Elon Musk’s Controversial Manga Edit Sparks Outrage Among Anime Fans
Following the conclusion of the 2024 US Presidential Election, TikTok users have turned their attention to an anime edit shared by Elon Musk on X (formerly Twitter) on November 5, which has left many viewers puzzled and dismayed. The billionaire’s portrayal of popular anime characters in a “Dark MAGA”themed post has been criticized for misrepresenting the source material, leading to widespread backlash among fans.
Dark MAGA Assemble! pic.twitter.com/JGqFQ1DTGO
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 5, 2024
Characters Misaligned with Their Themes
The edit included figures such as Eren Yeager and Erwin Smith from *Attack on Titan*, Tanjiro Kamado and Muichiro Tokito from *Demon Slayer*, as well as Gojo and Sukuna from *Jujutsu Kaisen*. These beloved characters donned MAGA hats under the banner of “Dark MAGA,”prompting anime enthusiasts to point out the stark irony and inconsistency between their narratives and the political connotations implied by the post.
Warning: Spoilers for *Attack on Titan*, *Demon Slayer*, and *Jujutsu Kaisen* to follow!
Fan Reactions: A Call to Save Eren and His Companions
@thenerdking215 there is no WAY elon musk used attack on titan in a MAGA edit. Talk about having zero media literacy #anime #manga
Critics argued that characters like Eren and Erwin were fundamentally misrepresented considering the underlying themes of *Attack on Titan*. The series delves deep into issues of oppression, war, and the grim reality of no clear victors after conflicts. In fact, these narratives resonate with real-world struggles concerning autonomy, eugenics, and the rewriting of history—echoes of which some see reflected in current political rhetoric.
The Painful Irony of Cultural Misinterpretation
Many fans pointed out the profound emotional weight of Eren’s journey, which mirrors the historical atrocities of events such as the Holocaust. This stark reminder of humanity’s darker chapters makes the juxtaposition with MAGA branding all the more alarming. TikTok users, in their responses, have rallied for a re-evaluation and even a rescue of Eren from the misconstrued representation Musk created.
@erejeen worst interpretation of erens character yet someone please make him delete ts #eren
Counterpoint: Values Misaligned with Character Ethics
Additionally, characters like Tanjiro from *Demon Slayer*, a beacon of kindness whose motivations revolve around familial love and social justice, stands in stark contrast to the values associated with MAGA. His journey focuses on restoring humanity and dignity to those who have been stripped of it, a narrative that utterly clashes with the ideation represented in Musk’s edit.
@zoros110cm WHY IS MY GLORIOUS KING STUCK IN ELONS SHITTY MAGA EDIT #sukuna
Musk’s portrayal of characters like Sukuna from *Jujutsu Kaisen* also faced scrutiny, as fans lamented the misrepresentation of his character arc, which centers on powerful themes of sacrifice and the need for social justice. Gojo, another pivotal character, dedicated himself to protecting the next generation from oppressive systems, making his inclusion in a politically charged context ironic and misleading.
A Hopeful Takeaway Amidst the Controversy
Despite the significant backlash, some followers hold hope that Musk’s ill-informed edit might shed light on the need for greater awareness regarding the themes of oppression represented in these beloved series. Ultimately, the dialogue sparked by this controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting the narratives that resonate within popular culture.
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