Recently, Kikilia asked a question to TOMY regarding the portrayal of blond characters in anime and whether they are depicted in a negative light.

This question sparked a lot of discussion and controversy within the anime community, with some people agreeing with Kikilia’s point of view and others disagreeing. In this article, I will be sharing my thoughts on this topic.

Blond hair in anime

Blond hair is a common feature of anime characters, especially in shows that are set in Western countries or have a Western influence.

Characters like Goku from “Dragon Ball Z,” Light from “Death Note,” and Saber from “Fate/stay night” are all popular blond anime characters. However, there has been criticism that these characters are often portrayed as arrogant, selfish, or evil, perpetuating negative stereotypes about blond people.

Negative stereotypes

There is no denying that there are negative stereotypes associated with blond people, particularly in Western countries. These stereotypes often paint them as dim-witted, superficial, and vain.

While it is true that some anime characters do exhibit these traits, it is unfair to generalize all blond characters as such.

The portrayal of other hair colors

It is also worth noting that other hair colors in anime are not immune to negative stereotypes.

For example, characters with black hair are sometimes portrayed as brooding and unapproachable, while characters with red hair are often depicted as hot-headed and impulsive. These stereotypes are not exclusive to anime and can be found in other forms of media as well. It is important to recognize that these stereotypes are harmful and do not reflect the diversity of people in real life.

Related Article Answering Kikilia’s question about blonds for TOMY

The importance of representation

Representation in media, including anime, is important for several reasons. It allows viewers to see themselves in the characters they are watching and creates a sense of belonging. It also promotes diversity and helps to break down negative stereotypes.

However, there is a fine line between representation and tokenism. Simply including a blond character in an anime does not automatically equate to good representation. It is important to consider how the character is portrayed and whether they are given depth and complexity beyond their hair color.

The role of creators

The responsibility for creating well-rounded characters falls on the creators of the anime. They have the power to challenge stereotypes and create characters that are realistic and relatable.

However, it is also important to recognize that creators are not immune to their own biases and prejudices, and may unintentionally perpetuate harmful stereotypes. It is up to the viewers to hold them accountable and call for better representation in anime.

The impact on viewers

The way hair color is portrayed in anime may seem trivial, but it can have a real impact on viewers. For example, a blond viewer may feel ostracized if all the blond characters in an anime are depicted as villains.

On the other hand, a non-blond viewer may develop prejudiced attitudes towards blond people if they are constantly exposed to negative stereotypes. It is important for anime creators to be mindful of how their portrayals can affect their audience.

The bottom line

In conclusion, I believe that Kikilia’s question is an important one to consider.

While there are certainly examples of negative stereotypes associated with blond characters in anime, it is unfair to generalize all blond characters as being portrayed in a negative light. It is important for anime creators to create well-rounded characters that challenge stereotypes and promote diversity. As viewers, we should hold them accountable and support positive representation in anime.