I would like to make it clear when I talk about Hetalia, I almost 100% am referencing the sub. The dub is very...questionable, but the lines/writing can be blamed on the American writers, not Hima's original intent.
I literally do not get this argument. I am very much interested in learning about ww2 and even the Holocaust because I find so interesting that something so horrible could have happened. Hetalia is not N@zi or Fascist propaganda. If you actually watch the show or look at most of the content, there is an anti-war, promote world peace message there which is completely opposite of these ideologies it is apparently glorifying. Has it dropped the ball sometimes, yes (the concept of personified countries itself can very easily turn problematic and some aspects of the series do make me uncomfy), and has some characterizations of characters been offensive, yes (and to note from what I'm aware of, either those characters were discontinued or the offensive traits were removed) but it's not propaganda and those who watch it are not N@zi/Fascists because they like it. Also, on a somewhat unrelated, I also cried...actually more like I ballad watching Schindler's List. It's quite the experience and I suggest watching it at some point (though it's definitely for older audiences).
You just gained a new subscriber! As a jewish fan, I find these people far more "offensive" than the anime itself. Hetalia (and many other anime like it), actually was one of the biggest influences for these cartoon characters I made. Some of which, are yes, anime-inspired, and are soldiers as well.
Is there even a point in commenting about the WW2 aspect of Hetalia anymore? WW2 hasn't been used as a setting in literal YEARS, even if you take out the hiatus. It's a very shallow, base level argument and most gripes can be circled back to FUNimation's dub or the very earliest comic strips from before Hetalia was even popular. Hima has seemed to quietly retire South Korea and has been careful to keep Seychelles dark skinned. The implications of France and Spain being pedos were real but haven't been seen for several years. Imo Hima has learned how to responsibly handle the content of Hetalia over the years and it's still very funny and sometimes heartfelt. Now, at least one of the MUSICALS is kind of questionable but idk how much of a hand Hima had in it.
Another point: It seems like almost as soon as the series was rebranded as “Hetalia: World Stars” and essentially restarted, most of the offensive elements had been taken out. Now, the series essentially has an entirely new canon, and long-time fans basically pick and choose what fits their personal interpretations. Might I remind everyone that in “Hetalia: Axis Powers” England tried to literally murder America with Busby’s chair, but these days, all the members of the FACE fam seem to genuinely care for one another, despite being super dysfunctional.
Okay, as a Jew, a person who read about the Holocaust, and a Hetalia fan, l will give my thoughts. There are bad moments in Hetalia, mainly the dub. “What is it another Jew?, the issues with South Korea, white washing etc. Even recent episodes have, iffy bits. For example, Buon St Valinto, Germany calls the bookkeeper Judenrat, a degortory term for Jews. This character was wearing what looks to be a yamakla. This may be me overthinking and miss hearing, but it’s is concerning if true. However, Hetalia as multiple elements that point to the contrary. The fandoms saying is Make Pasta not war. None of the nations are hateable, or at least projected that way. Even Prussia, my least favorite character, has charm. And The Axis have characteristics not wanted by Facists. For example, Italy coward ness, emotionalness, and lack of manliness, Austria’s everything (including his human last name), and Germany has show multiple trait such as liking cooking, flusteredness and other traits. And back to Austria’s last name. His name is traditional Jewish, and some fans, including myself, see him as such. While the whole cheapskate rich guy with power is a Jew can be…interteprated in different ways, many people used it to celebrate Jewish culture. And this can be said to other ethnic groups as well. Many people uses these character to celebrate diversity and togetherness, a theme in Hetalia, exspeically in its songs. And about Holocaust in Hetalia. No. Please, putting That into Hetalia would probably killed any interest in the show. Comedy + the Holocaust is not my cup of tea if not done carefully. While lots of people tried to make Holocaust fanfics, most fail due to lack of resreach and experience. That being said, a Hetalia fanfic in which all the characters fight fascism in something I’ll enjoy. It could explore these nations and how they attempt to fight against something some of them are forced to abid by. Also I just like seeing n@zis being bested and beaten in fiction.
I am always amazed by people who decide for everyone that it is necessary to be offended. And always to all such arguments, I say one thing Hetalia is an Anime... They don't teach a lot at the institute.. THIS IS AN ANIME
I think two things are to blame for this the Dub and the name 1.While I love and like the dub. It can overboard with the jokes.One of them was so bad it was bleeped. But luckily the Dub stopped doing this as in season 6. I know this will not happen, but I will love if their redub hetalia. Not. Only to fix the problematic lines and to also to help rid of England first Voice actor. 2. Him made mistake in naming the first axis powers for thr first manga Hetalia is not about ww2. Is about satire version in history. Hetalia is a comedy not a documentary
I've lived in Japan most my life. They don't teach about WW2 here. So if you asked a Japanese student what the leader of Germany believed in WW2 they wouldn't know. Most mangaka have no clue about the Nazi's, the Holocaust, or the war crimes of Imperial Japan. That isn't really their fault, but it is dangerous. I have read many mangaka that accidentally praise Nazi Germany because the mangaka knows nothing about WW2.
