The Moral Compass of Attack on Titan: A Semiotic Analysis of War and Ethics in Anime
Abstract
This study investigates the representation of war and ethics in the anime Attack on Titan, particularly in episode 53 of its third season, with a focus on how it influences the moral perspectives of Generation Z. The research aims to explore the impact of war depiction in popular media on young viewers' ethical understanding and moral reasoning. Previous studies have explored various aspects of representation in Attack on Titan, but none have specifically addressed the influence of war representation on the moral views of Generation Z. To fill this gap, this study employs a qualitative research method using John Fiske's semiotic analysis, focusing on codes of reality, representation, and ideology. Data were collected through structured interviews with selected Generation Z participants who are fans of the anime. The results reveal that the anime effectively communicates complex moral dilemmas through its narrative and visual elements, prompting viewers to reflect on values such as courage, sacrifice, and solidarity. The study concludes that Attack on Titan serves not only as entertainment but also as a medium for moral education, influencing the ethical perspectives of its audience. This research contributes to the broader discourse on how media shapes moral and ethical understanding, especially among younger generations.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.12928/sylection.v4i1.18721
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