Forum - View topicAnime Lifestyle
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Tempest
 I Run this place.ANN Publisher  Posts: 10539 Location: Do not message me for support. |
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I was just talking to someone from NPR and she asked me a question about the Anime Lifestyle.
Personally, I loath that question (But I'm not insulted or anything when it is asked) because I don't believe there is an "Anime Lifestyle." What do you think? |
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GATSU
Posts: 16424 |
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Just tell em to watch Otaku No Video if they wanna know about the anime lifestyle.
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LordByronius
ANN Columnist
 Posts: 861 Location: Philippe for America! He is five. |
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OMG TEMPEST YOUR POST COUNT IS 666
But just don't reply to ANYTHING, EVER so it'll stay that number forever. |
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TheAngstyKiller
Posts: 26 |
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There isn't really such a thing as an anime lifestyle. There are things that can be classified as 'otaku behaviour', but those are mostly isolated satirical examinations rather than something that applies to the majority of the class of people called 'otaku' (read the 'how to be an otaku' thread to see how general the term is).
If you want something broad, and mind you these comments do not apply to the lifestyle (if you can call it that) as a whole, here's a few: 1) You eat oriental snack foods like Pocky and Prawn Chips in addition to local snacks like Twix and Ruffles. 2) You listen to some kind of Japanese music, whether it be an Anime Soundtrack, or some Artist from Avex Trax (or any Japanese band for that matter), which eventually ties it into the anime category. 3) You have bought and display at least one article of anime paraphernalia, such as an anime wall scroll, pin, trading card, UFO doll, action figure, lunch box, tea set, or some godforsaken promo item with the character's name or title slapped onto it. 4) You occasionally go to screenings at your local anime club, and/ or attend an anime convention (cosplay optional). 5) You buy or own some form of anime media. 6) You know some kind of anime terms/ jargon/ cliches like 'doujinshi', 'fansubs', 'cosplay', and 'Minmei the bimbo'. This may or may not include the use of anime cliches in emoticons, like the anger crosses or sweatdrops. ie. ^^## , ^^;; 7) You consider it relevant news when the issue of dub vs. sub (this has quelled down a lot after DVDs started releasing with both language tracks), or digital anime piracy is brought up. 8 ) You're a member of an anime community, whether it be a local club, cosplay group, anime forum, or whatnot. 9) You have some general idea of japanese culture and conventions, sometimes gained through the symbolizing that occurs in anime. Hope that draws a few lines in the sand for you 
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Cassandra
 Posts: 1356 Location: Birdsboro, PA |
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There are too many factors for there to be a "lifestyle." For example, on the list AngstyKiller gave above....I only do 4 of the 8 listed. (I don't listen to J-Pop or any other Japanese music really....I've heard individual songs, yes, but not a whole album. I don't eat pocky. As a matter of fact, the only pocky I tried, I didn't even like. I don't much care about sub vs dub, it's a dumb argument. And I haven't been to many screenings or conventions....just haven't had the time or money lately.)
We have extreme "otaku" like the guy in CA who left a baby in the car for 3 hours while he went to watch anime. (I believe the kid died.) Then we have people like me who try to watch as many titles as humanly possible, but don't think anime is the end all to life. Then there's the people who only know Dragonball Z or something. We all like anime, we're all different....maybe when there's an "Otaku Pride" parade or something, I'll try to define a lifestyle
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Craeyst Raygal
 Posts: 1383 Location: In the garage, beneath a 1970 MGB GT. |
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Some like it, some LIVE it. :D
Anime is, much like the rest of sci-fi fandom (I'm being realistic, in the public's eye we're sort of an outcropping, which isn't a bad thing) , an experience. It's unique in as it's a visual medium that brings a person's wildest fantasies to life (be they large robots, well-endowed blondes, global conquest, etc.) The fanbase in anime is also one of the most forgiving and least judgemental, I've noticed. Ideas that most people consider at the very least distressing (homosexuality, rampant violence, heterosexuality, multiple religions, different religions, philosophy, man versus machine, man as a machine, the definition of man, inter-racial love, inter-species love, love for an appliance.... shall I go on?) are considered the norm to anime fans. Where else but amongst otaku is it encouraged for two girls to think it would be neat if two pretty boys were lovers? But what does this have to do with "the anime lifestyle?" Everything. I like to think that somewhere, beneath the fantasy release and the appreciation for great artwork, that anime fans are people who stop and question things. They watch a good series and then stop to think that it may actually apply to their lives. I'm not saying that we think that the UN needs Mobile Suits (though I've got some blueprints....), I'm saying that we take philosophy and ideals that are shown to us and think on them, thus forming our own opinions of life. That, to me, is someone who is living the anime lifestyle. A person who is mking a conscious effort to think for themselves and who is willing to be exposed to the ideas of others.... ... even if those ideas are presented in the form of robotic women serving a human master whose goal is to save his world from an evil demon using a sword wielding robot powered by the spirit of his pet gerbil. (If there actually is an anime like this, I'm sorry to have offended its fans and would like a copy) |
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Mangareader
Posts: 24 |
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I like it too. It helps my image as a well rounded geek. I like all things scifi. Star Trek, Star Wars, anime, reading hard scifi book and Science News. Even my job is geeky. (I work in the Electronics department of a major Department store.)
The only thing now that I need is a girlfriend. ^^;; |
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Ataru
 Posts: 2350 Location: Missouri (Strikeman) |
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*Reads though the list.* My god, that's me in Korea. 
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Emerje
 Posts: 7549 Location: Maine |
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Don't do that, it'll ruin your image.
Emerje |
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dakameleon
Posts: 8 Location: Melbourne, Australia |
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*said with completely straight face* I'm sorry, the anime lifestyle specifically precludes the attainment of a girlfriend in any way shape or form as this will inevitably result in money not being spent spent on anime but instead on the aforesaid girl friend. The only expection is where the girlfriend is also a fellow anime lover/otaku and you have met at a convention where you were cosplaying a female and she a male yet you still proceeded to 'hit it off', as it were. All money must continue to be spent on anime, but this now includes the buying of anime related gifts etc. Thank you for your kind participation. *still straight faced* *bursts into laughter* I'll tell you what, it's not easy getting a girlfriend and maintaining an Anime habit. [/b] |
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LordByronius
ANN Columnist
Posts: 861 Location: Philippe for America! He is five. |
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BYRON'S GUIDE TO FINDING A GIRLFRIEND
NOTE: THIS GUIDE IS NOT GUARANTEED WITHIN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES One: talk to them. TALK TO THEM. THEY WILL NOT TALK TO YOU. YOU MUST TALK TO THEM FIRST. Two: Seriously, play down the dork aspect a little bit. Even if you're wearing an iron-on Lime from SMJ t-shirt, ignore it for a bit. Mention your AMAZING LIFE EXPERIENCES that doesn't include what you do at home, on your couch, or on your computer (unless you fight evil from your couch at home, or if you use your computer to manipulate space-age satellite beams of death or something). Three: Invite the girl to something casual and NON-NERDY. If you're going to a movie, try not to make it Star Trek, for example. If you're going to the mini-golf place, avoid the DDR machine. Unless the girl likes Star Trek (HAHAHA) or wants to play DDR herself. *cue Paul Anka jingle* In all seriousness, most girls would find a guy more interesting if he, say, was an avid snowboarder who collected vintage Beatles LPs rather than somebody who considers his grand AzuDai cosplay troupe at some convention the crowning jewel of his life experiences. |
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Case
Posts: 1016 |
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I think it's probably worth noting that a lot of anime fans are internet and/or video game savvy, or become that way over time.
A lot of us feel the effects of the wide perception that cartoons are supposed to be for children. Many of us are at least teased for it at some point in our lives, and I think more than a few of us are more sensitive to other people's tastes for it. It's also undeniable that more than a few anime fans have reliquised the possibility of the more traditional concept of a social life in favor of their hobby. That's all I can really add to this discussion. Just a few idle, totally subjective observations really... |
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SuperSkylineGTR
 Posts: 471 Location: Chicago, IL |
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[quote="TheAngstyKiller"]
1) You eat oriental snack foods like Pocky and Prawn Chips in addition to local snacks like Twix and Ruffles. 2) You listen to some kind of Japanese music, whether it be an Anime Soundtrack, or some Artist from Avex Trax (or any Japanese band for that matter), which eventually ties it into the anime category. 3) You have bought and display at least one article of anime paraphernalia, such as an anime wall scroll, pin, trading card, UFO doll, action figure, lunch box, tea set, or some godforsaken promo item with the character's name or title slapped onto it. 4) You occasionally go to screenings at your local anime club, and/ or attend an anime convention (cosplay optional). 5) You buy or own some form of anime media. 6) You know some kind of anime terms/ jargon/ cliches like 'doujinshi', 'fansubs', 'cosplay', and 'Minmei the bimbo'. This may or may not include the use of anime cliches in emoticons, like the anger crosses or sweatdrops. ie. ^^## , ^^;; 7) You consider it relevant news when the issue of dub vs. sub (this has quelled down a lot after DVDs started releasing with both language tracks), or digital anime piracy is brought up. 8 ) You're a member of an anime community, whether it be a local club, cosplay group, anime forum, or whatnot. 9) You have some general idea of japanese culture and conventions, sometimes gained through the symbolizing that occurs in anime. Hope that draws a few lines in the sand for you
[/quote] Well okay then, lemme see here... 1) I don't eat candy bars as is, so why would I want to eat Japanese snacks? Plus I don't care for most oriential food (except fortune cookies) 2)When I get sent to Hell and Satan gives me a choice between Country music and J-pop, I might have to go with Country. 3)Does 2 shelves of Gundam models count? 4)Never been to convention, don't particularily care too. 5)80+ DVD's. Yep, got that covered. 6)Minmei the Bimbo, HAHAHAHA That is funny. Yeah, I down with the lingo 7)Yeah, I guess I am invloved in those discussions from time to time. 8)I'm here, ain't I? 9)Yes, I know quite a bit about Japanese culture. And it has to taught me to be glad I live in the US. So according to Angsty here, I live a somwhat anime lifestyle. thanks for the guidelines Killer. |
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PuertoRicanMan
Posts: 30 |
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I think Craeyst Raygal has made a best point.. some only like it while others live it.
But there really is no "life-style" unless this is your calling in life. For most of us its an interest, but I doubt we spend all of our time sitting in front of our computers searching out every last detais about the series we like. Personally, I probably spend about as much as everyone here buying DVDs, but thats not the only thing I spend cash on. Im in the process of upgrading my paintball gun, trying to acquire scuba diving equipment and on some occassions starring at the newest lacrosse sticks from Warrior. Though I have to agree that there a lot of common factors, like being into sci-fi and what not. Still, I'd hardly call it a life-style |
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Mangareader
Posts: 24 |
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Since I am such a geek I was hope some hard drinking love-starved alien (but not to alien) women would come live with me for no other reason but to bother me while I am trying to get into a top university while running an all-girls dormitory. All this and I can still be who I am.
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