Anime help me cope with not being accepted.

[ForeverTheWeirdKid]

I think subconsciously, "converting" from american to Japanese culture was how I dealt with not being accepted by my urban community. Does/did any one else feel more intrigued by Japanese culture than their own for a similar reason:question:

 

[lurknomore]

It is a fascinating culture, and I do enjoy some anime/manga, but I don't see myself converting and assimilating into that culture, or any for that matter, including my own. The fantasy involved in things like anime, cosplay, etc, is very alluring, but it's really a tough culture sometimes, and relies heavily on social hierarchies, and involves many pressures as far as going to the right schools, and working at the right place.

I think, at least for me personally, other/different cultures hold an appeal because they are different, kind of how for me I tend to get along better, or at least feel more comfortable around, people that are a different gender, age group, ethnicity, etc, than I am. There is a perception that there is less chance of being compared and judged.

 

[Lou-s-Darkness]

lol yes I can totally relate! I am a huge anime fan and I really do like Japanese culture. I can relate more to it than with the culture I am surrounded by. Everyone's just too "normal" around here and anime just makes everything more interesting! I read about all these cool things in Japan and the way they live and I tell myself : "wow, I wish I lived there!"
But, I mean I kind of developed this strong and warm feeling towards anime and where it came from because it was a method of escape of some sorts. I was able to just be someone else and see something else, from a different point of view and not worry about anything else, temporarily.
So, this is how I feel about it and how I was able to cope with it around.

 

[Ithior]

While there are things in their culture that I do like, there are also things that I don't. I always liked the image of honourable people that is transmitted in martial arts. However, today's population seems to have distanced itself from that image and it's seems just as bad as any other civilised society.

There are other things I like in their society but I'm too old for them now. For example, the way school works. Students have duties like cleaning the room after class (can help you socialise since it seems to be done in small groups/pairs); there's a big variety of clubs to join and you're encouraged to join them, not being in one is the exception rather than the norm. There also seems to be more bullying though.


I think I watch anime for many different reasons: I used to enjoy watching it as a kid, I really like the way the language sounds, the episodes are short compared to western TV shows, there's a big variety of stories and I also enjoy their music.

 

[I'm Breaking down]

I really love the Japanese culture! The way that being respectful is very important. Something which unheard of or corrupted. The fact that one can leave a bike out and no one steals it. I am not really an anime fan but I am into Yokai, especially the Kappa and Akaname. However, I do love the variety in anime, one for everyone. Its unapologetic and shows almost anything, adult anime really means it is boring to children. However, as I said the Yokai in my mind is the most awesome.

 

[laure15]

I'm into Japanese culture too, especially the manga, anime, and otaku stuff. I have more in common with the Japanese culture than with the culture I'm in. I personally think anime is more original and better to watch than western cartoons, because a variety of themes are explored and some go into depth. I also prefer manga over western comics. I like that in Japanese society, there are many different groups and fashion styles that people can be a part of. But in my region, it's plain and boring, not much diversity or excitement. People care about fitting in.

 

[Duzmiu]

I do watch a lot and own a fair bit of anime, and i do prefer it over crap produced in the UK. at first i kept it kind of quiet but now i openly admit that i like anime.
i find japan a lot more interesting then my own country, and china even more then both.
on my list of places to visit most are in china/japan. and one day i hope to be able to live there or just take a really long holiday there

 

[Hellhound]

There's more into Japan than anime.

 

[Luka]

Yes I love anime. Well I'm already Japanese (half) but I feel more in touch with Japanese culture despite living in the UK.

 

[rosewood]

i have to admit, i was deeply affected by the japanese women who came to live with my family as high school cultural exchange students. what little they told me about their culture and why they were learning english and staying in the us, gave me the strong impression that they wanted to escape their society because it was quite repressive toward women.

i cant really say that anime and one other type of anime which i wont name here, has'nt really changed that impression, unfortunately.

however, i am very glad that this beautiful art form has given you so much happiness and a creative and colorful way to escape from the dullness of your urban existence. :thumbup:

my favorite movie is the one called "Spirited Away". :bigsmile:

 

[Sial Axetder]

There's more into Japan than anime.

Yep 1234567

 

[Klonoa]

I grew up watching anime dubbed in mexican-spanish, I know how you feel, with the exception of Dragon Ball, watching anime was considered somewhat nerdy (but not to the point of playing videogames or, ironically enough, using the internet as far as 2005! That was the bane of my existance through middle school).

Not sure about assimilating cultures, but if it helps you cope with life, then great! It helps me to watch toku and movies, so I get your feeling. =)

 

[DeLasDudasInfinitas]

I like anime too. When I was younger I saw it very often. I remember watching Naruto, Bleach or Fullmetal Alchemist. I'm sure that there were more but now I can't remember them. I like japanese culture and I would like to visit the country one day. Of course, I can see that like everything, japanese people aren't perfect and have bad things too but I admire them because they are so different from Spanish people like me.

my favorite movie is the one called "Spirited Away"

That is one of my favourites movies too with Princess Mononoke and Howl's Moving Castle

 

[AGR]

It is a fascinating culture, and I do enjoy some anime/manga, but I don't see myself converting and assimilating into that culture, or any for that matter, including my own. The fantasy involved in things like anime, cosplay, etc, is very alluring, but it's really a tough culture sometimes, and relies heavily on social hierarchies, and involves many pressures as far as going to the right schools, and working at the right place.

I think, at least for me personally, other/different cultures hold an appeal because they are different, kind of how for me I tend to get along better, or at least feel more comfortable around, people that are a different gender, age group, ethnicity, etc, than I am. There is a perception that there is less chance of being compared and judged.

I really love the Japanese culture! The way that being respectful is very important. Something which unheard of or corrupted. The fact that one can leave a bike out and no one steals it. I am not really an anime fan but I am into Yokai, especially the Kappa and Akaname. However, I do love the variety in anime, one for everyone. Its unapologetic and shows almost anything, adult anime really means it is boring to children. However, as I said the Yokai in my mind is the most awesome.

Lol my bike was stolen several times,now I take it to the fifth floor inside my apartment,but I live in a heavily Brazilian,Peruvian and Bolivian area,don't know how are the other areas or if its got anything to do with,also stuff from cars are stolen a lot,in the recession time even home invasions were occurring.

What is good about Japan is that it's quiet,almost no crime and you can go out practically wearing whatever or looking however you want,people won't care.
Also it could be hard if you are introverted because its hard to meet people,but I noticed that English speaking people tend to stick together here.
I was never harassed in the street by a Japanese person they don't tend to do that,but by foreigner yes,at work it was different.

 

[Duzmiu]

That is one of my favorites movies too with Princess Mononoke and Howl's Moving Castle

i love spirited away and Princess Mononoke, watched them countless times. i have howl's moving castle on DVD but still haven't watched it yet

 

[ForeverTheWeirdKid]

i have to admit, i was deeply affected by the japanese women who came to

however, i am very glad that this beautiful art form has given you so much happiness and a creative and colorful way to escape from the dullness of your urban existence. :thumbup:

my favorite movie is the one called "Spirited Away"

Thank you :blushing: Spirited Away is also one of my favorites!

 

[Hellhound]

Hellhound, I just realized that avatar was Alucard. mg: That's one of my favorites.

-brofist-

:thumbup:

 

[w*n*c*a*m]

I used to be a die-hard fan of anime and Japanese culture. I seriously didn't think that I'll be able to outgrow it. I still like them but not as obsessed as before. And I still believe that my personality fits more in Japan. LOL.

 

[Sial Axetder]

What is it with Japan?

 

[A86]

Hellhound, I just realized that avatar was Alucard. mg: That's one of my favorites.

I wonder how he reads his name in a mirror?


I was fortunate enough to spend 3 months traveling Japan. It is a very interesting culture indeed.
The roles between genders is exaggerated, even more so than the western world (men & women with specific roles)
And while the fast pace large cities seem to be moving towards a western culture, there is still more of that selfless mentality than I have seen anywhere else.