saqadiq 2024-12-09 22:53:55

As a man, At-tan has provided me with a necessary sense of shame and introspection. To view the personal struggles and cruel hardships from the perspective of someone in a very raw way has left a lasting imprint. Plus, the unique art style, developed characters, clever symbolism, and captivating story make it easy to digest.

Frequently in media, when I'm meant to commiserate with a traumatised woman, they usually just throw in SA as a plot device. It exhibits how the woman's sense of safety was violated by a single, wicked man, but it often fails to address the moral corruption of society at large.

I live in a country where consumerism is rampant. The most effective way to grab someone's attention for an advertisement is with sexual imagery. In certain television shows I watch, they throw in tasteless fan service that does nothing but shatter the immersion for me. Lots of male artists boast of their sexual conquests in the music they make. Women flaunt their bodies on social media and other more obscene platforms to make ends meet. Incredibly sexist, tone-deaf, incel-oriented humour has hijacked the minds of my generational peers. It has even weaseled its way into the modern political sphere, though I suppose controlling and undermining women has always been the objective of many governing bodies. This shit is really inescapable, and I feel like At-tan has brought my attention to abominable things I would have otherwise shrugged off because I've gotten so blasé to the objectification and dehumanisation of the opposite sex.

In regards to men not being portrayed in such compromising situations, you're right. The only media item I've consumed that actually displays and describes viscerally nasty scenes recounting the experience of a male victim is Baby Reindeer. Though it seems the meaning and purpose of it all was lost on many. I was expecting it to increase solidarity and empathy on both sides, considering he was manipulated by an eminent man, but that largely went ignored. People mostly focused on the female stalker, who was clearly mentally deranged, and used it as a sidestep for trivial arguments and to dismiss female victims. It really didn't change much.

I can't pretend to be all sanctimonious though, because I still have a long way to go when it comes to purging deeply-entrenched beliefs.

I'm cool with the gore, the unsettling imagery, and the discomforting topics. These were driving forces in opening my eyes and expanding my frontal lobe.

Armadill0h 2024-12-10 03:21:20

Reading At-tan has been a massive mixture of emotions since I’ve stumbled upon it.

To read them as a man, it’s majorly conflicting in a lot of ways. Part of me feels like I’m peeking in on a world I shouldn’t be participating in - and even reading it and trying to relate might be a sin. I can never know how it feels to be a woman - certainly not under these extreme circumstances - so why do I get a pass on getting to experience the catharsis that At-tan may provide for some?

I feel like that’s what makes the series what it is, and I get to read from a perspective that may have been impossible to see from otherwise. For that I’m thankful to have found it.

I find the At-tan series much more enlightening than I have other pieces of men-lead media that try to touch on women’s issues that don’t quite hit the mark. Having a female author is imperative to really going to places men can’t quite reach.

Though another part, for certain issues, makes me feel ashamed. I can reflect on what some of these men say or do, and understand that in ways I’ve been complacent, or actively participated in similar thoughts or behavior. It’s guilt that resonates deep inside. I question, how am I any better than the men represented here?

I try to counter mentally. I am not a bully - I am not a rapist - never have I treated men or women like this. But even then, why should I get to pat myself on back for the bare minimum of being a decent human being?

I think that’s how a lot of ‘men writing women’ media acts, still clearly participating in what it’s trying to resolve. It’s saying “I know I’m better than this, therefore I have a pass to act guilt-free on the otherwise shameful behavior.” Self-congratulatory, while still getting to revel in the thing that it knows is wrong - because deep down it’s a power so specific that men get to wield.

Reveling in that power is how small, weak, insecure men function. Getting to topple someone, control someone, fill that empty void in your heart with the discomfort and pain of someone else. Imprint your own burden onto them because you can - with women being the easiest target for their self-vitriol. Sex is not about love, it becomes about stoking the ego.

It’s that self-service that destroys itself and everyone else around them. It’s the failure to see that real fulfillment is through the uplifting of others.

This is the worst version of myself. One I condemn ever being, while fearing that I might become him any day.

In At-tan, I see the consequences of being him. There is a face to the hurt, to the pain, to the selfishness that destroys others for petty gains. I see her fear, her hurt, her sorrow. How deep that well of suffering is that resides in her, how it entrenches every aspect of her life. And seeing that hurts me too.

I don’t known if we’re born like this. I honestly think this kind of man stems from deeper failing on the part of society. How often the every day person is failed, and its ripples outwards onto everyone else - the victims of these men being the people least in control. But I can save my capitalism rant for another day, lol.

I hope this insight is useful or interesting at all. I know I comment a lot, so I know I’ve repeated some stuff I said before under other comics. I appreciate all the art - in its tone, its messaging, its humor, and its style. There’s nothing else quite like it.

Armadill0h 2024-12-11 15:33:04

@handofdog Thanks for the reply, and I certainly see where the flaws lie in my thinking. Your insight is really appreciated.

SouSTAR 2024-12-18 14:22:54

(I might have a different interpretation of your work so I might be wrong)

I didn't really feel like it was an attack on anybody or anything. Was just a bit shocked to see and read what happen on the serie because, well, it's really put bluntly.

I just liked it the more I read At-tan, first because of the effort you put in (collages, the colors used, etc...), and because I feel like At-tan is actually a bit "relatable".

Of course I didn't experienced any of the things she did, but the feelings are here : she want to protect herself from the world, even though she's part of it. She can't simply escape it. Nor she can escape her past. She's At-tan and will always be At-tan. Now, what does being "At-tan" means, it's up to her to decide, but it's difficult with all these people that put her down, for all sorts of reasons (gratification, abuse, or even using her for virtue signaling)

That's why scenes with Elizabeth and Doctor are those I like the most. They are part of this world that she hates, but they are kind. They're not using her for any purpose. In fact, it is her who should rely on them, and more importantly, accepting this kindness. The most challenging thing for her is ironically accepting the good.

But the world is still here. She will always be "At-tan", with her own experiences, whether she chose them or not. And I think it is what I like the most about it.