Counter to the large misconception that Hetalia is racist,
Himaruya’s work goes through great lengths to evoke a sense of familiarity in readers.
Many of us are immigrants or have parents/ grandparents who were immigrants. It’s
a common fact of life, but what I’ve always admired about Hetalia is that there
isn’t an asymmetric power imbalance between the personification and their
citizens. By that, I mean that the personifications experience many of what we
all go through. Our experiences are reflected in their own, allowing for a
greater sense of relatability and stronger affective responses.
That said, let’s go over some examples.
America:
Growing up, America grew accustomed to being left alone for
long periods of time. When it came to the settlement of the Wild West, he could
no longer be a “crybaby.” It’s stated that this experience hardened him.
Source: Hetarchive (Bamboo Thicket, eng trans., Oct 9th, 2010) + Hetarchive, Notes & Etc.
Ex: He didn’t have many possessions.
Source: Hetarchive, Miscellaneous Extra Book.
Ex: He would travel on foot for days in order to reach the
polling stations.
Source: Hetascanlations, World Stars 156.
The most insight we are given on the impact that this part
of his life had on his personality is when England questions if America mass
produces to compensate for the poverty he experienced as a young child/ adult.
Source: Hetarchive, Christmas Event 2011.
Lithuania:
Lithuania’s immigrant experience stemmed from poverty as
well. Post–WW1, a large percentage of his population left the country to seek
work in America. Lithuania was no exception to this and went to live with
America. There, he did America’s clerical work and basically acted as his personal
assistant.
Source: Hetarchive, Lithuania’s Out-Sourcing pt. 1.
The strips depicting Lithuania’s out-sourcing will always
have a place in my heart, as he and America develop a close friendship. Both
were lonely after losing close friends and partners (i.e., England and Poland).
It was overall a good healing experience for them, but especially for
Lithuania, who had previously lived with Russia.
Of most importance is that this arc illustrates how America
was and still continues to be built on the backs of hard-working immigrants who
want nothing but a better life for themselves.
Romano:
Romano’s immigrant experience is probably the most profound
concerning character development.
First, some contextualization is needed. Romano had previously
been living with Spain. Just when it’s said that he grew comfortable living
there, he was abruptly reunified with his brother and they were forced to live
together after centuries of minimal contact. It is because of this historical
rift that this same fragmentation is reflected in their personal relations.
Source: Hetascanlations, World Stars Chapter 20.
Rather than relying on Veneziano to support him, Romano
decides to seek employment overseas in America during the Second Industrial
Revolution.
Source: Hetascanlations, World Stars 58.
It’s a scary and foreign place to him. He’s on his own and
must navigate things for himself. Not only that, but America immediately puts
him to work in a janitorial position. Keep in mind that Romano was notorious
for not keeping up with chores at Spain’s house.
Source: ibid.
To ease and process
his anxiety, Romano relies on the one person who has ever really felt like home:
Spain. Romano’s determination to work sparks surprise in Spain. Again,
Romano was not exactly known for having a good work ethic.
Source: Hetascanlations, World Stars 73.
This experience of being an immigrant instilled a work ethic
in Romano. He learned to become a hard and diligent worker, albeit only when he
wants to. Still, it’s an improvement! Eventually, he finds a better job
tailored specifically for him and becomes America’s cook.
Source: Hetascanlations, World Stars Chapter 59 & 121.
Of most importance is that Romano’s time in America is still
translated and seen in his present-day personality. Being an immigrant profoundly
impacted him in the sense that he learned not only what hard work is but also
the rewards of it. I would also argue that the latent themes of this arc mark
Romano’s progression into adulthood, as he and his brother had just received
their independence.
Source: Hetarchive, Christmas Event 2011.
All in all, the source material shows how Hetalia is
anything but xenophobic and racist. Anyone who has read the comics would know
that.
Ellawritesficssometimes 