The basic premise is that America’s character is predicated on opposites. Sometimes the hypocrisy is used for comical effect, and sometimes it’s used to reveal character flaws and underlying complexes.
I strictly base my
opinions on the information presented in the manga [x].
From what we’ve seen,
Norway can see and communicate with fairies (including England’s fairy friends), and Iceland can see these creatures but chooses not to let people
know this to avoid being seen as childish and weird [x].
There’s no indication
that they can perform magic, unlike Romania and England who are in the magic
club in the Gakuen AU and are depicted with spell/fortune books in other blog updates [x] [x]
Given the legends, it’s
possible that Himaruya will decide to give them the ability to cast spells, but for now,
no. That doesn’t mean you can’t headcanon this, though!
Russia and America are distinctly
singled out as the strongest as the nations, but Germany is noted to possess
significant strength and muscles too [x].
This doesn’t go to say that
Germany wasn’t strong enough to defeat America or Russia in different battles (obviously), but
Himaruya has been consistent in elevating Russia and America’s strength above
other nations [x].
Not 100% sure, but
Himaruya has cited Osprey’s publishing work as his main source for military
uniforms [x]. If you would like more insight into the resources he uses, you can
skim through Bamboo Thicket. He lists dozens of the books that he uses as
history sources.
Side note: If
anyone’s ever wondering why some of the facts on the Roman emperors are a bit
off from mainstream understandings, Himaruya is really into new theories about
them that contradict traditional historical narratives.
Speaking of ancients, am I the only who thinks
it’s weird that Korea’s portrayed to be so young? I think the theory is because
of the division of Korea, but it kinda irks me when fans make him out to be
this immature little perv (I know Hima wrote him as such but still) because
Korea has almost 2000 years of culture and history; the fact that he’s seen as
“younger” than Japan is kinda wild too considering the south half of the
peninsula was the one to filter tech from China to the island.
No, I get that. Those choices were made in poor taste.
However, there’s also the possibility that Korea is second generation,
just like Egypt and Greece are with their ancient counterparts. It really
depends, because you also have Japan, China, and Turkey who don’t have ancient
counterparts,
Just laying out the possibility, but it’s important to note
that this hasn’t been confirmed.
Ok so I’m not sure
if America’s glasses are fake or real because I remember I was reading the
manga and he was talking to Canada and said “I tried wearing glasses how do
they look” (chapter 207)so that had to be around 1845 or early 1846 so if his
glasses are real glasses I guess he would start to need them as Texas became
more powerful. The stronger Texas is the worse America’s vision is and the more
he relies on his glasses.
He got them in an
unspecified period after his independence. However, given that they represent
Texas, I’m fairly certain it’s 1845 [x].
In consistency with the
rules from chapter 1 of world stars, France and England note that America’s
personality changed after he gained them (*title changes) [x].
They’re not real glasses,
though. In addition to representing land, they serve the purpose of a superhero
trope (e.g., Clark Kent taking off his glasses and becoming Superman) [x] [x].
They can eat, but I don’t recall them every being shown to
have any teeth…or any internal organs for that matter…[x] [x]
1) I don’t think so at all. In the examples I provided, you can see them deliberately trying to piss each other off. Russia gets America a ticket to Siberia for his birthday and I believe XS condoms if it’s a reference to the “Reduce your opponent’s willpower strip!”.
America deliberately feigns ignorance judging by how oblivious his performance is despite the sarcasm it reads as. He then jokes that the [condoms] will only last him a month and that he’ll use the ticket to Siberia as a tissue.
That said, I don’t think I’m reading into that interaction too far by reaching the conclusion that America is calculatedly toying with Russia here. He’s able to match Russia’s passive-aggressiveness with ease. He didn’t just pull that whole scheme out of nowhere. He knew full-well what he was doing.
2) I never said that they didn’t dislike each other at all. [Hate is a strong word.]
“It’s a misconception that Russia and America don’t get along [x]. During the Cold War, their relationship was a myriad of passive-aggressiveness [x] and yes, dick jokes [x].Presently, the two get along really well. Although, the passive-aggressiveness remains.”
I then link to chapter 53 of world stars, which shows them in a café laughing and enjoying themselves and speak of how they still have a passive-aggressive dynamic going on.
Another post:
“Russia even admits that he sometimes wants to “smash his [America’s] glasses into ten equal parts.”
3) Even though you mentioned this, American and Russian people not getting along doesn’t necessarily impact the personification’s relationship with each other. They have a far deeper history than present relations. Also, you’re conflating Russian and American politicians with how civilians of each may relate to each other.
4) It’s not that they don’t like each other, period.
This is why I show both sides of the equation, because their relationship isn’t only defined by strips that depict them from WW2–end of the Cold War. Even then, they still didn’t outright hate each other.
Selectively using evidence can make it seem like they don’t like each other at all, but truth of the matter is, there’s just as much evidence showing that they get along and are fond of each other. Point is, it’s better to use both sides to capture their relationship.
would you consider france a narcissist? lately
people seem to make that one of his character traits and (correct me if I’m
wrong) I haven’t seen a lot of straight of narcissism in him, but yeah I could
be wrong. Thank you.
Yes and no.
There are different definitions of narcissism, so sometimes
they’re muddled and conflated together. He’s a mix and match of them.
He’s a narcissist in terms of his love for himself and the
great care and pride he takes in his physical appearance. He also satisfies the
craving for admiration requirement [x][x].
The
most important point I want to stress is that France, unlike most narcissists, isn’t
selfish [x].
Do you think that Russia is annoyed at America
so much because America isn’t intimidated by him or something along those
lines? I ask this because America always seems purposefully oblivious to
Russia’s threats and relatively unphased by them while other nations are
terrified.
I really like how you said “purposefully oblivious,” because
that’s exactly how I read it too. A good example of this comes from Volume 5–America is completely unfazed by the threat.
Anyways, I would say so. Russia even admits that he sometimes
wants to “smash his [America’s] glasses into ten equal parts,” [x].
What was probably most frustrating for Russia is that
America was also able to keep up with his taunts and passive-aggressive stunts.
Ex: Russia gives America a ticket to Siberia for his
birthday. America says that he’ll use it to blow his nose if he gets a cold.
CLASSIC Cold War humour [x].
where exactly do Germany’s dogs appear in the
comics? I’ve only seen the one where Berlitz bites Prussia. Also, has there
been any canon content where Germany got all lovey with his pups? Thanks!!
Three dogs are named in
Germany’s Hattafutte Parade: Aster, Berlitz, and Blackie.
According to Hetarchive,
a trading card set indicates that he may also have two Dalmatians [x].
Berlitz shows up in
Volume 5. He’s male.
There’s also this panel
showing Germany grooming what looks to be his dachshund judging by its long
ears [x].
This seems to be a
bit out of the blue but do you think that Austria’s a lightweight in terms of drinking
alcohol….I have my doubts since Austrians drink more beer( and alcohol) than
Germany per capita do you think these statistics could affect a
nation……Just askin’
Population
statistics do affect certain traits and behaviours of the nations, but I don’t think
I’ve seen Himaruya incorporate alcohol tolerance yet, other than the fact that
Germany in canon drenches himself in beer several times a year.
I’m not sure on how
heavy Austrians are in drinking, but Austria the personification might be a lightweight.
He’s out cold while
the rest of the nations he’s with continue to drink all night [x].
Austria also tires easily, so that’s something to consider.
Of course! England was the first person to follow America on Twitter [x].
to what extent are the countries affected by
climate/weather extremes in their countries? for example how would aussie be
affected by the droughts going on right now?
Two ways, as far as I’m
concerned.
They experience the
natural weather just like any other regular human does.
Climate has also been
proven to impact the nation’s personality.
Ex: Iceland’s hot and
cold personality respectively stems from the volcanic activity and cool weather
of his country [x].
Do you think Romano was aware/ever became aware
of the fact that he got special treatment? Do you think he was happy about
that? (I have not read all of the comics so forgive me if it’s been stated in
canon.
He didn’t realize it
until he read a Spanish history textbook as an adult.
Vietnam once asks him to
teach her how to smile [x].
I
also hold that England and Romano are realistic. I’m tired of the criticism of
people hating on characters whose moods aren’t picture perfect. People are like
this in real life. Another character I would add is Italy and America; both
mask their insecurities by overcompensating with smiles.
Below will be a list of parallels between America and Russia
that I think would benefit any RusAme writer should they wish to incorporate
them into their works. While in canon there is minimal romantic substantiation,
this post merely aims to provide writers with tools that highlight the similar chemistries
and complexes that America and Russia both experience. In no way is this
forcing the ship onto anyone either.
Child Imagery:
America:
Both are equated to children, albeit in different aspects.
America is seen as young, brash, and inexperienced by older
nations [x] [x].
Ex: He categorizes the world into good guys and bad guys.
Russia:
Meanwhile, having been abused and traumatized in his
childhood, Russia later inflicts this same abuse onto others as an adult. He’s
described as child-like and is respectively noted to be unaware of his cruelty [x].
Point is, Russia isn’t cognitively aware of all this. I should also warn that
this abuse isn’t something that should be romanticized.
Instead, a more appropriate linkage would be the similar childish
perception of the world that he has.
Ex: He thinks that everyone he meets is his friend.
Ex: He naively believes that the Allies are his friends.
Lithuania has to point out to him that self-interest will always come first in
politics.
Weight Issues:
Both are insecure about their weight and physique [x] [x][x] [x].
At one point his only friends were Japan and England.
He struggled to make friends and was fully aware of the fact
that he wasn’t viewed in high regard by other nations [x].
Russia:
He’s had trouble making friends his whole life.
People outside of Hetalia:
Russia and America must hate each other!
Hetalia
fan: Actually, while existing
to represent their people—NOT their
governments—personifications are also individual human beings
with their own free will (who would have guessed).
Of course, it is important to
recognize that some shipping dynamics for various historical, ethnic,
religious, or political reasons are not appropriate and are too sensitive of a circumstance
to fictionalize.
In other words, USE DISCRETION.
Nonetheless, nations have the
capacity to separate themselves from their politics and personally be friends
with each other. Instead of pushing for division and hostility like many of its
critics do, Hetalia emphasizes comraderie and friendship.
If you’re asking about hints, that requires a lot more time and thought. However, there are some similarities between them that I can briefly go over. In my opinion, it makes for excellent shipping material.
For starters, they’re both incredibly insecure individuals. They want to make friends but have trouble doing so, and don’t always recognize that what they’re doing is wrong.
Ex: America being nosy and poking into everyone’s business, and Russia’s cruel treatment of other nations under his rule.
Personally, what I would use as a good focal point for conflict is the fact that they both think everyone hates them:
That’s a very good point! I never realize it before! Cool 🙂
Some additions for the anon.
Some common grounds I see similar from both of them is how they’re double-faced / hiding their true feelings/loneliness behind their smiles / their childish like attitude towards other nations.
As for historical side, though it’s not really emphasized much on hetalia, Himaruya did make a revolutionary war strip featuring APH Russia in it. And though it’s such a small panel for him in it, it represents how they started out even before APH America became a nation; APH Russia was one of nations who supported him in revolutionary war.
Also at American Civil War era, Russia also was one of few nations who supported the Union (though idk if Himaruya ever focused on it and made it official strip). And Russia’s support at Civil War era even discussed among historians to be one of factors that made France and Great Britain reluctant to support Confederate and this, making it possible for Union to win the Civil War. (for the history lovers, you could check it here http://www.voltairenet.org/article169488.htmlhttp://www.voltairenet.org/article169488.html)
So what makes this angsty for this pairing is that, their bilateral relationship started out really great in imperial russian era, until russian revolution started and changed Russia to USSR. Just imagine how their hundreds years of warm friendship suddenly turnt 180 degree in just few years. And basically made them act passive aggressive like this most of the time on Himaruya’s strip:
I think it’s canon that despite their passive aggressive bickering, APH Russia still wants to become friend with APH America. Like we could see here in this official strip where APH Russia imagines if every nations turns to children (including APH America here), there would be no conflict of interests and they could become friend.
While idk if APH America also feels the same way towards APH Russia, I think his nonchalantness in butting his way to APH Russia’s business just like how he acts towards other nations despite their long history of passive aggressiveness in hetalia universe is also kind of a hint that APH America also still wants to be friend with APH Russia.
There’s also that one scene in APH Paint it white where APH America went straight to APH Russia for his “sidekick” and not to other nations.
Idk, I might be biased since I’m a RusAme fan and all but I think those hints based on how they interacted with each other in canon shows that they actually want to be friends with each other despite their passive aggressiveness in canon.
And knowing how they actually started out great as friends in Imperial Russian era like how I explained above, I think it’s kind of bittersweet and shows how friendship in Hetalia universe is kind of fragile and depends on the “interest” each nation has. How hundreds of years wonderful bilateral relationship between USA and Imperial Russian Era could decay so quickly in just few years after Russia changed his boss and become USSR. Maybe that could be the “angsty” aspect that anon search for in canon, idk.
Bravo to anyone who reads this long post until the end btw, you guys rock 🙂
Ellawritesficssometimes 