Being Otaku

Hurrr, makes me laugh that being an otaku in Japan is a bad thing and yet, when you live anywhere else, you're proud of it. Go figure, but that's fine; ramen, pocky, and hi-chew, here here! (Why are all the things I mention food? o.O)

I didn't even know what the word meant until I found this site but apparently I have been Otaku my whole life. I mean my parents can tell you ever since I was a little kid I've loved cartoons and shows that originated in japan I love sushi and other Asian foods and everything from that region of the world always fascinated me like samurai. The samurai got me into archery and now when I watch/read new anime/manga it gets me to try new things like I'm watching air gear right now and I really want to learn to skate also I'd like some real A.T.s but that is at least a couple years away. Anyways enough rambling. OTAKU PRIDE FOREVER ALL CAPS!!

I've always had my reservations about the word otaku, and I certainly wouldn't define myself as one, even if I liked anime/manga/Japanese culture more than I already do. In fact, unless I really was someone who had a hobby or obsession that rendered me incapable of leaving my home, I would never call myself an otaku. The Americanized definition doesn't really give me any comfort at all (in my mind, it's like trying to convince the world that being called a "filthy, greasy, wetback beaner," is something good and/or cute, which it's not). I love anime and manga in all it's splendor and glory, but I don't think I'll ever make it my life's obsession in a good way or bad. :P

at least from what I understood from the wiki page (the most reliable source on the internet lol) is that it is not a derogatory term and is simply kind of a label given to those who are fans of anime, manga, and the culture. It's a healthy interest or fandom in those sorts of things. Like maybe how a lot of people would classify me as a hardcore kid I am perfectly ok with as far as I'm concerned that just means I'm a very proud fan of hardcore music but then that's just me. people will always judge and put labels on other people and use them in derogatory or non-derogatory ways.

I maybe over-sensitive to the word, but I'm over-sensitive to a lot of things. I cringe when being accused of being a nerd or geek, as well. Or prep or hipster. Labels make me cringe.

I didn't really consider myself an otaku since I didn't really delve deep into the fandom. I always thought that otaku were the kind that collected love pillows, have tons of wallscrolls/figurines littered about, having those boob mousepads, or even picked out a "waifu". It is that niche culture that is associated with being otaku that I'm just not into.

ya if what proud beast describe otaku as is the real meaning I'm not like that lol I think I have like a vash the stampede figure and a Guile figure. XD but I am proud of my labels if I consider them to be good ones but I also understand some people hate labels to each there own.

lol deffinately an otaku :P and i am proud of it ^^ its interesting XD instead of bein one of the mondane who have nuthing better to talk about then eachother we have tons to talk about and tons to do :D anime makes life interesting ^^ but i do think ppl sood knw the right defintion XP (though ill admit if someone asks me about the manga im reading at school i will say its a comic boock =.=' just cuz of how stupid ppl r though XP)