I will be entering college this September, and as much as I like anime and manga, I don't want to be an otaku anymore. It is not like I don't enjoy them--of course I do, but I don't want to be known as a nerd anymore, and being a freshman in college, starting anew, will give me the opportunity.
It will be too painful if I just throw away/give away my collection at once, so I want to do it slowly. I don't know how I am going to manage doing that though... it seems like such a waste!
Anyway, I hope you guys can shed some light and opinion into how I can do it in a less painful manner. There is only a month more before I head to college, so I should start doing it now!
>>55 speaks truth, especially the part about being 'defined' by your interests.
I can honestly say that, beyond the people actually involved in the hobby, I've never had a single positive reaction to anime or manga, regardless of the subject matter.
I do not consider myself to be an extreme otaku or a 'manchild', but of course that may just be denial. My hobby is a very solitary thing; it's not like I broadcast on all open frequencies, "I'm an otaku, hear me roar!"
Whenever the subject matter has cropped up, say for example in conversation, the responses vary from mild 'harmless' derision to outright scorn. I'm labelled and categorised immediately. I don't hate the people doing this, because I understand how it must appear to them, but it's still a hurtful experience.
Either suck it up, or give it up. And either way, you're not going to be happy.
So you can put most of your collection in boxes, and put them in your parents' garage. That's what I did with my stuff. It's still there. Most of it has probably melted in the garage, but it's not a big tragedy. I've grown up, and got an apartment full of other stuff now.
As for ways to branch out, I have two words: dance lessons. There's no shortage of genres: ballroom, swing, salsa, hip-hop, square, contra, Morris, etc. In many of these, you rotate through random partners all night, so it's a little like speed dating, without the awkward conversation. It also allows you to get used to introducing yourself to women, and touching them without losing making a big deal out of it. Not that it'll get you dates; you still need other social skills to make that happen. But it's a good way to round yourself out.
just put your nerd stuff away in a box, for the sake of nostalgia in about 20yrs.
You can get away with watching/reading some anime/manga and not be an otaku or nerdy as long as you have plenty of non-nerdy/otakuish hobbies, interests etc. The important thing is that nerdy, otaku things must not be a large part of people's perception of you.
dont worry so much about people opinions!
But it is good to have multiple interests, too
it'll make life more interesting as well
well find something that will make you less of a nerd like an instrument or sport. selling your collection to buy an instrument and pay for lessons is what i recommend, hell start a band and youll get recognition as a musician and not a nerd. dress casually and comfortably. go for a haircut salon or something and ask the attendant who is cutting your hair what would you make you seem like a nice gentlemen or something and get it. find several other things you can do.
You do realize that on college campuses, there is a critical mass of everyone? Including otakus? Seriously, if you're not worried about being Everyone's Favorite Person Ever (which you can't be anyway, so don't try) then understand that you will find other people like you there, people who share your interests. It might be a good thing not to bring 40 boxes of anime merchandise with you to college, because that won't fit in a dorm room, but there will be people who are like you.
haven't densha taught you enuff? man, you better watch it again to grasp the message.. be yourself
You don't need to give up anime/manga/whatever just because you're going to school. Just don't bring it with you or you'll look like a retard.
>>1 I thought of doing the same as well but I was shocked when half of my Creative Writing class were anime fans. I attributed this to how us nerdy folk seem to last longer in school so their is a higher percentage of anime fans in college.
I've decided to keep embracing my hobby while at the same time making sure to branch out into other activities. I'd suggest you do the same. There should be lots of clubs and activities available to you that you should try out.
Also, don't bring your entire collection since it might get stolen. Just a couple of your favorite series.
Irony is bragging about being good at school in the same sentence as a horrific spelling error.
I see a lot of people suggesting picking up a new hobby. That works, because if you take away anime, and don't have anything to replace it, then you're just sitting around miserable all the time.
Might I suggest watching pornography? It's an amusing hobby, reasonably inexpensive and encourages masturbation which 9 out of 10 doctors agree is a requirement for a healthy life.
>>69 except the masturbation turns to an addiction
>>70 is mormon.
Rent these movies:
American Gangster
How High
Gone in 60 seconds
Swordfish
Cradle 2 da Grave
Lord of War
Sin City
Smokin Aces
Listen to these artists:
Lil Wayne
50 cent
Lloyd Banks
Eminem
Earth, Wind and Fire
And try things out ie. start a random fight or two
Also: do cool hobbies (ie. Breakdancing), weightlifting (cause your still a geek if all you can bench is the bar), and some gangster shit.
Throw around slang, see what fits you.
Now, I do not encourage saying anything that is used as a racist term. Also, be very careful about throwing up gang symbols. These are rules for being a fake "gangster", because if you do not have it in you, then dont try.
NOTES:
Good luck losing the nerdliness.
How sad...no otaku pride at all!!! tsk tsk!!
BE YOURSELF. Don't change because of others.
well, he could always get robbed at college for being a nerd...
you fucking fail.
Say it to my face.
The important point to this thread is, watching crime movies and listening to gangsta rap will not make you tough or cool. And if you think they'll teach you how to behave in society, then our prisons are full of people who thought the same thing.
It's not about what bits are coming out of your CD or DVD player while you're sitting on your catch, it's about getting off the couch and doing something that's worth talking about, and then talking to people about those things.
Here's some kopipe from another thread that I think asks the right question:
So what is it you're really afraid of?
Are you afraid of being an otaku because they don't get women? Or because of the kind of women they get? Are you ashamed of the friends you have?
Are you afraid of losing your position in the community, such as your family, church, school, or workplace?
Answer that question: what are you really afraid of? What is the functional definition of what's wrong with being an otaku?
watch Fight Club
cured
Fight Club is the shit...
I feel stupid for not saying so.
Fight Club: Excellent movie. Haven't read the book.
But it's also the cause of the cancer that is killing /b/, and by proxy, anonymous board culture as a whole. People think they're in Project Mayhem by posting their ex-girlfriends' phone numbers.
In fact, ever since Columbine, that "anarchy" bullshit is one of the things that makes normal people hate geeks.
be a stylish otaku! that'll be cool...
agree with that. being an otaku doesn't mean u cant do everything non-otaku did,right?
I would keep the anime and manga. I wouldn't be able to throw that away. You know, there are girls that like anime too. Don't bring the busty stuff. Tell an anime-girl you want to watch "Fruits Basket".
First, if you wear glasses, get contacts. Some people look good in glasses, most people don't. Also, pick a sport and stick with it. The extra time out in fresh air will earn bonus points with girls- nothing turns a girl OFF like the smell of a guy who spent 3 days in his dorm room.
That's all I can think of.
you were never otaku
>Some people look good in glasses, most people don't.
Nah...it's more about taking the time to picking the pair of glasses that suits you the best. And...don't focus way too much on the visual appearance, being relaxed and having a good sense of humor is more important, MUCH more important.
hmm I am thinking seriously about showering now before class...
Don't give your stuff away!!
People don't need to know you like anime and manga, and it's not like you're not able to do normal things too.
Plus on a campus, there are so many different people, it's unbelievable.
I'm applying to Uni this year, and one of my prospect ones has a MAGIC club O_o. Come on, compared to that, anime and manga is not bad.
Don't do something you don't want to do just to suit someone else. That sucks, majorly.
Oh, and I checked. The magic club I mentioned, it isn't talking about card tricks. It's talking about summoning fire style magic.
0_o
well, you collect stuffs,
err, i think you should just keep them and store it somewhere and keep it as a good memories.
Well,if you think you a nerd just because you are an otaku, why don't you just start having a makeover or a change of heart and still being a ...like a cooool otaku.
that will possible lol.
@ 93 xD lol fire style magic? xD ahahahah.... ^^ @85 yup i think that too :3
>>93 so it's a real magic club, rather than an illusionist club calling itself one?
There is no escape from being an Otaku. You either are one or your not, and since you are you will be one forever. You may end up restraining yourself for a while but it will only burst out a hundred times stronger in the future.
Give me all your anime treasures. :3 I'll be the Otaku for you. :3
I guess >>97 is kinda right. You can't just stop being or hiding who you really are. Doesn't really matter what people may think about you.
Some people like Otaku, some people don't - it's the way of the world. Honestly, I think Otas are cool. :)
Never give away what you can make back some of the money on.
Why this "be yourself" thing? You can be an otaku and just don't talk about it. People will never know, you won't be embarassed and you still can enjoy otaku stuff. So, what's the deal?
Then stop.
If you like anime, then keep liking it. Depending on the college, there may be plenty of otaku there as well, since it's usually easy to establish things like "Japanese Culture Club" where other otaku will go to. Also, Japanese classes likely have otaku.
He's an otaku, he's not necessarily gay. People can and do grow out of some things in life, you know.
As long as people label themselves and others, people will use the labels to deride others. I'm not an anything, I just have some likes and dislikes.
i also don't want to be one anymore. but then i think atleast i have anime and stuff.
What? Just be yourself. Who cares what the world thinks, you found what makes you happy why throw it away?
no otaku pride, what a shame :/
>>1
just its easy way that you should find otaku girl.
I think you should not deny it.
Maybe girls will not like it but they're just assholes.
Real girls will love you with most of your defects and virtudes.
Who cares what other people think I am treated normally and I am into D&D, manga, anime, and lots more nerdy things. If some one calls me a nerd I say yeah I am. So if you really like it don't just quit it if some one bugs you about it.
If you really want to give it up, then good for you, but you could always be a closet otaku like me haha. I don't reference stuff or anything like that, but I do keep up with all my favorite animes and gaming. Its not so wrong to be an otaku, really there isn't!
Its not like I want to stop you, but it might be easier if you forge your own stories, create your own momentos, or simply immerse yourself in your own real life. I try to stop relying on anime for what I lack in real life, but hey its hard. Good luck.
the answer, from experience is to keep both...
the only reason why making friends can be hard is, you got nothing to talk about with the new people...anime and manga is a small catagory in society and life...
for me, u need to know everyday thingys, such as sports, tv series/ drama - even Heroes is good, everyone knows this series (not anime)off the tv, make plans with friends, when u have there number, msn, bebo, myspace like going to the cinema or going out on fri-sat for drinks...
and doing your own stuff so u can talk about yourself...like driving lessons, college, work, gym and jus say u had a quiet day and sat on the comp for hours lookin at porn or anime, and talkin on the internet..simple and solved, any questions?
>>115 THIS THIS THIS THIS. I'm a nerd too, but who the fuck cares. I am what i am, and i LOVE what i am. Your problem will always be a problem because you care what people think. If it's not this, it will be that. Repeat after me. "F-U-C-K T-H-E-M".
Where's your Otaku pride, man?
PSSST...Give all your stuff to me.
You need to decide for yourself. You should try to find a healthy balance between not losing yourself and your needs completely and trying not to be too repulsive with your "otaku-ness" towards others.
I'm sure no one has any problem with someone who's a fan of Anime, however you should also try adapt a little to the needs of others.
Balance is the keyword here. ^^
There's nothing wrong with being yourself and having your interests. People are enthusiasts of various things, and most enthusiasts advertise what they're enthusiasts of, it's only natural, and can help you meet fellow enthusiasts.
If your IRL area is devoid of your sort of enthusiast, well fuck it, at least you have the internet.
>>1
don't change to conform for the assholes around you.
do what i did, people made fun of me, but one day i just said fuck it all and stopped caring. so repeat this: "FUCK EVERYONE ELSE, I'LL DO WHAT I DAMN WELL PLEASE" until it sticks.
If watching anime and stuff is cutting down on your time to do things you probably should be doing(such as passing your classes and going outside every once in a while), then just cut down on that sort of thing. Putting an hour or so aside for your hobbies won't kill you. It's all about moderation. You could also read manga in the bathroom while you poop.:B
By the way, chicks dig nerds. I know this from experience. As long as you're not an ass about your hobbies, as in singing OPs and EDs loudly despite not knowing a single word of Japanese, people are generally cool with that kind of thing. Also, be tolerant. If someone tells you "You watch anime? That's like DBZ and Pokemon and cartoon tentacle porn right?", don't turn into an elitist bastard. Just politely correct them, or joke along with them. For one friend of mine, I replied "Oh, definitely. But you're forgetting the little girls that swing meat cleavers around and mecha that can stand on galaxies defying all laws of physics, gravity, etc. It's great."; worked out well enough. Even got him intrigued on the mecha thing.
where is the 1'st Anonymous Enthusiast? it's hard to find his post if all reply using the same name. Use other name, nothing to lose. it's easy to do, and easy to read next time.
if you don't want to be otaku just because university, YOU'RE WRONG. that is false motivation. You will soon find people who like anime and manga there. It's fine if you could lower your otaku level, live as normal people with anime, manga, game as hobby.
Do learn from Rozen Aso (google him, this news maybe not popular outside japan), he likes manga very much, goes to university and what he become now? maybe he can be your idol.
If you're really otaku, it's part of you. Love it, live it.
BUT... I'm about 10 years out of high school now, and my otakudom recently crashed. Most of my favorite anime fluff is about high school kids and I just can't relate to it now - it's no fun.
So what I'm saying is, if you can still be an otaku, enjoy it, but don't build your life around it or count on it staying around long-term. I still enjoy some anime (Last Exile right now,) but it's far more limited now, and hardly meaningful in everyday life as much as I did love it. Now I'm wishing I made more friends instead of watching so much anime - school's great for that.
if you are an otaku remain an otaku!, but a socially capable otaku, which means no otaku at all!
that is, if you like those nerdy series, well, don't stop watching them, just develop your social skills so you can hang out with people without lecturing them about the wonders of some star wars technology or the perils of some lord of the ring-esque character,
have two friend circles: one of nerdy girlfriendless otakus, so you can engage in endless discussions about some utterly insignificant detail of an anime series, and another of every day people where you can meet opposite sex individuals
be proud of your otaku~
>>126
The otaku who can come to this forum and say "I am an otaku" is not the true otaku.
>>126
we all wish too do it like this. but easy spoken, hard done.
lost generation.. 助けて・・お願い・・ (ノ。б、)
>>126
exactlly, you can still like anime, manga and stuff, just have to socialise a bit more and create new priorities.
make a blog
this sounds like a fun story of ur everyday life lol
>137
[post from 2007]
plane otaku
Being otaku is bliss
Cmon dude it is not that bad.
I wonder if >>1 ever succeeded in becoming normal.
being otaku is not bad at all....
I dunno, suddenly anime just became really really boring to watch
this is cool. I am rex and I enjoy noodles and robot figures from japan.
>>145
Anime has always been boring. It's the same ~15 stories retold and retold because Japanese hate change and anime is made by retarded hikikomori otaku rather than artists and people with life experience.
>It's the same ~15 stories retold and retold
That pretty much applies to all fiction though.
Man, what a ride. It's hard to believe that lame-ass threads like these were a commonality just 11 years ago.
