Our topic for today is kinda of a taboo, the one that "people-know-about-it-but-dont-pry-to-much-into-it" type;
Otaku.
I thank
Ore no Imouto ga Konnna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai" for highlighting this.
As defined by a certain dictionary which accepted this latest entry of new words into their codex;
Otaku; a young person who is obsessed with computers or particular aspects of popular culture to the detriment of their social skills
- Oxford Online
That would be the softer definition for labeling otakus. Other definitions like "scorn of Japan", "NEETs", "perverts", "freaks", "crazies" are the commons and might be more appropriate for those outside of the realm of 2D.
Word is that, associating one's self with any otaku activity is considered social suicide. A "detriment to social skills" as earlier described. Like cutting yourself from reality and closing your door to the world, leaving our idle mind's for the devil to play with.
Screw that.
For those living anywhere
besides Japan or in the Asian continent, I'm willing to bet your neighbour has no clue what "otaku" even means, which is a plus by the way.
Unfortunately, despite the bright lights of Akihabara at 8, the giant billboards on the latest promotions of upcoming releases and a seemingly bustling animation industry, there lies discrimination in the heart of it.
The general public are at least aware of their existence, but they're considered to be the scorn of Japan's society; often looked down like a bug, better ignored that cared about. Disassociate yourself from having anything to do with this pest and you're clean.
"What so great about cartoons?"
"How can grown men even like this stuff?"
...are the usual views, considered "abnormal" or "highly unorthodox" for a child, teen or even an adult to be obsessing about. And those reports about otaku related incidents and crimes aren't helping with public impressions.
But I wouldn't call otakus "obsessed" tho. More like "high on enthusiasm". They share a passion for such simple entertainment. To other's, it's even part of their life and who they are. Of course, it sometimes leads us to developing our own language, only understandable by those on the same wavelength, but that's okay. ^_^
I can still converse and socialise normally without the internet abbreviations and slangs.
I still know how to discern right from wrong, the acceptable norms and not's.
I have not (yet) shut my door and escaped from reality and morph into a Hikikomori.
I have an interest similar to art collectors, movie fanatics and reading enthusiasts.
I am still human.
And that's what this show is about actually, about a closet fujoshi (female otaku) dealing with society's oppressive views on her hobby. This series is about as real as it can get to the current views on otaku activities and what people go through to keep their hobby a national secret or maintaining it without the
frowns and disapproving faces from the general public.
And that was my introduction of
"Ore no Imouto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai".
And this is reason enough for me to keep watching.
Gainax did a pretty bold move and I'm enjoying it
So enjoy your huge dose of comparisons.
December's will be the last for this year, so I'll review and include as many as possible by next month.
Stay frosty! (those in the northern hemi., pardon the lame joke. I know it's really freezing there)
And hope you had a Happy (belated) Halloween!
Seiyuu Comparisons
[Sakamoto Maaya]
Nino Mari Makinami Illustrious
I just can't stop laughing whenever I tune in
Arakawa. It's just too hilarious for a straight face to handle.
Glad I got to see Nino again! Seems there's a plot now (is there?)
[Kamiya Hiroshi]
Ichinomiya Kou Zess
Have you seen
Break Blade yet? Totally awesome, especially for a mecha fan like me.
Well, kind of "mecha", so it's awesome all the same.
[Sugita Tomokazu]
Hoshi Kyon
A Rock Star!
Sorry, can't help with the lame pun. It just came to me. =D
And Kyon, don't give me that......
