Supreme Rant: Clarification of an Otaku

[BakaCrisis]

Okay, given the animosity that seems to be building up with yet another argument of what is an otaku, here I go.

It seems more and more out west (outside E Asia), otaku is becoming less and less otaku and more "I watch anime." Personally, I don't like the "all-inclusive" move; it feels just like in elementary school when everyone would get some award just to make everyone feel good. What's the point of using the word otaku if it just means you watch anime? Why not just call yourself anime watcher (like I call myself)?

For me, otaku generically refers to someone with an almost unhealthy (okay, just plain unhealthy) obsession with the anime culture and subculture, specifically dependent on the adjective in front (like car otaku). Anime culture, unbeknowngst to many outside Japan, is not just anime but includes manga, doujin, games, Akihabara, etc. Also, to just watch anime but not know anything (see below) definitely does not pass as an otaku. And lastly, otaku should not be a label you have to tag on yourself. People should be able to tell if you are an otaku; you should not need to shout it out. Just like if you're telling everyone that you're smart, or you're a crazy Trekkie, you're probably not and just want the label for yourself.

Now, for common things I hear from wannabe and self-proclaimed otaku that blatantly say "I'm not an otaku" to me, or just bother me.

1) I'm an otaku. I hate old anime (usually pre-Eva). I ask, "Have you seen any?" They say, "No."

My thoughts: If a muscle car fanatic said "I hate all 1960's cars and never seen one," what would you say? Can you call yourself even an anime fan if you won't watch a huge segment of anime?

2) Doujin is hentai

My thoughts: You have no right to complain about people saying anime is hentai. Or call yourself an otaku for not knowing what doujin is.

3) I'm an otaku. My favorite shows are Kanon, Shuffle, KGNE, etc. I don't know they are from hgames.

My thoughts: I'm sorry, but an otaku not bothering to figure out anything about their favorite shows? Real otaku know those are from hgames WITHOUT ever seeing them, and you're telling me that you don't know the most basic fact about your favorite show?! And this applies to anime from manga, games, novels, etc.

4) I'm an otaku and Naruto and Bleach are for adults.

My thoughts: The Japanese created this for kids. What, after twisting the word otaku to make you happy, now you twist the show's target audience? Or are you so ignorant an otaku to not know that?

5) I'm an otaku. I only watch shounen/ecchi/mecha/etc. I won't watch shoujo/slice o'life/drama/etc.

My thoughts: The genres might be changed up, but for the most part you know the ones I put in are the most common. Basically, like the old anime thing, you ain't an otaku when you won't try a whole section of anime.

6) What's Comiket?

My thoughts: Just no. I don't care whatever else you say or do. You aren't an otaku.

7) I'm an otaku. I'm an otakukin.

My thoughts: Let me point you towards a psychiatrist. In your case, I'll call you an otaku, just to prevent you from becoming more unbalanced.

8) I watch a ton of anime so I'm an otaku.

My thoughts: I watched a ton of anime and I don't consider myself an otaku. If that's the case, why don't we just say anyone who's watched anime for x number of years is an otaku?

9) I spend all my paycheck on anime so I'm an otaku

My thoughts: No, you just have no money management skills. Since when was otaku defined by money?

10) I'm an otaku. What's Touhou?

My response:




Basically as you can see, a lot of the points boil down to a lack of curiosity and knowledge about anime and the culture. That's the biggest sticking point for me. I don't care if you've seen 10,000 anime and been watching for 30 years. If your favorite show is Kanon and you don't know anything about it outside the anime, you're not an otaku. If you just plain avoid certain sections of anime completely, you're not an otaku.

And if you blanket label one media (see doujin), don't bitch about people doing that with anime.

[Hatredcopter]

All you really need to know is that if you went to Japan and called yourself an "otaku", you'd get some pretty strange looks, as the term generally has some pretty negative connotations in Japan. The "western" definition of otaku can be quite a bit different than the Japanese one.

[BakaCrisis]

Originally Posted by Hatredcopter

All you really need to know is that if you went to Japan and called yourself an "otaku", you'd get some pretty strange looks, as the term generally has some pretty negative connotations in Japan. The "western" definition of otaku can be quite a bit different than the Japanese one.

And that is very true.

[Asakura]

I think the point that most people miss is that being a real Otaku is not a good thing.

[BakaCrisis]

Well, Honestly. Too much of anything can't be a good thing.
If your not making money from your hobby, don't let it over consume your time to do things that can help you financially. That's how i see it.

[SakeSan]

''Clarification of an Otaku'' I must say that's an interesting thread.
Your description is also very detailed. I give you credit for that! XD

Still, I just wanted to add this text to this thread.
I found this text while searching the web, so basically it's not mine but I do think many people looking in a negative way, towards okatu's. I think it is wrong to describe otaku's as people who are shutting themselfs completely.

It's not like you can't do other things besides watching anime/manga or playing video games [that is, if you are an otaku], because I think the ''otaku'' is a very flexible conception and must not be used to negativly sketch an otaku in one way.

I mean, there are plenty of people claiming to be an otaku, or have become one in a way. You can't become an otaku when you want to, it's just a thing that suddenly happens. There are plenty of otaku's who can simply live their lives without getting psychically ''unstable'' of some sort. They too can make friends, doing their jobs, and take their place in society.

If you want to read the text I just found on the web, then it is listed down below.^^
_________________________________________________________________
The current status of "otaku" and Japan's latest youth crisis

A decade ago, another social phenomenon, the rise of otaku, troubled Japan. Roughly translated, otaku means nerd. It refers to people who shut themselves away, spending their days absorbed in anime, manga and video games. They were considered freakish, and a high-profile crime blamed on otaku triggered considerable hand-wringing, much like the concerns about hikikomori. Yet the nerds are considered normal now, even trendy. "The old way of thinking was that the physical world was the real world." But now we can create two or three or more virtual worlds. Those who stay at home and have no one to talk to in the physical world may be able to connect in a virtual world. We cannot say it is right or wrong. It is one way of living."

It seems that the Japanese public has now become more aware that otaku-ish fanaticism does not necessarily imply antisocial and violent behavior, and that deeper social problems (economic uncertainty, the pressure to fit in, cutthroat academics, bullying, overly busy parents, etc.) are more likely to cause real psychological damage in youth. In comparison to hikikomori, otaku seem like well-adjusted members of society, if only slightly weird.
_________________________________________________________________

I coloured a tiny bit of the text in blue, because I think people can easily mix up the true meaning between hikikomori and otaku. Note: ''hikikomori'' and ''otaku'' are two different terms, and do not have the same meaning.
BakaCrisis wrote: For me, otaku generically refers to someone with an almost unhealthy (okay, just plain unhealthy) obsession with the anime culture and subculture, specifically dependent on the adjective in front (like car otaku).

No offence or anything like that, but I do think you are mixing it up with someone being a hikikomori. Basically,''hikikomori'' means: a Japanese term to refer to the phenomenon of reclusive individuals who have chosen to withdraw from social life, often seeking extreme degrees of isolation and confinement due to various personal and social factors in their lives.

Personally I think that, what I coloured in blue is true! Otaku's are just a bit weird, nothing more.

Well, let's stop here shall we?(^__^).

Matane!

[Firu]

this is a pretty cool thread you got here
i wouldn't class myself as an Otaku. I love anime/manga/japanese cinema,i collect tons of merchandise,i cosplay and i am attempting to learn the language but i'll happily admit there os WAY too much I don't know to be able to call myself one...but I am learning,more of an Otaku in Training (can we call it that? it sounds cool lol)
there's one problem,I live in England and although manga and anime are starting to get really big over here a lot of people are still in the dark. i'm starting to get sick of the phrase "anime? isn't that japanese cartoon porn?" still,at least i've got the forum so i can talk to people who know what the hell i'm talking about when I say Gundam or Ichigo

[Ronin4hire]

Eh?

The evolution of language is something you cannot fight.

Whatever you think Otaku means... if the majority of people don't use it that way then don't stress out about it. Just accept it and be content that you know it's historical and cultural origins.

[Tyrien]

Originally Posted by Hatredcopter

All you really need to know is that if you went to Japan and called yourself an "otaku", you'd get some pretty strange looks, as the term generally has some pretty negative connotations in Japan. The "western" definition of otaku can be quite a bit different than the Japanese one.

No, people in the west make fun of the concept of "otaku" all the time. Especially when someone tries to claim to be one like it's some accomplishment.

The definition may be a little different but both aren't looked up to.