Otaku Culture
Is otaku culture really a culture of negativity?
Originally, calling someone an otaku is a neutral term, which “is define as a variety of geek specializing in Manga and Moe stuffs” (Wikipedia, 2012). However, after a famous scene showing film depicting that a timid unkempt otaku has never dated a girl in “Densha-Otoku” (Japanese otaku movie) is released, a negative image has been made in the society. Some people may think that otaku are just socially inept, while some may even think that they are Hikikomoris—“people who refuse to leave their house for a long period” (Wikipedia, 2012). According to Mr. Kaichiro Morikawa, an associate professor at the School of Global Japanese Studies at Meiji University, “the otakus are shying away the mainstream culture. This kind of culture is a disposition towards “dame”; which means that their self-indulgence appears socially unacceptable “(Otaku talk, 2004). So, in his opinion, he strongly agrees that the reverse side of “mainstream” is equal to “unacceptable”.
In the reality, the concept of “unacceptable” are so narrow. People may agree that “acceptable” is to have a stable job and to conform to the society. So, without these elements, otaku will be discriminated. Going to maid café, obsessing with bishojo games, chasing for high quality electronics and idling at home, these actions are totally opposing the traditional value of the public. More seriously, people may think that otakus are a hopeless and parasite crowd, same as those who addicted to gambling or drugs, as they may affect the correct social values. Therefore, in their mind, otaku culture is a culture of negativity.
Far be it from me to doubt that otakus shy away from mainstream culture, but I would like to raise some questions: Is otaku culture really a culture of negativity? Do they really want to be “no good”? People may over-state the meaning of “negativity”, any opinions differ from those of the majority are regarded as unacceptable. Thus, judging
Originally, calling someone an otaku is a neutral term, which “is define as a variety of geek specializing in Manga and Moe stuffs” (Wikipedia, 2012). However, after a famous scene showing film depicting that a timid unkempt otaku has never dated a girl in “Densha-Otoku” (Japanese otaku movie) is released, a negative image has been made in the society. Some people may think that otaku are just socially inept, while some may even think that they are Hikikomoris—“people who refuse to leave their house for a long period” (Wikipedia, 2012). According to Mr. Kaichiro Morikawa, an associate professor at the School of Global Japanese Studies at Meiji University, “the otakus are shying away the mainstream culture. This kind of culture is a disposition towards “dame”; which means that their self-indulgence appears socially unacceptable “(Otaku talk, 2004). So, in his opinion, he strongly agrees that the reverse side of “mainstream” is equal to “unacceptable”.
In the reality, the concept of “unacceptable” are so narrow. People may agree that “acceptable” is to have a stable job and to conform to the society. So, without these elements, otaku will be discriminated. Going to maid café, obsessing with bishojo games, chasing for high quality electronics and idling at home, these actions are totally opposing the traditional value of the public. More seriously, people may think that otakus are a hopeless and parasite crowd, same as those who addicted to gambling or drugs, as they may affect the correct social values. Therefore, in their mind, otaku culture is a culture of negativity.
Far be it from me to doubt that otakus shy away from mainstream culture, but I would like to raise some questions: Is otaku culture really a culture of negativity? Do they really want to be “no good”? People may over-state the meaning of “negativity”, any opinions differ from those of the majority are regarded as unacceptable. Thus, judging
References: 1.Wikipedia, 2012 :Otaku -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otaku 2.Wikipedia, 2012 : Hikikomori-- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/hikikomori 3. OTAKU TALK, 2004: OTAKU TALK, T.Okada and K.Morikawa Moderated by T.Murakami 4. Top 10 anime, 2012: Anime news network-- http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/ratings-anime.php 5. Fullmetal Alchemist, 2012: Anime news network— http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=2960 6. Death Note, 2012: Anime news network—http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6592 7. Nerd Mentality, 2005:By Julian Ryall, South China Morning Post, November 12, 2005 C7 8. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, 2012: Anime news network-- http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=6430