There is nothing wrong with being fond of Japanese comics and cartoons which, by Western fans, are called manga and anime respectively. However, many aficionados of this type of art are hesitant to admit their passion, fearing that they are associated with the subculture which, in the world of the internet, is called "weeaboo". The term "weeaboo" is a contraction of the English phrase "wannabe Japanese" (wanting to be Japanese) and, at times, it is not uncommon to find the neologism "Wapanese" in American forums, which has a slightly derogatory connotation, as it indicates a passionate on the verge of obsession. In Italy the movement of manga and anima fans is lively especially online, and in our country the term otaku is used more. In principle, joining a subculture is hardly wrong, but if you don't want to be a part of it, there are ways to stand out and differentiate yourself.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Getting Rid of Weeaboo Habits
Step 1. Don't use weeaboo jargon
In each group there are factors that encourage cohesion and identify the membership of the group. One of the biggest elements that label you as weeaboo is the tendency to use incomplete and fragmentary Japanese terms in normal conversation, often in an emphatic or overly dramatic way. The use of ungrammatical Japanese is a sign of lack of sensitivity towards the culture, prevents good communication and could create problems for you if, in the future, you really want to learn the language. Here are some expressions that are typical of the weeaboo community:
- Kawaii (か わ い い).
-
Affirmation in Italian followed by the word desu (で す).
Variation: Italian sentence followed by an adjective in Japanese and then by the word desu (で す). For example: "I passed that exam so I know I'm kakkoii desu"
- Suffixes like - kun (- く ん) and - chan (- ち ゃ ん).
- Baka (ば か).
- Sugoi (す ご い).
- Chibi (ち び).
- Neither! (ね).
Step 2. Don't always prioritize Japanese things
There are many positives to joining a group or subculture, but bias is not one of them. The assumption that Japanese products are automatically superior to others can lead to self-isolation and / or a mild form of disappointment. You can tone down weeaboo tendencies by keeping a critical attitude. If you can't identify the rational reasons why one thing is better than another, then most likely it's just a matter of personal preference. Here are some questions you should ask yourself:
- Why do I like this Japanese product?
- What is the difference between the Japanese product and a similar one from different origins?
- What makes a Japanese product better than another similar one, but from another country?
Step 3. Don't isolate yourself from your clothing choices
The way you dress is a social convention that conveys your belonging to a group to others. There are socially acceptable places to express your interest by wearing your favorite character's costume, for example an anime fan gathering. Choosing every day to dress like Japanese animal cartoon characters is in many cases a characteristic of weeaboo.
A single accessory or a single piece of clothing of the costume can be a touch of originality to your look and does not make you appear socially isolated and unapproachable
Step 4. Don't neglect your true "me"
By identifying with specific characters and recreating fantastic scenarios you can make new friends and stimulate your creative skills, but don't let this interfere with your personal development. Pretending to be who you are not, even just to imitate someone you admire, can lead to a misalignment between your appearance and your true feelings, up to truly extreme consequences.
- Accept that your personality, like your preferences and beliefs, change as you grow. Even if you consider yourself a huge fan of manga, respect what you can become and future changes that will affect more moderate and less "weeaboo" behavior.
- Put aside instant rewards like anime, manga, costumes, and online activities from time to time. Reevaluate your personal goals and role in the community. Are you happy with who you are right now? Ignoring all of this in order to fully dedicate yourself to Japanese culture is proof that you are a weeaboo.
Part 2 of 2: Study
Step 1. Watch Japanese documentaries
These are an excellent source of teaching for understanding the human difficulties of daily life in Japan. Some important films of Japanese culture and the experiences of those living abroad are:
- Jiro and the Art of Sushi (2011).
- The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013).
- Hafu: The Mixed-Race Experience in Japan (2013) (not available in Italian).
- Brakeless (2014) (not available in Italian).
- Kokoyakyu: High School Baseball (2006) (not available in Italian).
- The Invention of Dr. Nakamats (2009) (not available in Italian).
Step 2. Take a course in oriental languages and literature
Even if you don't intend to major in Japanese language or culture, you can learn the historical reasons that led to the development of today's Japanese society, so as to clarify misconceptions and minimize misplaced assumptions (both associated with the weeaboo subculture).. If you develop a craze for all things Japanese without a cultural background and in-depth knowledge, then you will have a distorted view. If, on the other hand, you study Asian history and culture, you will gain the advantage of being able to contextualize and better understand your future contacts with Japanese tradition.
-
If you are unable to access a university course, you can inquire with the Japanese community in your area, contact the embassy and look for cultural groups you can join. Here are some traditional Japanese arts you can learn about:
- Taiko drum courses (太 鼓).
- Kendo (剣 道, Japanese fencing).
- Shodou (書 道, art of calligraphy).
- Sadou (茶道, Japanese tea ceremony).
Avoid Becoming a Weeaboo Step 7 Step 3. Buy books on Japanese society
Weeaboo are commonly criticized for limiting themselves to the culture conveyed in an exaggerated way by the mass media. If you read texts that touch on different topics, you can get a more complete picture of the intricate way of life of the Japanese people.
Avoid Becoming a Weeaboo Step 8 Step 4. Study different cultures or learn a foreign language
Culture and language are closely related. Many foreign languages contain words and concepts that simply do not exist in your mother tongue, and if you learn them, you will have the tools to understand their perspective. Also, if you come into contact with other cultures, you will have a much broader awareness.
There is no need to study Japanese to get the benefits of bilingualism. If there is a community near you that speaks a language other than yours, try to attend it as much as you can, to immerse yourself in its culture
Advice
- While it's fun to imitate and recreate your favorite anime character in reality, don't give up on other people's friendship and empathy, just for the sake of staying in character.
- If you have decided to wear a costume in public, check that it is not equipped with real weapons, as they are prohibited.
