Linggo, Marso 30, 2014

Chapter 2


I. Definition of Anime

  Anime is a cartoon, that is made by Japanese animations. They are like cartoons but they have more developed stories and realistic characters. In the article What is Anime?, by Serdar Yegulalp, he defined anime as a specific cartoon made by Japanese animation studios, that has a unique style and story telling far from ordinary cartoons.

  Anime has also become an international source of entertainment over the last two scores. "For decades, anime was produced by and for Japan -- a local product, with a distinct look-and-feel to not just the artwork but the storytelling, the themes, and the concepts. Over the last forty years, though, it's become an international phenomenon, attracting millions of fans and being translated into many languages."(http://anime.about.com/od/animeprimer/a/What-Is-Anime.htm). 

 Anime has indeed been one of the most popular and well-received shows ever since, it is translated to a variety of languages all over the world, making it an international trend.

II. The Mental and Social Effects of Watching Anime

A. Escapism

Escapism is a mental diversion in which we avoid reality by being immersed to a variety of forms of entertainment, such as music, movies, and TV shows. In the article Negative Mood and Its Effect on Watching Anime, written by an anonymous author, there he said that watching anime offers two sides of escapism. Both sides have different perspectives, but it both has similar effects. The light side is that watching anime serves as an escape from the problems of the world, while the dim side is regarding the world of anime as the real one.

As he said, "Watching light and peaceful anime awarded me an obvious route of escape for all the problems of real life and when watching dark anime, it also counts as an escapism of sort in a way that I can regard the dark world in the anime as a reflection of my real life societal enemy, and seeing the characters fighting against such a world gave me strength." (http://deluscar.wordpress.com/2013/05/13/negative-mood-and-its-effect-on-watching-anime/).

One good example of the light side of escapism is when one is really tired about the problems he or she has in the world, and he "escapes" from his bitter reality into the fictional world of anime. In the article Escapism: The World of Anime & Film, written by samabardeen, there he discussed that escaping to anime can be a really relaxing and relieving way of forgetting our problems, but not to the extent that he forgets his real world, basically he gets immersed into the world of anime just to get inspired.

As he said "Escapism being the key word here. Sometimes, it’s nice to kick back, switch on a good show or movie, and simply bask in the presence of a new world with characters you can grow to love, or immerse yourself in situations that leave you clinging to the edge of your seat. The wonders of being a consistent fan is endless, and as the years go by, you continue to dive into new worlds and meet new characters that span universes, dimensions, and alternate realities beyond your wildest dreams" (http://pandemimeprime.wordpress.com/2013/08/14/escapism-the-world-of-anime-film/).

It is really rare to see one person regarding the world of anime as his own, so the dark side of escapism is pretty bland, one may even believe that is doesn't really exist. The main goal of anime is just to inspire and help its viewers. 

Escapism is an unavoidable condition when watching anime, but its effects are not really that severe. Seeking escapism is natural to human beings, since humans get tired of the conventional reality that is this world, some people revert to escapism habits such as watching anime.

B. Addiction

Addiction is a mental condition in which one is very attached in certain substance or activity, examples are drugs, alcohol, gambling, and of course, getting hooked up on a TV show. Anime is addicting, a lot of people, especially teenagers get hooked up on it. In the article Anime Addiction Problems, written by Kaya, she said that anime has basically become her life, she prefers watching anime instead of eating, or any other normal beings would do. She said to herself that she would stop, but she always ended up failing.

As she said "I do have a serious addiction to anime and I spend a considerable amount of time reading manga as well. Lately I feel like it is going overboard of a normal pastime. Instead of living my life I just watch the toons, every night and day I promise myself to stop and yet have been having relapses every time.(http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f124-addictive-behaviours/t94427-anime-addiction-problems/).

Indeed addiction is very common to anime viewers especially teenagers, this causes them to be mentally and physically unhealthy. But this condition can easily avoided if one is capable of managing his time, and controlling himself. Also, kids who are easily addicted to these types of things like anime, are mostly the ones who are isolated and antisocial, if one is socially active, he would not be easily be addicted to anime. But thanks to the progress of the social community today, even anime addicts, otherwise known as "Otakus", even have their own organizations today. They unite not to become more addicted to anime, but to control their addiction.

Although there is still some slight negative effects in watching anime, it is still recommended for children to watch it, because watching brings out more good effects than bad, and here are the reasons why.


Reasons for Why  Teenagers  Should Watch Anime

Anime Is Socially Beneficial

It may sound ironic, because many people believe that anime causes isolation and behavioral problems , but because of the progressive community and technology in the world today, anime viewers around the world can share their experiences in social media websites, forums, conventions, and such. In the article The Good Effects of Anime on The Viewers, written by an anonymous author, he said that anime unites all its fans around the world. They connect through the internet, or by going to conventions and events. Many relationships also are founded because of the similar attachment of people to anime.

As he said, "Anime fans, like many media-specific fans, unite around their common love of a genre. Many gather online and at anime conventions around the world. Early anime fans pioneered the use of the Internet to share and discuss their favorite videos. At anime conventions, creative approaches are encouraged, such as making and wearing homemade costumes based on anime characters. Friendships, romances and even marriages have grown out of anime fandom" (http://www.ehow.com/list_6818727_good-effects-anime-viewers.html).

There many sites and groups on social media websites that unite in their growing fascination to Japanese animations. Examples of these websites are otaku.comAnime Otaku Club, and many other countless organizations that welcome the so called addicts to anime today. This proves that anime is not only deserving to people around the world, but it is also needed.

It is rare to see the stereo typical anime addict in our world today, the kind that is always at home, never takes a bath, and only has fictional friends. Indeed technology and the progressive community of our world today are the reasons why even simple problems like anime addiction can easily be solved and controlled.

It Makes its Viewers Interested in Art

Anime could also inspire people in terms of their art.  Many who aspires to be an artist got their inspiration from anime characters. In the article The Effects of Anime on Students, written by Amy McNulty, she said that those who are inspired by anime or manga usually are driven by their desire to create a character and a story of their own someday. While some teachers of art may not agree with the so called art style of anime, they still believe that those who like to use the anime art style is also a way to introduce other children to other types of art.

As she stated, "Many students interested in anime pursue an interest in art. These students are often interested in designing their own anime characters and creating their own manga (Japanese-style comic books). While some art teachers may be frustrated with these students' desire to draw only in the large-eyed, cartoonish anime style, an increased interest in art is an opportunity to introduce these students to other types of art. Teachers can explain that even anime artists must be able to draw lifelike drawings to be able to convey movement and poses realistically." (http://www.ehow.com/info_8177537_effects-anime-students.html).

Anime has its own unique and creative art style, while some people might disregard this statement, it is a fact that Japanese animations developed its own style of creating characters. Every characters in an anime show is different, but they are also the same. Their similarities include the large eyes and exaggerated style of hair, but their differences are to how their eyes are drawn, and if their body parts are proportionate. This basic structure of anime characters can inspire many people around the world, especially children.

In art, there is really no restrictions. Anime offers the students a unique and new way to express their feelings and emotions into making anime characters, and constructing deep and immersive worlds where these characters live in.

It Encourages Multiculturism

Viewers could learn the basic culture of Japan when they watch anime. In the article The Good Effects of Anime on The Viewers, written by an anonymous author, there he stated that those who admire the diversity of anime, could also learn the history, culture, and life of the Japanese people as some anime's plots are centered around these points. But not only in Japan, the setting of anime shows are different, some are in medieval times, and present times in other countries such as Russia, Great Britain, etc. or in some fictional places that are based on real ones.

As he stated, "Audiences around the world have embraced anime, which includes views of Japanese history, religion, and tradition. This may lead viewers to seek out and understand the culture of other nations." (http://www.ehow.com/list_6818727_good-effects-anime-viewers.html).

One good example of anime that encourages multiculturism is the anime show called "Kingdom", in the article Kingdom, written by Lesley Aeschliman, there she gave the synopsis of Kingdom, it is basically an anime show about the history of China. Of course, since it is a show designed for teenagers, they added fiction and powers to the main characters in order to attract its teenage audiences. 

As she said "Kingdom is set in the Warring States period of China. The beginning of the story focuses on two war orphans, Xin and Piao, who are servants for the head of a village. In their free time, they like to battle each other with wooden swords; both boys also share a dream of becoming famous generals and escaping from their servant life. One day, a soldier sees them and talks with them about their dueling" (http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art176912.asp).

Kingdom is a show that aims to entertain and at the same time make the audiences knowledgeable about the ancient history of China. The plot of this anime adds up to the learning factor of anime shows today. Almost most of the anime out there encourages multiculturism, except the ones that has a fictional world as its setting of course.

When one is inspired and captivated by a plot from an anime show, he will be curious about the setting, and history of a certain place or event, then he will research about the culture about the setting he was inspired with. Anime could encourage multiculturism as most of its plots and settings are actually based on real countries and certain events. This will make the viewer diversified and knowledgeable about the other races and countries in the world, thus making him multicultural.

Linggo, Marso 16, 2014

Chapter 1

A.  Background of the Study
    
Anime is one of the most popular source of entertainment in the world. In the article “Japanese Anime Inflluence on World” an anonymous author mentions how, anime, known from its other term, Japanese Animation, is very influential to our world today, especially in the Western countries. Many anime shows are being adapted into different movies or Television series in the United States. It is also influential to other products like in video games, books, and music. 

According to the author of the article, “Japanese anime influence can be seen all over the world, especially in the western countries. It is common to come across some commercial western adaptations of Japanese anime, like in comics, books, games, apparel, music and even in snacks. As the Westerners got exposed the other facets of Japanese culture plus their animations, it was to leave a significant impact on them” (http://www.anime-commit.com/japanese-anime-influence.html). 


Most of the population of our world today mainly gets influenced by the Western ones, so as the Western countries got fascinated by Japanese animated shows, the rest of the world followed.

The majority of anime viewers are kids and teenagers. According to the article “Why are So Many Anime Characters are Teenagers”, written by an anonymous writer , it is mainly kids and teenagers that give anime its income through the years. Most of the protagonists of anime shows are teenagers, so girls and boys who are going through adolescence can vastly relate to them. 

These protagonists also serve as inspirational role models for our young viewers to look up to when they grow up. “The majority of anime viewers are children and adolescents. Children characters provide imaginary friends and role-models for viewers to relate to and respect. While certain anime viewers appreciate story and character development and desire narratives that vary from the typical, the majority of anime viewers enjoy familiar, pleasant anime that doesn’t challenge convention or expectation too much”(http://www.animenation.net/blog/2010/12/28/ask-john-why-are-so-many-anime-characters-teenagers/).

 It is pretty seldom to see adults watching anime shows; it has always been children, especially in their adolescence who watches anime in order to be inspired be imaginative.

 Most teenagers prefer anime over Western cartoons. In the article “Which Prefer Anime Over Cartoons?, written by an anonymous author, they asked a question whether teenagers prefer anime or Western cartoons. Most of the people voted for anime, mainly because of character development, the depth of the story, realistic outcomes of the plot, and anime’s focus on teenage relationships. Those who preferred anime over cartoons, said they also like cartoon shows like Spongebob or Fairly Odd Parents, but most of these cartoons only have humour, unlike the Japanese animated shows.

 “Anime, by far. While I do enjoy the silly and mock antics of cartoons, I still appreciate how anime series have more complex plots, more well-written characters, and the fact that most anime series are aimed at teenage to adult crowd, in general” (http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/random/answers/show/510036/which-prefer-anime-cartoon). The main reason why teenagers prefer anime more is mainly about the depth, adolescents want to experience the thrill of being immersed in a really realistic and yet fictional world that is in anime shows.

 However, in spite of the good effects anime has on its viewers, the researcher observes that anime shows may sometimes lead to negative attitudes such as escapism and addiction. Other anime shows may sometimes be too good, as some teenagers, especially the ones with the social problems may find themselves be very addicted to anime. Because of anime’s immersive stories, other kids may want to be in a fictional world, rather than in the real one, this may lead to isolation and antisocial behaviour.

 A problem that the researcher foresees is that some people might think that anime is bad for our society, specifically for kids and teenagers. Parents might discourage their kids to watch anime, because of its negative effects on them, not only addiction and isolation, but also getting into relationships at their young age. Therefore, having background knowledge in anime and the negative attitudes of children will further increase the knowledge about the connection between the two.

The purpose if this research is to determine the negative effects of watching anime, and if they can affect the mental and social aspects of kids, and to decide if whether teenagers and children should watch anime.


B.  Statement of the Problem

This study aims to answer this question:

1. What are the negative effects in watching anime?

2. Can watching anime affect the mental and social aspects of kids?

3. Should teenagers and children watch anime?

C.  Significance of the Study

Parents. This research paper would be able to help parents who have children that is about to their stage of adolescence. This would help them by making them decide if they will allow and encourage their kids in watching anime, or to ban and discourage them. This is significant to them as this research paper will discuss if anime shows could really give major mental and social effects on children.

Anime Viewers. People who watch anime will be helped if they read this study. They will consider the effects and choose whether they agree or not to the supposed answer of the statement of the problem. This research is significant to them as this paper would help them reflect on effects of anime has on them.

Non-anime Fans. Knowledge about this study should help people who haven’t anime since birth decide whether their decision to not watch anime is right or wrong. This study may not be that significant to them, but they could still use this information someday.

Future Researchers. This study could be significant to future researchers as this would help them make similar observations and statements about the said topic. There is no crucial need for the topic to be further researched on to, but their future studies might discover or uncover any information that can be related to anime watching.


D.  Scope and Delimitation
   The purpose if this research is to determine the negative effects of watching anime, and if they can affect the mental and social aspects of kids, and to decide if whether teenagers and children should watch anime.

  Due to some constraints, this study will no longer focus on other effects of anime such as homophobia, cosplay, and toonophilia. The researcher believes that addiction, and escapism as the main, and applicable effect to teenagers and children. It is also to give more emphasis and clarification on the said effects.


E.   Materials and Methods
 
Information and data that are relevant to the study were gathered from a variety of articles from different sites on the internet, such as http://www.animenation.net/, http://www.fanpop.com/, and www.anime-commit.com.
 
 The researcher will explain how anime could affect the social and mental aspects of kids, and its impact on their lives by the methods of reading articles related to the subject, and watching Japanese animated shows. The researcher will establish a connection between Japanese animation, and how it may lead to addiction.


F.   Definition of Terms

Anime. Japanese animated productions that feature hand-drawn and computer animations. It is one of most popular source of entertainment in the world.

Addiction. Continued repetition of behaviour that may cause minor or major negative effects to one’s self.

Manga. Japanese comics that has its own and unique style compared to the Western ones. Developed back in 19th century.

Otaku. People who have obsessive interests to Japanese animations and comics.