Originally Posted by Lionshead (Post 735408)

Ok, regarding the term Otaku,... it is true that the term Otaku sometimes has a negative stereotype however,

Otaku (おたく/オタク?) is a Japanese term used to refer to people with obsessive interests, particularly anime, manga, and video games. In modern Japanese slang, the term otaku refers to a fan of any particular theme, topic, or hobby. definition from wikipedia

If I said I was a otaku of japanese culture i would be "most likely" catagorizing myself as someone who fits those traits based on the definition, and not negatively sterotyping myself. Otaku is not a negative term. All it means is I really like something, like anime.

So i don't see anything wrong with just the term Otaku, its just the sterotype that goes with it. What I mean is... He/She is a Otaku so all i do is watch anime all day. Thats a stereotype because its not necessarly true and has nothing to do with the definition.

Here is another example...
If i am a Technican, I fix electrical equipement. Definition.
He is a technican that does not do much work. Opinionated Fact
I am a Technican as well as my friends, so we don't do much work either. Stereotype

Hope this helps...

Originally Posted by Pike (Post 735579)

I am an manga/anime fan But I do not consider myself a hardcore fan. I own some anime's. However manga/anime's are not the reason I like and want to visit Japan. I am also an Star Trek fan but I do not refer to myself as "trekkies" because I do not dress up and attend every convention. As a matter of fact I have never went to a "trekkies" convention. I do not look down on people that do fall into those categories.

My family and I are hardly home because of our hobbies which keep us out of the house so often I think we should live in an RV.

Originally Posted by JoshAussie (Post 735842)

I want to go to an anime convention dressed like Bill Gates. Play Otaku for a day.

Originally Posted by Ryzorian (Post 736468)

I like Anime becuase the stories are pretty good. Still, I am rather amused that every American shown is either some ignorant Soldier or a blond domineering princess.

Afterall most American's aren't blond and being ex army, I don't consider myself that ignorant. It's also funny to watch how many Americans are fluent in Japanese, we all know that isn't true. I know the same amount of Japanese that every American knows...Toyota, Sony, Honda...