(The thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are not meant to be hateful in nature to any one group or person. If you feel like this post attacked you, please settle it with me by PM.)
Just thought I'd do a bit of a different topic than usual. One thing I've noticed after being exposed to nerd culture (AKA gaming and whatnot) I've noticed quite a few people who are Japanophiles.
Japanophile: A person with an interest in, or love of, Japan and all things Japanese.
I put that there so our terms aren't confused. Basically, I notice a lot of people here and in other places of nerdom really like Japan. Most people relate this to love of anime/video games, but I've seen many people who don't like anime and still really like Japan (I have yet to see what can be called an "anime fan" who doesn't love Japan). Now, I don't consider anyone who likes Japan a "Weaboo" or an "Otaku". Those are terms I personally shun being called or referring to other people as (Unless in joking). I, however, can say to an extent I exhibit some qualities of being a Japanophile such as liking certain aspects of Japanese culture and wanting to learn the language as well as visit the country one day.
I want to be clear on the fact that I don't think it's a negative thing. I remember there being a large quantity of people in America who were obsessed with Indians and wanting to become one. I recall an episode of Saved by the Bell (Half of you probably just died or projectile vomited) where Zack learns he's partially an Indian and has to give a report on them. I think it's healthy to like another culture that isn't your own, as long as you're a grounded person and don't go too far with it (One guy I knew shaved his head in an effort to become a monk).
So basically, what are your thoughts on this? Do you think it's weird or bad that people can become obsessed with a foreign country such as Japan? Or do you think it's normal? What about those who are obsessed with niche part of that culture such as anime or video games? If this becomes a debate relating to something else I'll request to have the topic locked.
Just thought I'd do a bit of a different topic than usual. One thing I've noticed after being exposed to nerd culture (AKA gaming and whatnot) I've noticed quite a few people who are Japanophiles.
Japanophile: A person with an interest in, or love of, Japan and all things Japanese.
I put that there so our terms aren't confused. Basically, I notice a lot of people here and in other places of nerdom really like Japan. Most people relate this to love of anime/video games, but I've seen many people who don't like anime and still really like Japan (I have yet to see what can be called an "anime fan" who doesn't love Japan). Now, I don't consider anyone who likes Japan a "Weaboo" or an "Otaku". Those are terms I personally shun being called or referring to other people as (Unless in joking). I, however, can say to an extent I exhibit some qualities of being a Japanophile such as liking certain aspects of Japanese culture and wanting to learn the language as well as visit the country one day.
I want to be clear on the fact that I don't think it's a negative thing. I remember there being a large quantity of people in America who were obsessed with Indians and wanting to become one. I recall an episode of Saved by the Bell (Half of you probably just died or projectile vomited) where Zack learns he's partially an Indian and has to give a report on them. I think it's healthy to like another culture that isn't your own, as long as you're a grounded person and don't go too far with it (One guy I knew shaved his head in an effort to become a monk).
So basically, what are your thoughts on this? Do you think it's weird or bad that people can become obsessed with a foreign country such as Japan? Or do you think it's normal? What about those who are obsessed with niche part of that culture such as anime or video games? If this becomes a debate relating to something else I'll request to have the topic locked.
