Warning: Contains Spoilers
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a scapegoat to blame for everything? Wouldn’t it be just as great for the public to not only accept this lie but to also perpetuate it? Escapism is prevalent in today’s society and shows no signs of going away anytime soon. Thus is where Paranoia Agent shines as a perfect example of this.
Paranoia Agent is a 13 episode anime that aired in 2004, which follows the victims of “Lil’ Slugger” or “Shōnen Batto” in Japanese. Lil’ Slugger appears to be a young boy with golden inline skates, a baseball cap, and a severely bent baseball bat. Each episode follows a different character who has been attacked by Lil Slugger, whose victims seem to be chosen at random.
Though, it is soon discovered that he specifically attacks those who are at their lowest point of desperation and depression. Those who survive seem to have a great sense of relief afterwards. The attacks increase in brutality as the public’s fear skyrockets. It becomes increasingly hard to distinguish between what is reality or not.
However, it is revealed that the first victim of Lil’ Slugger actually fabricated his existence in order to escape her current reality and responsibilities. This explains why each character feels relief after their so called encounters with Lil’ Slugger. Its because they used him as a scapegoat to escape their current situation and or responsibilities. Wherein lies the major theme of this show.
The show begins with scenes showing people being distracted by their cellphones and not interacting with the world around them. Then hysteria sweeps the world as an unknown assailant seems to be targeting people who are at their most desperate, regardless of age or gender. In this way, Lil’ Slugger represents people’s fears and anxieties, as well as a golden ticket to bypass any responsibility. Which is why his victims are overcome with relief.
If there is any lesson to be had by watching Paranoia Agent, that lesson is that one should face their anxieties and fears while taking responsibility for their actions. Fear and anxiety do not discriminate, everyone must deal with this fact. It is easy to shift the blame onto other people or things and not take responsibility. In short, Paranoia Agent is a hidden gem of a show whose themes are still very relevant in today’s society.
Commentaires