Jonah Patel
*Attack on Titan*, created by Hajime Isayama, is often analyzed for its deep political undertones and themes that mirror real-world conflicts and societal structures. The series explores complex issues such as nationalism, militarism, class inequality, and the cyclical nature of violence, often through the lens of its dystopian world where humanity is divided into warring factions. The narrative delves into the moral ambiguities of power, the justification of genocide, and the manipulation of history by those in control, raising questions about the nature of freedom, identity, and the cost of survival. These elements have sparked widespread debate among fans and critics, positioning *Attack on Titan* as a thought-provoking work that transcends its action-packed surface to engage with profound political and philosophical ideas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Themes of Nationalism | Prominent exploration of extreme nationalism and its consequences. |
| War and Conflict | Depicts large-scale wars, territorial disputes, and moral ambiguities. |
| Genocide and Oppression | Addresses themes of genocide, racial superiority, and systemic oppression. |
| Government Propaganda | Critiques the use of propaganda to manipulate public opinion. |
| Colonialism and Imperialism | Examines the impact of colonial powers and resource exploitation. |
| Moral Ambiguity | Characters and factions are morally gray, challenging binary perspectives. |
| Critique of Authoritarianism | Highlights the dangers of authoritarian regimes and blind loyalty. |
| Identity and Otherness | Explores concepts of identity, belonging, and the "other." |
| Resource Scarcity | Themes of survival and conflict over limited resources. |
| Historical Parallels | Draws parallels to real-world historical events (e.g., World Wars, colonialism). |
| Philosophical Questions | Raises questions about freedom, humanity, and the cycle of violence. |
| Character Motivations | Characters driven by political ideologies, revenge, and survival. |
| Global Reception | Interpreted differently across cultures, sparking political discussions. |
| Author's Intent | Hajime Isayama has stated the series reflects human nature and history. |
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What You'll Learn
- Government Corruption: The Military Police's abuse of power and the monarchy's secrecy
- Class Struggle: The divide between the Walls and the elite, reflecting societal inequality
- Propaganda: How the government manipulates truth to control the populace within the Walls
- Colonialism: Marley's oppression of Eldians as a metaphor for imperialist domination
- War Justification: The cycle of violence and retaliation as a political tool
Government Corruption: The Military Police's abuse of power and the monarchy's secrecy
The Military Police in *Attack on Titan* are not just a law enforcement body; they are a symbol of systemic corruption, wielding power with impunity under the guise of maintaining order. Their role extends beyond protecting the walls; they serve as the monarchy’s enforcers, silencing dissent and perpetuating a culture of fear. For instance, their brutal suppression of the uprising in Stohess District highlights their willingness to use violence against civilians to protect the status quo. This abuse of power is not merely a plot device but a reflection of real-world authoritarian regimes where security forces become tools of oppression rather than protectors of the people.
Consider the steps by which the Military Police consolidate their authority: first, they monopolize access to resources, such as the finest equipment and the safest district (the Inner Wall); second, they cultivate an image of indispensability by framing their actions as necessary for survival; and third, they eliminate political rivals through intimidation or force. These tactics mirror historical examples like the Gestapo in Nazi Germany or modern-day paramilitary groups in authoritarian states. To counter such abuses, citizens must demand transparency, independent oversight, and accountability—lessons applicable both within the walls of Paradis Island and in contemporary societies.
The monarchy’s secrecy operates as the other pillar of government corruption in *Attack on Titan*. For over a century, the Reiss family conceals the truth about the walls, the Titans, and the world beyond, maintaining control through ignorance and misinformation. This secrecy is not just about hiding history; it’s about preserving power by keeping the populace dependent and divided. The revelation of the king’s identity and the true nature of the walls underscores how secrecy corrodes trust and fosters resentment. In practical terms, breaking cycles of secrecy requires institutional reforms, such as mandatory disclosure laws and independent media, to ensure leaders cannot operate in the shadows.
A comparative analysis reveals that the monarchy’s secrecy and the Military Police’s abuse of power are two sides of the same coin. While the monarchy relies on passive control through misinformation, the Military Police enforce active dominance through force. Together, they create a system where questioning authority is met with punishment, and compliance is rewarded with safety—albeit a fragile one. This dynamic is not unique to *Attack on Titan*; it echoes real-world regimes where rulers and their enforcers collaborate to suppress dissent. To dismantle such systems, both the roots of secrecy and the mechanisms of enforcement must be addressed simultaneously.
Finally, the takeaway is clear: government corruption thrives in environments of unchecked power and hidden truths. *Attack on Titan* serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how institutions meant to protect can become instruments of control. For those seeking to combat corruption, the series offers a blueprint: expose secrecy, challenge abuses of power, and foster a culture of accountability. These principles are not just applicable to fictional societies but are essential for building equitable and just systems in the real world.
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Class Struggle: The divide between the Walls and the elite, reflecting societal inequality
The walls in *Attack on Titan* are more than a physical barrier against Titans; they are a metaphor for the systemic barriers that entrench class inequality. The three walls—Maria, Rose, and Sina—do not merely protect humanity; they stratify it. The innermost wall, Sina, houses the elite, who enjoy safety, resources, and knowledge. In contrast, the outer walls are home to the masses, who live in fear, poverty, and ignorance. This spatial division mirrors real-world societal structures where the wealthy insulate themselves from the struggles of the underclass, perpetuating cycles of inequality. The walls are not just a defense mechanism but a tool of control, reinforcing the power dynamics between the ruling class and the oppressed.
Consider the distribution of resources within the walls. The elite in Sina have access to luxuries, education, and historical truths, such as the existence of the outside world. Meanwhile, those in the outer walls are fed propaganda, kept in the dark about their history, and forced to live in constant peril. This disparity is a deliberate design, not an accident. The elite’s monopoly on knowledge and resources ensures their dominance, while the outer walls’ inhabitants are reduced to expendable labor and cannon fodder. For instance, the Survey Corps, comprised largely of lower-class citizens, are sent on suicidal missions to reclaim territory, while the elite remain insulated from the consequences of their decisions. This dynamic underscores how class struggle is not just about wealth but about control over information and human lives.
To understand the political implications, examine the role of the military police. Ostensibly tasked with protecting all citizens, they are, in reality, enforcers of the elite’s rule. While the Survey Corps fight Titans outside the walls, the military police maintain order within Sina, ensuring the status quo remains unchallenged. This duality reflects how state institutions often serve the interests of the ruling class, even at the expense of the majority. The military police’s focus on internal control rather than external threats highlights the elite’s prioritization of power over survival, a critique of governments that suppress dissent to maintain inequality.
A practical takeaway from this analysis is the importance of questioning authority and seeking truth in the face of oppression. Just as Eren and his comrades eventually uncover the lies behind the walls, individuals in real-world class struggles must challenge the narratives that sustain inequality. This involves educating oneself, organizing collectively, and demanding transparency from those in power. For example, movements like Occupy Wall Street and Black Lives Matter have exposed systemic inequalities, much like the characters in *Attack on Titan* expose the corruption within their society. By recognizing the walls in our own world—whether they are economic, social, or political—we can begin to dismantle them.
Finally, the walls in *Attack on Titan* serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of complacency in the face of inequality. The elite’s refusal to share resources or knowledge ultimately leads to their downfall, as the oppressed rise up against their oppressors. This narrative mirrors historical revolutions where the exploited masses overthrow their exploiters. The show’s depiction of class struggle is not just a commentary on its fictional world but a reflection of real-world dynamics. By studying the divide between the walls and the elite, we gain insights into how inequality is constructed, maintained, and ultimately challenged. The walls are not just a setting—they are a call to action.
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Propaganda: How the government manipulates truth to control the populace within the Walls
The government within the Walls of *Attack on Titan* wields propaganda as a surgical tool, carving out a reality that serves its interests while obscuring the truth. Consider the relentless narrative of the Titans as mindless, godless monsters, a story repeated in textbooks, speeches, and even children’s rhymes. This dehumanizing portrayal justifies the militarization of society, funnels resources into the military, and distracts the populace from questioning the true nature of the Titans or the Walls themselves. By controlling the narrative, the government ensures that fear, not curiosity, drives public sentiment, effectively silencing dissent under the guise of survival.
To understand the mechanics of this manipulation, examine the role of the Military Police Brigade, ostensibly tasked with protecting the inner Wall but primarily functioning as a propaganda enforcer. Their presence in civilian areas isn’t just about security; it’s a constant reminder of the government’s authority and the consequences of defiance. The Brigade’s luxurious lifestyle, contrasted with the squalor of the outer districts, is itself a message: loyalty to the system is rewarded, while skepticism is punished. This visual propaganda reinforces class divisions and discourages solidarity among the oppressed, ensuring the status quo remains unchallenged.
A closer look at the education system reveals another layer of manipulation. History lessons within the Walls are carefully curated to omit inconvenient truths, such as the existence of the outside world or the origins of the Titans. By controlling what is taught, the government shapes not just knowledge but identity. Children grow up believing their existence within the Walls is the only reality, their fears of the Titans the only valid perspective. This indoctrination is so effective that even when characters like Eren and his peers discover the truth, their initial reaction is often disbelief or denial, illustrating the power of propaganda to warp perception.
The most insidious aspect of this system is its reliance on collective trauma. The government leverages the memory of the Titans’ initial attack to foster a culture of paranoia and obedience. Public memorials, military parades, and annual drills aren’t just traditions—they’re rituals designed to keep the trauma fresh, ensuring that fear remains the dominant emotion. This emotional manipulation is a masterstroke, as it transforms the populace into willing participants in their own oppression, convinced they are acting in self-preservation when, in reality, they are perpetuating a cycle of control.
To break free from this web of deceit, one must first recognize the signs of propaganda: the repetition of fear-based narratives, the glorification of authority, and the suppression of alternative viewpoints. Questioning the official story, seeking out dissenting voices, and critically analyzing the motives behind government actions are essential steps. While the characters in *Attack on Titan* eventually uncover the truth, their journey underscores the difficulty of dismantling a system built on lies. Yet, it also highlights the power of individual agency in challenging oppressive regimes, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
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Colonialism: Marley's oppression of Eldians as a metaphor for imperialist domination
The Marleyan regime's subjugation of Eldians in *Attack on Titan* serves as a stark metaphor for historical and contemporary imperialist domination. Marley's systematic dehumanization of Eldians—forcing them to live in ghettos, branding them with armbands, and exploiting their labor—mirrors the tactics of colonial powers that stripped indigenous populations of their identity, land, and autonomy. This narrative device forces viewers to confront the brutal realities of colonialism, where the oppressor justifies their actions through racial superiority and fear-mongering. By framing the Eldians as a threat to global security, Marley echoes the rhetoric of empires that labeled colonized peoples as savage or uncivilized to legitimize their exploitation.
Consider the parallels between Marley's use of Eldian soldiers as disposable weapons and the historical exploitation of colonized peoples in imperial wars. The Warriors, like child soldiers or conscripted laborers, are groomed to serve Marley’s interests under the guise of honor and survival. This dynamic highlights how colonial powers often co-opt the oppressed into enforcing their own subjugation, creating a cycle of violence and dependency. The Eldians’ internalized self-hatred, exemplified by characters like Reiner and Annie, further underscores the psychological toll of colonialism, where the oppressed adopt the oppressor’s worldview to cope with their reality.
To analyze this metaphor effectively, examine the role of propaganda in both Marley and real-world colonial contexts. Marley’s demonization of Eldians as “Devils” parallels the dehumanizing narratives colonial powers used to justify their actions. For instance, European colonizers often portrayed indigenous populations as inferior or dangerous to rally public support for their conquests. By critiquing Marley’s propaganda machine, *Attack on Titan* invites viewers to question the narratives that sustain modern forms of oppression, such as xenophobia, racism, and economic exploitation.
A practical takeaway from this analysis is the importance of recognizing colonialist patterns in contemporary power structures. Just as Marley exploits Eldian labor and resources, modern imperialist systems continue to extract wealth from marginalized communities under the guise of development or security. To dismantle these systems, start by educating yourself and others about the historical roots of colonialism and its ongoing manifestations. Support movements that challenge exploitative practices, and advocate for policies that prioritize equity and self-determination for oppressed groups.
Finally, the Eldian-Marley conflict offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of dehumanization and the cyclical nature of violence. While the Eldians eventually rise up against their oppressors, their rebellion is marred by moral ambiguity and devastating consequences. This complexity reminds us that breaking free from colonial oppression requires more than just resistance—it demands a reevaluation of the ideologies and systems that perpetuate inequality. By engaging critically with *Attack on Titan*’s portrayal of colonialism, we can better understand and confront the imperialist dynamics shaping our world today.
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War Justification: The cycle of violence and retaliation as a political tool
The cycle of violence in *Attack on Titan* is not merely a narrative device but a mirror reflecting real-world political strategies. Governments throughout history have justified wars by framing their actions as retaliation against perceived or manufactured threats. In the series, Marley exploits the Eldians’ history of oppression to portray them as monsters, using this narrative to rally their citizens and maintain control. This tactic echoes how nations often dehumanize enemies to legitimize aggression, ensuring public support for military actions. The walls within Paradis Island, meanwhile, symbolize isolationist policies, where fear of the outside world becomes a tool to suppress dissent and consolidate power.
Consider the steps nations take to perpetuate this cycle: first, create or exaggerate a threat; second, frame retaliation as self-defense; third, use the ensuing conflict to strengthen political authority. Eren Yeager’s actions in the later arcs exemplify this, as his genocidal campaign is justified as a preemptive strike against those who would destroy Eldia. While extreme, this narrative parallels how leaders often present aggressive actions as necessary for survival, blurring the lines between victimhood and culpability. The series forces viewers to question: when does self-preservation become an excuse for atrocities?
To break this cycle, societies must challenge the narratives that fuel retaliation. In *Attack on Titan*, characters like Reiner and Annie grapple with the moral ambiguity of their roles as warriors, trained from childhood to believe their violence is righteous. Similarly, real-world education systems often perpetuate nationalistic myths that justify past and future conflicts. Encouraging critical thinking about historical narratives—such as questioning the glorification of war in textbooks—can dismantle the ideological foundations of retaliation. For instance, integrating comparative histories into curricula allows students to see conflicts from multiple perspectives, reducing the appeal of simplistic us-vs-them narratives.
A cautionary note: the cycle of violence thrives on emotional manipulation, particularly fear and grief. In the series, Marley uses the trauma of past Titan attacks to justify its oppression of Eldians, while Paradis leverages the fear of annihilation to unite its people behind Eren’s extremist agenda. Politically, this tactic is often employed through propaganda, memorialization of past conflicts, and the cultivation of collective victimhood. To resist this, individuals must recognize how emotions are weaponized to override rational debate. Practical steps include fact-checking media sources, engaging in cross-cultural dialogue, and advocating for policies that address root causes of conflict rather than symptoms.
Ultimately, *Attack on Titan* serves as a grim reminder that war justification is rarely about justice or survival—it’s about power. The cycle of violence and retaliation is a political tool designed to maintain dominance, whether by empires like Marley or revolutionary forces like Eren’s Yeagerists. Breaking this cycle requires not only systemic change but also individual willingness to question the narratives that drive conflict. As the series concludes with a world still scarred by endless retaliation, it leaves viewers with a chilling question: will humanity ever learn to choose dialogue over destruction?
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Attack on Titan explores political themes such as power struggles, nationalism, authoritarianism, and the morality of war, often mirroring real-world political dynamics.
The series critiques various ideologies, including militarism, racism, and the dangers of blind loyalty to a cause, often through the actions of its characters and factions.
Yes, the story draws parallels to historical events like colonialism, genocide, and the rise of totalitarian regimes, inviting viewers to reflect on contemporary political issues.
While the series does not explicitly endorse a specific political stance, it challenges viewers to question authority, the nature of conflict, and the consequences of extreme ideologies.
The political themes become more complex as the story progresses, shifting from a focus on survival against Titans to broader questions about identity, justice, and the cycle of violence in human society.
