[CoolNard]

Originally Posted by annelie82

More adults need to start watching anime. Given that the audience of Western cartoons/animated films still consists exclusively of children, watching cartoons (incl. Japanese anime) is by nature considered a "childish" and "unintellectual" activity. If more adults watched anime, some of that stigma would likely be reduced.

Yes... but the question here is *how*, exactly? O.o

Originally Posted by annelie82

The storylines of many non-animated, mainstream tv shows and films are fictional too, though (unless you meant science-fictional?). You are right, however, in that people who dislike anime/cartoons (and science fiction) often use this argument to justify their standpoint.

Well, since you put it that way, I wouldn't say they're covering up their actions with arguments, more like, excuses. Hence, their justification isn't valid.

Originally Posted by annelie82

I was once asked, after admitting that I watched Star Trek, why I was more interested in aliens than in human beings. I replied that actually, when I watch Star Trek it's not the aliens themselves that are the focus of my attention, but rather the extreme situations that the humans face in their encounters with alien life forms. This is something that, contrary to popular belief, I believe fans of mainstream tv and fans of anime/science fiction have in common - whether you are a soap opera fan or a science fiction fan, the focal point of your interest is the extreme situations (be they amnesia, rape or alien abductions) that people, real or fictional, end up in and, more importantly, their reactions and emotional development.

We are knowledgeable of this, but are our sci-fi-loving counterparts?

Originally Posted by annelie82

People will poke fun at you as long as you respond to their teasing. The reason my friends and family accept my interest in anime is because they've realised there's simply no point in trying to make fun of me. I just don't care what they think anymore. I think the rule here is "if you are confident in yourself and your interests, others will have confidence in you and may even share your interests."

At least, that's depends on how lucky we are and what we hope for.

Originally Posted by annelie82

Thanks ^-^, though I don't actually consider geeks to be "geeky" (at least not in the stereotyped sense of the word). Nowadays, only people who are afraid to stand up for what they believe in and enjoy are "geeks" in my opinion. Er...Does that make sense?

No problem, I share the same sentiments therefore, it makes a whole lotta sense to me.