“Still Watching Cartoons?” Infantilization of Young Anime Fans in India: A Critical Discourse Analysis

Abstract

Animated content is primarily included in the children’s shows category in India. As a result, young adult and adult Indian anime fans are affected by this categorization. To explore their sociocultural experiences in Indian society, fan responses to three questions – posted on Quora, an online question and answer (Q&A) platform – were critically analyzed using Fairclough’s three-dimensional model of Critical Discourse Analysis. The three Quora questions selected for the study were What is it like being an anime fan in India? What is it like to be a manga and anime lover in India? And, why most of the people in India think that anime is for kids? The analysis revealed infantilization of Indian anime fans, mostly young adults or adults. Findings disclosed marginalization of and discrimination against Indian anime fans by the conservative older generation who look at any East Asian popular media from a racially biased lens. Invisibilization, mystification and stereotyping marked the discourse on Indian female anime fans who may not participate extensively in the male-dominated anime fan community on the online fora but consume anime by subversion and negotiated readings.