Unveiling the Dark Truth: How Propaganda Shapes Attack on Titan’s Epic Narrative

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Summary

  • Attack on Titan is deeply rooted in propaganda, with Marleyan, King Fritz, and Yeagerist factions all using deceptive tactics.
  • The impact of propaganda can be seen through characters like Gabi, Armin, and Eren, shaping beliefs and actions.
  • Propaganda is the driving force of the story in Attack on Titan, manipulating characters and driving the narrative in a world constantly at war.

The Cambridge Dictionary describes Propaganda as “details or viewpoints spread intentionally, often by a group or government, to sway public opinion, typically by presenting only selective facts or overemphasizing one perspective.” In essence, it refers to the deliberate use of misinformation and partial truths for manipulation.

Using the series’ definition and its portrayal in the first four seasons, we can infer that propaganda plays a significant role within the world of “Attack on Titan.” It could be said that Eren and his companions’ story is intertwined with this propaganda. Let’s delve into the propaganda depicted in this series, its influence on the narrative, and the real function of propaganda within “Attack on Titan.

The Different Types of Propaganda in Attack on Titan

In the various phases of “Attack on Titan”, there are numerous instances where propaganda is evident. Among them, these three cases stand out as the most significant ones.

Marleyan Propaganda

After the Great Titan War, the Marleyans held six out of nine Titan Shifting abilities. However, the challenge was that only individuals under Ymir’s control could become Titan Shifters. Since they wished to exploit these Titans, but were all Eldians, the question arose: how could they do so when only Eldians can use this power? Their solution was through propaganda.

To dominate the Ymir’s Subject, the Marleyans confined the Eldians to segregated regions and treated them as inferior. They constantly hammered into the Eldians’ minds that they were the ones who caused all the world’s wrongdoings and were descendants of the devil himself.

To make amends for their heinous acts, the Eldians must commit themselves to the Marleyans. Those who are ready to do so will be granted immunity and can expect a life of dignity and comfort, enjoying the privileges of honorary Marleyan citizenship for themselves and their families.

King Fritz Propaganda

Karl Fritz served as the 145th monarch of Eldia, yet he became infamous for engineering the demise of his own people. Under his rule, many Eldians were relocated to reside on Paradis Island as a means of protection. In his contemplations, Karl Fritz believed that isolation was the key to achieving tranquility in such a harsh world, thus distancing them from external threats.

To prevent his subjects from desiring life beyond the fortifications he constructed, King Fritz employed the might of his Founding Titan to wipe out their memories of the external world. In his perspective, a tranquil existence confined within the boundaries of Paradis Island was preferable to engaging in warfare with the rest of the world.

This is why King Fritz, along with any other royals possessing the Founding Titan power (now known as Reiss), never intervened to stop the Titans beyond the walls, despite having the ability to do so. It’s beneficial for them to keep these Titans around since they function like guard dogs, preventing the Eldians from escaping Paradis.

What a pity that King Reiss took away their memories of the world, and now they’re making the same mistakes again because they don’t seem to have learned from history.

—Zeke Yeager, Episode 54

The Yeagerist Propaganda

Following the triumphant Raid on Liberio, there emerged individuals from the Survey Corps, military, and citizens of Paradis Island who started perceiving Eren as the sole figure capable of rescuing Eldian people. To them, he became a messianic figure destined to guide his people to the pinnacle of the world. This group came to be known as the Yeagerists.

Intriguingly, even though they detest the Marleyans deeply, they essentially use similar propagandistic methods that the Marleyans once employed against the Eldians; they portray their adversaries as immoral beings, implying a choice between supporting them or opposing them.

Within the confines of the walls, the Yeagerist advocates that the path ahead lies in conflict, much like Eren demonstrated during the Liberio Raid. To them, it’s every Eldian’s responsibility to battle for their kin. Those who refuse this extremist view are not genuine Eldians and deserve retribution. If you dwell on Paradis Island, you either align with the Yeagerist faction or are considered a betrayer.

The Impact of Propaganda Throughout the Series

Moving from King Fritz imposing his beliefs on his subjects to the radical faction viewing Eren as a savior, let’s explore some of the pervasive effects of their rhetoric that resonate through the storyline.

Marleyan Propaganda

To assess the effectiveness of Marleyan Propaganda on Eldians, one needs only to observe Gabi. This young individual wholeheartedly accepts the belief that Eldians are sinners and Paradis Island inhabitants are essentially demons in human guise. So deeply ingrained is this conviction that she is prepared to commit her heart, body, and spirit to the Marleyan cause, despite being a pure-born Eldian herself.

From my perspective as an avid follower, the most remarkable outcome of the Marleyan Propaganda is undeniably the formidable Warrior Unit. These are no ordinary Eldians; they’ve been granted the colossal power of Titans. At first glance, one might assume that with such immense power, it would be a walkover for them to rise against the Marleyans and cause chaos. Yet, that’s not the case, isn’t it? Instead, they seem to be under the Marleyan control, which makes me wonder about their true nature and purpose.

However, it’s true – the propaganda and mind control have been so effective that they’ve come to embrace their role as the Marleyans’ most potent weapons of war. Even with the Titans’ immense power at their fingertips, they unquestioningly obey their Marleyan master.

It seems those beings are malevolent island creatures, planning to annihilate the entire world. Don’t we all recall this from our studies? Their nature has always been ruthless and inhumane. It is justifiable that they should be eliminated. They are fundamentally different from us.

—Gabi Braun, Episode 67

King Fritz Propaganda

King Fritz’s power to alter his subjects’ memories represents an extraordinarily intense form of manipulation, or brainwashing, if you will. Consider this: If you’re unaware that you’re being deceived, how can you ever seek the truth? Unbelievably, it is the Marleyan who continues to disseminate King Fritz’s propaganda long after his demise, by sending Titans to wander the island.

Due to the widespread assumption that no humans survive beyond the protective walls and the fearsome Titans who would consume any human venturing out, it is rarely considered that there might be life beyond Paradis Island.

The Survey Corps bravely ventures beyond the walls primarily for research purposes regarding the Titans, and not for escaping the island. To our knowledge, Armin appears to be the sole Eldian who has ever pondered about the world that lies beyond the sea.

Yeagerist Propaganda

As soon as the residents of Paradis learn the reality about the world, including the cruelty of the Marleyans towards Eldians and how everyone is seeking to harm them, with Eren Yeager being the one who inflicts a significant defeat upon those Marleyans, it becomes effortless for the Yeagerists to attract more followers.

The followers of Yeagerism employ persuasive messaging to foster feelings of patriotism and group loyalty, thereby controlling the masses. In addition, they wield the fear of violence to compel obedience to their potentially harmful beliefs. These tactics have proven remarkably successful.

From my vantage point, following a power grab, the Yeagerists seized control of Paradis Island’s government and effectively functioned as its dominant military force. The demise of their revered leader didn’t entirely quench their appetite for violence, but by then, they viewed Eren as an Eldian icon. They were prepared to go to great lengths to secure the continuity and flourishing of the Eldians, a goal that closely mirrored Eren’s own aspirations.

The Role of Propaganda in Attack on Titan

Words are Sharper Than Swords

In the world of “Attack on Titan,” fearsome creatures known as Titans ravage humanity. Yet, what ultimately fuels the human struggle against these monsters and even their exploitation of Titan power in a destructive war that claims countless lives is manipulative information spread by those in authority – propaganda. As we’ve explored in this article, every faction employs propaganda tactics.

Essentially, propaganda serves as the underlying theme and the main catalyst in a narrative. It’s what inspires various characters to take action, and it’s what propels them forward, even when the journey becomes treacherous.

In a perpetually conflict-ridden realm, where struggles aren’t just among humans but also with colossal Titans, propaganda serves as an insidious instrument for shaping and controlling public opinion. This, in essence, encapsulates the function of propaganda within the narrative of ‘Attack on Titan.’ This underscores that during times of war, it’s not the Titan that poses the gravest threat, but rather the tale one chooses to embrace as truth.

Attack on Titan is available to stream on Crunchyroll.

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2025-02-13 05:10