Bad Faith In The Main Character of the Anime Series Neon Genesis Evangelion

(Jean-Paul Sartre's Existentialism Perspective)

Abstract

The problem in this study is the existence of inauthenticity, referred to as bad faith, in human life. In fact, humans as conscious individuals must act authentically according to their own desires. This study aims to explain the roots or causes of bad faith and examples of it in the main characters of the anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion. The framework of this study includes inauthentic human actions as reflected in the anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion. The results are then correlated with Jean-Paul Sartre's existentialist philosophy and authenticity. The method used in this study is descriptive-analytical with a qualitative approach. The data was collected through non-participant observation and documentation, using Miles and Huberman's qualitative data analysis technique. This study found that there are at least 12 attitudes of bad faith experienced by the main character, which are determined by the tendency of bad faith in accordance with Jean-Paul Sartre's existentialist framework. The cause of the main character's attitude of bad faith is his awareness and condition as a conscious being. The second cause is his relationship with the gaze of others, as explained by Sartre in his theory of The Look. The conclusion drawn is that the protagonist's bad faith attitudes are caused by the post-apocalyptic environment and his relationships with others around him, particularly his father. Therefore, the protagonist often exhibits bad faith attitudes to protect himself from the anxiety (anguish) of his own freedom and responsibility. A suggestion for further research is that the author recommends using visual analysis methods to add findings data that can support the research results and test the consistency of the results.