Nicknames. Those familiar, sometimes affectionate, sometimes teasing, labels that cling to us like burrs. They can be a mark of belonging, a sign of intimacy, or a barbed comment delivered with a knowing smirk. But what happens when a nickname becomes more than just a casual moniker? What happens when it’s used to strip someone of their humanity, to dehumanize them and render them invisible? The critically acclaimed anime series "86 -Eighty Six-" offers a poignant exploration of this very theme, delving into the devastating impact of forced identity and the enduring power of human connection in the face of systematic oppression.
The "86" in the series title refers to the Eighty-Sixth Sector, a fictional district within the Republic of San Magnolia. Within the Republic’s meticulously crafted propaganda, San Magnolia is portrayed as a utopia, a nation where everyone is equal and protected from the robotic Legion threatening their borders. However, this idyllic image is a carefully constructed lie. The true defenders against the Legion are the Eighty-Sixers, the descendants of those deemed "non-human" due to their appearance. Stripped of their citizenship, their names, and their rights, they are forced to fight the Legion in unmanned combat drones, effectively becoming expendable pawns in a war they are never allowed to win.
The dehumanization of the Eighty-Sixers begins with their forced removal from the Republic’s eleven districts, the numbered areas that represent the "true" citizens. They are relegated to the unnumbered Eighty-Sixth Sector, a place outside the Republic’s jurisdiction, a wasteland where they are left to fend for themselves. This physical separation is a crucial step in the process of othering, creating a clear distinction between "us" and "them."
But the dehumanization goes deeper than just physical separation. The Republic actively denies the Eighty-Sixers their humanity by stripping them of their identities. They are not referred to by their names, but rather by callsigns and numerical designations. They are not seen as individuals with unique stories, hopes, and dreams, but as interchangeable units in a war machine. This denial of individuality is a powerful tool of oppression, making it easier for the Republic to justify their exploitation and sacrifice.
The term "86" itself becomes a derogatory label, a symbol of their second-class status. It represents their exclusion, their marginalization, and their disposability. It’s a constant reminder of their perceived inferiority, a brand that marks them as less than human. In this context, "86" is not just a nickname; it’s a weapon, a tool used to maintain the Republic’s power and control.
This resonates with real-world historical examples of dehumanization. Think of the numbers tattooed on prisoners in concentration camps, the coded language used to refer to marginalized groups, or the demeaning nicknames assigned to enslaved people. In each case, the goal is the same: to strip individuals of their humanity and make them easier to control, exploit, and even eliminate.
However, even in the face of such systematic oppression, the Eighty-Sixers refuse to be defined solely by their designation. They form bonds of camaraderie and loyalty, creating their own communities and finding meaning in their shared struggle. They develop their own cultures, their own traditions, and their own ways of resisting the Republic’s attempts to erase their humanity.
One of the most compelling aspects of "86 -Eighty Six-" is its exploration of the internal struggles of the Eighty-Sixers. They grapple with questions of identity, purpose, and belonging. They wrestle with the trauma of war, the pain of loss, and the constant threat of death. Despite the dehumanizing conditions they face, they strive to maintain their humanity, to hold onto their memories, and to find moments of joy and connection in a world that seems determined to crush them.
The series also explores the perspectives of the Republic’s citizens, particularly those who are complicit in the oppression of the Eighty-Sixers. Some are motivated by ignorance and prejudice, believing the Republic’s propaganda and viewing the Eighty-Sixers as subhuman. Others are driven by fear, afraid of challenging the status quo and risking their own comfortable lives. Still others are motivated by ambition, seeing the exploitation of the Eighty-Sixers as a means to advance their own careers.
However, there are also those within the Republic who question the system, who recognize the injustice and cruelty of the treatment of the Eighty-Sixers. These individuals, often ostracized and marginalized themselves, risk their own safety to help the Eighty-Sixers, to offer them support and to fight for their rights.
The character of Vladilena "Lena" Milizé is central to this aspect of the narrative. A Handler in the Republic’s military, Lena is assigned to oversee the Spearhead Squadron, an elite unit of Eighty-Sixers. Unlike many of her colleagues, Lena refuses to see the Eighty-Sixers as mere tools. She treats them with respect, listens to their concerns, and tries to understand their experiences. She sees them as individuals, as human beings deserving of dignity and compassion.
Through her interactions with the Spearhead Squadron, Lena begins to question the Republic’s propaganda and to challenge the system that oppresses the Eighty-Sixers. She becomes a symbol of hope for the Eighty-Sixers, a reminder that not everyone in the Republic is blind to their suffering.
The relationship between Lena and the Eighty-Sixers, particularly with Shinei Nouzen, the leader of the Spearhead Squadron, is a complex and nuanced one. Initially, there is mistrust and resentment on both sides. The Eighty-Sixers are wary of Lena, suspecting that she is just another Republic citizen who will ultimately betray them. Lena, in turn, struggles to bridge the gap between her privileged background and the harsh realities of the Eighty-Sixers’ lives.
However, as they work together, they begin to build a bond of trust and mutual respect. They learn to understand each other’s perspectives, to appreciate each other’s strengths, and to support each other in the face of adversity. Their relationship becomes a powerful symbol of the possibility of reconciliation and understanding between the Republic and the Eighty-Sixers.
The use of nicknames within the Eighty-Sixers’ ranks also provides a crucial counterpoint to the dehumanizing label of "86." While the Republic seeks to strip them of their identities, the Eighty-Sixers create their own, fostering a sense of camaraderie and individuality. These nicknames, often based on personality traits, skills, or shared experiences, become symbols of belonging and affection. They represent the bonds of friendship and loyalty that sustain the Eighty-Sixers in the face of unimaginable hardship.
This highlights a crucial aspect of human nature: the need for connection and belonging. Even in the most oppressive environments, people find ways to create their own communities, to forge their own identities, and to resist the forces that seek to erase them.
Ultimately, "86 -Eighty Six-" is a powerful and thought-provoking anime series that explores the themes of identity, dehumanization, and the enduring power of human connection. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, hope can still be found, and that even in the face of systematic oppression, the human spirit can endure. It challenges us to examine our own biases and prejudices, to question the narratives that we are told, and to stand up for those who are marginalized and oppressed. It forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth that the seeds of dehumanization can be sown in any society, and that it is our responsibility to be vigilant in protecting the dignity and humanity of all people.
So, have you ever had a nickname? Perhaps it was given to you by a friend, a family member, or a teammate. Perhaps it was based on your appearance, your personality, or your actions. Whatever the reason, that nickname likely holds a special significance for you. It represents a connection, a shared experience, or a moment in time. It’s a reminder that you are seen, that you are known, and that you belong. And in a world that often seeks to dehumanize and divide us, those connections are more important than ever. "86 -Eighty Six-" reminds us that the fight for identity and the fight against dehumanization is a constant battle, one that requires vigilance, empathy, and a unwavering commitment to the inherent dignity of all human beings. The power of a name, and the power of a nickname, can be weapons of oppression or tools of connection, and it is up to us to choose how we wield them.