Perhaps the most polarizing aspect of the series, is in it's characters, especially towards Shinji as the main character. But then again, as fans of the series, we've pretty much accepted the fact that this is the initial reaction that casual watchers will conform to, as Evangelion is a show that does take some rewatching and rethinking in order to get even the gist of, and appreciate in a new light. Plus, it also takes a considerable amount of empathy and experience to put yourself in the character's shoes, which is why Shinji resonates so well with people who have suffered from depression.
It can be especially frustrating when people polarize Shinji's behavior as him just being a "whiny-bitch who doesn't have a spine" or who feels he doesn't deserve a happy ending because the "status quo" of evangelion. Thus, we go on endlessly debating and trying to refute a lot of the criticism against Evangelion and its characters as we feel that others don't appreciate beyond face value, devaluing the work and characters as a whole, kind of like how Spoony devalues Shinji. A lot of us take a lot of pride and effort to defend these characters because we resonate with them so well.
But, allow me to as a question: Is there possibly some validity to such criticism? Now, before all of you call me a "traitor" and have me guillotined, let me present you an example.
It's no secret that you guys know me as an INTENSE Shinji Defender, in a sense that I would be called part of the "Shinji Defense Sqaud", cause let's face it, the kid has been dealt one HELL of a bad card in his life, to where it makes sense he folds with all the shit he had to endure in his short life.
That being said, there are still some faults of Shinji that I can't ignore, such as him being a obstinate shit-head of a BRAT, who can't see beyond his own selfish needs and inadequacies to help those around him that need help, who only sees others at first as who can benefit him without giving anything in return because of his low self-esteem (hence the "Doll" scene in instrumentality).
NOW, that being said, does that mean that I'm in the camp of the Shinji "Pussy whimp who deserves to die"? FUCK NO! But, also, does that mean I'm in the camp that feels that Shinji did nothing wrong? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
Despite me becoming frustrated at the flack and criticism that Shinji gets, I can't help but agree with some of the faults that Shinji possesses throughout the series, both the original and Rebuild. But does that make me empathize and love the kid any less? Of course not! It just means that I recognize him as HUMAN, probably the most human anime character ever created, the same way I empathize with people in the REAL WORLD, despite them having views or faults that I disagree with, and possibly even REJECT.
It's easy to side with others and viewpoints that conform to a more "black and white" mindset when it comes to worldviews, cause it makes it easier to process and deal with. But when presented with contradictory information, it confuses us and in some cases causes us to lash out at those who have different views because they don't conform to our own standard. I empathize with Shinji and his pain that he endures through the show, but I do feel that some of the pain he endure was indeed self-inflicted through no fault but his own. Contradictory, isn't it?
But guess what, that's life, it's not just black and white, but a whole color of opinions and viewpoints that have some validity and some without. Even though I sometimes don't enjoy criticism that Shinji gets, it at least helps me to view Shinji in a different light, and helps me to appreciate him more.
......Of course again, this is just MY opinion, but what do you guys think? Do you think some criticism of Evangelion is worth validating, or rejecting? Do you accept criticism that conforms to your own, or are you willing to listen and adapt, and willing to give your point of view to others? What criticism is worth listening to, or just rolling off as "trolling"?
