Shinji Character Analysis

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The concept of masculinity has long been rooted in attempts to quantify men on a spectrum consisting of specific characteristics associated with impassiveness, aggression, and control. In Freud’s proposition of defense mechanisms, he suggests that men escape from their emotions and feelings as they have learned to interpret these cues as threats to their male identities . Shinji’s passiveness is a misperception concerning his lack of masculine bravado. He leaves a negative impression on viewers due to his awkwardness, excessive lamenting about his misfortunes, and the unwillingness to pilot Unit-01—all of which equate a character that is easy to manipulate, but difficult to sympathize with.
Despite the disparaging nature of Shinji’s personality,
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At the end of episode 6, Shinji rushes to Rei’s entry plug (20:30:00) and sheds tears of joy and relief (20:51:10) rather than frustration. These tears are associated with nurture and are a rejection of masculine standards recognized through Misato’s realization of Shinji’s need for emotional expression and his projection of concern on to Rei. Shinji’s freedom to express his nurturing identity can be attributed to the events at the end of episode 4, where Misato finally comprehends his inability to effectively communicate his frustrations and attempts to reconnect with him by arriving at the station. Misato’s realization reframes the need in supporting a spectrum of ideas that are cognizant of multiple masculine identities that do not uphold aggressive and dominant character traits. These hidden identities along the masculine spectrum, such as queerness and nurturing for example, are oppressed. By reestablishing his connection with his emotions, Shinji continues this practice of nurturing and emotional encouraging with Rei, when he urges her to smile with tears still in his eyes, shattering expectations of masculinity in relation to accepting feminized identities associated with emotional …show more content…
For the Otaku who are overwhelmed by their insecurities regarding their masculinity, perhaps the message Anno is attempting to convey to his audience is the need to challenge other men on patriarchal and sexist ideologies, rather than following a regime that is conclusive of the hikikomori lifestyle.
The universe of Evangelion exists as a space that allows for more complex explorations of masculinity within the medium of anime and manga. The influence of hegemonic masculinity consists of aggressive, dominant, and oppressive characteristics that are stunted because of a lack of emotional presence. If society could accept different perspectives of masculinity, perhaps the fans who religiously follow the series, would develop a lifestyle that is emotionally and socially stimulating, and Shinji would no longer be stigmatized for his overly emotional

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