Jean & Mikasa: Why Some Fans Still Deny It

Hey guys, let's dive into the world of Attack on Titan and tackle a topic that's been stirring up the fandom for ages: the relationship between Jean Kirschtein and Mikasa Ackerman. Now, for those of you who've been following the series, especially those who've devoured the manga, you know there's a pretty clear connection there. However, despite the mountains of evidence, some folks are still, shall we say, in denial. So, why is this happening? What's fueling this resistance to accepting Jean and Mikasa's potential romantic involvement? Let's break it down and explore the possible reasons behind this enduring debate. And I'm not talking about just a ship war thing, I mean, some people are still in denial about the existence of Jean and Mikasa, like they don't even exist. The reason being some of the things I am going to describe below.

Firstly, let's consider the role of Eren Yeager. Ah, the protagonist himself! Eren's presence looms large over the entire series, and understandably so. He's the central figure, the driving force behind much of the plot, and, for a significant chunk of the story, the object of Mikasa's affections. This creates a powerful emotional anchor for many viewers and readers. They've invested heavily in Eren and Mikasa's relationship, even if it's a one-sided one, and the idea of shifting that focus can be difficult to accept. Changing ships, can be hard, you know? It's like switching allegiances in a sports team; there's a sense of loyalty that can be tough to overcome. When a narrative has been built around a particular dynamic, seeing that dynamic altered can feel jarring, like the rug has been pulled out from under you. The foundation of what they have been hoping for is shattered. This is the main reason why some people are in denial. It's easy to get attached to the established, and if the established dynamic is not what the author is trying to lead you into, then it is only natural to be in denial, and even though it might be true, as time goes by, it can be a hard pill to swallow.

The Power of the Eren-Mikasa Dynamic

The bond between Eren and Mikasa is undeniably strong, built on years of shared history, survival, and profound emotional connection. Mikasa's unwavering devotion to Eren has been a core element of the series from the very beginning. This is also the reason why some people deny the existence of Jean and Mikasa. She protected him from the very beginning, even at the cost of her life. Mikasa's love for Eren is palpable, it's an important part of who she is. Seeing this dynamic possibly disrupted can be tough for some. They love Mikasa, and Eren is the object of her love. Now, seeing her with someone else, makes the series loses some of its magic. Many readers and viewers have invested their emotions into this dynamic. They want to see it come to fruition. When a narrative has been dominated by a specific kind of connection, it can be difficult to accept anything that may be viewed as its contradiction. It can be a harsh reality. Not many people are open to accept this, so they end up in denial. So, when Jean's feelings for Mikasa are revealed, it's like a wrench thrown into the works, threatening the comfortable familiarity of the Eren-Mikasa relationship. This can lead to resistance or even outright rejection of the possibility of Jean and Mikasa ever being together, in favor of their favorite ship. It's natural to want to see your emotional investment pay off. It's also understandable to feel protective of a character like Mikasa, especially if you strongly identify with her.

Misinterpreting the Narrative

Another factor that contributes to the denial is the interpretation of the narrative itself. Let's face it, storytelling can be subjective. What one person sees as a clear indication of romantic interest, another might perceive as simple friendship or platonic affection. There are multiple interpretations, everyone has different feelings and emotions. This is why multiple ships exist in every series. The beauty of the series is that it allows everyone to express their own interpretation. This is why there are many readers that do not like Jean and Mikasa, because they think it's just a mere friendship. The way a character acts or the way they react to another is open for interpretation. Also, the nuances of anime and manga can be lost in translation, either literal or cultural. Subtle expressions, gestures, or cultural cues that might convey romantic feelings in one culture could be easily misinterpreted in another. It is difficult to grasp all the small details. This is why some people get lost, and therefore, they tend to be in denial. This is also due to the fact that some people only watch anime, they don't read the manga. The details can be different, there may be some details in the manga that are not in the anime, or vice versa. Maybe they focus on the action scenes, while others look for other things. So, what may appear as a hint of romance to some might be completely missed or dismissed by others. They might be looking for something else. They may have already settled on the