The complex and interwoven story of Attack of Titan has many themes of feminism that may be hidden but should be highlighted to show the uniqueness of the show and its characters.
The supporting main female character in the series, Mikasa Ackerman, showcases traits and skills that make her stand out as more than just the "pretty supporting best friend" to the main character. Even though she may be pretty, kind, and respectful. She doesn't let these attributes define how she is as a character and as a woman.
Early in the series, when Eren, Mikasa, and Armin join the military, she soon becomes one of the strongest soldiers in terms of fighting abilities. This is partly because of her natural desire to protect others, especially Eren. Another strong and impressive female character, Annie Leonhardt, would only rival her combat ability when in training camp.
In Attack on Titan, many social structures make it harder for women to succeed in the military than for men. Because of the harsh environments in the world, individuals with strong mentalities and purpose are those who can grow up the ranks and become valued members of society and the military. Debbie Sellnow, a specialist in feminism perspectives, explains that within masculine hegemony, females who have more masculine traits can be associated with unfavorable since they don't align with typical gender stereotypes. This is likewise when male characters have more feminine characteristics and traits.
The main character, Eren Yeager, is commonly made fun of in the first handful of episodes because Mikasa always has to come and save Eren when he starts fights with other kids around him. In the world of Attack on Titan, it is easy to see that physical strength and capability are respected when an individual has them, and it is disrespected when one has limited strength. This could also be the case because of the patriarchy within society, that strength is desired and respected more by others than kind or traditional weakness.
One of the most capable soldiers in the military in Attack on Titan is Levi Ackerman. A distant relative of Mikasa, he has terrific physical capabilities with his skills. Later in the series, we, the audience, learn that he is a big, clean freak and dresses up in maid-ish attire when he cleans. Even though this could be more "girly" in nature, because of his status, power, and strength, no one dares to make fun of or tease him about it.
After reflecting on this beloved series from a feminist perspective, what other attributes could someone have or not have that could affect how people treat them? Is it okay for men not to have traditional qualities? Does this make them less of a man if they do so? Likewise, with women, is there a certain balance that one needs of feminine and masculine traits to be worth something in our society in the United States?
Having no previous knowledge of this series, I was intrigued by your analysis. It’s clear there’s a growing trend in mass media to feature strong, competent, female characters who aren’t subservient or inferior to their male counterparts. This shift could be influenced by the Hunger Games effect, where female heroines, like Katniss Everdeen, stand on their own. It’s refreshing to see how lead female characters are portrayed as not just courageous, but also passionate, caring, and empathic. These qualities are often underrepresented in male action heroes, who while tough, can lack depth of character and come across as apathetic and superficial. For all the progress that’s been made in showcasing stronge, well-rounded female characters, we still see many of the same stereotypical male characters in popular media. There definitely needs to be a better balance between feminine and masculine traits, and ideally, the heroes we’re rooting for should embody both.
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