of, “this is how good shonen are supposed to act, and if you don’t act this way don’t complain when you fail.” Like, while they are living with their parents because the rents to damn high to move out. Like do you not see the mangaka taking the absolute piss out of you?

:angery:

  • machiabelly [she/her]@hexbear.netOPEnglish
    0·
    5 years ago

    Yeah, media analysis used to be one of my most watched youtube categories but I’ve drifted away from it.

    So youre saying that the structure of media criticism has to reflect a reality of fluid and changing perpectives rather than trying to find a supposed goal or essence of media?

    I still want to hear what you think good media analysis/criticism looks like, any examples? It doesnt have to be from youtube obv

    • ChairmanFemboi [any]@hexbear.netEnglish
      0·
      5 years ago

      I don’t think the structure of media analysis needs to change necessarily, but I do think there needs to be a rethinking of its purpose. Most media analysis, for the most part, is fine as long as it recognizes itself as a subjective interpretation of the source material rather than an objective analysis of the messages and themes present. These kinds of analyses are fun, especially when discussing them with other people, as long as you don’t take them seriously. While we’re on the topic, I guess one piece of media analysis I did enjoy was ComradeRat’s essay on why Kill La Kill is a Dengist anime. Of course, it’s absurd to say that it was ever the author’s intent, or that it’s the messaging that anybody else is ever gonna interpret from the show, but it’s fun to analyze the themes from the perspective.

      Of course, there are examples of media where the intended messaging is very obviously stated, and there is something to be said for criticizing media with very obvious bad takes (i.e. The West Wing), but if you’re at the point where the intended messaging is that obvious it shouldn’t be necessary to do any in-depth analysis to prove your point. Essentially, if you need to explain the messaging to others, you’ve essentially just admitted that it’s a subjective interpretation.

      • machiabelly [she/her]@hexbear.netOPEnglish
        1·
        5 years ago

        I started to read the essay but then decided it would be more fun to watch the anime first. I stopped watching it in the past because all of the themes of sexual harrasment and assault were super grating to me, but maybe it’s worth a second shot.

        Anyway, I think that I’m starting to get what you mean. In order for something to be truly worthwhile media analysis it has to be more than just a summary of the themes. It has to involve some kind of unique perspective. It’s not enough to just sorta be a person who makes a video talking about what the show is, it has to be what the show meant to you, or someone else, or why understanding this piece of media helps us understand something else… It does seem odd really how removed most media criticism on youtube is from the actual youtuber, almost all of the videos are just excuses to talk about shows that they like and they don’t really do much with it. “why atla is a good example of positive masculinity” and then talking about sokka’s arc isn’t really an ambittious enough video to justify the 15 minute run time. Doing something to make it more personal or bringing in unusual knowledge or expertise for a different perspective is important to the video actually being worth your time.