I know what you mean.
It makes me so mad. I hate football, but I don't put people down who play or enjoy watching it. That's all I ask. You don't have to like it, but don't put it or me down just because I do. Show a little respect. When I tell people I'm interested in the Japanese culture I get what I've dubbed "the look." I'm one of the very few people (honestly I think I'm the only person) who watch and draw anime and read manga in my city. From the reactions I get you would think it's the plauge! It's not like I'm constantly talking about it either. I have been sitting in a doctor's office reading manga and someone will almost always ask me "Aren't comic books for children?" When I try to explain they look at me like I need to be in a home. Anime is even worse. My mother is constantly asking me when I'm going to grow up and put childish things behind me.
Grrr....I'm about to be 27!
I've tried to show her. I even got her to watch Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle (The ONLY ones she WOULD watch. I tried to get her to watch FMA but no, she wouldn't do it.) and she just says they're nice little cartoons and I need to grow up and be the adult I am.
My best friend makes fun of me all the time. I do have to give her credit for giving me loads of anime for Christmas, though.
Most people just make fun of me. I've learned to live with it and not care what others think. If it makes me happy, so what.
A few years back I was lucky enough to have made friends with a couple who were (and still are) very much into anime, manga, and the Japanese culture. They introduced me to another friend then to two more and now our "anime club" just keeps growing. (There were three carloads that went to mtac with us) We have anime parties and go to a few conventions throughout the year. As much as it is a pain to have people make fun of you and what you love, having the company of like minded people makes it all worth while.
