PDA

View Full Version : Ever been embarrassed about reading manga or watching anime?



lovelicious
06-05-2009, 07:46 AM
Have you ever been embarrassed about reading or watching anime? I have. When our family moved to another country where not so many young people reading manga or watching anime, all my friends would laugh at me. My friends asked if I understand the language in the anime and I said no (hey! there is a subtitle in English. Gee) and they thought that I was weird because they didn't understand why would I watched something I didn't understand. Even my dad doesn't understand why I would spend my time reading manga and watching anime though he never thought of it as a problem. Now I don't care what people say. I like it, what's it to them anyway?

Have you ever had an embarrasing or awkward moment regarding anime/manga?

jnLL
06-05-2009, 07:51 AM
Never had an awkward moment, even though I only have about 5 real life friends I can talk to about animes (but most of them are boys ._.) My parents doesn't really care if I read manga/watch anime, but they think it's too childish.

IFS
06-05-2009, 07:52 AM
I had once, did a project on one of my hobbies and that being anime, the whole class laughed at me cause they thought it was childish, the embarissment only lasted a little while thill they found a new target

Shinn Kamiyra
06-05-2009, 08:02 AM
Only when the anime and/or manga I read/watched sucked to the extent that I felt embarrased about having wasted my time on it. Other than that, nope.

Reonic Flux
06-05-2009, 08:24 AM
I don't really make my addiction to anime noticeable in public. I'd rather other people think I play DoTA, which I do.

i_say_sabotage
06-05-2009, 09:27 AM
There was a time when I was 12 and I was watching Nuriko die in Fushigi Yuugi and I just couldn't help but cry... My auntie laughed at me...

And so, the next time she was going to watch her soap operas, I hid the TV plug adapter.

SigmaSD
06-05-2009, 09:38 AM
I don't really make my addiction to anime noticeable in public.

Yep, same here. The only time someone found out was when my friend watched me input my school password which was ssgoku. He kept teasing me, but I was more worried that he would sign into my account and browse pornography (which he said he would do).

Anyway, I had a weird moment one day in college. I was waiting in line to check out a manga from our library. Now this beautiful girl keeps watching me from her for a couple of minutes smiling. She decides to get up and walk towards me after a while and starts talking to me a bit. So then she asks me what I'm waiting in line for, because she wanted to have some coffee. I show her the manga and tell her that I'm going to check that out, and she suddenly looks confused. Then she says that she had plans to meet with one of her friends and leaves. :oy: I later found out that the manga was shonen ai. :oy::oy: So now I keep my addiction secret, and I check the manga more thouroughly before checking it out.

sa5m
06-05-2009, 09:43 AM
Yeah. >.< I try not to let people know I like anime since there is a stereotype against it (like people who watch anime are depressed, emo people who have no goals in life or whatever).

I only let certain people know I'm interested in it. Sometimes when I talk about it, people will stare at me in confusion cuz they don't know what it is. And then it's kind of awkward explaining it.

Seņor Nobody
06-05-2009, 09:44 AM
Pfft, what do I care if they find my manga reading/anime watching weird? I think they are weird for caring what I'm reading and taking time out of their lives to heckle me when I could care less.

Heinekenrana
06-05-2009, 09:44 AM
Not in the least. My parents don't understand why I like manga and anime, but I'm lucky in that all of my friends have an interest in some anime and manga, so there's no need to be embarrassed. Granted, we do tease each other about some of the things we read or watch, but that's all it amounts to.

Reonic Flux
06-05-2009, 09:50 AM
Yep, same here. The only time someone found out was when my friend watched me input my school password which was ssgoku. He kept teasing me, but I was more worried that he would sign into my account and browse pornography (which he said he would do).

Anyway, I had a weird moment one day in college. I was waiting in line to check out a manga from our library. Now this beautiful girl keeps watching me from her for a couple of minutes smiling. She decides to get up and walk towards me after a while and starts talking to me a bit. So then she asks me what I'm waiting in line for, because she wanted to have some coffee. I show her the manga and tell her that I'm going to check that out, and she suddenly looks confused. Then she says that she had plans to meet with one of her friends and leaves. :oy: I later found out that the manga was shonen ai. :oy::oy: So now I keep my addiction secret, and I check the manga more thouroughly before checking it out.

Really? I do have some friends who like to watch anime, and one of them sometimes asks me what anime is good to watch besides Gundam. Good thing some malls here in the Philippines have stores dedicated to comics and such. I check it out once in a while to see if there are any good collectibles to buy. Normally, I just browse through and go out. Whee!

SigmaSD
06-05-2009, 09:55 AM
Really? I do have some friends who like to watch anime, and one of them sometimes asks me what anime is good to watch besides Gundam. Good thing some malls here in the Philippines have stores dedicated to comics and such. I check it out once in a while to see if there are any good collectibles to buy. Normally, I just browse through and go out. Whee!

Well I don't have any friends besides AF buddies that like anime. Sci-fi is seen as nerdy, but anime is seen as childish and stupid. Other people that like anime also tend to keep it a secret. Not so much in college though. We actually have a cosplay club that meets every Tuesday. It's fun to see what they dress up as.

Reonic Flux
06-05-2009, 09:58 AM
Well I don't have any friends besides AF buddies that like anime. Sci-fi is seen as nerdy, but anime is seen as childish and stupid. Other people that like anime also tend to keep it a secret. Not so much in college though. We actually have a cosplay club that meets every Tuesday. It's fun to see what they dress up as.

I always get the feeling that if I reveal my addiction to anime, some of my classmates might insult me for that. That's why I play chess and/or DoTA to pass the time away.

SigmaSD
06-05-2009, 10:04 AM
That's why I play chess and/or DoTA to pass the time away.

Don't forget the wafers! Hahaha.

Well at least now people know why I would only date people who like anime; because I don't want to have my partner think I'm a weirdo.

Memento Mori
06-05-2009, 10:06 AM
I was embarrassed to read Eureka Seven on the airplane when I was younger.

Reonic Flux
06-05-2009, 10:08 AM
Don't forget the wafers! Hahaha.

Well at least now people know why I would only date people who like anime; because I don't want to have my partner think I'm a weirdo.

Oh, yeah. Wafers. I almost forgot that. Anyways, even if you have a partner who doesn't like anime or watch it, eventually that partner will respect you for what you like, assuming you respect what she likes as well.

AzureDark
06-05-2009, 10:26 AM
It's hard for me to even play my music at home, my mom has always got a thing against what I like and it hurts me if she disses even anything I have a fondness of (or even if anyone does that... I'm so sensitive ._.). The whole family's more into Korean music and drama so I really feel like an outcast and I have to endure all the Korean stuff everyday, some unwittingly go into my playlist.

In the public eye, I try not to expose my anime fandom. (I already look kinda geekish, being an IT grad...) Anime has a good following here but most of the fans are kinda... hard to get along with.

lovelicious
06-05-2009, 10:48 AM
It's hard for me to even play my music at home, my mom has always got a thing against what I like and it hurts me if she disses even anything I have a fondness of (or even if anyone does that... I'm so sensitive ._.). The whole family's more into Korean music and drama so I really feel like an outcast and I have to endure all the Korean stuff everyday, some unwittingly go into my playlist.

In the public eye, I try not to expose my anime fandom. (I already look kinda geekish, being an IT grad...) Anime has a good following here but most of the fans are kinda... hard to get along with.


I think I understand how it feels. I live in school so all my friends (of course) play Danish songs. I always use my headphones each time I want to hear asian music, because they just laugh at it.

Only the 'weirdos' here watch anime. So I havent really talked with them. They are all kindda hackers or something like that.

Miss Moonlight
06-05-2009, 10:59 AM
No, why would I be? I rarely read the manga I have collected, and I rarely watch anime anymore. Even when I did, it wasn't a big issue.

drm0ney
06-05-2009, 12:00 PM
I'd been out shopping with my family at the mall, they went into a different store while i went to go look at anime. I found a yaoi dvd set i'd been looking for and was all hmmm... My parents don't know i watch this, this might not be the best time to buy it. (my dad is a homophob)
But the store was having a sale and i didn't know when i'd be able to go back and get it so against my better judgement i bought it. It was in a bag you couldn't see through and well they don't really ask about what i watch because they think its kiddish (think that's how i've hidden my love for yaoi for the past... 6 to 7 years >.> ) So we meet back up and continue shopping. No problems. Then we get ready to leave and head out through Best Buy to get to our car.
You know those things that beep when people try and steal stuff? They went off when i went through. O.O??? "Miss did you buy any dvds or cds?" "Y-yes." I showed them my reciept and that i infact have two dvds in my bag. "Would you like me to deactivate them?" "Nooo that's ok i'll just let the guy at the other door know what's wrong." ( Because i really don't want you to take them out of the bag in front of my family!!!!!)
That was the one and only time i've boughten yaoi with my family around.


On another note most of my friends make sure to let any and all new people i meet that i read as they call it "gayporn" >.> thanksss guys. Now they think i'm a creeper before they get to know me.

-akichan-
06-05-2009, 01:26 PM
Never, because I don't bring a manga book with me everywhere. Sometimes I read manga books in Barness & Noble, but I was never embarrassed. Reason? I don't really know...

I sometimes watch anime on youtube, but still, I was never embarrassed...I guess it's because I don't look like the type of person that really likes anime.

Baka
06-05-2009, 01:36 PM
One time I was watching an anime on the bus and it got a little ecchi and this girl was looking at me weird. I was sorta embarrassed but not enough to stop watching it.

Seta Souji
06-05-2009, 01:46 PM
I had once, did a project on one of my hobbies and that being anime, the whole class laughed at me cause they thought it was childish, the embarissment only lasted a little while thill they found a new targetGeez your school is filled with jerks.


Pfft, what do I care if they find my manga reading/anime watching weird? I think they are weird for caring what I'm reading and taking time out of their lives to heckle me when I could care less.Word


I always get the feeling that if I reveal my addiction to anime, some of my classmates might insult me for that. That's why I play chess and/or DoTA to pass the time away.OMG dota is the best custom map EVAR made. That stuff is seriously addictive.

nekosenshi
06-05-2009, 02:10 PM
Nah. I'm not embarassed. My sister teases me about my Rurouni Kenshin obsession but she likes it too.

SeraphimAriaRhapsody
06-05-2009, 02:36 PM
I always get the feeling that if I reveal my addiction to anime, some of my classmates might insult me for that. That's why I play chess and/or DoTA to pass the time away.


OMG dota is the best custom map EVAR made. That stuff is seriously addictive.

I don't have an air of otakuness, so it wouldn't really matter.


Pfft, what do I care if they find my manga reading/anime watching weird? I think they are weird for caring what I'm reading and taking time out of their lives to heckle me when I could care less.

Word

I usually do not really care either, but since you, soon, and I are going to school for the illustration and animation. We have like-minded people.;)


I had once, did a project on one of my hobbies and that being anime, the whole class laughed at me cause they thought it was childish, the embarrassment only lasted a little while thill they found a new target


Geez your school is filled with jerks.

Doing a report on anime isn't really appropreiate in a normal college, I think I understand why they would belittle and trash him or her.

Luckily both of us can write animated and comic related essays for art college level english and english electives; If I remember correctly, one cool classmate was working on watchmen.:p

Anime Forum
06-05-2009, 02:46 PM
Nope because there is nothing to be embarrassed about. I bring manga books to class and gladly read them and if someone has a problem with it let them. I really could care less if people look down on me for liking anime because I know one day they'll learn that it was pointless.

That is like someone being embarrassed about playing football, its just a hobby and people have different hobbies. I also bring pokemon dolls to school and yes people look sometimes but you know its my life and I really do what I want and watch what I want.

LunaOverdrive
06-06-2009, 10:10 AM
Have you ever had an embarrasing or awkward moment regarding anime/manga?

I use to be in the closet about my addiction to anime and manga. Then one day I decided that to hide that part of me would mean to deny who I am even if it was only a small part that made up the picture of 'me'. Today, as a 24 year old man, I read, watch and purchase anime and manga with my head up, and have made a lot of friends in the process. However, it was a long and often embarassing road to get there.

I think the most embarassing moment for me came when my friend, a girl in which I was infacuated with, came to visit and discovered my anime/manga 'shrine' (call it a bookcase if you prefer;)). I remember her examining the scantly clad figures, plushies and thumbing through my tapes (hey, it was a long time ago) and manga.

She laughed and asked if I still played with toys and watched cartoons. So much for impressing her. I wanted to run out of the house. Then, buried under a stack of manga, she found a certain artbook. I don't remember exactly the title, but it was similar to something like G-Taste, though not quite at explicit.

That was it. She had a mix of a smirk and embarassment on her face, said she remembered she had some homework to finish, and walked out. School was rought for a few weeks after that. :(

High Risk
06-06-2009, 11:53 AM
To be honest, almost none of my friends in high school even watched anime or manga and I can't say I ever watched a ton of it. I haven't read many mangas either and I think I own about 3. They all knew that I liked anime but I never went on and on about it unless someone wanted a recommendation for what to watch. Nowadays I don't really watch anything any more unless I want to revisit old shows that I liked. Can't say I was ever particularly verbal about liking anime so there was never anything to be embarassed about. You might wonder why I even come to this forum then, considering it is an anime forum, and it's probably because I'm an old moonie so I have a bit of a personal connection with this place. :]

mstrmnd48
06-06-2009, 12:11 PM
i never get embarrassed about that. there is nothing to be embarrassed about.

Yuuki Kurosu
06-06-2009, 12:27 PM
Nah, not really.
I bring mangas to school sometimes, but I kinda stopped because my friend brought a perverted one to school and got in trouble for it. lol

I mentioned a hobby of mine being anime when we talked about ourselves on the first day of school last year, people laughed. So that was a little embarrassing, but that's it. lol

Alkazor
06-06-2009, 12:41 PM
Nope because there is nothing to be embarrassed about. I bring manga books to class and gladly read them and if someone has a problem with it let them. I really could care less if people look down on me for liking anime because I know one day they'll learn that it was pointless.

That is like someone being embarrassed about playing football, its just a hobby and people have different hobbies. I also bring pokemon dolls to school and yes people look sometimes but you know its my life and I really do what I want and watch what I want.

I bring all sorts of weird things to school. At first I was weird, because it was weird to read in class. Then they all picked up copies of the books I was reading and couldn't understand it. After I explained it's intracate plot line, they all decided I was a genius. I disagree (At least, not because of a book series I read), but it was nice to have them think that.

After that I Started bringing other stuff. Manga, watching anime on my ipod, cards (the Traditional kind, not TCG), and at one point a BeyStadium. Best Culinary Arts Class Ever.

Now I bring 4 DS handhelds loaded up with Mario Kart and everyone loves me for it. Problem is I hardly ever get a turn playing them, so I'm back to reading! XD

I'm not weird at all compared to my friends though. They cosplay during school. But they have the sense to cosplay the more popular stuff, like Naruto or Kingdom Hearts. Seems like everybody at my school does something anime related...Divine_Flame'll back me up on that. Everybody who's seen DeathNote says I'm L though.

animegirl2365
06-06-2009, 02:28 PM
No I'm not embarrest about it but people always are shocked that I read them or watch them. But I think it's cool so if they have a problem with it oh well. Because where I live only boys are pretty much intrested in anime/manga. But I don't tell if they don't ask.

Scarred DNA
06-06-2009, 03:17 PM
No. Don't read manga, so it's not something I carry around with me. I don't read in public much anyway, unless I know I'll be alone like at a Doctor's office or something that requires waiting.

If I happen to recognize something someone is wearing or reading or watching in public, then I'm not shy about approaching and striking up a conversation. But that's rare since I'm only familiar with a handful of animes.

BaileyIsASpaz
06-06-2009, 03:24 PM
I live in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Considering there are alot of people here,
It's not to abnormal.
Sure we get laughed at.
But we have others who watch it to.
There's a club at my school called the anime club.
And most of my friends watch anime.
But I have been embarrassed.

Lola Granola
06-06-2009, 04:33 PM
I wrote an article relating to this last year - http://www.animeforum.com/articles/56-Manga-as-High-Art-Self-Defense-for-the-Otaku.php

BestFly
06-06-2009, 04:50 PM
Not really, but then again I've always lived in areas where anime fans abound. I've always done school reports (high school and college) on anime or videogames when possible. I basically recycle the same report for classes. xD

However, I'm not really a Manga reader and it's not the easiest thing to watch anime in public. I do swarm the anime section at stores, (but never buy anything because I'm poor xD) I mean I brought yugioh cards to college. No one in my area really cared.

Diocletian
06-06-2009, 06:26 PM
I wrote an article relating to this last year - http://www.animeforum.com/articles/56-Manga-as-High-Art-Self-Defense-for-the-Otaku.php

There's a difference, Lola. Sports cosplay is socially acceptable and anime/manga cosplay is socially unacceptable. Even I find wearing cosplay or anime shirts out of a con or your home unacceptable.

I'm embarrassed of all of the anime and manga. As much as I like it, I don't see myself sacrificing my social gorilla status to show off my hobby that can endanger it.

Akihiko Yamamoto Hozagaki
06-06-2009, 08:53 PM
It's hard for me to even play my music at home, my mom has always got a thing against what I like and it hurts me if she disses even anything I have a fondness of (or even if anyone does that... I'm so sensitive ._.).

I know how you feel! I listen to K-Pop along with many styles of rock. Whenever the K-Pop comes on, I quickly try to change the song because my mother tends to think "it's silly to still like boy bands". Guh.

Anime-wise, I'm totally embarrassed. I used to not be back when I was a beeawoo, but now I'm completely shy to talk about it. I was talking to my science teacher (who is Japanese) and he found out that I was going to a convention. When he asked what kind, I muttered "an anime convention". He immediately began teasing me, calling me a "BEEAWOO! BEEAWOO!". There is such a racial divide with anime now, it's hard to be a white girl and not get called a beeawoo. To tell you the truth, it hurts. I'm really sensitive to the topic, because I'm not a beeawoo. But how do you explain that to others?

Diocletian
06-06-2009, 09:03 PM
I know how you feel! I listen to K-Pop along with many styles of rock. Whenever the K-Pop comes on, I quickly try to change the song because my mother tends to think "it's silly to still like boy bands". Guh.

Anime-wise, I'm totally embarrassed. I used to not be back when I was a beeawoo, but now I'm completely shy to talk about it. I was talking to my science teacher (who is Japanese) and he found out that I was going to a convention. When he asked what kind, I muttered "an anime convention". He immediately began teasing me, calling me a "BEEAWOO! BEEAWOO!". There is such a racial divide with anime now, it's hard to be a white girl and not get called a beeawoo. To tell you the truth, it hurts. I'm really sensitive to the topic, because I'm not a beeawoo. But how do you explain that to others?

He knows what a beawoo is? Props to him.

Anyways, as long as you aren't hugging your Loveless graphic novels and don't Japanese every other second, I don't see you being a beawoo.


Are you a beawoo quiz?
1. Do you throw Japanese in every other second? i.e. Kawaii, Desu
2. Do you think anime is a God or godsend?
3. Do you believe that Japan goes above all else countries?
4. You're willing to go to war for Japan, just for their anime.
5. You are looking for a Japanese girlfriend/boyfriend.

If you answered with more than 3, congrats you're a beawoo!

Archaic Devices
06-06-2009, 09:11 PM
nope. i could care less if think im stupid for it. im proud of being an anime/manga fan

Akihiko Yamamoto Hozagaki
06-06-2009, 09:13 PM
Haha, thanks Dio.

Yeah my teacher knows. He's fairly young (32) and he's pretty internet savvy.

See, that's how I know I'm not a beeawoo. I really enjoy it, so much so, that obviously, I can't give it up. I don't want to stop doing something I like to protect my reputation, so I settle with just keeping quiet about it. This is why I hate beeawoos so much. They think that their little obsession with being immature and plain stupid is harmless, but it isn't. It creates horrible stereotypes for people like me. Call me selfish, but I really wish I could share my passion in a normal way without having "beeawoo" screamed at me.

Ryuuzaki HD
06-06-2009, 09:29 PM
Most people here don't know what the difference bettween Anime and cartoons is, as for Manga my parents havent got over the fact that it reads the other way from our books. I do get some funny looks when i say im going to buy Bleach. :)

Cyrus.
06-06-2009, 10:00 PM
Nope never, I feel there should be no reason to feel embarrassed by reading manga or watching anime. If I like it I will watch it regardless of what others think. I have come across a lot of people who think other who watch anime are lame but it doesn't bother me none because that's their opinion. To me anime is very good to watch and any audience can watch anime, from kids, teens and even adults.

So to say I would be embarrassed by watching something that I find entertaining to watch, I would say no I'm not embarrassed by it lol

.Sev
06-06-2009, 11:49 PM
I'm not really embarresed by it, except when i'm buying manga/anime that's aimed for girls... feels kinda akward, ya know?
Most of my friends are really nice, so I don't know if they actually think it's lame. One of my friends loves full metal alchemist, and always wonders what could be better when i'm telling him how much better some series are.
The day I actually meet someone in real life that likes anime, I'm going to shout praise to the heavens... I have not met a one...:(
And when people say anime is childish, I always wanna show them the first thirty second of hirugashi no naku koro ni... AHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!:laugh: That proves that not all anime is "chidish"...

Neddog
06-07-2009, 10:30 AM
I'm not really embarresed by it, except when i'm buying manga/anime that's aimed for girls... feels kinda akward, ya know?


lol, I hear you! :D I listen to my anime music everywhere, but if a girly tune comes up that can make me embarrassed if anybody hears. XD

Makes me think of Hijikata on Gintama when he was taken over by the Otaku spirit and had the Pretty Cure tune as his ringtone. :laugh:

Taikutsu_Remedy
06-07-2009, 07:44 PM
When I was younger, I used to hide my otakuness from all but my closest of friends. But as I got older, I became more and more open to the point that I'm currently at, where I would read manga or watch anime quite contently in public.

To put on my pretentious cap for a moment, I'd like to quote C.S Lewis, "Critics who treat adult as a term of approval, instead of as a merely descriptive term, cannot be adult themselves. To be concerned about being grown up, to admire the grown up because it is grown up, to blush at the suspicion of being childish; these things are the marks of childhood and adolescence...When I became a man I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up."

OtakuInu!!!
06-07-2009, 09:32 PM
No. I don't think so.

Burn244
06-13-2009, 11:18 AM
I've only recently became a fan of anime, but I am a 20 y/o competitive powerlifter who lives in a house with three college boys, so I've been catching some slack about my new interest since I'm not even close to your typical person that watches anime.

Sparda
06-13-2009, 06:08 PM
im all alone here where i am, i cant find anyone else who likes anime, and my friends have grown to accept that i like it, still they throw around those half-*** comments sometimes but it doesnt bother me.
There was only one time where i really got embarased and that was when i was down shopping with my friends and one yelled out "this guy is addicted to anime" for all the world to hear, i knew he was jokin but its not fun being in a community of anime haters, you learn to live with it...

+Lynne Hanako-hime+
06-14-2009, 04:06 AM
Well, I'm not embarrassed at all... I have many friends who like anime and manga...
But I never bring any manga to our school... I'm so selfish when it comes to them! XD
And I never bring any DVD or CD of anime because my friends will borrow them... :(
I always took care of them... <3
That was last year... This year, I'm in a new section and I still don't know if anyone likes anime except for the boys... <_<

.................................................. .......
But I have some embarrassing moment in watching or reading in a different way... XD
Like when me and my friends are watching one of the anime I recommended...
Then one of my fav chars (w/c is they know) is acting weird...
Or reading a manga with my sister (that I also recommended) and one of it's part has some nude pics (but they aren't doing anything -_-)...
Well, just sharing it... Nvm what I had just posted... -_-"

xXKisekiXx
06-17-2009, 09:57 PM
well its not technically an anime/manga
...
vocaloid cosplay
...
i was kaito, my friend forced me to cosplay as him (she was miku)
sooo,
there was a 6 feet, 3 inch tall kaito and a 5 foot 1 inch miku at a con, that was me OwO
and the worst part is, she used pics of us in a video and the whole school knew bout it O_O

SleepySleepage
06-17-2009, 11:37 PM
I have too much self esteem to get embarrassed about something petty like that.

Atsui Sake
06-18-2009, 12:33 AM
I try not to let anyone I know know that I watch romance anime. Who knows what they might think of me?

Gero50
06-18-2009, 12:45 AM
Well I have never truly felt interested watching anime or reading manga except for when I was first getting into Sailor Moon. The reason is of course it is a anime made by a girl for girls. Though I really don't care I am a boy and Sailor Moon is one of my top favorite animes now.

Ipsilon V
06-18-2009, 02:40 AM
I'm a very shy person at heart... But I hide it pretty well. Most people I meet would never think I like anime. Before I might have cared if people knew, but once I left High School, I realized a lot of things. I realized I don't like parties, like all those I went during high school, I don't really like getting wasted and high. I like chilling most of all, I've come to realize that I like not being very social. Because of this, I've started a new life. I'm not otaku, and never will be since I don't have it in me. But I've come to realize that I should do whatever makes me happy. I enjoy anime, videogames, relaxing and being with true friends. I don't care about having 100 friends like I had before.. I'd rather have 2 or 3 friends that I can totally trust.

How does this all connnect to the question? Well, I don't get many chances now for anime to really handicap my reputation or whatever. I do realize the stigma that there is in the United States, but if your friendship depends on what I watch.. then I'd rather not have met you at all. I have not told my friends that I watch anime, but that's becaus it hasn't come up. I have absolutely no problem about them knowing. When it comes to my family, they pretty much know. But they regard me as being a very serious and intellectual person, so it actually gives them a better view on anime than a worse view on me. It sounds arrogant, but it's the truth.

Should you feel embarassed? No, but it's very hard not to be so in places where there's such a stigma. I hope you come to the same realizations that i've reached.. but it takes a lot of self-esteem and a very weird way of thinking to think the way I do.

Zombie Panda
06-18-2009, 05:44 PM
I used to be a little embarrassed when I first started watching anime. I started w/ Dragonball & Sailor Moon, & back then I was careful of what I watched when people were around but these days I have no problem admitting I liked those anime, & still do. I don't announce my addiction (and yes, it is an addiction. One I'm proud to admit to! :cool:) to anime, but I don't hide it either.

Nothing really comes to mind as an embarrassing moment, or at least nothing that stands out. I've caught flack for liking anime, same reason others have what with people going on about how childish it is. Until I let them watch a little Berserk, anyway, & the idea that not all anime is cat girls & magic princesses starts to sink in.

Like some've said before me on this thread, it comes down to self-esteem & how comfortable you are in your choice of hobbies. You also have to ask yourself, did you start enjoying anime/manga for the sake of another or did you do it because you enjoyed it? If you did it to enjoy it, don't let anyone else make you think otherwise. After all, though cheesy the line 'Those who mind don't matter while those who matter don't mind' does have some truth to it.

And now, I shall descend from my soapbox & let you carry on. :)

Takizawa
06-18-2009, 05:46 PM
I think a lot of people find it weird that I do. They claim I dont look like the type of person who would. Even someone on this forum did ;) You know who you are LOL.