Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is being celebrated in the United States this May. Simultaneously in Canada, Asian Heritage Month is being celebrated. These celebrations are to recognize the achievements and contributions of Asians in North America in helping develop our society, as well as to bring awareness to the history of anti-Asian behavior, racial discrimination and racial inequality that continue to be an issue today. Racism is a complex human evil that may always exist. However, that does not mean victims of racial hate and injustice need to tolerate it.
86 Eighty-Six is the perfect Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage anime to watch because of the relevant setting and inspiring characters of the story. The characters are unfortunately discriminated against, humiliated, and treated as less than human because they do not have pale skin, silver eyes and silver hair. They are considered "Colorata," which is the equivalent of people of color. 86 Eighty-Six can be difficult to watch for those who have faced racial discrimination before, but it may also help build resilience. Those who have not faced such difficulties also have something to gain from watching 86 Eighty-Six, as the story is well-written and communicates the complexities of racism in a way that anyone can understand.
The Characters of Color Are Discriminated Against And Labeled "Eighty-Six"
In the story of 86 Eighty-Six, people of color are labeled "Eighty-Six" by the Republic of San Magnolia. Eighty-Six are not considered human or citizens of the Republic simply because they are physically different from the Alba, who have pale skin, silver eyes and silver hair. They are often regarded as humanoid pigs, as taught in military school in the Republic. The Eighty-Six are forced to live beyond the walls of the Republic due to this extreme racial discrimination.
Moreover, they are trapped in a life-or-death situation piloting spider-like tanks in a war to protect themselves from an army of enemy drones that seem to be unlimited in number. In doing so, they indirectly protect Alba as well. The tanks are purposely made to be vulnerable so that Eighty-Six have a good chance of death. Millions of Eighty-Six have ended up dying over the past nine years due to this war. To Alba citizens, because the Colorata are not considered humans, they aren't allowed funerals or gravestones to mark their deaths. In fact, in the Republic of San Magnolia, it's announced that not a single death happens in the field of war. People know that there are Eighty-Six in the spider-like tanks, but most don't care and prefer to conveniently ignore that fact.
Not All Alba Are Bad and Not All Eighty-Six Are Good
The Spearhead Squadron understands that not all Alba are bad and that not all Eighty-Six are good. Some of the Eighty-Six have come into contact with Alba who have protected or taken care of them in the past. They've also come into contact with Eighty-Six who have treated them poorly. Although racism certainly exists, not all people in the anime of a specific ethnicity or nation are portrayed as inherently good or bad, and many of the Eighty-Six understand that just because people treat them unfairly doesn't mean they should do the same to others, which would make them just as bad.
Vladilena Mileze is an example of an Alba who deeply cares about the Eighty-Six and the cruel injustice and discrimination that they face. She stands up for the Eighty-Six, does everything to try to protect them, and truly considers them human just like her.
The Reason The Eighty-Six Remain Strong Is Pride
One of the best lessons in the story is that even though people may be constantly mistreated because of their ethnicity, skin color, race or other genetic features, it's still possible for them to be proud of who they are. This is certainly what keeps the Eighty-Six resilient to the unforgiving nature of racial injustice and discrimination.
The Eighty-Six understand that they'll most likely die in this war and probably be discriminated against for the rest of their lives. Nonetheless, choosing to keep fighting, moving forward, and not giving up is exactly the way they can remain proud of themselves.
86 Eighty-Six is now available to stream on Crunchyroll.