I know you guys recorded this a while ago, but as a new listener to the podcast, I wanted to respond to your invitation for people to share their own thoughts and opinions on Robotech and some of the topics you guys have covered in your discussions.
To start, I wanted to address the “squick factor” present in your reaction to the Minmei/Kyle love plot.
In most modern cultures, there is both a legal and societal taboo against romantic relationships between relatives, but that’s exactly what said taboo is: modern.
In earlier centuries, it was not only acceptable for relatives to form romantic relationships, but also common.
It should also be pointed out that, at the time SDF Macross was released, Japan had only recently made it illegal for cousins closer than a third degree of separation to marry, and so it strikes me as likely that the show was very intentional in describing and depicting them as romantically linked cousins.
I next wanted to answer the question of whether or not I like Minmei, and the answer is “Yes”. She is very believable and relatable as a teenager who got thrust into the spotlight and let fame go to her head while also not really changing who she was as a person on a fundamental level.
The next thing I wanted to do is ask a question: is/was the mispronunciation of Lisa’s fiance’s last name an intentional “bit”?
