We Are Strong So We Can Be Kind: The Deep Meaning Behind the Anime Photo Trend

Cuteness and strength aren't opposites—they rely on each other.

Everyone on social media seems to be making illustrated images in anime style, by uploading real photographs to ChatGPT’s new animation feature.

I love this trend, and think it’s actually deceptively profound and important. I’d even say it speaks to a fundamental, deep need in our souls.

What is this need?

Cuteness (and strength).

Let me explain:

My grandmother, my mother, my little sister, and I. Somehow seeing this as an anime image portrays elements of the childlike innocence of the scene in a unique way.

All too often, adults feel they can’t be earnest, cute, or fun-loving.

Much as Halloween has been described as a way for people to dress outrageously or proactively without being socially shamed, the anime photo trend is a way for people to show their cute, fun-loving, and warm, earnest sides. This is a side of ourselves which is all too often hidden, particularly for men. Society tells us that we aren’t supposed to be cute—we’re supposed to be silent and strong.

My girlfriend and I at my sisters wedding! As you can see, some details are wrong—my hand is now black, and my brother in law’s is now white—but it’s overall a fun image.

But even though cuteness and strength are often thought of as opposites—I think they’re intricately related to each other.

Cuteness is a celebration of life and love and the possibility of friendship and compassion between people.

Strength is about power, sure. But power without purpose is pointless—and maybe even evil. Strength, used wisely, is about protecting and nurturing. Cuteness gives strength purpose.

After my marathon was finished, I ran back to my girlfriend and did the last portion her marathon with her. I took this action shot of the moment, and it’s so cute and fun to see it now in anime form.

While we genuinely need more cuteness amidst everything going on in today’s world, cuteness isn’t about avoiding the sometimes harsh reality of life.

Indeed, the cuteness and warm reminders of friendship inherent in these illustrated photographs reminds us precisely what being strong (when we need to) is supposed to support:

We are strong so we can be kind.

We are powerful so we can protect the weak (and cute things often appear weak).

We are hardworking so we can provide (and enjoy) moments of joy and freedom.

As we become adults, we cannot forget the value of cuteness, and the mini moments of healing it can bring. These illustrated versions of real photographs are one way to remember the value it brings to our lives.

Sharing anime-style images with my family, we’ve been able to look at my grandmother, uncle, and other friends and relatives in a new, fun, and totally cute light.

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Here I am with my grandmother. The original image was taken just before she passed away.

I don’t know why, but the anime images keep telling me that we are strong so we can be kind. These images of my family as cute cartoons, paradoxically remind me of the sacrifices my parents have made to ensure I have a great life. Seeing my sister marrying her husband in cartoon form reminds me how beautiful their marriage is—and how recently their mixed-race union would’ve been illegal. Seeing my mother smiling with me as a baby, I think of how hard my parents worked for us, and how difficult it was for them to both grow up without fathers in their lives.

Me, my father, and my youngest sister.

Somehow, it’s the tenderness of these illustrated images that remind me of the strength of the real people behind them.

And that makes me realize that however cute and loving my childhood was, that was only possible because of the strength of others who protected me.

A young version of me resting on a friend who is no longer with us.

Strength comes in many forms. Recently, I’ve made anime-style images of myself and a dear friend who has passed away. Given we used to watch anime together, it’s all the more meaningful. Seeing him here, with me resting on his shoulder, I think of how his memory remains with me today, and encourages me to follow my dreams.

So while strength has power, cuteness reminds strength what’s worth using that power for.

And seeing a version of myself that is genuinely cute, I remember the innocence and positivity inside myself which is worth fighting for.

You can try it yourself. Make a cute image of yourself or a loved one—it might make you see them (or you) in a new light.

While other people on social media have apparently used Studio Ghibli as a reference animation style, I think the exact style isn’t really important, and the purpose of animating core memories is what we should celebrate.

Here’s another more abstract drawing image of my family.

Sure, cuteness is great, but what will happen to artists?

Will AI illustration tools like this put people out of work? And can a visual style—like one reminiscent of Pokemon or Evangelion—be considered a kind of intellectual property?

Here’s me and a close friend I’ve known since elementary school. I love this trend!

I’m not a lawyer, so I can’t answer the second question. But whether these images echo a famous animation style or something more generic, the deeper principle is the same:

Creating animated, playful versions of our most important memories helps us re-experience them with tenderness. And that’s worth celebrating.

I’m genuinely not sure what this means for illustrators. On the one hand, the images I shared here wouldn’t exist without these tools. Not because I don’t value art—but because I never would’ve commissioned someone to make them. It just wouldn’t have occurred to me. In that sense, this is not replacing anyone.

My sister’s husband and brother-in-law.

But it’s also true that companies or individuals that would have hired illustrators might now use AI instead.

My hope is that, the same way Photoshop didn’t destroy photography, that this will be used to bring us more, not less, art. I hope for a future where illustrations become more common, more personalized, more joyful—because it’s no longer limited by cost, access, or time.

My mother, one of my sisters, and I.

And in that future—I hope that artists matter more than ever. But beyond drawing, they’ll also be setting trends, thinking of new concepts, and pushing art forward.

Not because they’re the only ones who can draw, but because they’re the ones who can feel and understand humans, and shape where drawings should go next.

My uncle and grandmother, long before I was born. Seeing him as a young man evokes a tenderness or understanding which is hard to describe.

Cuteness is not the opposite of strength; it's its corollary.

Cuteness is overlooked, underappreciated, and sorely needed in a chaotic world. It’s not an antidote to evil, but it’s a reminder of why we fight for good—to protect and enjoy the childlike innocence which—even still—can be found in each and every one of our hearts.

And in a world where so many of us feel we must hide the cute, playful, or fun sides of ourselves, making fun cartoon images of core memories is a great way to remember the value and fun of cuteness in our lives.

I don’t know why, but seeing these images don’t just want me to be cute myself—though I love being cute sometimes—they also remind me why it’s important to be strong: to protect the cute and innocent among us.

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