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If you’re into anime and manga, you’re likely familiar with the word “weeaboo,” a slang term for a person who has an unhealthy obsession with aspects of Japanese culture, like anime and manga. This word (understandably) doesn’t have the best reputation—so how can you create a safe distance between yourself and this negative label? We’re here to help. Read on to learn which negative stereotypes to avoid, as well as ways to respectfully engage with Japanese culture.
Things You Should Know
- Refrain from falling into common weeaboo stereotypes, like adding Japanese words to your regular conversations.
- Focus on your non-Japanese hobbies and side interests rather than doing activities solely related to manga and anime.
- Learn the Japanese language and study Japanese history to engage with the culture in a healthy way.
Steps
Community Q&A
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QuestionIf I cook Japanese food, am I a weeaboo?CeheaCommunity AnswerOf course not. You're only considered a weaboo if you're obsessed with Japan. You're allowed to appreciate Japanese culture and eat Japanese food.
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QuestionWould studying Japanese and going abroad make me a weeaboo?Top AnswererNo. Liking the culture doesn't make you a weeaboo. Obsessing over the culture does.
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QuestionIs it okay for me to be offended if a weeaboo comes up to me and assumes I'm Japanese without asking my ethnicity?Community AnswerYes, it is. Assuming someone's ethnicity is rude. In the future, I would just politely tell them that you aren't Japanese and that you don't like it when people assume your ethnicity.
Reader Videos
Tips
- You should not have to avoid your likes and interests. As long as you are respectful of a culture that's different from yours, your interest is oK!Thanks
Tips from our Readers
- Remember, being a weeaboo is not being someone who adores anime and manga or someone who is slightly interested in Japanese culture. Being a weeaboo is being someone who is so obsessed with Japanese culture that they come to the point of disrespecting the Japanese.
- Remember you can still love the Japanese culture, (including anime) but just keep that stuff out of topic for those who aren't interested in it. You can mention it about once or twice per conversation, but keep it low.
- Try to use reasoning to explain why you like an anime, like "The plot is deep" or "the characters are unique." A rationale behind your interest is more understandable to most people.
References
- ↑ https://flipjapanguide.com/weeaboo/
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/20/arts/television/best-international-tv-shows.html
- ↑ https://www.cbr.com/otaku-or-weeb-the-differences-insults
- ↑ https://blog.academicyear.org/7-ways-to-learn-about-a-different-culture/
- ↑ https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e620.html
- ↑ https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/weeaboo
- ↑ https://www.cbr.com/otaku-or-weeb-the-differences-insults
- ↑ https://jw-webmagazine.com/otaku-what-is-the-otaku-culture-in-japan-2283995b38c0/
- ↑ https://flipjapanguide.com/weeaboo/
About This Article
If you want to avoid becoming a weeaboo, try not to let an interest in Japanese culture turn into an obsession. Avoid mixing Japanese phrases into your conversation, like kawaii and chibi, unless you actually speak the language. Don’t prioritize Japanese products just because they’re Japanese, like soaps or clothing that are very similar to options you could find in your own culture, and avoid dressing like an anime character on a daily basis. Read on to learn tips for admiring and learning about Japanese society in a healthy way.
