There is nothing wrong with liking Japanese animation or comics, or better known as anime and manga. Nevertheless, many anime and manga fans are embarrassed to admit their hobby, for fear of being associated with the weeaboo subculture. The name of this subculture comes from the term wannabe Japanese, which is also often abbreviated as Wapanese. Basically, joining a particular subculture is fine, but if you don't want to be a weeaboo, there are a few things you can do.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Breaking Free from Weeaboo Habits
Step 1. Don't use the weeaboo jargon
Within each group, there are various factors that enhance cohesion and indicate group membership. One of the hallmarks of a weeaboo is the use of broken and imperfect Japanese in everyday conversation, often in overly dramatic or empathetic ways. Using Japanese inappropriately can offend Japanese culture, make communication difficult, and make it difficult for you to learn Japanese in the future. Some of the words commonly used by the weeabooo community include:
- Kawaii (かわいい)
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Statement + desu (です)
In addition, the pattern "statement + Japanese verb + desu (です)" is also frequently used. For example: "I passed the exam dong kakkoii desu."
- Affixes like -kun (－くん) and -chan (－ちゃん)
- Baka (ばか)
- Sugoi (すごい)
- Chibi (ちび)
- No! (ね)
Step 2. Don't prioritize Japanese stuff for no reason
Joining a particular group or subculture is fine, but having a group bias is certainly undesirable. The thought that Japanese products are always better than other products may limit you, or even become a kind of delusion. Ask yourself to prevent this tendency. If you don't know why something made in Japan is better than another, your choice is based on taste. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Why do I like this Japanese product?
- What sets this product apart from similar non-Japanese products?
- What makes this Japanese product better than similar non-Japanese products?
Step 3. Don't distance yourself from the environment by choosing clothes weeaboo
Dress codes and other social conventions convey group membership to others. Dressing up like your favorite anime character is okay in some places, such as anime-related events. Using clothes related to anime characters as everyday clothes is the hallmark of a weeaboo.
Certain accessories or outfits from the costume can still be used on a daily basis, without being weird
Step 4. Don't forget who you are
By role-playing certain characters in fantasy scenarios, you can make new friends and increase your creative capacity, but don't let your role in the game replace your true self. Role-playing, even if you enjoy playing the role, can lead to inner conflict and great risk.
- Accept the fact that changes in personality, tastes, and beliefs will occur as you develop. Even if you feel that you really like something, understand that your tastes will change to reduce the weeaboo-like extreme.
- Once in a while, avoid entertainment activities such as watching anime, reading manga, making costumes, and interacting online. Use the time you have to evaluate yourself and your current situation. Are you happy with your current state? Ignoring self-evaluation activities in favor of Japanese activities are signs of a weeaboo.
Method 2 of 2: Educate Yourself
Step 1. Watch a Japanese documentary
Documentary films are a good way to get to know everyday life in Japan. Some of the documentaries that explain Japanese culture and expatriate life include:
- Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)
- The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013)
- Hafu: The Mixed-Race Experience in Japan (2013)
- Brakeless (2014)
- Kokoyakyu: High School Baseball (2006)
- The Invention of Dr. Nakamats (2009)
Step 2. Take a class on East Asia
Even if you didn't major in Japanese Literature, studying the historical reasons behind contemporary culture can prevent misconceptions and reduce assumptions out of context, as weeaboo does. Liking aspects of Japanese culture without knowing the cultural basis for understanding them can lead to misperceptions. In addition to reducing misconceptions, your knowledge of Asian history and culture can help you understand Japanese culture in the future.
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If you can't take classes on East Asia on campus, visit a cultural center or Japanese embassy in your area for activities related to Japan, for example:
- Taiko (太鼓), drum class
- Kendo (剣道, Japanese martial arts)
- Shodou (書道, Japanese calligraphy)
- Sadou (茶道, Japanese tea drinking activity).
Step 3. Buy a book about Japanese society
The weeaboo subculture has been criticized for its followers usually consuming only over-dramatized mass media. Reading various topics about Japan will help you understand real life in Japan.
Step 4. Learn another culture or language
Culture and language are closely related. Many foreign languages have words or concepts that don't exist in your native language, and learning a foreign language can help you understand a foreigner's point of view. In other words, knowing another culture will help you understand that culture.
You don't need to learn Japanese to absorb the benefits of bilingualism. If there are other language-speaking communities in your area, join them to absorb the language
Tips
- While imitating your favorite anime is fun, don't let it hurt other people's feelings in order to keep your character "wholesome."
- If you want to play costume in public, make sure you don't bring a real weapon. Usually, real weapons are not allowed to be carried.
