The Role of Eren's Attack in Paradis Island's Perception as a Peaceful Entity

The question of whether Eren Yeager's attack on Marley could have been avoided and whether Paradis Island could have been perceived as a peaceful entity is complex and involves multiple factors. This article explores the key historical tensions, diplomatic efforts, and the impact of Eren's actions on these dynamics.

Historical Tensions

The history of conflict between the Eldians on Paradis Island and the rest of the world, particularly Marley, is fraught with prejudice, fear, and violence. Eldians were seen as a threat due to their ability to transform into Titans, which fueled animosity and justified oppressive measures against them. This historical context is crucial in understanding why Paradis Island's peaceful intentions may not have been initially accepted by the world.

Diplomatic Efforts

Before Eren Yeager's attack, there were attempts at diplomacy, particularly by characters like Eren himself, Armin, and Mikasa. However, these efforts were met with skepticism and hostility from Marley and other nations who viewed Eldians primarily as dangerous and violent. This skepticism highlighted the challenges faced in changing perceptions based on historical contexts and immediate fears.

Eren's Perspective

Eren's decision to attack Marley was driven by a desire to protect his people and eliminate the threat posed by the rest of the world. His actions were a response to the immediate danger faced by Paradis Island and escalated the conflict rather than opening avenues for peace. Eren's perspective is often misunderstood, as his intentions were rooted in a sense of survival and protection.

Public Perception

Even if Eren had not attacked Marley, convincing the world of Paradis Island's peaceful intentions would have been a significant challenge. The entrenched beliefs about Eldians and their history of violence would likely have made it difficult to change perceptions overnight. This entrenched prejudice is a key obstacle in building a peaceful world for all.

Need for Allies

For Paradis Island to be seen as peaceful, it would have needed allies who could vouch for its intentions. Building trust and demonstrating a commitment to peaceful coexistence would have been difficult given the existing hostilities. In a world where trust is scarce and history is a burden, it is challenging to overcome longstanding enmities.

Impact of Marley

Marley's propaganda and militaristic stance against Eldians would also play a crucial role. Even if Paradis had pursued a peaceful route, Marley might have countered these efforts to maintain control and justify its own actions against Eldians. Marley's influence and power dynamics were significant barriers to achieving peace.

Conclusion

In summary, while it is theoretically possible that Paradis Island could have been viewed as peaceful if Eren had not attacked Marley, the deeply rooted animosities and historical context would have made this a challenging endeavor. Eren's actions, while catastrophic, were a reflection of the dire circumstances faced by his people and ultimately shaped the trajectory of the conflict in ways that made peaceful resolutions increasingly difficult.