Tokyo Ghoul & Gender Experience
I feel like people are either going to get this one right off the bat, or it’s just going to fly over their heads. I understand that Tokyo Ghoul has the same themes as any other story that transforms its protagonist, but there’s something about this series in particular that makes me feel seen and understood.
In particular, I think this page really sums it up for me:
Having been out and about in the world for quite some time now, I can say that I’ve been able to relate to the experiences of both men and women alike. I remember just being “one of the boys” when I was young, and some of that carried over into adulthood when I’m around men. I can relate to them even now, despite stepping away from the male experience in most cases.
On the other side of the coin, I’ve talked to many women about their life experiences, and feel like I fit in well with them as well. I understand the dangers of being a woman in public alone, the unwelcome catcalls, and on a positive note: the emotional conversations women are more prone to have with one another.
There’s something deeply beautiful about that, in my opinion. I don’t feel like I’m segregated from either gender, but rather welcome in both. I know not all people can say they’ve shared my experience, but I feel it’s a strength I have now that allows me to approach those genders genuinely and meaningfully. None of my interactions are fake or forced. I’m comfortable with either, which may come down to my gender fluid identity, but I find it invaluable to have.
There’s this pervasive implication that men and women will never understand each other, and in some ways I’m sure that’s true, but I feel like I’ve achieved a level of understanding with both that I can prove it wrong. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes and really feel what they have to feel, and I think it’s an understanding all people should be able to reach.
In Tokyo Ghoul, Kaneki goes from human to half ghoul, but that side begins to slowly engulf his life. Often he skirts the line between living a normal human life and his new life as a ghoul, and it speaks to me. What the owner of the cafe Anteiku, Yoshimura, says to Kaneki shifts his perspective from one of fear, to one of understanding. He learns that a lot of ghouls have friendships with humans, despite the conflict it can bring.
Understanding takes time, effort, and vulnerability. These things are what stand in the way of most people, and especially the last one. It’s hard to be entirely open when that invites the possibility of pain and ridicule. However, Kaneki actively fights for his ideals, even when he’s woefully under-prepared. Be like Kaneki. Strive to learn more, and enlighten others.
Unlike the world of Tokyo Ghoul, all of us on this Earth are human, so it should be much easier to understand each other. And if you’re trans like me, don’t be afraid to connect with the gender you left behind. There are benefits to the experiences you have.
