The Ministry of Education this week repeatedly apologized for a video it released last month promoting the government’s “National Childcare Policy for Ages 0-6,” which had triggered strong reactions from anime, manga and figurine fans who said it disrespected people’s hobbies and preferences.
In the 30-second video, a married couple with their two young children visit the husband’s mother, whom he secretly hands some cash, asking her to pay the delivery person when the action figure he ordered arrives. She scornfully tells him: “What? Are you still playing with those figures?” In the next scene, she gleefully announces that she spent the money on “more meaningful” things for her grandchildren. The children are then shown holding educational books and toys.
The YouTube video racked up more than 4,000 dislikes, with comments saying it discriminates against people who enjoy manga, anime and video games, while discouraging people from wanting to get married and have children. The ministry on Saturday last week took the video down and apologized the next day.
The video was the latest in a series featuring similar themes. In one, after a woman says she wants to spend the money they are saving from a government childcare subsidy on an education savings fund, a child shouts that “daddy wants to buy a video game console.” In another, a woman describes her husband as her “third child,” after he excitedly says he wants to play with their son’s toy robot.
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) Chairman and presidential candidate Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) also stirred up fury among anime and manga fans with his preface in a new autobiographical manga titled Keep Promise (漫畫柯文哲), in which he wrote that manga seems to be for children, and only entertainment for adults, but does not address important matters. After the backlash, the book launch was postponed for a reprint, while Ko’s campaign office said it was not his intention to disrespect manga fans.
Many online commenters and legislators have criticized Ko and the ministry for showing ignorance and discrimination against anime and manga fans, and a general disdain for personal interests and hobbies. Local comic artists have said that many comics and manga that won the annual Golden Comic Awards were about “serious” matters such as same-sex relationships and environmental protection, yet the three ministry videos ridiculed a father’s interests in video games, robots and action figures.
Moreover, the videos showcased an outdated moral standard that is dogmatic and repressive — viewing certain forms of recreation as “childish” and “meaningless,” while stressing that “responsible” adults should hide or give up their interests that merely serve the purpose of enjoyment, and to instead prioritize “saving money,” “raising a family” and other “more important matters.”
The videos might have tried to resonate with young adults’ experiences, while Ko tried to draw support from young people by using a manga to express his political views, but their attitude of superiority and implicit moral condemnation only intensified the feelings of exclusion felt by adults with “nonmainstream” hobbies. The message appeared to be “I know what is best for you,” rather than the values of diversity, equity, inclusion and respect for individuality that the ministry should be encouraging.
To win over young adults, politicians and government agencies should first show respect for diversity and be willing to listen and learn about their situations and needs, rather than unilaterally deciding what is best for them. The importance of hobbies and individuality should be encouraged, as it is not only beneficial for physical, social, emotional and cognitive development in children, but also for maintaining overall well-being in adults.
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