focus on the family vs anime

[Knives]

go here pluggedinonline.com you should see an article on the left hand side about anime. Click on it. Read it. Be disturbed by their radical views.

[Kenshin17]

I agree that they are a bit harsh. I got this article in the last issue of the magazine. I do see the point that someone who does know the truth about God and Jesus could be lead astray, but I am of the opinion that if you know the truth then you know that what you see is in error.
They do have a point that you have to watch out for anime with to much fanservice, nudety..etc, but its just like movies. You just have to be careful.
I think they come down on it so hard cause its animataed and animation is often associated with childrens cartoons. This does present a danger but slaming it just because its animated isn't fair. There are tons of cool animes that are no worse then the movies that are out there.
I do feel that they treat anime a bit unjustly.

[Knives]

I also feel that the main reason they hit on it so hard was because it was a cartoon.

[John316]

Hm. Maybe they're right. Something to think about.

[Knives]

In some ways I think they're right but I think over all that they are hitting it way too hard

[John316]

They're just highly xenophobic. Reads to me like they have zero understanding of Japanese culture.

[Gypsy]

I'm getting really, really tired of seeing FotF bashing on these boards. We all know that anime is generally considered taboo by much of the Christian community - time to either get over it or do something about it (preferrably the latter). It's like dying your hair bright blue and then getting mad because people stare.

And there already is an thread about FotF and their views on anime, btw.

[John316]

It's like dying your hair bright blue and then getting mad because people stare.

Stinkoman 20X6?


/Made me think of strongbad

[Knives]

And there already is an thread about FotF and their views on anime, btw.
__________________

Sorry I didnt know that gypsy. I havent been on the forums in a long time. I guess I was a little radical when I said that stuff about FotF. I would just like to point out that the article on anime I am talking about here is somewhat different (ithink) then the one on the other thread. This article on anime was just published.

[Gypsy]

Don't worry about the new thread thing. I would have merged them if I thought it was necessary.

Anime is highly controversial, and justly so. I would prefer that parents of younger kids be very selective and wary of anime rather than visa versa. We need to learn how to communicate with people of this mindset in order to begin to use anime as an effective tool within and outside of the Christian community. If we want people to be open-minded and objective towards us, it's our job to take on that attitude first. Like I said, FotF has many, many awesome outreaches that go places where anime/manga never could and I respect them highly for this. I would prefer to see them as a spiritual ally instead of someone to butt heads with. Remember, we're all ultimately on the same team.

I’m actually encouraged to see anime getting so much attention from them lately – even if it is in the negative light. That means it’s a big issue with this generation, and that’s where we come in. The more popular anime gets, the more CAA is needed.

[Rocketshipper]

I read that article a few weeks ago. It's how I found this message board, they had a link in the article ^_^. I think the main problem they, and mainstream culture in general, has with anime is that they view animation as a children's genera, when animation is really a medium that can express any genera. I sent them an e-mail in response to the article but I bet they didn't read it ^^. The one thing that really annoyed me though was they're take on Ygioh seems off. From what I know only a few cards from the game were edited for fanservice imagery, like Harpie's lady, and the manga and anime, even uncut, don't have that much fanservice.

[termyt]

Not everything on FotF concerning anime has been negative - only the vast majority. Considering the target audience of FotF, their position is right and justified. I do not agree that you can make a blanket statement about anime any easier than you can about TV or the movies (which FotF is also highly critical of, by the way), but it is important that parents be aware of what their kids are getting into.

Many of the older generations are not able to distinguish between one anime and another simply by looking at the show for a few seconds and I'd hate to think that a parent out there would assume all anime is like Pokemon. I'd hate for a parent to OK some anime and then fail to notice that instead of watching Yu Yu Hakkusho, their kid is watching Demon City Shinjuku. That would be a disservice to their child and to all anime fans.

[Gypsy]

Not everything on FotF concerning anime has been negative - only the vast majority. Considering the target audience of FotF, their position is right and justified. I do not agree that you can make a blanket statement about anime any easier than you can about TV or the movies (which FotF is also highly critical of, by the way), but it is important that parents be aware of what their kids are getting into.

Many of the older generations are not able to distinguish between one anime and another simply by looking at the show for a few seconds and I'd hate to think that a parent out there would assume all anime is like Pokemon. I'd hate for a parent to OK some anime and then fail to notice that instead of watching Yu Yu Hakkusho, their kid is watching Demon City Shinjuku. That would be a disservice to their child and to all anime fans.

Exactly.

[Hitokiri]

I found the article actually...right. Ok they show anime in a bad light. Because sadly, anime is in bad light. And thier's a reason to be wary of it. I remember when I first watched Outlaw Star to Cartoon Network and they slipped up on the "editing" and I heard the d-word and the bas-word. I was extremely suprised and quickly turned of the t.v. Now, when I hear the b-word said in a anime or read in a manga, I don't flinch. Maybe cause I've been exposed to the secular world or I'm used to it in anime and manga. That's however not a good thing.

So I found myself agreeing on what they had to say bout manga and anime. However, before I read this, I was thinking how big a waste of my time it was gonna be becayse of the close-mindedness some Christian orgnizations can be. However, I felt they laid thier cards on the table, presented what they feel and how anime defers from Christianity however they proposed suggestions to help combat anime that they deemed wrong. And I couldn't help but smile when I saw http://www.christiananime.net and that I've helped contribute to this noble cause.

They also were not condeming "Christian Otakus" but said, anime may become a problem. They call it "the dark world of anime". Is anime dark? In a way it is. For some people (some i personally know( anime is a gateway to Hentai, Lollicon, and all the other distrubing versions.

I love anime and consider myself a "otaku". But this article helped me realize. What am I spending more time on? Reading the Bible or reading Love Hina? Well, my answer should be number 1 however I must sadly say, my answer is the later. We muct seek God, first and foremost so therefore anime and manga must be put on the back burner

So in theory, I don't think it was harsh. They were true, kind, and did not condemn Japan for thier beliefs but proposed a solution to help this anime and manga industry.

I usually show distate towards Pluggedin for thier close-mindedness but I applaud and respect them for thier anime review. By judging on what they said in the article as hogwash and close-mindedness just cause they don't believe what is right from what you think is right, just goes to show the person that is bieng close-minded is yourself.

[Kenshin17]

Totally agree with ya.
I wasn't trying to bash FoTF. I think they do great work. I just think they are a little harsh on it. I do agree totally with the fact that you have to be weary.
Anime can be rocky ground if you don't know how to navigate.

[Aka-chan]

Which is why I'm so thankful for this site. ^__^

[CreatureArt]

Got to agree with you there, Aka-chan. And Hitokiri.

On the whole, I enjoy a lot of FotF things. Some of their programs are very worthwhile, and teach a lot about Christianity. We get the PluggedIn magazine, and I got out the article and had a good talk with my parents about anime. It was a method to open discussion rather than for my parents to instantly condemn all anime and manga.

*Picks up the Opinion Stick*

It's true that some people are more sensitive and have different sets values. This doesn't excuse going against the bible and our consciences. It's just that it's good that FotF really delve into the issue and bring up any dirt - because shouldn't we be aware of that and take notice of it, instead of letting it hit us when we're totally unprepared for it. Not just talking about anime, here. Music, etc.

I agree. A lot of Plugged In's reviews - especially of music etc. is harsh. But at least it gives us the option to make our own decisions while being aware of the negative aspects.

*Puts down the opinion stick*

So I guess I'm just trying to say I think that it's good for people to be made aware of the negative aspects so that they can make an informed decision. Of course, it would have been even better for there to have been references to good, clean anime.

[Mithrandir]

Of course, it would have been even better for there to have been references to good, clean anime.

Or, failing that, a CAA reference. Perhaps I could submit an article to them letting them know that CAA is here, and perhaps provide an alternative view. Then we can see what they have to say. Instead of whining about it, let's explain the situation to them, and see if they are willing to listen to other members of the body.

Oh wait! We were plugged in the magazene! D'oh!



(Please increase sarcasm limit when reading above post...)

[MasterDias]

That article in general was more accurate than the last anime article they wrote.

I am a bit annoyed that the anime they listed as examples are obviously going to be offensive to PluggedIn's target audiance.
Ah, well...
They are only trying to help parents make right choices after all.

[Knives]

That article in general was more accurate than the last anime article they wrote.

I am a bit annoyed that the anime they listed as examples are obviously going to be offensive to PluggedIn's target audiance.
Ah, well...
They are only trying to help parents make right choices after all.

Yah I guess your right.

[Hitokiri]

Yeah, personally, (which i frogot to mention), liked to have seen some good comments on anime.

But they were there to point out in why they view it as bad. The thing that made me change my mind that they weren't condeming it.

I recall reading a something some mother wrote on why she thinks anime is of the devil and how she called Japan "The Dark Land". It was just showing on how close-minded overly-conserative she is to culture. PluggedIn did show on what religion is lik eover there and it's true. But they were condeming it but more like showing lovee, grace, and mercy towards Japan.

Just because PluggedIn wrote up a bad review on anime shouldn't mean you as a Christian Otaku shoudn't get all mad over it more so evaluate on what you place first: God or anime/manga.

Now do I view watching anime and reading manga as bad. No not really until it becomes an obsession and you begin stumbling with your walk with Christ.

eppp! Kinda summed up what I said earlier ^_^

[GreyRauken]

Rrg. Things like this are so frustrating...

[Mave]

I've gotta agree with a lot of things they've stated really. I didn't sense they were bashing anime/manga blindly. They were just merely stating the facts and I think they did a pretty good job out of it too. My brother once described anime/manga like this:

"You have to go through a lot of trash in order to get to the gems. If you're not ready to deal with the trash spiritually, then don't bother."

Unfortunately, most Christians fall upon encountering the trash.

I particularly liked how they mentioned that many manga titles were NOT intended for children. Personally, I'm quite distressed at the many manga titles that have made it to the bookselves of your local bookstores. Most of them are stuff Ã

[Mr. SmartyPants]

i always hate these, if they believe that, then they should also think that Lotr is satanic, it has wizards doing spells and stuff. If they dont think that, they are hypocraits. Same geos with harry potter vs Lotr

[Solid Ronin]

i always hate these, if they believe that, then they should also think that Lotr is satanic, it has wizards doing spells and stuff. If they dont think that, they are hypocraits. Same geos with harry potter vs Lotr

Dude I feel ya 100%...I try to watch or read anything with Magic in it My Poppy red flags it yet he loves Lotr..Which sucks...

FOTF spoke of Fanservice...In my mind.. If you want to serve me your ok in my book..Now there are times where its just too much but lets face it..thats the world..People would complain if a male character looked up a girls skirt....ya know if such an occasion would to come up almost any male would..Im not sure what they want real..Talking about sexual theme and viloence...Last time I check thats what the world is all about..it doesnt make it ok..but its realistic

[Jeikobu]

I've read that before. It's overly critical in my opinion. Plus, it only mentions bad ones or ones with very noteable bad things in it. It doesn't even mention anime's good points and recommend some good titles. :S

[ZiP]

Good point Ash.
Serry

[Ashley]

Guys, I don't like the intense and overly-negative feeling I'm getting from everyone. Like Gypsy said earlier, regardless as to their opinions on anime FotF IS a fellow Christian ministry and deserves our respect for that. I'm not saying their opinions are gospel truth, but I do think we need to respect them for being a member of the body of Christ. It's like as if one hand started spasing out and attacking the other--it's just not right. Besides, what kind of examples are we being--they mentioned us in their magazine and that may bring new faces here....and instead of finding some encouragement, here we are bashing them, proving everything they may have thought wrong about us. It isn't right guys and I want it to stop. If this thread doesn't clean up, then I'm locking it.

[Scribs]

if they believe that, then they should also think that Lotr is satanic, it has wizards doing spells and stuff.

Well, that isn't quite true. Lord of the Rings was written by a Christian, and with a Christian world view. And almost all anime is written by people who are definatly not christians, and who definitly do not have christian world views. Although LotR has a couple of wizards in it there is a definite line between good and evil, something that isn't true of alot of anime. While I don't agree with the tone of the article I agree with alot of it's content. The fact that this form of media has the potential to do us harm definitly is something we ought to keep in mind as we continue to watch and enjoy anime.

[Azier the Swordsman]

I get really disturbed when Christians are always trying to "bash" each new fad that comes out. It's one thing to inform parents of stuff they may not deem acceptable, but it seems to me that Plugged In viewed it in too much of a negative light.

I don't like the fact that Christians always seem to take it a little too far. Take the Pokemon craze for example.

Was it really Satanic? Not really, when viewing the entire series in context.

Was it really full of hidden messages and symbols related to the occult, with the sole purpuse of drawing America's children into the darkness of El Diablo? Yeah right! If you had the time, you could write an article on just about anything and connect it to the occult. Heck, I could write an article that connects Veggie Tales or Adventures in Odysee (sp?) to the occult if I wanted.

Would it really send it's viewers to hell like some claimed it would? Highly unlikely.

Is Pikachu really the spawn of Satan? No.

But unfortuantely, lack of research combined with pure ignorance, and hundreds of gullible soccor moms and parents not willing to take the time to actually sit down with their kids and learn for themselves and participate in their kid's interests and judge for themselves are eating it up.

It's just laziness and bad parenting. Sorry if I'm being harsh but that's the truth.

Parents: Take the time to learn about what your kids are interested in before judging by what someone else says. You will only alienate your kids from you and frustrate them if you just try to go by the "easy way."


Again, sorry for my harshness on this topic, but this kind of thing really gets on my nerves.