The world of fandom is rife with debates on 2b9s is a bad ship anti-ship that inspires fiery passion and strong opinions among different groups of fans. One of the biggest debates raging right now in the NieR: Automata fandom surrounds the popular fan “ship” (fictional romantic relationship) between the YoRHa androids 2B and 9S. This ship, nicknamed “2b9s,” has amassed a huge following – but also its fair share of detractors arguing why it does not work and is better viewed as an anti-ship.
What Defines a “2b9s is a bad ship anti-ship”? Why Do People Ship Characters?
Before analyzing the 2b9s is a bad ship anti-ship debate specifically, it is important to understand some fandom terminology. “Shipping” refers to enthusiasts supporting a romantic dynamic between two fictional characters. This dates back to shows like The X-Files, where fans were divided on relationships they wanted to “set sail” for the main characters.
People ship for many reasons – perceiving chemistry between characters, enjoying the interplay of contrasting personalities, liking the symbolic or thematic meanings, or simply finding the dynamic compelling. Interest in a ship can be sparked by canonical hints of a bond, or be more interpretive – even a “crack ship” with barely any canon interactions can pick up interest.
Ships often align with bigger ideas on relationships fans find appealing – for example, many ships resonate based on appealing dynamics like friends-to-lovers, hurt/comfort, forbidden love, opposites attracting, and more.
Introducing NieR: Automata and the Appeal of 2b9s is a bad ship anti-ship
NieR: Automata is a popular action RPG released in 2017 and praised for its stylish combat and philosophical storylines exploring existential questions on humanity.
The two main characters are androids 2B and 9S, sent to Earth on behalf of their military organization YoRHa to battle invading machine lifeforms. 2B is a stoic, aloof battle android focused strictly on her duty. 9S is an intelligence-focused scanner model with more warmth and curiosity. The two have contrasting roles and personalities – but develop an undeniably strong bond throughout the story, even as shifting revelations challenge that bond.
Fans debate different ideas on 2B and 9S’s connection – but the “2b9s is a bad ship anti-ship” ship undoubtedly resonates for many based on the richness of their dynamic. Some argue that with the emotions they discover, they form an appealing duo based on contrast and growing care for each other. Their interactions hint at deeper feelings not fully brought to light.
However, the ship has vocal dissenters as well. This brings us to the core question…
Is 2b9s is a bad ship anti-ship, Problematic Ship?
A portion of the NieR fandom argues strongly against 2b9s as a legitimate or appealing ship, viewing it more as an anti-ship that should not be promoted. But what exactly is the basis for this interpretation?
The Case Against 2b9s is a bad ship anti-ship
Here are some of the core arguments made for why 2b9s is a bad ship anti-ship allegedly fails as a ship:
Unequal Relationship Dynamic
Much revolves around fans troubled by the unequal power dynamic – 2B being 9S’s direct superior officer, created to monitor and even execute him if he discovers certain truths. This embeds their dynamic with an inherent power imbalance at odds with an equal, healthy romance.
While some counter that 9S demonstrates moments of protecting 2B showing some equity, critics argue that does not override the broader inequality baked into their core dynamic per YoRHa protocols.
Incompatible Programming
As androids, 2B and 9S additionally lack certain emotional awareness or romantic capability per their programming. 2B in particular is engineered to avoid emotional connections – a barrier critics cite against her plausibly reciprocating 9S’s affections.
Their arcs follow more a platonic dynamic of breaching isolation to find meaning through their bond as partners. Claiming that bond must be romanticized risks missing the original poignant meaning.
More Compelling Ships
Analyzing NieR overall, there are more substantiated and thematically resonant ships like Kainé/Nier that tell a canonical love story. Drawing focus instead onto a more interpretive side-ship ignores ships with clearer significance and chemistry.
Prioritizing 2b9s is a bad ship anti-ship seems partially driven by aesthetics and superficial character appeal rather than meaningfully conveying the love represented.
In Defense of 2b9s is a bad ship anti-ship – Addressing Anti-Ship Claims
However, there are multifaceted counterarguments explaining why claims of 2b9s as an anti-ship may be excessive or fail to capture the full picture:
Power Dynamics & Emotional Capacity
While critics rightly highlight imbalanced origins to their relationship stemming from their assigned roles, it is arguable whether that central imbalance fully negates bonding as equals later.
Key evidence comes from the ambiguous time cycle shown in Ending E – in successive cycles, we see 2B lose aspects of programming forcing aloofness, while 9S loses obsession with his mission over connection to 2B.
Their dynamic thus evolves closer to reciprocity – neither is the same person with the same restrictions by the final cycle where they choose to sacrifice themselves for each other. Space opens up for a more equal relationship, elevated above programming.
Resonant Story & Symbolism
Analyzing NieR’s messaging, 2B and 9S discover connection helps make life meaningful against nihilism by focusing on the people before you versus broad existentialism.
As Androids ward off endless callous violence while questioning their purpose, their bond lends poignant symbolic meaning. Their subtle affection conveys that light can be found even in the deepest darkness.
As such, their dynamic does convey a resonant story & symbolism still significant for NieR’s meaning. Their scenes retain emotional weight worth exploring.
Pros and Cons About 2b9s is a bad ship anti-ship
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Interesting dynamic between characters | Unequal power roles undermine equal relationship |
| Hints of emotional connection/closeness | Lack emotional/romantic capacity per android programming |
| Well-developed bond through story journey | More focus than compelling canonical ships like Kainé/Nier |
| Contrasting personalities can have appeal | Ambiguity to actual romantic intent or viability |
| Evolving self-sacrifice transcends programming | Pushing romance over platonic respect seems wishful |
| Enough criticism & counterarguments to be deemed “anti-ship” status | |
| Viewed by many as problematic/unhealthy based on canon | |
| Demoting focus on definitive love stories in game |
Conclusions on the 2b9s is a bad ship anti-ship Debate
Evaluating arguments on both sides, 2b9s is a bad ship anti-ship seems to live largely in a gray area between clear-cut good ship and anti-ship status:
The critics make fair points on the imbalanced origins of their dynamic that reasonably troublesome fans. However, the ambiguity of their connection evolving makes the debate around interpretations more richly complex.
Their bond undoubtedly resonates symbolically with the game’s themes. Yet focusing solely on that bond risks under-exploring compelling canonical relationships in the story.
As such, people can validly land on either side of favoring/dismissing 2b9s is a bad ship anti-ship. More neutrally, it succeeds based on resonance and emotional spectacle, if not outright romantic viability. Their dynamic inspires passion – both resonant hypothetical romance and objections against forcing that framing.
At its core, this reflects the best of what fandom often offers – richness in exploring different framings, meanings, and connections between characters. There may not be one right answer – but value in discussing multiple strong perspectives, and what they illuminate about connecting with fiction.
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FAQS About 2b9s is a bad ship anti-ship:
Q: What does it mean when a ship is called an “2b9s is a bad ship anti-ship”?
An a2b9s is a bad ship anti-ship refers to a fictional romantic pairing that some fans argue against or dislike. They make arguments as to why that ship does not work well based on canon evidence, character incompatibility, problematic tropes, or other issues.
Q: What are the main reasons people 2b9s is a bad ship anti-ship?
The biggest criticism of 2b9s is a bad ship anti-ship is that it promotes an unequal power dynamic given that 2B was assigned to monitor and potentially kill 9S if he discovered certain privileged information. Additionally, some argue they lack the capability for true intimacy or romance due to being androids with certain emotion-suppressing programming.
Q: Doesn’t 9S have feelings for 2B though?
Yes, there are hints that 9S has some form of affection for 2B over their bond fighting together. However, 2B is indicated to lack similar romantic capability. This one-sided pining tied to their unequal roles is exactly what disturbs some 2b9s is a bad ship anti-ship fans as unhealthy.
Q: Couldn’t you argue the programming evolved & the dynamic is more equal by Ending E?
Fans debate this. While their self-sacrifice shows meaningful care transcending base programming, some argue reading definite romance beyond close partners is wishful thinking not substantiated. The ambiguity fails to “confirm” viable romance for skeptical fans.
Q: Do people also just not like it distracting 2b9s is a bad ship anti-ship from other ships?
Yes, part of the criticism is excessive focus on this more subtle side-ship distracts from ships with clearer importance in NieR like Kainé/Nier. The game has definitive love stories told, so some argue artificially foregrounding other bonds like 2b9s is a bad ship anti-ship misses the original point.
