Thank you for taking the time to do this. I read this in attempt to understand where people are gleaning IshiHime from. While I like that you tried to give photographic evidence for the interactions with Uryuu and Orihime, I still see nothing that cannot be explained away as Uryuu living up to protect the women and children as outlined in Kubo's chosen character theme "Idiotique." That's not a personal attack or a fault of this essay at all; I'm speaking in strict regard to the manga and the lack of romantic tension I find there. I feel Uryuu cares about Orihime without doubt and that they share common hobbies which enabled this friendship, but I have seen nothing in his interactions that leads to any proclaimed sexual or romantic intent.
Actually, I feel several of the first panels you used demonstrated a tension between Ichigo and Ishida, with Orihime inquiring about what happened between them (their relationship to one another), detailing how he's in handicraft club as her explanation for knowing who he is. Also, to be fair, the dork and effeminate reactions Uryuu is characterized with the majority of the time are absent from much of the characterization in these panels. The "proud Quincy moments" tend to be where Uryuu steps up to the plate to protect his friends, but they are actually few and far between in relationship to his typified behavioral patterns. In terms of arguing the Quincy mark, it appears even more frequently on Ichigo's apparel (i.e. his bedspread and Kon's head).
Given the near loner status (in terms of family members or housing situation) many of the other characters share, I think his missing mother might be revealed to have an impact on why he feels the need to protect women and children (whom often stand for society when it is "defenseless," which as a woman I still disagree with. :-p). I hope Bleach continues to show, however, that the woman does not need to be saved by the strapping young man. Personally, I love that they turn the idea of "damsel in distress" on its head, with Uryuu beginning the Soul Society arc and continuing throughout as a damsel construct in his own right (i.e. the tossed over the shoulder moment, Chad's epic reaching as he fell backward and later being awarded his own changing room).
Sorry for leaving such a long message and as always feel free to disregard it if you so choose. I just felt I wasn't being true to my side of the reading if I didn't comment in at least a partial capacity. Thanks again! :)
no subject
Actually, I feel several of the first panels you used demonstrated a tension between Ichigo and Ishida, with Orihime inquiring about what happened between them (their relationship to one another), detailing how he's in handicraft club as her explanation for knowing who he is. Also, to be fair, the dork and effeminate reactions Uryuu is characterized with the majority of the time are absent from much of the characterization in these panels. The "proud Quincy moments" tend to be where Uryuu steps up to the plate to protect his friends, but they are actually few and far between in relationship to his typified behavioral patterns. In terms of arguing the Quincy mark, it appears even more frequently on Ichigo's apparel (i.e. his bedspread and Kon's head).
Given the near loner status (in terms of family members or housing situation) many of the other characters share, I think his missing mother might be revealed to have an impact on why he feels the need to protect women and children (whom often stand for society when it is "defenseless," which as a woman I still disagree with. :-p). I hope Bleach continues to show, however, that the woman does not need to be saved by the strapping young man. Personally, I love that they turn the idea of "damsel in distress" on its head, with Uryuu beginning the Soul Society arc and continuing throughout as a damsel construct in his own right (i.e. the tossed over the shoulder moment, Chad's epic reaching as he fell backward and later being awarded his own changing room).
Sorry for leaving such a long message and as always feel free to disregard it if you so choose. I just felt I wasn't being true to my side of the reading if I didn't comment in at least a partial capacity. Thanks again! :)