As my interest in Japan, and the language, have increased. My appreciation (not much to begin with) has slowly worn itself out.

I would like to use this forum now, as a conduit to my oppinions on the matter.

I used to watch anime, and don’t get me wrong, as a kid, it was both exiting as well as a bit of an adventure. However, as my appreciation of the Japanese language has expanded, I have begun do almost despise it. Not only because of it in itself, rather, how and what the masses of followers are becoming.

I can understand people liking anime. I really can, but grown men doing the sailor moon cosplays(See Tofugu article on Japanese Girlfriends) and kids who think they know everything about the Japanese language, based solely upon the fact that they watch anime with subs? Wrong.

I have come to a conclusion, well, at least within my own mind. “If this keeps up, Japan is going to get dragged through the muddy water that is ‘Otaku’ culture. (Which, in my own belief, shouldn’t even be related to Japanese culture, in one bit). It saddens me that every time I hear about Japan, it has to do with either one of the following. 1.Anime 2.Manga 3.Ramen Noodles 4.Uptight business men. I mean, really? Come on. There are things about Japan, that are beyond belief, as far as interest wise.

This being said, I do not know everything about Japan. Nor, do I think that I ever will.

Now, I’m not going to say “Anime is a terrible source of learning the Japanese language; and you shouldn’t associate yourself, with either, it, nor the culture that (like a plague) soon follow.” Or, that “Anime doesn’t work when learning.” Because, that may not be true. I have met a few(RARE) that have furthered themselves as Japanese speakers, and very effectively via anime/manga/whatever other form of childish Japanese media. They,are better people because of it? I don’t know. But what I do know is this. They do not run around, saying desu desu desu kawaii desu desu. They also, do not talk about anime, visit cons, cosplay, or pretend to know things to which they do not. If anime works for you, FANTASTIC! I’m very proud of you!

Anyhow, I’ve been wanting to get that off my chest for some time now. Once again, I’m sorry if I offend. Keep up your studies, remain diligent and keep up the ‘froodylence’ as it were.

SinisterT.

And,
I know I may have come off a little abrasive, however, I was just expressing myself on the issuse, and was trying to be as polite as I could about it.
Soz.

SinisterT.

Oh and as long as someone from Textfugu is reading this they won’t be offended, since they are already different from those “masses” since they already took the initiative of learning Japanese (and hopefully will stick with it ’till the end!), it should offend the “masses”, though (unless they are to ignorant).

One more thing, I think you hate ignorant people ;P

Well,
I try not to hate anything, but I do strongly dislike ignorance. As far as your desire to learn to read Japanese in manga(etc.) It is extremely rewarding when you do get to that point of your learning experience. So keep up the good work, and it will pay off soon!

Yeah, I know that the members of Textfugu ‘Should not’ be offended, but this has been known to be a rather sore subject amongst certain crowds.

SinisterT

I personally love anime, but simply as a form of entertainment. That’s it. Nothing more.
That is what anime was made for but unfortunately some people take it way too seriously these days – a bit like football (or soccer if you’re American).

!!!
BINGO!
You are right on the money!

Personally, I just can’t stand it as a form of entertainment. However, that is just my preference.

And another form of entertainment, the older samurai flicks. I love them, but they seem to use the most polite forms of Japanese, and I cannot wrap my tiny little brain around that just yet. Bwahahahaha.

Yet.

>:D