Since its debut in 1979 with Mobile Suit Gundam, the Gundam franchise has been much more than just a series about mecha combat. Throughout its multiple iterations, the saga has deeply explored themes of politics, war, and the manipulation of truth. Through its narratives, Gundam presents a world where information is a powerful tool that can be used for both emancipation and oppression. In this article, we will analyze how the Gundam franchise portrays the manipulation of truth as one of the central strategies in war and power.
Propaganda as a Weapon of War
One recurring theme in Gundam is the use of propaganda as a means to control the masses and justify war. A clear example of this is the Republic of Zeon in the Universal Century (UC), where the Zabi family employs propaganda to strengthen its independence cause and demonize the Earth Federation. The figure of Gihren Zabi is particularly emblematic in this regard, as his rhetoric resembles totalitarian speeches in real history.
In Mobile Suit Gundam, Zeon presents itself as a revolutionary state fighting for the independence of space colonies, while at the same time concealing its true expansionist and totalitarian intentions. On the other hand, the Earth Federation also resorts to propaganda to legitimize its dominance over the colonies, portraying its version of history as the only valid truth.
Concealment of Information and Disinformation
Another form of truth manipulation in Gundam is the suppression of information. In Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, the Earth Federation creates the Titans organization, supposedly to protect humanity from space threats, but in reality, it uses it as an oppressive force that perpetuates control over the colonies. To achieve its goal, the Titans conceal key information and eliminate those who might expose the truth about their crimes.
Similarly, in Mobile Suit Gundam 00, world powers resort to media manipulation to demonize Celestial Being, an organization that seeks to end war through force. Governments distort Celestial Being's actions, portraying them as terrorists instead of agents of change, in order to maintain the status quo and justify their own militaristic policies.
The Perception of Heroes and Villains
A fascinating aspect of Gundam is how the perception of heroes and villains depends on available information and who controls the narrative. In Gundam Wing, the OZ organization uses propaganda strategies to depict the Gundam pilots as terrorists, while in the series Iron-Blooded Orphans, the Gjallarhorn corporation presents itself as a peacekeeping entity, but in reality, it operates as a corrupt system that maintains order through force.
The case of Char Aznable is particularly interesting. At different moments in the Universal Century saga, Char is perceived as a vigilante, a revolutionary, and a villain, depending on the dominant narrative at the time. His true intentions are often hidden beneath layers of propaganda from both his allies and enemies.
Genetic Manipulation and Biological Truth
In the Gundam universe, truth manipulation also extends to biology and genetics. In Mobile Suit Victory Gundam, the Zanscare Empire uses eugenics as a tool to create a ruling elite and justify its superiority over others. In Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, the existence of Coordinators, genetically enhanced humans, is distorted by governments to fuel hatred and conflict between Naturals and modified humans.
These elements reflect how truth manipulation is not limited to political information but can also affect science and biology to justify inequalities and conflicts.
Mass Media and Control
Gundam also explores the role of mass media as a tool for truth manipulation. In Gundam SEED Destiny, media manipulation is key in escalating the conflict between Naturals and Coordinators. The governments of the Earth Alliance and PLANT use the media to fabricate narratives that reinforce their own positions and stir nationalist sentiment among their populations.
An extreme case of media manipulation occurs in Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn, where the Laplace Files contain the truth about the founding of the Earth Federation and the Newtypes' right to govern. This information is suppressed for centuries to prevent changes in the balance of power, demonstrating how historical manipulation can perpetuate systemic injustices.
Throughout its multiple series, the Gundam franchise has demonstrated that truth is as important in war as weapons and military strategies. Propaganda, disinformation, historical and biological manipulation are key tools in the struggle for power. Gundam reminds us that truth is malleable and that those who control it can shape the masses' perception of reality.
This approach not only adds depth to the saga's narrative but also offers a reflection on the real world. In an era where information and disinformation are political and social weapons, the Gundam franchise remains a warning about the dangers of allowing truth to be manipulated by those in power.