<
https://theconversation.com/pikachu-protesters-studio-ghibli-memes-and-the-subversive-power-of-cuteness-253909>
"In Antalya, Turkey, in the early hours of March 27, 2025, Pikachu was spotted
fleeing the police, making a getaway as fast as his short yellow legs could
waddle.
The person dressed as the popular Pokémon character had been objecting to the
arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, whose political party later posted on
X, “Pepper spray, which even affects Pikachu, won’t do anything to you or me!
#ResistPikachu.”
At the same time, the internet was having a field day with another stalwart of
Japanese anime, deploying generative AI to infuse famous memes, family
portraits and movie scenes with a patina of cuteness by recasting them in the
style of the Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli.
Never mind that Studio Ghibli director and founder Hayao Miyazaki famously
denounced AI-generated art as “an insult to life itself.” Both the Pikachu
protester and the viral Studio Ghibli-esque animations demonstrate the global
appeal of cuteness.
But to me, there’s more to cute than its ability to go viral.
Cuteness can be used politically. It can highlight injustices against the
vulnerable, and it can boost support of the underdog.
It’s a form of soft power in the truest sense of the term."
Via Muse.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
