I doubt it. In fact, I doubt Oda, who of course write/draws ONE PIECE, thinks much about the broader political implications his work has taken on abroad.
It's probably for the best. It wouldn't be good for his headspace if he did. Look at JK Rowling and Elon Musk. They mistook interest in their IP as a general interest in their opinions and politics. I think that was folly.
The Koby/Luffy paradox is that both men are great friends, and they both share the same vision for a safer, happier, more just world that is free of corruption and authoritarianism. However! They differ in the methods to achieve that end. Koby is a more realistic hero because he is a reformer, attempting to change the system from within. Luffy, is more of a raw revolutionary who is ready to bring the old corrupt system crashing down entirely in order to build something new in its place. Like all populists, Luffy won't be the one who sticks around to do the building work. He'll sail off into the sunset seeking his next adventure, forever remembered as a hero. Koby will be the one left with the rebuilding, and because he is a dedicated Marine, it means that the brave new world may resemble the old world too much for the true-believers to go along with.
Like other art forms, manga and anime also seem to allow for more subversiveness since they are not “serious” media in the elite’s eyes. Gender equality/identity in anime can be more progressive than in the real world (especially compared to traditional societies of East Asia), albeit often still constrained by the male gaze. There’s generally a rejection of authority figures in anime that you don’t quite see in Japan as much. In anime, kids, rebels, pirates, gangs, etc., can get power and exercise it more responsibly than the status quo authorities. Meanwhile live action entertainment is usually more inoffensive to traditionalists. There might be ONE strong female character, but not a whole cast of them. And the good guys usually work for law and order (detectives, samurai, etc.).
Fascinating trend, Matt.
I’m so happy you wrote about but this, but are fans annd anctivists aware of the Luffy/Koby Paradox?
I doubt it. In fact, I doubt Oda, who of course write/draws ONE PIECE, thinks much about the broader political implications his work has taken on abroad.
It's probably for the best. It wouldn't be good for his headspace if he did. Look at JK Rowling and Elon Musk. They mistook interest in their IP as a general interest in their opinions and politics. I think that was folly.
The Koby/Luffy paradox is that both men are great friends, and they both share the same vision for a safer, happier, more just world that is free of corruption and authoritarianism. However! They differ in the methods to achieve that end. Koby is a more realistic hero because he is a reformer, attempting to change the system from within. Luffy, is more of a raw revolutionary who is ready to bring the old corrupt system crashing down entirely in order to build something new in its place. Like all populists, Luffy won't be the one who sticks around to do the building work. He'll sail off into the sunset seeking his next adventure, forever remembered as a hero. Koby will be the one left with the rebuilding, and because he is a dedicated Marine, it means that the brave new world may resemble the old world too much for the true-believers to go along with.
Like other art forms, manga and anime also seem to allow for more subversiveness since they are not “serious” media in the elite’s eyes. Gender equality/identity in anime can be more progressive than in the real world (especially compared to traditional societies of East Asia), albeit often still constrained by the male gaze. There’s generally a rejection of authority figures in anime that you don’t quite see in Japan as much. In anime, kids, rebels, pirates, gangs, etc., can get power and exercise it more responsibly than the status quo authorities. Meanwhile live action entertainment is usually more inoffensive to traditionalists. There might be ONE strong female character, but not a whole cast of them. And the good guys usually work for law and order (detectives, samurai, etc.).