6 Reasons Why Watching Anime Can Make You A Better Person

Written by Creator Shawn Abeln

When people think about anime we don't generally think how it can change us as a person, and we really tend not to give it a second thought, beyond just simple entertainment. The thing is that if you're like me, anime can truly shape some of your personality. Here's why:

1. Anime brings out your inner nerd

It doesn't matter who you are because no matter what, everyone has a little nerd in them. Anime helps bring that nerdiness out and going hand in hand with number 2, it helps you embrace it and accept yourself.

2. It helps you stand on your own and embrace who you are

The thing about a lot of anime is that the characters have to go through hardships and trials just like you have to in real life. Whether it's about how weird they are, facing a bully, how broke they are, or even a death in the family, most of the time they get through it and in turn that makes it that much easier for you as well.

3. It helps you become more resourceful

When you watch anime, the characters can be crazy clever and can actually turn what seems like an impossible battle or challenge into just a breeze. Whether they outwit the bad guys or come back in the nick of time, it will make you keep your mind open and make you believe that nothing is impossible.

4. It helps you understand different perspectives

It is more realistic to represent people as absurd, dramatic, pathetic, self absorbed, good humored, easily humiliated and contradictory. Characters are usually very much all of the above in anime, and generally you have to accept those characters because they are going to be a part of the show. When it comes to real life, you may similarly encounter people with a variety of different qualities and personalities. You don't have to agree with every perspective, but if you can at least accept them and tolerate them like the characters in the show then you're good!

5. It makes you get motivated with things you want to do

If you watch any adventure, sports, or even romance anime you will notice that they are all goal-orientated for the most part. For example, Eyeshield 21 is an American football anime set in Japan. The main character is kind of a scaredy cat, and is running from bullies all the time. One thing leads to another and eventually the main character gets dragged into football and secretly loves it. Every day is football and he is the most motivated character I have ever seen in an anime. The point is that watching a character go through something like that makes you in turn think about your life, and how you can make it change for the better.

6. It strengthens your resolve when you feel weak

A generic theme I see in a lot anime is the "never give up" attitude. What I love about anime is that you see the hero knocked down, shaken up, bruised, bleeding and near defeat, but they will never give up. It portrays the actual struggle to find the inner strength required to achieve your goals during times of weakness. I definitely relate to having to dig for my inner strength in times of personal weakness, and I think this is an important but neglected lesson in western shows. What is really heroic is to have been defeated but to aim for your goal even harder than before.

In Conclusion

Anime can truly change a person for the better in many ways, and people could truly learn a thing or two from people on these shows. Although not every anime incorporates these themes, a lot will truly make you think deeper about your life. Thanks for reading, and ciao!

Top 3 Lessons That Disney's 'Zootopia' Taught Me

Amalia MangiaficoWelcome to the big, beautiful city of Zootopia, where animals all coexist and anyone can be anything.

This is Disney's 55th animated feature film. It happens to be all about animals and is totally wild; the amount of detail put into this big world of furry friends is simply unreal.

In Zootopia, the main character Judy Hopps is by far one of the coolest I've seen — the first-ever bunny cop that wants to make the world a better place. Judy's dreams and ambitions propel her to become the best cop she can be.

As I watched this film, I was so entertained and amazed by the amount of thought that was put into the process of creating a unique world. Whether it was the fur on the animal or the subway station filled with all different species, Zootopia will definitely keep you satisfied.

Not only was this film entertaining, but it also had a lot of positive messages. Not just one message, but layers upon layers of messages.

Here are the top-three lessons that Zootopia taught me:

1. Anyone Can Be Anything

Judy Hopps is a determined and hardworking rabbit who won't let anything hold her down. Ever since she was a little bunny, she always wanted to be a cop, but everyone constantly told her she couldn't and just put her down. No matter what negativity she faced, she determined that she was the only one to decide what she could or couldn't do. She believes that ultimately anyone can be anything as long as they work hard and are dedicated.

This is truly a beautiful and moving message because it's something everyone can relate to. We all experience that moment in our lives when we're told we cannot do something. It's an awful thing to endure, but it's up to you if you believe that or not. With the belief that anyone can be anything, it's a reminder to never stop being you.

2. Individuality Is Unique

In this movie, there are so many different and detailed characters that make the world of Zootopia feel so real. There are so many animals in this film, some the same species, but no two animals are the same. That's because they are all individuals. Each character in this film has its own personality and attributes that make them unique.

3. Don't Judge

There's a constant theme in Zootopia of the prey animals' fear of the predator. This creates a point of conflict for many of the characters. Nick and Judy teach the audience that no matter who you are, it's what's inside that counts.

There is much more than just three lessons in this movie, but these were the ones that meant the most to me. Zootopia is funny, entertaining, inspiring and touching. This is a film for everyone to enjoy.

Written by Creator Amalia Mangiafico

10 Valuable Life Lessons from "Beauty and the Beast"

Sam & Dean Winchester Explain Life in 10 Simple Steps