In his book Japanamerica, Roland Kelts describes an otaku as being "..a word that can be used for anyone who is obsessed." Now, the word didn't originally mean that in the Japanese, but as manga and anime popularity grew in both Japan and America, this word became somewhat of an insult to be used for those deemed as unhealthily obsessed. Now, it's just used for anyone who is a big fan of something, whether their obsession is healthy or not.
More explanations of the word Otaku is explained in Kelts' book (pg. 153-175), and I recommend reading the book if you want to learn more about how Japan's culture is steadily influencing America.
As for why I chose to use the title ReluctantOtaku, I confess I do find myself slowly becoming an otaku. Not as readily as most, but while looking at my growing anime and manga collection, not to mention a little Fruits Basket plushie hanging on my closet door, I can very easily say that otakudom is not too far away..
In a way, I could say that I am already a bit of an otaku. The word doesn't have to always refer to anime or manga (although that's usually the connotation). It can refer to any obsession with any form of entertainment. If you love a certain football team and collect their Superbowl dvds, the team's jerseys, little figurines of the players, or slap your favorite quaterback's fathead on your wall, you're an otaku. For me, it was my obsession with The Lord of the Rings that earned my little share in otakudom. I collect the books, I have figurines, I have the extended films, I have board games and posters.
I am an otaku.
And now that my tastes are turning toward the Japanese route, let's see what else we can find and talk about! What will I review and mention next? I don't know. But hey, there's plenty of things to look at and review so, see ya next time!
No comments:
Post a Comment