Discrimination of Otaku Culture in Japan and in the Philippines
A Research Paper Presented to
Mr. Dustin Celestino of The English Resource
Center
Asia Pacific College
Magallanes, Makati
In Partial Fulfilment
Of the Requirements for the Course
RESWRITE-Research Writing
Jane Dianne S. Gaylican
April 2013
CHAPTER
1
INTRODUCTION
A.
Background
of the Study
Anime
obsession has now captured the world’s attention. Otaku is the Japanese slang term
for “geek”. Commonly, it is a word subjected to being a fan of anime and manga.
In Japan, the word is looked down upon as a term for a person with any
obsessive interest –not limited to anime and manga- sometimes bordering to
extreme levels. "When these people are referred to as an “otaku”, they are
judged for their behaviors - and people suddenly see an “otaku” as a person
unable to relate to reality". (www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Otaku)
Throughout the years, there are more
Otakus than there are Anime and Mangas. But technicalities and controversies
often arise from popularity. According to Otaku enthusiast, Lawrence Eng, the
discrimination of Otakus started with the Miyazaki incident in the year 1989. Miyazaki
kidnapped and murdered 4 little girls. When he was arrested, the police found a
huge collection of various anime and manga, some of it pornographic, in his
apartment. The media found out about this and repeatedly pressed that Miyazaki
is an Otaku, thereby exposing the term to the public. As such, “Otaku” was
connected with lunatics like Miyazaki and in panic, many of the media tried to
blame Miyazaki’s odd behavior on anime and manga. (http://www.cjas.org/~leng/otaku-p.htm)
Putting said incident aside, the Otaku
community continues to rage on. This is evident to the Philippines growing
Otaku society. Beginning with its involvement in learning more of Japan’s
culture, language, an interest in manga, cosplay, figure collecting, anime
conventions, and game and animation development.
But currently, some fans get started on
all the wrong aspects of Otaku fandom, earning the concern of the elderly and
the discrimination of modern society. Viewers are ultimately captured by
infamous genres of anime, Action and Hentai. Most anime titles like Dragon Ball
and Naruto feature violence to its audience, allowing children below the age of
7 and even older spectators to imitate the violent acts presented in the said
shows. There is also the concept of Hentai or Anime pornography. With its fame,
Hentai is now accused to be the real anime -when in truth, it’s not. This leads
to the misconception of other people thus they show prejudice to Otakus.
Anime has changed the lives of its fans,
even more so than anyone may think. But with constant negative issues that
refrain Otakus from expressing their love for their interests, in comes
closet-otakus. There is also the idea of how Otakus are taking part in
conventions and cosplay with their budgets on the line, in addition the regular
spending on mangas, games and other anime-related merchandise. There is nothing
wrong with satisfying the desire for your interests.
Anime and Manga are the necessities of
Otakus. It is their perception that anime is their one of a kind stress
reliever and source of entertainment. Although one has to realize that there
are limitations and risks that they have to consider. Therefore, having a
further understanding of the both the positive and negative effects of being an
Otaku.
This research paper focuses on the cause and effects of Otaku culture in Japan and the Philippines.
B.
Statement
of the Problem
This
study aims to answer the question:
1. What
are the cause and effects of Otaku Culture?
C.
Significance
of the Study
Anime Enthusiasts: This
research will assist anime enthusiasts in learning a lot more about anime in
Japan and the Philippines. Especially the effects it provides to society. It also
teaches how anime is different from cartoons and how it changed the lives of
many.
Otaku Enthusiasts: This
research will educate them further on the aspect of being Otaku: the types, the
lifestyles and how it affects their day to day life. This also helps
enthusiasts who are pursuing their PhD’s on Otaku research.
Parents:
This will help parents understand their children’s interests and what it truly means
to be an otaku. It can also clarify their doubts on letting their children
continue with their obsession and limit them their addiction.
Future Researchers:
As there are information given, it can serve as a guide for future references,
especially to researchers who are interested in learning more about the study.
D.
Scope
and Delimitation
This study focuses on the cause and
effects of Otaku Culture. As Anime is now internationally popular, the study
will only center upon its country of origin, Japan and the Philippines. With
the rise of anime popularity in the Philippines and the steady participation of
Japanese Otakus the research will prove to be significant for researchers.
E.
Materials
and Methods
The study will be based upon articles
featuring Otaku-related information and naturally its effect to its viewers and
modern society. The researcher aims to correct and educate the reader’s point
of view on the discrimination and effects of Otaku Culture in Japan and in the
Philippines. Thorough explanation will be needed as to elaborate the topic
further.
In time, Surveys will conducted on
Otakus, cosplayers and Anime retailers. Details and information that they will
supply, will be relevant as it will be focusing on they cope with the good and
bad effects of being an otaku and how they started as one.
F.
Definition
of Terms
Anime noun: a style of
animation that originated and is still heavily centered in Japan.
The
word 'anime' is based on the original Japanese pronunciation of the American
word
'animation.'
Cosplay noun: an abbreviation of
"costume-play". The term refers to dressing up as an
anime/manga/game
character.
Cosplayer noun: a person who dresses up like a
character from a manga or anime series, a
movie,
a videogame, etc.
Hentai Hentai is a Sino-Japanese compound term widely used in
modern Japanese to
designate
a person, action or state that is considered queer or perverse,
particularly
in a sexual sense.
Manga "Manga"
are Japanese comic books/graphic novels. The word literally means
"whimsical
pictures" in Japanese.
Mecha A synthetic or
artificial creature or machine which is of generally humanoid or
other
form. An intelligent program of piece of code inhabiting or controlling a
body
is also known as a mecha, which is short for mechanical.
Otaku A Japanese term
used to refer to people with obsessive interests, particularly
anime
and manga.
CHAPTER
2
DISCUSSION
What are the cause and
effects of Otaku Culture?
I.
Origin
of Otaku
As life started with the creation of the world, the term
‘Otaku’ came from various theories; Lawrence Eng states that the first theory
states that ‘Otaku’ originated from the social networks and trading that Otakus
engage in without maintaining their relationship with the people they transact
with. Second, another hypothesis states that ‘Otaku’ refers to the fact that
Otakus rarely leave their homes, since the latter literally means “your home”
as well as “you”, this became the basis of the stereotype that Otaku are
antisocial and isolated from the world. Last but not the least, the third
theory states that the term began with the creators of Macross, Shoji Kawamori
and Haruhiko Mikimoto.
Keio
is known as one of the more upstanding and relatively upper-class institutes of
learning in Japan. In tune with their somewhat aristocratic surroundings,
Kawamori and Mikimoto used the classical, refined second-person form of
address, "otaku", in preference to "anata," the usual form
of address. Fans of the studio's work began using the term to show respect
toward Studio Nue's creators, and it entered common use among the fans who gathered
at comic markets, fanzine meetings, and all-night line parties before anime
movie releases. (Murakami 2001)
All three theories point out to a specific significance to the
term; the first points out to a sociological cause, the second states a negative
outlook that leads to the stereotyping of the culture and the third states a
historic significance to the term and the culture.
II.
Cause
of Being an Otaku
A. How it Started and the Reasons for
Addiction
Anime
is a style of animation in Japan that caused an uproar to tens to millions of
people internationally. The style is distinguished by the characters expressive
big-eyes, colorful and gravity defying hair, a display of overly exaggerated
emotions and more. Currently, Anime Addiction has captured of many, especially
students and the subject of this research, the Otakus. There are many reasons
to why Anime and other obsessions lead to the addiction of its viewers. According
to Junel, in the case of Anime enthusiasts, Anime itself is the greatest reason
to their addiction; Anime is a trend that any Otaku can relate to. Second,
Anime has a very good storyline that makes the audience hooked and anticipating
for the next episode. Another is good graphics and animation that tickles the
eye of the viewer. Next is peer pressure, when one of your acquaintances
watches anime, it will surely influence you, sooner or later. Lastly, Anime
relieves people of their boredom. Anime with its overly imaginative nature
causes its viewers to be relieved of their stress and boredom, opening their
minds to a world of creative thinking.
Generally,
addiction starts on how a perspective object, in this case Anime, Manga,
Cosplay etc. catches the eye of its spectators. No matter how beautiful or
amazing the subject is, if the audience itself isn’t amazed or interested,
there is nothing to offer.
III. Effects of Being an Otaku
A. Positive Effects
Social Interaction
Otakus are victims of a stereotype that
cats them as loners and being antisocial. According to Amy McNulty, when Otakus
became interested in anime, they shared a common connection with other Otakus.
Once they are accepted by other Otakus they overcome their shyness and start
making friends of their own. Otakus who partake in conventions or join online
communities open up more to others. Thus contradicting the bias that Otakus are
Hikikomoris (shut-ins or loners) this is not essentially true because as Otakus
get to know each other, they are welcomed to other types of societies that
understand their addiction and the pain they go through to be accepted by
others.
Art
McNulty
states that many Otakus who take interest in anime also take interest in art.
This happens when avid anime enthusiasts realize that they want to create their
own stories and characters. Society may think that these students are too hung
up on drawing big-eyed, anime characters but nevertheless this will be the
starting line to introducing these people to take up other forms of art. Anime
art is something worth imitating; it opens up the doors to the students’
creative minds. An example would be the works of Hayao Miyazaki, a lot of
animators strive to recreate the smooth flow of animation that he makes, and
they look to anime as a new way to approach their works.
Japanese Language and Culture
Anime
comes with a Japanese audio and culture. Otakus naturally pick up or take
interest in learning Japan's native language: Nihonggo. McNulty says that Otakus
who pursue careers in Japan say that their love of anime was their drive to
study the language.
B. Negative Effects
Discrimination
The
world is not free of discrimination, everyone is entitled to their own opinions
but nonetheless, some people just take it too far. Otakus are often bullied
because of the mindset of others that being an Otaku means they are too
childish or Otakus are often linked to the Otaku serial killer, Tsutomu
Miyazaki. According to Eng, Miyazaki, presumed to be an Otaku for the various
torture videos and sexual reading materials found in his apartment after the
incident, kidnapped, tortured and killed 4 little girls.
After
this event, Otaku's were ostracized, believing that they were the same as
Miyazaki, the mainstream usage of "Otaku" as someone who loves their
alleged hobbies became a word loathed and feared by a lot of people.
Hypothesizing that since one Otaku committed a crime, all Otakus are now
criminally inclined. Considering how Otakus are now co-opted by the media and
mainstream society as the black sheep of society, one might think that anime
and manga lovers should just give up the term and change to something better.
It’s not easy and Otakus won’t stand for it. But the problem still remains,
calling yourself an “Otaku” and disdainfully thinking that you are a
sociopathic freak just because you like an anime is a sad fate. Generally,
Otakus are not bad; they are just a group of people, showing their passion for
the things that they love. It just takes a mature and accepting person to
understand what an Otaku really is.
Violence
By
definition of AniRecs, Action is by far one of the most common genres out there
and the name basically explains it all. On the other hand, Gore or Graphic
violence is the realistic depiction of serious physical injuries involving
blood, flesh, bone and internal organs. Does violence in Anime themes beget the
audience to do the same?
Little kids are the audience of cartoons,
on the other hand, Anime’s audience is generally a larger age group, scaling from
children to people to their 50’s or even older, thus many of its antics are
easily imitated. This leads to anime being ridiculed by parents-specifically in
America- and they basically rip off that all anime genres are the same. This
leads to the distinction of anime and western cartoons. Against the light,
visual-slapstick comedy that cartoons give children, Anime is enormously
different. But besides the fact that Japan offers this type of violence, Japan
doesn’t exhibit such offenses; Japan is known for its low crime rate and
peaceful society. This is to the fact that Japan has a lack to bear arms in
which we realize how easy it is to possess a gun in America. In realization, we
can conclude that Japan serializes such shows to open the eyes of the children
that whatever life throws at them, they have to deal with it. While
America continues to shelter their children to false truths about the world,
sugar coating facts to save them from the suffering of knowing what reality is.
Sexual Influence
Hentai
is equals to Anime? This is a bias that non-Otakus associate with Anime, they
think that some or more accurately, all Anime shows are Hentai. Mark McLelland
says that Hentai is a Sino-Japanese compound term widely used in modern
Japanese to designate a person, action or state that is considered queer or
perverse, particularly in a sexual sense. Unlike the English term 'queer',
however, Hentai does not have predominantly mean homosexual connotations but
can be used to describe any sexual acts or motivations other than what might be
termed 'normal' sexual relations. Examples are fetishes like sadism, masochism,
Bakunyu (Bursting breasts or big breast fetish), Incest, Lolicon and Shotacon.
There
are no words to how large the Hentai market is, this is supposedly because of
Japan's early start to sexual influences since the Meiji Era. But besides this
information, let's face the facts, Hentai is just a part of Anime, meaning not
all anime are to be perceived as Hentai. Even though a lot of anime are
subjected to sexual themes and innuendos, they are not to be taken seriously.
This might be a gimmick as to make the audience laugh or make them more
interested in the series. Anime is not a sexual outlet, the genre Hentai, is
just an expression in which the desires of the director/author comes alive. So
whenever someone tells you that they are interested in anime, think open
mindedly, Anime is not equals to watching Hentai.
IV. Survey
There are tons of findings discovered by
the researcher but it is not enough to just read about various studies. With a survey, the researcher hopes to gain
insight on actual Otakus here in the Philippines as to confirm the hypothesis
of the discrimination happening in the country. The survey was conducted in
Asia Pacific College, the respondents were all people who called themselves
Otaku, ranging from Anime/Manga lovers, cosplayers, gamers, WOTA’s (J-pop Idol
Otakus) and figure collectors. The survey
was done in the duration of 3 days and the researcher has attained these
answers to the questions provided.
Number of respondents = 15
A. Survey Questions
1.
Do you have a problem being an Otaku?
|
Options
|
Number of
Respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
Yes
|
3
|
20%
|
|
No
|
12
|
80%
|
|
Total:
|
15
|
100%
|
2. How
do you express your passion as an Otaku?
|
Options
|
Number of
Respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
Anime/Manga
|
13
|
37%
|
|
Cosplay
|
4
|
11%
|
|
Games
|
6
|
17%
|
|
J-pop
Idols
|
3
|
9%
|
|
Collecting
Figures
|
4
|
11%
|
|
All
of the above
|
2
|
6%
|
|
Others
|
3
|
9%
|
|
Total:
|
35
|
100%
|
3.
What are the positive effects of being
an Otaku to you?
|
Options
|
Number of
Respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
Social
Interaction
|
3
|
14%
|
|
Art
|
5
|
23%
|
|
Knowledge
on Japanese Culture and Language
|
2
|
9%
|
|
All
of the above
|
9
|
40%
|
|
Others
|
3
|
14%
|
|
Total:
|
22
|
100%
|
4.
What are the negative effects?
|
Options
|
Number of
Respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
Discrimination
|
4
|
27%
|
|
Inclined
to Violence
|
2
|
13%
|
|
Addiction
to Sex
|
1
|
7%
|
|
All
of the above
|
0
|
0%
|
|
None
of the above
|
5
|
33%
|
|
Others
|
3
|
20%
|
|
Total:
|
15
|
100%
|
5. Do
you think that Otakus are being discriminated?
|
Options
|
Number of
Respondents
|
Percentage
|
|
Yes
|
10
|
67%
|
|
No
|
5
|
33%
|
|
Total:
|
15
|
100%
|
B. Survey Results
1. Do
you have a problem being an Otaku?
-
Survey shows that most Otakus the
researcher had interviewed say that they do not have any problems with being an
Otaku. Though there are some who had said ‘Yes’ to the question. The follow-up
question stated with the 1st question namely “If yes, state your
reason” states the motives of the 3 respondents. One respondent said that she
couldn’t afford the anime merchandises she wants because, apparently there are
a lot and the prices are not cheap. Next, another student wrote that she
doesn’t have time to watch all the anime shows that she wants and lastly, a
student wrote that he had social problem, specifically communicating with other
people outside of the Otaku society. This maybe the problem that is to be
associated with being an Otaku, many Otakus have realized that Anime is their
anti-drug, meaning it is a positive substitute to drugs and thus, it occupies
the time and financial reserves of the person who is addicted to it. Being an
Otaku may have its ups and downs but nevertheless as this survey shows, there
are less people who are affected by said problems.
2. How
do you express your passion as an Otaku?
-
As the survey illustrates, there is a
massive indication of passion towards the Anime/ Manga fanaticism. Games,
cosplay and collecting figures rank 2nd and 3rd
respectively. This shows that Anime/Manga really is the foundation of all Otaku
obsessions, for Anime/Manga is the epitome of a world where dreams come true.
There are no cosplayers who don’t know of anime characters, for these are their
guides and inspiration towards the perfect cosplay role. There are no gamers
who aren’t exposed to the brilliant animation and graphics that embody anime,
in addition, anime series are sometimes provided with their own games, in which
gamers and Otakus take pleasure in. Finally, figure collectors wouldn’t have
any figures to collect if there are no anime characters that complete the
figure-collecting mania. Whatever an Otaku does there is passion that only they
know.
3. What
are the positive effects of being an Otaku to you?
-
There are three main effects to being an
Otaku: Social Interaction, Art and knowledge on Japanese culture and language.
Survey shows that many Otakus benefit of all three effects, showing a
percentage of 40 in over all evaluation. Unbeknownst to the public eye, Otakus
are really socially competent. Whether you are fat, thin or have any flaws
whatsoever, Otakus don’t care, as long as you share something in common and you
understand each other, you are accepted within their circle. Many Otakus -as
proven by the researcher- pursue the field of arts. With creating good anime in
mind, they are inspired to do creative tasks from scratch. Some Otakus are
gifted with the artistic ability but some are not, fortunately with their
driving force they strive to finish what they have started. Lastly, knowledge
on Japanese culture and language gives an advantage to many Otakus. By just
watching tons of episodes, Otakus are exposed to the culture and language of
the hometown of anime, Japan. These
effects are evident to all Otakus; it just takes a keen eye and whole lot of
understanding to perpetrate the social barrier.
4. What
are the negative effects?
-
Survey proves that there are Otakus who
are not influence by the aforementioned negative effects. None of the above
gets a 33% rating and close second is discrimination with 27%. This confirms
that there is a discrimination within the anime society. 20% of the respondents
answered Others and stated that they had problem with time management, and
Anime basically interferes with their study. Inclined to Violence garners a 13%
rating while Addiction to Sex has a rating of 7% with only 1 respondent ticking
the said choice. Fortunately, no one answered All of the above, proving that
some Otakus albeit exhibiting some positive effects of being an Otaku, they can
control and limit themselves to their addiction.
5. Do
you think that Otakus are being discriminated?
-
Going straight to the survey results,
67% of the respondents agree that there is a discrimination of Otakus. As there
was a follow-up question, the respondents were able to share their experiences
with the researcher. Most of the reasons were that as Otakus they are being
accused of being childish, addicts, losers, weirdoes, freaks, nerds, good for
nothings and society thinks that Otakus just waste their time, money and effort
for something totally unworthy it. Another respondent said that people think
that being an Otaku is a psychological effect when in truth, being an Otaku is
just a normal occurrence. Last but not least, a respondent shared an event that
gives a casualty to all Otakus. Last January 26,2013, there was an anime
convention namely Otaku Expo when a sudden robbery at a pawnshop stirred the
mall customers to a panic. Apparently as there was a cosplay convention going
on, mall security wasn’t able to pick out the perpetrators. This was a big deal
to Otakus as the first report implied that they were wearing costumes when in
fact they were just wearing matching white polo shirts. Irresponsible social
mediums linked the incident to Otakus when in fact, the Otakus were the ones to
quall the panic that was evident to the mall customers. Otakus are not the
enemy, they are friends. Society just has to accept that Otakus are people too;
they just have a hobby that goes beyond the border but not necessarily to the
point that it conquers their lifestyles.
CHAPTER
2.5
RESEARCHER’S
OBSERVATIONS AND ANALYSIS
I.
Researcher’s
Observations
Survey
Observations
The
researcher, upon finishing the stated interviews and surveys, has inculcated
multiple findings about Otaku Culture. The rumors that once plagued her mind is
now truth rather fiction. As the survey shows, there is a definite truth to the
discrimination that she hypothesized but not necessarily for the terms that the
researcher had investigated on. Most or rather none of the respondents even
knew of the name Tsutomu Miyazaki –the alleged cause of the discrimination-
most of the answers were either Otakus being childish or Otakus as the black
sheep of society. Surveyors also mentioned the 3 worst problems of an Otaku –
though it was not stated in the questions. Problems such as “Too much Anime yet
so little time”, “I cannot stop once I start” and “Lack of social interaction”,
were some of the reasons as to why they had problems being an Otaku, but as
they have said they learned to cope with their problems.
As
there are multiple types of Otakus in society, Otakus are naturally influenced
by other addictions, for example, a standard Anime/Manga Otaku can become a
Cosplay Otaku then be a Figure Collector in just a short amount of time. This
is how Otakus evolve, Otakus don’t just limit their obsessions; they broaden
it. The researcher’s survey confirms this as there are multiple checks to some
of the choices provided. One respondent even checked all the boxes not knowing
there was an “All of the above” choice, showing just how he/she is passionate
with her hobby.
The
researcher also observed that most of her respondents had a hard time with the
4th question namely: “What are the negative effects of being an
Otaku?” This might be due to the fact that, Filipino Otakus are not that
exposed to some of the negative effects. As the Philippine Otaku society is
still young, most of its members are new to its judgement but veterans, like
the researcher know of the struggles of her kind. On the other hand, newbie
Otakus are limited to the discrimination outside the Otaku community, such as
their parent’s opinions, older people and individuals who do not know of the
said culture.
All
in all, the researcher observed 3 main things about Otakus. One, Otakus are not
subjected to their problems, they learn to cope with it and adapt to what they
can achieve. Second, Otakus change, they are influenced by many passions and
thus Otakus broaden their limits to fit their obsession. Lastly, the country’s
Otaku society is young, not all of the members of said society know of the
troubles that the earlier generations have faced. But this is not a bad thing;
it is actually a good thing. With these observations, the researcher concludes
that society is slowly getting used to the idea of Otakus. Otakus are proving
that they are not bad for the society; they are good for it.
II.
Researcher’s
Opinions and Analysis
As
the researcher is included in the topic –given she is also an Otaku- the
following observations are somewhat what she has observed with others also with
herself. Otakus are neither good nor bad; it is up to the perception of what
the beholder thinks. Otakus are generally harmless; they blend in with the
crowd but once their corresponding hobbies are exposed they go wild or as
popularly called as “Fangirling.” As experienced by the researcher, people tend
to misunderstand the actions of Otakus because of this fact but nonetheless
this is what makes Otakus interesting and unique. Otakus are driven by their
passionate feelings for their obsession, referred to as “Feels.” These “Feels”
are what drive Otakus to continue to watch Anime, read Manga, start cosplaying
or collect figures, many Otakus are victim to these “Feels”, the researcher
included.
In
the researcher’s opinion, being an Otaku has its problems, like financial
states or time management but nonetheless Otakus think that there is a way
around it. Merchandise are just material possessions, Otakus cope by just
sharing with their fellow Otakus or just save up for the items they want. There
are 40 new anime series and episodes screened every week, thus it is hard to
catch up but as an Otaku, Otakus are obliged to watch but what if they were pressed for time? Otakus are
natural-born procrastinators. They are nocturnal, they make it a habit to wait
for the releases even waiting till dawn for English subtitled Anime downloads
and torrents. There is nothing an Otaku won’t do just to give time for their
addiction.
So
far, these opinions seem negative, well, yes in a way they are but they are
also good. Otakus are the artistic bone of society. They show how beautiful yet
how cruel society can be, in the presence of their art. Most art students
nowadays are Otakus; students who dream to make their own anime or manga, with
this the artistic society expands. With their creativity unleashed, Art
students showcase their talents through the various genres of Anime. This is
where the effects of Anime apply, Social Interaction, Art and Knowledge on
Japanese Culture and Language give advantage to many Otakus as they are exposed
to different genres of anime that often focus on other countries social
backgrounds (Hetalia).
There
is nothing to discriminate about Otakus. Otakus are a part of society that make
it interesting. In conclusion, Otakus are people who present reality in the midst
of their fantasy. Simply taken that in mind they live in fiction but what they
present in actuality is reality.
CHAPTER
3:
SUMMARY,
CONCLUSIONS
AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
I.
SUMMARY
This
paper attempted to determine the different causes and effects of being an
Otaku.
The
research design used in this study is the descriptive research method wherein
data was derived from different articles, interviews and surveys to answer the
research question created. The study findings are as follows:
1. Otakus
are people who have an obsession or an addiction, in which people find
extensive to the point of discrimination.
2. There
are other types of Otakus besides the occasional Anime/Manga Otaku.
3. Otaku
Discrimination started with the Miyazaki incident, with that scandal, society
had labelled Otakus as sociopathic freaks who are drived by their obsessions to
violent and fatal acts.
4. There
are three theories on how the term “Otaku” started: a sociological outlook, a
negative point and the third states a historical significance.
5. There
are reasons to why anime addiction starts: One, anime itself. Two, the
captivating storyline. Three, the amazing graphics. Four, peer pressure. And
last but certainly not the least is anime is a boredom buster.
6. Being
an Otaku has its positive and negative effects. On the positive side, Otaku
culture promotes social interaction, art skills and knowledge on other cultures
such as Japan’s heritage and language. The negatives are quite simple; there is
discrimination, violence and sexual influence.
7. There
is discrimination towards Otaku society and this is not only the cause of the
masses but also the victim. For the victim isolates itself from society, in
which society interprets this as strange and unnatural, thus making assumptions
of the latter.
II.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the results
illustrated by this study, the following conclusions are drawn:
1. The
discrimination of Otakus is caused by two reasons: a stereotype that society
made through the Miyazaki incident and a first impression that they did not
consider to correct.
2. The
cause and effects of being an Otaku both positively and negatively affect the
outlook of other people to Otakus.
3. Otakus
and Society both have a problem with relating to each other, thus leading to
the misunderstanding that is now the discrimination of Otakus.
4. Society
must understand the perspective of Otakus and Otakus should co-exist with
society not only in presence but also in emotion and spirit.
III.
RECOMMENDATIONS
After
drawing the conclusions of the study, the researcher hereby make the following
suggestions/recommendations:
1. When
one is interested in pursuing a hobby, do not be afraid to try. When one
becomes addicted to said hobby, you are now hereby labelled as an Otaku but do
not fret to be one. Being an Otaku may have its struggles but nevertheless having
something to be interested in is better than not having any at all.
2. Otakus
are also people: they have emotions, thus they can feel how society sees them.
If you are acquaintances with an Otaku, don’t let your first impression be your
last because there is more to a person than meets the eye.
IV.
REFERENCES
Electronic Media
“Anime Addiction: It’s Causes and Effects on Student”.
Totally Ignored. January 6, 2012.Web.March 31,2012. <
http://knightsjun.blogspot.
com/2012/01/anime-addiction-its-causes-and-effects.html>
Chatfield, Anthony.
“The Basics of Anime-From A-Z”. Ezine
@rticles. Web. March 15, 2013 <http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Basics-of-Anime-From-A-Z&id=432067>
Eng, Lawrence. “The
Politics of Otaku”. Lawmune’s Netspace.
September 1, 2001. Web. January 19, 2013. <http://www.cjas.org/~leng/otaku-p.htm>
Eng, Lawrence. “The
current status of "otaku" and Japan's latest youth crisis”. Lawmune’s
Netspace. September 4, 2001. Web. March 21, 2013.http://www.cjas.org/~leng/hikiko.htm
Eng, Lawrence. “The
Origin of Otaku”. Lawmune’s Netspace. November 11, 2003. Web. March 31, 2013.
<http://www.cjas.org/~leng/otaku-origin.htm>
McLelland, Mark. “A
Short History of ‘Hentai”. Intersections. January 12, 2006. Web. February 8,
2013. <http://intersections. anu.edu.au/ issue12/mclelland.html>
McNulty, Amy. “The Effects
of Anime to Students”. eHow. Web. January 30, 2013. <http://www.ehow.com/info_
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