Rape: A Sensitive Subject.

[haruma-sensei]

I was jetting over to the Goanimetv.com webpage when I saw a post by Nick talking about the apparent backlash they recieved on the Rin review. Apparently viewers were disgusted by the type of "casualness" the Revs had when Roy said rape... twice.

I for one didn't think anything of it, especially when you look at Roy's face when saying it. But do you guys think they handled the subject matter carelessly, do you think one should feel offended when watching an Anime review show and some nefarious act is mentioned as taking place within? Apparently, it rattled some cages as both Roy and Nick met the "Demand for an Apology" head on.

Nick's blog (yay! these guys actually have a blog too!) http://goanimetv.com/?page_id=112 has addressed these concerns, but what do you guys think?

I personally agree with them, that Anime is all encompassing. From the extremely x-rated, to the childish, you can't hate on the style because of one or the other.

[frankiethewaffle]

Nah, Rape is only a sore subject the next morning.

I mean, it is like this. Necrophilia means never having to say you are sorry.

It is the Circle of Life, Simba.

[blacksymbiote]

I wasn't even aware there was an issue concerning the show. I don't visit the episode comment sections so I had no idea. Personally I wasn't offended, they were simply stating what is in the show so people can be aware of what they're getting into, or avoid the show all together. I think if that offended person had watched RIN and ATV hadn't mentioned there was a rape scene, it would have been very unpleasant for them. Now they know to avoid the series. That's what reviews are supposed to do. Give you information on the quality and content of the review material. I'm not sure what they want from the show if they don't want it to review anime.

[animetvroy]

I was hoping to keep it within the confines of that site, but alas. I figured if our tougher critics in the forums hadn't said anything, then we were in the clear.

I wont get into what I said on the site, except that as an Otaku you love Anime for the variety in which the style can cover. From the bright, to the dark, and anywhere in between. I watch Hentai, I watch Anime, and to me they are two sides of the same coin. That only means you can show one side without the other, but that doesn't mean it cant bleed in. Ninja Scroll had attempted Rape and other scenes, yet its considered an Anime - even going so far to grab a sequel movie and a full blown series. Same with Mezzo Forte and Kite... both of which I found sexy and smart. Main point is that you learn to see the line, and not blame one for the other.

Seeing as there is no fire here, I guess I can say.... Thanks?

[tokenuser]

Anime is Japanese based, and as such there will be some cultural oddities that dont translate well to the US markets. Rape and rape fantasies are a popular meme in adult Japanese literature ... more so in manga than anime, but still there none the less. Relationship manga is hugely popular, and rape is an extreme example of this genre.

[vpr]

Ugh these bigots (the ones complaining) are probably the same ones that claim video games cause violent behavior and seeing boobies before you're an adult will make you a rapist.

Can't stand these people. Now I think it's safe to say that anything that is viewed weither it be from real-life observation, some form of electronic entertainment, or pictures in a book will effect us in some way, shape, or form. So someone who is already troubled could be effected by these mediums and carry out unimaginable things, however, I believe this is a small percentage.

Most people *SHOULD* know the difference between reality and fiction...thus I can play something like GTA and shoot people in the street, yet I know I shouldn't do that in reality (life). The same goes for anime... I recently watched 'The Invisible Stud' which is about a guy who gets an invisibility potion and he basically carries out acts of rape, although they're not portrayed in a violent way that's what he's doing (be definition). I enjoyed it, but it doesn't mean I'm going to go out and do that.

I think the ATV crew handled it professionally, and the right way. There is no need for them to give an apology because nothing was said or done to warrant such a thing. They simply said that RAPE was part of the show. There were no jokes cracked about it, it was just a simple informative line.

One of my favorite anime's of all time is at it's core a story of incest, I know it's wrong, but this particular anime doesn't present it in a 'gross' sort of way. It's very beautiful and tasteful. (Koi Kaze is what I'm talking about)

Do they want apologies from all the porn movies that say "RAPE" on them too? Sheesh these people need to grow up already, this world is not full of carebears rainbows and lollypops!

That's all I have to say.