Fear of Technology on the Individual Mind in Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Abstract

This project will attempt to understand Anno's work by analyzing certain aspects within Neon Genesis Evangelion, such as the fear of technology and war. Around the time that this anime was created Japan was beginning to adapt to Western culture and technology. This was changing and shaping the society around Anno, and his response to this shows up in his work. This anime was also created after the bomb of Hiroshima-- from seeing the chaos and destruction that technology and weapons were capable of has a direct impact on the gruesome style and fleshy technology that is presented in Evangelion. Anno goes as far as talking about what war, violence, and technology can do on the psyche. This project will talk about his opinions on these matters that shine through his show-- and how they are relevant in our everyday lives today. This essay will bring in philosophies of anime scholar Susan Napier and post-human theorist Scott Bukatman as well as many others to talk about the post-humanist critic that Neon Genesis has. These themes set up a conversation that the internet is capable of becoming a familial object, and a threat to individuality itself-- and I'd like to the pose the psychological question ‘is technology a greater threat than good for children who become these ‘cyborgs' very young. Will they go through the same thing revelation Shinji goes through in this show/film?' The idea that Shinji has to deny instrumentality and become an individual may be more relevant in our everyday life that it seems to be on the surface.