Overview of Propaganda in Attack on Titan
- Attack on Titan is heavily influenced by propaganda, with distinct factions including Marleyans, King Fritz’s era, and the Yeagerists employing manipulative strategies.
- Characters like Gabi, Armin, and Eren exemplify the profound effects of propaganda on beliefs and actions throughout the narrative.
- The series intricately weaves propaganda into its narrative, underscoring how it shapes characters in a relentless war-torn world.
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According to the Cambridge Dictionary, propaganda is defined as “information or ideas that are spread by an organized group or government to influence people’s opinions, especially by omitting certain facts or emphasizing a singular perspective.” Essentially, it involves manipulation through deceit and selective truths.
Given this perspective, it becomes apparent that propaganda is a pervasive element throughout the four seasons of Attack on Titan. The experiences of Eren and his companions reveal a narrative deeply entwined with propaganda influences. This article delves into the various propagandist themes woven into the series, examining their implications on characters and the overarching plot.
Examining the Types of Propaganda in Attack on Titan
Throughout Attack on Titan, various types of propaganda are evident, but three stand out prominently:
Marleyan Propaganda
Following the Great Titan War, the Marleyans acquired control of six out of nine Titan Shifter abilities. However, only the subjects of Ymir possess the ability to become Titan Shifters. Therefore, the Marleyan tactics centered on using propaganda to manipulate the Eldians into compliance.
The Marleyan regime systematically dehumanized Eldians, confining them to impoverished zones and conditioning them to believe they were the source of global atrocities — descendants of devils, in essence. This relentless indoctrination suggested that their only avenue for redemption was to embrace Marleyan authority, promising those who did a chance at a stable existence as honorary citizens.
King Fritz’s Propaganda
Karl Fritz, the 145th King of Eldia, enacted the ultimate betrayal against his own people by isolating them on Paradis Island to seek peace away from conflict. To enforce this isolation, he utilized the power of the Founding Titan to erase the memories of the outside world from his subjects, ensuring they remained unaware of the threats beyond the walls that enclosed them.
Fritz allowed Titans to roam freely outside the walls because they served as an effective deterrent against any attempts to escape. His actions epitomized the dangers of propaganda — a tool used to keep the population docile and oblivious to their reality.
“How pitiful! To never learn from the mistakes of history, it’s a tragedy how King Reiss stole their memories of the world. That’s why they’re repeating the same mistakes.” — Zeke Yeager, Episode 54
Yeager Propaganda
Following the Raid on Liberio, a faction known as the Yeagerists emerged, viewing Eren as their savior. They adopt a messianic perspective, believing Eren has the power to elevate the Eldian people. Despite their disdain for the Marleyans, they employ similar propaganda tactics, portraying their enemies as inherently wicked and demanding absolute loyalty among Eldians.
The Yeagerists rally together under the banner of war, asserting that the only path to safeguarding their people lies in aggression, mirroring the ideologies of Eren himself. This atmosphere fosters division, where any dissent against their radical beliefs brands one as a traitor.
Exploring the Impact of Propaganda Throughout the Series
From the oppressive reign of King Fritz to the rise of the Yeagerists, the effects of propaganda are a recurrent theme within the series. Here are some notable representations:
Marleyan Propaganda in Action
Gabi’s character exemplifies the success of Marleyan propaganda. She is thoroughly indoctrinated to believe that Eldians are responsible for all evil, labeling those from Paradis Island as devils. Her unwavering loyalty to Marley showcases how deeply propaganda can infiltrate individual beliefs, leading one to unquestioningly embrace a destructive ideology.
The infamous Warrior Unit, composed of Eldians empowered with Titan powers, serves as a testament to effective propaganda. Despite their capabilities, their psyche is so entrenched in Marleyan doctrine that they willingly serve as instruments of warfare against their own people.
“Those guys are island demons threatening to destroy the entire world. We all learned about that, didn’t we? They’ve always been just that. Cruel demons who deserve to be killed. They’re not like us.” — Gabi Braun, Episode 67
Consequences of King Fritz’s Manipulation
King Fritz’s ability to erase memories from his subjects manifested a profound cycle of ignorance. With no recollection of the truth, the Eldians remained captive to the beliefs imposed upon them. The overwhelming fear of the Titans, coupled with a lack of knowledge regarding humanity’s fate beyond the walls, effectively dissuaded any thoughts of freedom.
The Survey Corps stands as the exception, daring to challenge the status quo, but their explorations are largely limited to unraveling Titan mysteries rather than seeking liberation. Few, like Armin, even ponder the possibility of life across the sea.
Yeagerist Propaganda’s Rise
Once the truth about Marley’s treatment of Eldians surfaces, the propaganda utilized by the Yeagerists swiftly recruits more followers. They wield nationalism and threats of violence as tools to unify their ranks, proving their methods highly effective in seizing control over Paradis Island.
Though the ultimate sacrifice of their revered leader temporarily curbs the Yeagerists’ aggression, their loyalty to Eren remains steadfast, presenting a critical examination of the cost of fervent belief in a narrative.
Understanding the Role of Propaganda in Attack on Titan
The Power of Words as Weapons
Set against the backdrop of a harsh world besieged by Titans, the driving forces behind the confrontations are not merely physical threats but the potent propaganda wielded by those in power. In Attack on Titan, each faction utilizes propaganda to manipulate both the populace and the motivations of the characters.
At its core, propaganda functions as the narrative’s foundation, influencing character actions and compelling them to navigate the treacherous landscape of their reality, regardless of the devastating consequences.
In a world riddled with warfare, whether against Titans or rival factions, propaganda emerges as a potent mechanism for controlling perspectives and perceptions. Ultimately, it suggests that during times of conflict, the most formidable weapon isn’t a Titan but the beliefs and narratives adopted by individuals.
For those interested, you can stream Attack on Titan on Crunchyroll.
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