Otaku: It’s a word that most American individuals aren’t
familiar with, but to those who are familiar with the term, it is either taken on as a proud, strange title or another way to say “outcast.” It all centers on a single idea, a fanatic.
In Japan, the word’s place of origin, a person could be a fanatic for anything, but in America, the word has carried over to be a specific fanatic of Japanese culture,
animation, fashion and comic books. The term otaku is often applied to individuals who like Japanese comics and animation, specifically those who one might find in an anime club, like The Anime Club at Longwood.
David Lynn, third time president of The Anime Club, knows that most of the students
may not know what the word otaku means, but understand that it has the connotations of, “You’re different in a bad way.” The term has come to apply to those who may be different, less popular or considered anti-social because of their liking of anime.
People have come into contact with animation that they love, be it American style or Japanese style. Just think about the huge “Frozen” obsession, or when one would wake up early to catch the latest episode of “Pokémon,” no matter one’s age, it was still exciting. People still play video games when they are grown up, so what’s wrong with watching cartoons? There are many anime series that have just as much humor, romance and thought-provoking plot lines as other popular television shows, animated or not. One cries, laughs and cheers during a new episode of “Gilmore Girls,” so what’s different about doing the same when a new episode of “Sailor Moon Crystal” airs? Lynn feels it may be due to a cultural connotation. For shows that American’s think of as acceptable animation, such as “American Dad,” they may feel justified because “it is clearly meant for adults due to content.”
One might feel it is okay to watch it because it is specifically geared towards them, and may make them feel less connected towards their younger sibling that watches other animated shows. Just as television shows in America are geared towards younger age groups, there are anime series that are geared towards a specific age group as well. However, this does not mean that all anime series are created
for children. In fact, most of the series are created to be enjoyed by all age groups, or have content that would be too mature for younger audiences. There is no reason not to feel like an adult when watching “American Dad,” which is a successful animated series, versus watching “Attack on Titan,” which is a successful animated series.
People also may feel that those who are classified as an otaku may be different because of what they are wearing. Cosplay is often a word that is found in the same genre as otaku, but does not carry a negative meaning. In its basic form, it means to wear a costume. For the record: People do not wear cosplay outfits every day of their lives, only for special occasions. Just as students dressed up for Oktoberfest this past weekend, and will again for Halloween, an otaku will for the same occasions. They may even do the same at a convention, like San Diego Comic Con.
By the same coin, if one is going to a concert, they may dress up in fitting fashion. Students in The Anime Club may wear an article of clothing that has the logo or a character from their favorite anime. Again, there is no difference in wearing a “Game of Thrones” or an “Adventure Time” t-shirt from an otaku wearing a “Naruto” t-shirt.
Not all anime series are for everyone, just as not all normal television series are for everyone. But keep in mind, just because someone enjoys anime, it doesn’t make him or her strange, or negatively different. Everyone is different. An otaku is a word for someone who appreciates Japanese anime, comic books or culture.
Instead of singling that person out, just ask, “What’s that show about?” Maybe it’ll become a new favorite. As Lynn said, “[It’s] a way for people to meet each other.”
