Beyond Cursed Energy: Analyzing Gojo Satoru as a Black Character in Jujutsu Kaisen
Persephone
I gotta write this bolded so that y’all actually see and therefore read this bit. This “essay” is all jokes and all for laughs. It is in no way shape or form intended to be taken seriously, tl;dr it is a shit post.
In the world of modern anime, Jujutsu Kaisen has emerged as a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences around the world with its supernatural battle and intricate character development. Among this cast of characters, none stand out quite like Gojo Satoru, a sorcerer of unparalleled power and cha — RIZZ — ma. He has become a fan-favorite, admired for his strength, wit, and inexplicable persona. Yet what sets Gojo apart from many of his anime counterparts is a very distinctive and thought-provoking detail: his identity as a Black man.
This essay embarks on a compelling journey into the visual portrayal of Gojo Satoru, unraveling the layers of significance embedded in his character’s design, and the profound impact it has on viewers (I am so trying to sound very professional). We delve into the ways in which Jujutsu Kaisen disrupts the status quo of anime aesthetics, providing a nuanced exploration of diversity and representation in a contemporary context. By analyzing Gojo’s distinctive appearance and its cultural implications, we aim to shed light on the broader discourse surrounding diversity and inclusion in anime, signaling a potential transformation in the industry’s future.
One of the most prominent aspects of Gojo’s character design is his glossy lips, a very subtle yet very significant and deliberate detail from the conventional portrayal of characters in anime and in manga. As I quickly detour, I emphasize that this detail is done on purpose as provided in multiple key animations of Gojo Satoru in Mappa Studios. Moving forward, while many anime characters are often depicted with pale or muted lip colors, Gojo’s (luscious) glossy lips stand out prominently, drawing attention to a feature rarely emphasized in this medium. What makes this detail even more noteworthy is its connection to Gojo’s Black identity and its resonance with Black culture.
Clear lip gloss holds a special place as a symbol of confidence, self-expression, and individuality, it is a beauty trend, a fashion statement even. Transcended for generations it has been a staple in the beauty routines of Black individuals and celebrated for its ability to enhance and emphasize in a stubble yet impactful way to draw attention to the natural beauty of one’s lips. This trend isn’t just about aesthetics, it carries a profound message of self-assurance embracing one’s unique features, and celebrating individuality. Effortlessly, this is a versatile tool that can be worn casually, in professional settings, as we see in both the anime series and its movie adaption counterpart. Its enduring popularity demonstrates its versatility and its ability to adapt to various styles and expressions. By choosing to emphasize Gojo’s lip highlight, Jujutsu Kaisen not only showcases a unique character design but also sends a powerful message about the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the diverse features and cultural nuances of Black individuals. In this representation, we see a character who is unapologetically himself, confident in his identity, and a reflection of the multifaceted nature of Black culture.
Furthermore, this choice goes beyond aesthetics, instead in this case, it underscores the importance of authentically representing Black characters in anime. It challenges the industry to move beyond superficial stereotypes and to acknowledge the significance of cultural nuances in character design and representation. Gojo Satoru’s glossy lips are not just a visual detail but a profound statement about embracing the beauty and diversity within Black culture.
In this exploration of Gojo Satoru’s character in Jujutsu Kaisen and his connection to Black culture, we’ve uncovered another compelling aspect, and the reason for writing this paper: the distinctive way he ties the bandages around his eyes. This subtle yet significant detail carries a resemblance to the manner in which Black individuals wear durags. To better understand the significance of this correlation, it is essential to evaluate the cultural relevance of durags, thus closely examining the specific technique Gojo uses in securing his bandages.
Durags were initially used for reasons such as the protection of diligently crafted hairstyles, particularly waves, curls/coils, and braids. Their snug fit and smooth, often silk or satin fabric, help protect these delicate styles while maintaining their impeccable form. They have since exceeded far beyond their practical origins to become emblematic of something much greater — identity and cultural pride within the Black community. Beyond their practical function, they signify a sense of self-awareness and connection to one’s heritage. By choosing to wear a durag, a Black individual can make a statement about their roots, their identity, and their place within a broader cultural context. Moreover, durags have evolved into a form of self-expression and a fashion statement. They come in a vast array of colors, patterns, and materials, allowing wearers to customize their appearance and convey their unique style. For a lot of us, wearing a durag is an opportunity to embrace their individuality and assert their presence in a world that sometimes demands conformity.
Gojo Satoru’s character portrayal in Jujutsu Kaisen acknowledges the durag-wearing tradition through his unique approach to the bandages around his eyes. When he adorns the bandage and meticulously wraps it, I don’t believe this was just merely a visual choice but a nod to the cultural significance of this headwear within the Black community. Gojo’s deliberate method of wrapping the bandage around his head and eyes mirrors the careful artistry involved in putting on a durag. Every fold and tuck carries much intention and precision. He of course ensures that the bandage serves not only its functional purpose, a blindfold, but also radiates a distinct style — a style reminiscent of the individuality and confidence often associated with wearing a durag. This attention to detail in character design underscores the importance of cultural representation in anime and adds depth to Gojo’s character.
Furthermore, this choice recognizes that cultural elements like durags are not mere accessories, they are reflections of identity. They embody personal and cultural significance and serve as a visual expression of the multifaceted nature of Black culture, with its global influence and profound importance. By incorporating this aspect into Gojo’s character, Jujutsu Kaisen not only celebrates diversity but also highlights the power of representation in storytelling.
It was brought to my attention that some believe that the fight between both Gojo and Miguel was out of hatred. Respectfully I believe that this is false and was nothing but playful banter that led to a meaningful friendship. In the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, the clashes between sorcerers and cursed spirits are intense and often life-threatening. However, between the high-stakes battles and serious challenges faced by the characters, there are moments of humor and camaraderie that add depth to the narrative. One such moment is the encounter between Gojo Satoru and Miguel.
Sorcerers in Jujutsu Kaisen often engage in battles to evaluate their abilities, hone their techniques, and occasionally, engage in friendly sparring. Gojo Satoru, known for his carefree and competitive nature, exemplifies this practice. His encounter with Miguel, another sorcerer, initially revolved around the mutual curiosity of assessing each other’s strengths and skills..
A crucial aspect of their fight was the introduction of Miguel’s Black Rope, a cursed tool that temporarily limited Gojo’s immense powers. This unique tool, designed to neutralize cursed techniques, created a level playing field between the two combatants. While Gojo’s true potential as the world’s most powerful sorcerer was momentarily subdued, Miguel emerged as a legitimate threat. Gojo himself acknowledged Miguel’s strength, which added to the intensity of their encounter. It’s also crucial to emphasize that their battle was not motivated by racial motivation, but instead, their battle was a result of Gojo’s urgent need to put down Miguel as swiftly as possible, allowing him to address the more pressing threat posed by Geto. It was not about Gojo’s eagerness to test his skills but rather his strategic approach to handling the situation. In any other circumstance, an opponent like Miguel, regardless of their background, would have been at a severe disadvantage (very silly and nice way of saying they’d be obliterated) against Gojo, who possesses unparalleled strength and skill.
In essence, Gojo’s fight with Miguel was a complex interplay of personalities, circumstances, and the dynamics of the Jujutsu Kaisen world. It was not racially motivated but rather a testament to the multifaceted nature of the series, where characters are driven by their own motivations and the challenges they face in a world filled with cursed spirits and sorcery.
In embracing these cultural nuances, Gojo Satoru’s character design stands as a testament to the beauty of diversity and the potential for anime to authentically portray the rich tapestry of human experiences. It showcases how subtle details can foster a greater understanding and appreciation of cultures, all while enriching the narrative and character development. This is the true strength of genuine representation in the medium of anime.
Besides, Gojo’s interactions, particularly his battle with Miguel, further emphasize the complexity of cultural dynamics within Jujutsu Kaisen. Their clash, rooted in philosophical differences rather than racial tension, serves as a prime example of how the show transcends surface-level conflicts to delve into the complexities of individual perspectives and experiences. This varied approach to character development underscores the series’ commitment to portraying diversity and highlights the importance of understanding and cooperation among characters from diverse backgrounds. Gojo Satoru’s character and his interactions within Jujutsu Kaisen highlight anime’s potential to move beyond stereotypes and deliver a genuine portrayal of the human experience. They emphasize that even the subtlest narrative details, when thoughtfully integrated into the story, possess the extraordinary ability to cultivate cultural appreciation and forge profound connections between characters and the audience.
Authors note:
Tay wanted me to add in the fact that he was good at basketball too, I just don’t have enough to write about there 💀, so I guess that technically does account into his Blackness, because all the NBA players y’all know or are y’all’s favorites are what? BLACK! exactly. (it’s satire i promise)
On that note Aly has graded this as a solid 85% whereas Taylor has given me a perfect score. Therefore the median being a 92.5%, not bad.
