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The Pervert Archetype in Anime
The pervert archetype is a common trope in anime, and is often used for comedic effect or to lighten the mood of a show. This archetype typically involves a male character who behaves inappropriately towards female characters, often with a focus on sexual harassment or voyeurism. While this type of character can be seen as humorous in some contexts, it has become a common element in most anime shows, and can feel overused or tiresome.
The Classic Pervert Archetype
One example of the pervert archetype in anime is Jiraiya from Naruto. Jiraiya is a powerful ninja and mentor to the protagonist Naruto, but he is also known for his lecherous behavior toward women. He is often seen spying on women while they bathe, and he frequently uses his status as a legendary ninja to justify his inappropriate behavior. While Jiraiya is often played for laughs in the show, his actions can be seen as a form of sexual harassment and contribute to the normalization of this behavior. That said, I actually like Jaraiya. Would I like him in real life? Probably not. However, as a character in my favorite anime, he doesn't bother me.
Another example of the pervert archetype in anime is Kon from Bleach. Kon is a small stuffed lion who is actually a soul inhabiting a plush toy body. He frequently makes sexual comments towards female characters and is often seen trying to sneak a peek at them while they change clothes or bathe. While Kon is meant to be a cute and funny character, his behavior can be seen as inappropriate and unwelcome.
The Pervert as the Main Character
One of the most conflicting pervert characters for me is Meliodas from The Seven Deadly Sins. Not only is he a total perv, but he's also the main character! I'll admit, I absolutely love his character but I groan every time he tries to cop a feel on Elizabeth. I especially cringe when I'm trying to watch a show like this with my kids. I don't feel like those moments add to his character at all.
A more recent example of the pervert archetype in anime is Mineta from My Hero Academia. He is a student at the U.A. High School for Heroes, and is known for being a creep to his female classmates. He often tries to spy on them while they are undressing and makes rude comments about his female classmates and heroes alike. Mineta is meant to be a comic relief character, however, I find him just annoying. The fact that he's a young boy makes it worse.
The prevalence of the pervert archetype in anime shows can be attributed to a number of factors. One is the target audience for many anime shows, which is often teenage boys or young men. These viewers may find the pervert archetype to be funny or relatable, and may not see it as harmful or inappropriate. Additionally, the pervert archetype can be seen as a way to add humor to a show or to create a memorable character.
The Problem with the Pervert
However, the overuse of the pervert archetype in anime shows can become tiresome and even harmful. It can contribute to a culture where sexual harassment and objectification of women are seen as acceptable or even desirable. Additionally, the pervert archetype can reinforce negative stereotypes about men, portraying them as lecherous and predatory.
For the most part, all of these pervert characters have redeeming qualities that make them likable. They tend to actually care about others and will even sacrifice themselves to save their friends. Maybe it's just art imitating life. All people are a mixture of good and bad and we all know that one perverted guy that is annoying when he acts that way but otherwise harmless.
Overall, while the pervert archetype is a common trope in anime shows, it is important to recognize its potential to perpetuate harmful attitudes toward women and contribute to a toxic culture. By promoting more positive and respectful portrayals of women and men in anime, we can help to create a culture where sexual harassment is not normalized, and where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.
