So you’re saying that she couldn’t concentrate because she felt insecure?
Edit: It’s a trope in anime where flat-chested girls in anime get distracted by female classmates with larger chests.
Jesus Christ, you guys are super sweet. Thank you 😀
I would just like to point out that I’m going to be brief here. I’ve already covered this topic and don’t typically re-answer questions. I have a post directory and it’s your responsibility to read it along with the ask guidelines before you send in an ask! [x]
Anon 1: Any material that isn’t deleted is still canon, which includes the old characterizations, unfortunately.
What I can’t stress enough is the use of discretion in recognizing that the way the characters are portrayed is far different now. Years of material have consistently proven that Himaruya’s learned from his mistakes and has grown as a creator.
It’s just as wrong to hold on to previous characterizations as ‘evidence’ as it is to completely ignore and deny their existence.
Anon 2: It’s not a DNA/ deterministic behaviour type of thing. My understanding is that it stems from custom and tradition.
We’ve seen this before with America. How he behaves in world meetings goes against conventional norms.
Notice how Russia mentions that they’re [as in those nations who are older than America] are bound by tradition, (Together with Russia, Volume 5).
From what I can recall, there is one instance where a nation goes against their bosses’ wishes.
Occurs during the Anglo-Japanese Alliance Arc…
Japan claims that his boss “went on his own accord” in speaking to Russia and apologizes to England, who at the time didn’t have good relations with Russia [x].
Anon 3: That’s one thing about Hetalia that’s a bit confusing. Its rules are flimsy and there are several exceptions. Perhaps with France the matter was the question of the legitimacy of the government.
Anyways, we do know what happened to him in canon. He went to live with England after the Nazis occupied him (Volume 5, Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité and…)
This post will explore how openly and inclusively concepts of
love and sexual attraction are depicted in the manga. While the nations don’t
have canonically assigned sexual orientations—of course, with the exception of Sweden—
it’s the fact that there is a representation of diversity within the series
that matters. Obviously, the term ‘Sexualities’ in the title is used very loosely
for lack of a better word.
In no way will these be all examples included in the manga, but this
should provide a good scope for understanding how Hetalia approaches human sexuality
and the capacity to love.
England:
England is once described by France as being aroused by anything [x].
Germany:
In the infamous Buon San Valentino strips, a series of
mishaps occur where Germany misinterprets his relationship with Italy to be a
romantic one and proposes to him (really???).
Regardless of the misunderstanding, what matters is that Germany was okay with
the idea of entering a same-sex relationship [x]. Not only that, but he had totally committed himself to it.
France:
In a volume 2 character note, France is said to go for “guys
and girls of all types”, including non-humans “as long as they’re beautiful.”
In the 2007 April Fools’ event, we also learn that he may
have a preference for “macho men.”
Italy Brothers:
Both are notorious for being girl-lovers, without a
question. It’s part of the Italian stereotype [x] [x].
On the other hand…
Italy admits to Germany in Buon San Valentino that his first
love was a guy, presumably referring to Holy Rome [x].
In a Volume 2 character note, it’s left open-ended on
whether Romano has a taste for men.
Bonus:
Spain quasi-proposes to Romano when gay marriage is legalized in his country [x].
Sweden:
Sweden remains as the only aph character to possess a canon
sexuality. He’s homosexual, but only feels this way toward Finland. It’s
one-sided, as Finland doesn’t reciprocate this sentiment [x].
Taiwan:
Strips have suggested that Taiwan may be attracted to women.
In the Christmas 2011 event, she’s unable to concentrate due
to the exposure of other female nations’ cleavage.
In the Halloween 2013-2014 event, she checks out other
female nations.
When you’re interested in someone but you’re both too stubborn to make the first move
I’m a bit confused about the “nations need to follow their boss’ orders” thing. Didn’t France side with his people against his government during the French Revolution? (Or was that a fanart I saw… Oops.) The whole obeying thing’s kinda sad. They represent the people but have to obey the government that does not always do what the people want. I have to thank you for doing all these theories and explanations and things because I’ve learned lots about how the world of Hetalia works through you.
Any time, and not quite!
France sides with his
people after the Revolution. The rule of thumb is that whoever is in power acts
as the personification’s boss.
In the case of the French
Revolution, there was a shift in government from the divine rule of the French
Monarchy to the alleged democratic rule of his people. (Didn’t really play out
that way, oops.)
You see France suffer
from the turmoil of the Revolution on the sidelines as his people overthrow the
government [x].
It’s only after the
people are in power, in the government more importantly, that he sides and celebrates
with them.
He later tries to convince other European nations with monarchies to let citizen-rule prevail. Instead, they perceive him as a threat; abolishing monarchies would be an end to the social order that had organized their lives for so long.
Russia is a clearer
example of how government changes are depicted.
He’s tasked with
quelling a protesting group of citizens during Bloody Sunday, despite evidently
not wanting to do it. Notice how he’s crying [x].
The process of changing governments
and respective boss changes is well demonstrated in chapter 61 of World Stars [x].
Don’t be sorry!
I don’t have headcanons because I don’t want to exclude or limit the scope of how others interpret the characters. While the nations don’t have any explicit canon sexual orientation that they identify as (Sweden is the only exception), one thing that I’ve always liked about the series is how inclusive its conception of love and attraction is, even in its early years.
Example and reference post coming up tonight!
Anon 1: Yes… I’ve already covered this in
several posts that details how they’re forced to do things against their will. Here are two that I can immediately find from
my directory [x] [x].
@hiyo-art Wow, what an honor! Thank you, and welcome back <333
Anon 2: I’m majoring in Criminology. It’s also good for flaky people like me who are indecisive and have a ton of interests (e.g., law, sociology, feminism, psychology, a bit of history and religion, and political science).
This may just be me reading into too much, but if you’re in that period where you’re considering what to major in, you’re always free to message me.
England: If you win, you better not rub it in, you hear me?
France: Who do you take me for? Of course I won’t!
*wins the World Cup*
France:
Q & A
I think I read somewhere that Belarus can see
ghosts? Do you know if this is true.
I don’t have a direct English translation to link you to, but it is
revealed that she can see ghosts in “Desktop Buddies” [x].
This is
the anon from earlier asking about your askbox status. I’ll send the ask now
then. So I was wondering if the canon human names that Himaruya’s picked out
for the countries have any historic relation, significance, or connotation to
be kept in mind? I believe that Hima in the past has explained some of his
reasoning to an extent, but a lot of it I think he’s left up for debate so I
was wondering if you could provide a list of plausible reasoning for their
canon names. Thanks!
The human names were deleted, so some people don’t take them as canon. Many speculate that this was because the names and surnames were not well-researched on Himaruya’s part (which is true).
Hetarchive has an entire page dedicated to extracting the possible historical references and/or significance from each of the names [x].
Although the nyos were later given names, they’re not official or canon. Himaruya stated that fans could name them however they please [x].
I love your post on
micronations and states. I’m hoping hima will put Mexico and Texas in there. I
know mexico was mentioned once. I just am hoping Texas will be
official-official since Texas used to be a country and hima saying nations
continue living if the become territory’s.
Thank you!
The strip where Mexico was mentioned is from Comic Diary 2. America speaks of the Alamo grudge [x].
As for statetalia? While state personifications exist for other nations, they don’t [officially] for America.
On the other hand, Himaruya does create a dialogue and panel in which the American states hypothetically existed [x].
I think I saw somewhere that Prussia asked
Italy on a date once- is that true?
Yup! It’s from Prussia’s Drama CD, titled “The CD of the Awesome Me,” [x].
Hi Ella! Can nations teleport? (France
disappeared after talking to Joan so I was wondering) Or maybe he just ran away…
Hello! They can transport; however, distance and the ability to travel on foot conventionally seems to be a major factor (e.g., Finland can’t transport to Seychelles and vice-versa during the 2010 Christmas Event).
*After talking to Lisa, Jeanne’s presumable reincarnate*
It’s not confirmed, but that could be the reason why France disappeared so quickly. Either that, or he was just being dramatic for flare.
Do you know some moments that Italy may looks naive, but he knows more
then he looks?
Italy’s not canonically naïve.
Yes, I’m aware that the comic gag is that he’s a “Hetare” but even in the
original webcomic, he’s not clueless at all. In fact, he constantly worries
about how he’s perceived by his allies in terms of his worth and ability to
contribute to the alliance [x].
Overall, he’s incredibly
intelligent and perceptive. He puts on a front of cheerfulness but is keenly
aware of what’s going on around him. Most of the time he brushes it off and
chooses not to focus on it.
You see this more when he refers to corruption in his nation’s
politics [x].
MORE WHOLESOME AMERICA PLEASE
Your wish is my command [x].
Why are Austria and Switzerland suddenly so
distant from each other? Okay their relationship was cut because of their boss,
but after that, why are they like cold towards each other like ex lovers or
something?
As far as I’m concerned, it’s
literally just that reason. There isn’t much of a romantic overtone (they were kids). It was more like a very tight partnership or camaraderie. I say this because Switzerland has flashbacks of the times he spent with Austria when he experiences similar moments of fondness with Lichtenstein.
He’s still bitter over the loss, having been discarded and mistreated by someone he trusted. Please remember that nations follow their bosses orders, so it’s not like Austria had any malicious intent [x].
Okay, just a quick question. Do you remember
that strip where Romano wanted his room of hopes and dreams cleaned? There was
a roman emperor looking statue on the front. Maybe he wanted to rule the empire
once? I’m feeling curious y’know.
That’s an interesting thought. My personal take on it is that it represents Romano’s failed hopes to live up to his grandfather’s legacy and inheritance [x].
You see this complex with him when he’s younger too [x].
Veneziano isn’t exclusive to failing up to this legacy either. Germany actually overestimates him when they first encounter each other in WW1 (Volume 1, Prologue).
Which character do you think is least accurate
to the country they are based upon?
Poland 100%
Best Hetalia Quotes
America:
“Hey England, I will choose liberty after all. I’m no longer
your child or your baby brother. From now on I’m independent,” [x].
[Speaking to Canada]—
“Aren’t you the one who’s been all England this and England
that lately? …You’ve been obliging England and eating nothing but marmalade,
even though you actually like maple syrup more, right? Your will’s like a
fluffy feather,” [x].
“I guess it’s because laughing off the negative as something
positive is my style,” [x].
Canada:
“J-Jackasses…saying whatever they want…yeah, okay, fine, I’m
Mr. Blandy Bland! Dammit!—Argh, today I’m going to show-em! But what argument can I make—?” [x].
To a sick and bedridden England following the American Revolution—
“Please don’t say such sad things Mister England…I’m…I’m not
as strong as America and I don’t think I can make much money. I might be
useless, but is there anything I can do to help..?” [x]
(About America)—
“It’s true that we’ve been together since we were born, and
I do think we’re more than brothers. But the paths we’ve taken are completely different
and most importantly, our personalities are polar opposites…” [x].
China:
“War has really changed Japan, aru…Japan is not Japan
anymore, aru…I don’t like it, aru…” [x].
“Time goes so quickly when you are having fun…I’ve lived for
several thousand years and yet…really, the good things are over in the blink of
an eye…” [x]
England:
After becoming young America’s guardian—
“So, somehow I managed to kick France out and become this
boy’s big brother. But since that means I’m his guardian, it’s also a big
responsibility for me…I’ll have to give him more than he’s ever been given,
always keep him safe…I’ll have to work hard. He’ll have many obstacles and hard
times ahead. Hard trying times. And even this wide and bountiful land must give
him his share of misery. Now It’ll be the two of us. He and I. We’ll support
each other. That’s how we’ll live,” [x].
During the American Revolution—
“Eh…it couldn’t be…? Does this mean you’re all turning
against me? Why is it turning out like this? [Have I handled things so poorly
that I have nothing but enemies now!?]” [x].
“I will teach you a good word; ‘Discretion.’ Have you ever
heard of it? Seeing you reminds me of my old timid self. Make sure to fix that
before we meet again,” [x].
France:
“If you can’t be stylish everyday, isn’t life just cloudy skies?” [x].
Talking about his immortality to one of his citizens—
“If you’d like to put it into words, it’d be like a ship!
The Government is the mast, the citizens are the wind and they are swimming on
the sea of time—or so
it was said. If the mast is standing straight and a good wind is blowing, the ship
goes forward. But well, of course, there’s also the possibility of the ship
suddenly getting stranded!
As long as there is
someone who can fix the ship, you can keep on using it forever, right?” [x].
Talking about Jeanne d’Arc to someone he believes is her reincarnate—
“Yes, her execution was on May 30, 1431. The
king abandoned her and no one lent a hand to save her in her final moments. Her
patriotic volition was unbound. She gave everything for the sake of her
country. It’s sad to see that those who have patriotic volition like hers tend
to meet tragic ends…
That’s enough history! Now it’s time for me to share
something about myself. It’s a thought I always keep in mind. I believe that
anyone who’s been toyed with by history is always reborn. They’re born under
normal circumstances. They laugh, they play…and even fall in love just like
anyone else.
In their next life, they live out a happy and peaceful life
somewhere in this world. That’s what I truly think. When I first saw you, I
thought God was pulling a cruel trick on me…but I see you’re living a happy
life. It seems like my wish has been granted.”
—Volume 4, A Bientôt! (Until We Meet Again).
Russia:
During the Bloody Sunday Revolt—
“I finally made this nation stronger and more prestigious
than others by myself… I worked so hard. Why is it that nothing goes right…? Why
do they always end up hating me? Everyone says it’s my fault, my fault. I’ve
endured it for centuries. Why can’t everyone just get along nicely with each other…? [x].
Lithuania asks him about a dream that he wishes to come true—
“Living in a warm place…surrounded by sunflowers,” [x].
Germany:
“Geez! I don’t know if you meant it as a joke, or if you really didn’t know, but instead of a collection of shady people, surely there’s much more to Italy that’s charming?! For example, the ancient ruins that speak volumes of history, the amazing works of art, and the unparalleled wealth of culture…the sun that shines upon this beautiful land…” [x].
“Compared to my daily life, torture from you bastards would only be about as bad as getting bitten by a mosquito!”
—Volume 1, Axis Powers.
Italy:
“Sometimes I get tired of seeing the same people all the
time, but then when I see them so much, it’s like they’re new and refreshing
again, these sort of things happen,” [x].
“Ah, sorry Germany, but I just remembered. If we go back the
way we came, there’s a really amazing ristorante! A ristorante known as ‘my
home’..!” [x].
Japan:
“Well, since you arrived, America, the environment and the people
around me have changed so much. Right after I opened up so many things happened
in rapid succession. I feel that knowing people and cultures of countries I had
only heard the names of before is wonderful…but I’m still a little anxious on
whether I’ll be able to get along well with all of them from here on out.”
—Volume 2, Japan and the Footsteps of Westernization.
“When I don’t get out of my house and only communicate with
those I can read the minds of, I start to forget how to speak verbally…”
‘The so-called isolationist country’ [x].
Ellawritesficssometimes 