That's a great way to find out.
In middle school I was kind of the odd one out because I drew anime and liked Pokémon. Now, in university, everyone pretty much accepted me for who I am. I even noticed some people like playing games, including Pokémon, and gave one guy my Fire Emblem, Golden Sun and LOZ roms. |D; So much fun we had.
I vaguely would like to cosplay, but only, and really ONLY when I know that I can pull it of and look convincing enough. So far, the choices are pretty limited to my OC, this one girl from the LoZ:Skyward Sword and Balsa. Well, looks wise. But than again, the chances that I'd actually do it are pretty slim. Though I have to admit that some cosplayers are
really good, like
PikminLink, who does such a convincing Link that even Nintendo asked her show up at certain shows. But then again... you also have the other side of the spectrum, where I follow your line again.
I think you need to give Pokémon a chance, even when you're not a gamer. There's a whole new world behind the red cheeks of the cute Pikachu, which can be explored at so many levels and in so many ways. It's such a shame that the first (and mostly only) thing people come in contact with is the Anime (merchandise). :<