Otakus and Weeaboos Ruining Anime?

[machomuu]

Here I was hoping that people going and calling others weeaboos was over, because all I've ever seen it used for is as a derogatory term used to describe people with interests in anime/manga. Some people can take it to an extreme, yes, but don't conflate absolutely everyone in that. That having been said, these fans may or may not financially contribute to anime in Japan, but they do have influence on what we get state-side. Western fans make up for a decent amount of sales—it's how the dubbing and distribution scene (best example being Funimation) in the US continues to make decent profits.

Sadly, that's still a thing. And though people generally water down the meaning and throw it every which way if someone expresses their fandom in any way for anything anime (despite that weeaboos as a term technically have nothing to do with anime, manga, or Japanese media in general, though it pretty much comes with the territory). It's become a term to make people feel bad about what they enjoy (not too different from otaku when used as an insult in Japan).

But as for weeaboos, they aren't necessarily too relevant to content coming to the West. I mean, all things considered, they're just those who want to be Japanese, and regardless of that, they're really just as likely to financially contribute to the sales of Japanese media as pretty much any fan. Even if they were, actual weeaboos aren't exactly the most plentiful bunch, but there are a number of general fans in the West (and otaku to a lesser extent) that do contribute.

 

[SoleilSuicune]

Well, I think it's a bit dramatic to say they're ruining it...
Anime is slowly recovering. I personally think it fell in a slump in about mid-2000's with cheesy, fanservice-filled anime. However, it is really making a recovery! I've watched a lot of unique, interesting animes that have passion and care weaved into their stories, characters, and atmosphere.

 

[Weeaboo Name]

I personally think it fell in a slump in about mid-2000's

Not really sure about that, whilst there was an influx of 'bishoujo' visual novel adaptations starting from about 2003 [Da Capo] I think there are probably about the same amount of good shows every season. The bishoujo boom is certainly over though and it has been replaced with different brands of cute girls, SOL comedy and LN adaptations.

 

[Rogue planet]

Quality is always delivered, it's the same in any entertainment medium. For every good album/video game/movie/anime series, there are 10 terrible ones. Of course some of it is down to personal taste, but usually there will be at least something to raise your interest.

We look back at the 90s and 80s fondly, because we remember the classics. However, we remember the best of these decades; because the shit has been forgotten and left behind, and you likely haven't heard of it.

In 10-20 years time, people will still be making the same discussion. "Do you remember 2014? Anime was actually good back then." Just enjoy what you're given, and if the demand is for a certain style, or or if the studios feel like making a certain style, then let them.

It doesn't harm you, if it did not exist you wouldn't benefit from that. It's not like their existence prevents 'the style you enjoy' from existing.



ps. self described weeaboo is the cool thing now, get with the times.

 

[Weeaboo Name]

ps. self described weeaboo is the cool thing now, get with the times.

Have only ever seen that done ironically. 'Otaku' on the other hand, ''in means anime fan xD''.

 

[machomuu]

Have only ever seen that done ironically.

That actually is a thing, largely made...I don't want to say popular...but I guess largely made a "thing" in 2014. They wear it as a badge of honor.

Seriously.